Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Course You Want to Learn

The topic “describe a course you want to learn” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners. This topic allows candidates to showcase their ability to discuss personal interests, future plans, and educational aspirations.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask questions related to education, learning, and personal interests. Here are some potential questions you might encounter:

1. Do you enjoy learning new things?
2. What kind of courses have you taken in the past?
3. How do you prefer to learn – in a classroom or online?

Let’s focus on the first question and provide a sample answer:

Examiner: Do you enjoy learning new things?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I find great satisfaction in expanding my knowledge and acquiring new skills. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about challenging myself to learn unfamiliar concepts or techniques. Whether it’s picking up a new language, delving into a scientific topic, or even trying out a new hobby, I always feel a sense of accomplishment when I make progress in learning something new.”

Various online learning platforms offer diverse courses

“Describe an activity you do after work or school” can be another interesting topic that allows you to showcase your ability to balance work/study and personal interests.

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s a sample cue card based on our main theme:

Describe a course you want to learn

You should say:
- What the course is about
- Where you would take this course
- Why you want to learn it
- And explain how this course might be useful for your future

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I’ve been thinking about taking a digital marketing course for quite some time now. This course would cover various aspects of online marketing, including social media management, search engine optimization, and content creation.

I’d prefer to take this course online through a reputable platform like Coursera or Udemy. These platforms offer flexibility, allowing me to balance my studies with my current commitments.

The main reason I want to learn digital marketing is that it’s become such a crucial skill in today’s business world. Almost every company needs a strong online presence, and I believe having this knowledge would make me more valuable in the job market.

I think this course could be incredibly useful for my future career. It would not only make me more competitive when applying for jobs but also open up new opportunities in the rapidly growing field of digital marketing. Plus, these skills could be applied to various industries, giving me more flexibility in my career choices.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’m keen on enrolling in a comprehensive data science course. This field fascinates me as it combines several disciplines I’m passionate about, including statistical analysis, machine learning, and programming.

I’m considering taking this course at a prestigious institution like MIT or Stanford through their online learning platforms. These universities are renowned for their cutting-edge research in data science, and I believe their curriculum would provide me with state-of-the-art knowledge and skills.

My motivation for pursuing this course stems from the exponential growth of big data in various sectors. I’m intrigued by the potential of data science to revolutionize decision-making processes in businesses and contribute to solving complex societal issues.

I firmly believe that this course would be invaluable for my future prospects. In our increasingly data-driven world, the ability to extract meaningful insights from large datasets is becoming indispensable across industries. This skill set would not only enhance my employability but also equip me with the tools to potentially innovate and make significant contributions in my field. Moreover, the analytical thinking and problem-solving skills I’d develop would be transferable to various roles, providing me with versatility in my career path.”

Follow-up questions:

1. How long do you think it would take to complete this course?
2. What challenges do you anticipate in learning this subject?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“I anticipate that a comprehensive data science course would likely take several months to a year to complete thoroughly. Given the breadth and depth of the subject matter, including advanced topics like machine learning algorithms and big data processing, it’s not something that can be mastered overnight. I’d need to dedicate a significant amount of time to not only understand the theoretical concepts but also to gain practical experience through projects and real-world applications. However, I believe the investment of time would be well worth it, considering the valuable skills and knowledge I’d acquire.”

Data science career path opens doors to diverse industries

Sample answer for question 2 (Band 8-9):
“The main challenges I foresee are the technical complexity of some topics and the need to stay up-to-date with rapidly evolving technologies. Data science encompasses a wide range of disciplines, from statistics to programming, and some concepts might be quite abstract or mathematically intensive. Additionally, as this field is constantly advancing, there’s a need to continuously learn and adapt to new tools and techniques. Balancing this intensive learning with my other commitments could also be challenging, but I’m prepared to manage my time effectively to overcome these obstacles.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions:

1. How has technology changed the way people learn new skills?
2. Do you think traditional classroom learning will become obsolete in the future?
3. What role do you think lifelong learning plays in a person’s career development?

Let’s focus on the third question:

Examiner: What role do you think lifelong learning plays in a person’s career development?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe lifelong learning plays a crucial role in career development. In today’s rapidly evolving job market, it’s essential to continuously update our skills and knowledge to remain competitive. Industries are constantly changing due to technological advancements, and what was relevant five years ago might be outdated now.

