In recent years, IELTS Speaking examiners have increasingly asked candidates to describe unusual skills they would like to learn. This topic allows test-takers to showcase their creativity, vocabulary range, and ability to express personal interests. As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ll provide you with strategies and sample answers to excel in this speaking task.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about skills and learning. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: “Do you enjoy learning new skills?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I find great satisfaction in acquiring new abilities. There’s something exhilarating about the learning process, especially when I can see tangible progress. Whether it’s picking up a new language or mastering a musical instrument, I believe continuous learning keeps our minds sharp and life interesting.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe An Unusual Skill You Would Like To Learn
You should say:
- What the skill is
- Why you want to learn it
- How you would learn it
- And explain why you think it is unusual
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about an unconventional skill I’ve been eager to learn: glasswalking. This is the art of walking barefoot on broken glass without injury.
The primary reason I want to acquire this skill is its potential to boost my self-confidence and mental fortitude. Overcoming such a daunting challenge would undoubtedly strengthen my belief in my own capabilities. Moreover, it’s a fantastic conversation starter and could potentially open doors to unique performance opportunities.
To learn glasswalking, I’d start by thoroughly researching the science behind it, understanding the physics of weight distribution and the properties of glass. I’d then seek out a professional instructor, preferably someone with years of experience in circus arts or sideshow performances. Under their guidance, I’d begin with simulated exercises, perhaps walking on rubber shards, before progressing to actual glass. The learning process would involve mastering proper foot placement techniques, maintaining the right posture, and most crucially, developing the mental focus required to override the instinctive fear response.
What makes glasswalking particularly unusual is its counterintuitive nature. Our instincts scream at us to avoid sharp objects, especially with our bare feet. Yet, this skill challenges that very notion, demonstrating the incredible power of the human mind over physical limitations. It’s not a practical skill for everyday life, which adds to its uniqueness. While most people learn skills for professional development or common hobbies, glasswalking belongs to a niche category of abilities that push the boundaries of what we believe is possible for the human body.”
Glasswalking demonstration showcasing mental fortitude
Examiner: “Do you think it’s important for people to learn unusual skills?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe learning unusual skills can be incredibly valuable. It broadens our horizons and challenges our preconceptions about human capabilities. Acquiring such skills often requires a unique blend of physical and mental discipline, which can be transferable to other areas of life. Moreover, unusual skills can serve as a catalyst for personal growth, pushing us out of our comfort zones and fostering resilience. In a world that increasingly values creativity and innovation, having a repertoire of unconventional abilities can set individuals apart, potentially leading to unique opportunities in both personal and professional spheres.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “How do you think learning unusual skills impacts society?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Learning unusual skills can have a profound impact on society in several ways. Firstly, it promotes a culture of curiosity and lifelong learning, encouraging people to explore beyond conventional boundaries. This mindset can drive innovation across various fields, from arts to sciences. Additionally, unusual skills often become the basis for entertainment or educational content, enriching our cultural landscape. They can also challenge societal norms and preconceptions, promoting open-mindedness and diversity of thought. However, it’s important to note that the pursuit of unusual skills should be balanced with the development of practical, everyday abilities to ensure a well-rounded contribution to society.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The impact of learning unusual skills on society is multifaceted and far-reaching. At its core, it fosters a culture of innovation and creative problem-solving. When individuals pursue unconventional abilities, they often develop unique perspectives and approaches that can be applied to various challenges, potentially leading to groundbreaking solutions in fields like technology, science, or the arts.
Moreover, the visibility of unusual skills in media and social platforms can inspire collective curiosity and push the boundaries of what society considers possible. This can lead to a more open-minded and adventurous populace, willing to question established norms and explore new frontiers of human potential.
From an economic standpoint, unusual skills can create niche markets and novel entertainment forms, contributing to the diversification of industries. They can also play a role in cultural diplomacy, serving as unique expressions of human creativity that transcend linguistic and cultural barriers.
However, it’s crucial to maintain a balance. While unusual skills can be captivating and inspiring, society must also value and nurture essential, practical skills that form the backbone of our daily lives and economies. The ideal scenario is one where unusual and conventional skills coexist, each enriching the other and contributing to a more dynamic, innovative, and inclusive society.”
Illustration of unusual skills impacting society
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Exhilarating (adjective) /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/: Very exciting and enjoyable.
Example: “Learning to glasswalk is an exhilarating experience that pushes your limits.” -
Mental fortitude (noun phrase) /ˈmentl ˈfɔːrtɪtjuːd/: Strength of mind; the ability to face difficulties with courage.
Example: “Glasswalking requires immense mental fortitude to overcome the fear of injury.” -
Counterintuitive (adjective) /ˌkaʊntərɪnˈtjuːɪtɪv/: Contrary to what common sense would suggest.
Example: “The counterintuitive nature of glasswalking makes it a fascinating skill to learn.” -
Push the boundaries (idiom): To extend the limits of what is possible or acceptable.
Example: “Learning unusual skills allows us to push the boundaries of human potential.” -
Catalyst for personal growth (noun phrase): Something that precipitates personal development.
Example: “Acquiring unconventional abilities can serve as a catalyst for personal growth.”
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing an unusual skill:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions and topic-specific terms.
- Maintain fluency by practicing your description beforehand, but avoid sounding rehearsed.
- Organize your ideas logically, using clear transitions between different aspects of the skill.
- Show enthusiasm and personal engagement with the topic to make your description more compelling.
- Provide specific details and examples to support your points and demonstrate depth of thought.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about the content, but also how you deliver it. Practice regularly, record yourself, and seek feedback to refine your speaking skills. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
For more IELTS speaking practice, you might find it helpful to describe a challenging activity you did that pushed your limits or describe a time when you managed to stay focused. These topics can help you develop a diverse range of speaking skills necessary for the IELTS exam.
