Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a New or Useful Skill You Learned Recently

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and learning. One common topic is describing a new or useful skill you’ve recently acquired. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate personal growth, reflect on learning processes, and discuss practical applications of skills. Let’s explore how to effectively address this topic and maximize your speaking score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about skills and learning. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Do you enjoy learning new skills?

   Sample answer (Band 7-8):
   “Absolutely! I find learning new skills incredibly rewarding. There’s something exhilarating about pushing my boundaries and expanding my capabilities. Whether it’s picking up a new language or mastering a musical instrument, I’m always eager to challenge myself and grow.”

2. How do you usually learn new skills?

   Sample answer (Band 8-9):
   “I tend to adopt a multi-faceted approach when learning new skills. I often start by researching online resources and watching tutorial videos to grasp the basics. Then, I seek out hands-on practice opportunities and, if possible, find a mentor or join a community of like-minded learners. I’ve found that this combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application helps me internalize the skill more effectively.”

IELTS speaking exam discussion on learning new skills

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a new or useful skill:

Describe A New Or Useful Skill You Learned Recently

You should say:

• What the skill was
• How you learned it
• Why you decided to learn it
• And explain how useful this skill is to you

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about a valuable skill I recently acquired: touch typing. This is the ability to type quickly and accurately without looking at the keyboard.

I learned this skill through a combination of online courses and dedicated practice. I started by using a website called Typing.com, which offers structured lessons and progress tracking. The course began with basic finger placement and gradually introduced more complex exercises. Alongside the formal lessons, I committed to practicing for at least 30 minutes every day, often using typing games to make the process more engaging.

My decision to learn touch typing was primarily driven by a desire to boost my productivity. As someone who spends a significant amount of time working on a computer, I realized that improving my typing speed and accuracy could save me countless hours in the long run. Additionally, I was inspired by a colleague who could type at an impressive speed, and I aspired to reach a similar level of proficiency.

This skill has proven to be immensely useful in various aspects of my life. Professionally, it has significantly enhanced my efficiency, allowing me to complete reports and emails much faster than before. I’ve noticed that I can now focus more on the content of what I’m writing rather than the mechanics of typing, which has improved the quality of my work. On a personal level, it has made tasks like writing lengthy messages or working on creative writing projects much more enjoyable, as the physical act of typing no longer feels like a barrier to expressing my thoughts.

Moreover, the process of learning this skill has reinforced my belief in the power of consistent practice and the importance of setting clear goals. It’s been a tangible reminder that with dedication and the right approach, it’s possible to acquire new abilities at any stage of life.”

Learning touch typing with online resources

Follow-up questions:

1. How long did it take you to become proficient in touch typing?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“It took me about two months of consistent practice to reach a level where I felt comfortably proficient. During this time, I gradually increased my typing speed from around 30 words per minute to over 70. However, I continue to refine my skills and aim for even higher speeds.”

2. Would you recommend this skill to others?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I would wholeheartedly recommend learning touch typing to anyone who regularly uses a computer. The benefits far outweigh the initial time investment. It’s a skill that pays dividends in terms of productivity and reduced physical strain. Plus, the sense of accomplishment when you master a new ability is incredibly rewarding.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to skills and learning. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. How has technology changed the way people learn new skills?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has revolutionized skill acquisition in numerous ways. Firstly, it has democratized access to information, making it possible for anyone with an internet connection to learn virtually anything, often for free. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and YouTube have created a vast repository of knowledge covering an incredibly wide range of skills.

Secondly, technology has made learning more interactive and engaging. Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies, for instance, allow for immersive learning experiences that can simulate real-world scenarios, which is particularly useful for skills that require hands-on practice.

Furthermore, technology has enabled more personalized learning experiences. Adaptive learning algorithms can tailor content and pacing to individual learners, ensuring that they’re always challenged but not overwhelmed.

However, it’s worth noting that technology has also created some challenges. The abundance of information can sometimes be overwhelming, and learners need to develop strong critical thinking skills to discern quality sources. Additionally, the ease of access to information might sometimes lead to a lack of depth in learning, as people might be tempted to jump from one topic to another without fully mastering any single skill.

On balance, though, I believe technology has been a tremendous boon to skill acquisition, opening up possibilities that were unimaginable just a few decades ago.”

Technology revolutionizing skill acquisition

2. Do you think the education system in most countries focuses enough on practical skills?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“In my opinion, many education systems still prioritize theoretical knowledge over practical skills, which can be a significant shortcoming. While a strong theoretical foundation is undoubtedly important, there’s often a lack of emphasis on real-world application.

I believe schools should strike a better balance between academic subjects and practical skills like financial literacy, critical thinking, and effective communication. These are skills that are crucial for success in both personal and professional life, yet they’re often overlooked in traditional curricula.

That said, I’ve noticed a gradual shift in some countries towards more skill-based learning. For example, some schools are incorporating coding classes or entrepreneurship programs into their curricula. However, there’s still considerable room for improvement in most education systems worldwide.”

Describe a skill you learned that you find useful can provide more insights into discussing practical skills in IELTS Speaking.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance when discussing new or useful skills, consider incorporating these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Acquire (verb) /əˈkwaɪər/ – to gain or obtain something
   Example: “I’m always eager to acquire new skills that can enhance my career prospects.”

2. Proficiency (noun) /prəˈfɪʃənsi/ – a high degree of skill or expertise
   Example: “Achieving proficiency in a foreign language requires consistent practice and immersion.”

3. Invaluable (adjective) /ɪnˈvæljuəbl/ – extremely useful or indispensable
   Example: “The problem-solving skills I learned in that course have proven invaluable in my current job.”

4. Cultivate (verb) /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ – to develop or acquire a skill or quality
   Example: “Through regular meditation, I’ve been able to cultivate greater patience and focus.”

5. Paradigm shift (noun) /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ – a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
   Example: “Learning to code represented a paradigm shift in how I approach problem-solving.”

Describe an online video that taught you something new can provide additional examples of how to discuss learning experiences effectively.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing new or useful skills:

1. Be specific: Provide concrete details about the skill you learned, the learning process, and its applications.

2. Use a range of tenses: Incorporate past, present, and future tenses to discuss when you learned the skill, how you use it now, and how you plan to develop it further.

3. Showcase your vocabulary: Utilize a mix of common and advanced vocabulary related to learning and skill development.

4. Demonstrate critical thinking: Reflect on the broader implications of the skill you learned and its impact on your life or society.

5. Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery with minimal hesitation. Regular practice with a variety of topics can help improve your overall fluency.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about the content of your answers, but also how you deliver them. Confidence, clarity, and coherence are crucial factors in achieving a high band score.

Describe an interesting lesson you learned in school and describe a sport you have learned recently offer additional practice opportunities for discussing learning experiences in various contexts.

By following these guidelines and incorporating the suggested vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle questions about new or useful skills in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember to describe a memorable camping trip you had if you want to practice describing other types of experiences that might come up in the test. Good luck with your preparation!