Lifelong learning allows professionals to adapt to these changes and even anticipate future trends. It also demonstrates to employers a person’s commitment to growth and flexibility, which are highly valued traits in any field.

Moreover, learning new skills can open up new opportunities for career advancement or even career changes. It keeps our minds active and engaged, potentially leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity.

In essence, I see lifelong learning as an investment in oneself that pays dividends throughout one’s career journey.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Lifelong learning, in my opinion, is indispensable for sustained career development in our rapidly evolving global economy. It serves as a catalyst for professional growth and acts as a safeguard against obsolescence in one’s skill set.

In an era characterized by technological disruption and shifting market dynamics, the ability to acquire new knowledge and adapt to change is paramount. Lifelong learning fosters this adaptability, enabling professionals to navigate the complexities of their evolving industries with confidence and competence.

Furthermore, it cultivates a growth mindset, which is invaluable in any professional context. This approach to continuous improvement not only enhances job performance but also bolsters employability in an increasingly competitive job market. It demonstrates to employers a commitment to excellence and a proactive attitude towards professional development.

Lifelong learning also facilitates interdisciplinary thinking, allowing professionals to draw insights from diverse fields and apply them innovatively in their work. This cross-pollination of ideas can lead to breakthrough innovations and novel problem-solving approaches.

Moreover, in the context of longer working lives and multiple career transitions becoming the norm, lifelong learning provides the agility needed to pivot successfully between different roles or industries. It empowers individuals to take charge of their career trajectories, rather than being at the mercy of external factors.

In essence, lifelong learning is not just beneficial, but imperative for sustained career success and personal fulfillment in today’s dynamic professional landscape.”

“Describe a challenging thing you have done” can be related to the concept of lifelong learning, as taking on new challenges often involves learning new skills.

Professional development through books, workshops, and conferences

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

Here are some advanced vocabulary and phrases that can help you achieve a higher band score:

1. To enroll in (phrasal verb) – to register for a course
   Pronunciation: /ɪnˈrəʊl ɪn/
   Example: “I plan to enroll in a coding bootcamp next month.”
2. Cutting-edge (adjective) – very modern and advanced
   Pronunciation: /ˈkʌtɪŋ ɛdʒ/
   Example: “The course offers cutting-edge techniques in artificial intelligence.”
3. To delve into (phrasal verb) – to examine or investigate something thoroughly
   Pronunciation: /dɛlv ˈɪntuː/
   Example: “I’m excited to delve into the complexities of machine learning algorithms.”
4. Indispensable (adjective) – absolutely necessary
   Pronunciation: /ˌɪndɪˈspɛnsəbl/
   Example: “Data analysis skills are becoming indispensable in many industries.”
5. To revolutionize (verb) – to change something completely and fundamentally
   Pronunciation: /ˌrɛvəˈluːʃənaɪz/
   Example: “This course could revolutionize my approach to problem-solving.”

“Describe a sport you enjoy watching on television” might seem unrelated, but it can be an interesting way to discuss learning through observation and analysis.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a course you want to learn:

1. Prepare a range of courses: Have 2-3 different courses in mind that you can talk about confidently.
2. Practice elaboration: Don’t just list facts. Explain your reasons, give examples, and discuss potential impacts.
3. Use advanced vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases relevant to education and career development.
4. Show enthusiasm: Examiners appreciate candidates who can speak passionately about their interests.
5. Structure your answer: Use clear organization in Part 2, addressing all points on the cue card.
6. Develop your ideas: In Part 3, try to give extended answers with examples and explanations.
7. Stay relevant: Always keep your answers focused on the question asked.
8. Be natural: While it’s good to use advanced language, make sure your speech still sounds natural and fluent.

Remember, consistent practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Consider recording yourself or practicing with a study partner to get feedback on your responses.

“Describe a useful website” could be an excellent topic to practice, as it relates to online learning platforms that offer various courses.

“Describe a hobby you want to pursue in the future” is another great topic that allows you to discuss learning new skills in a more informal context.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss any course you want to learn in your IELTS Speaking test, demonstrating your language skills and your enthusiasm for continuous learning and self-improvement.