The topic of describing a course that helped you professionally is a common one 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 educational experiences and their impact on professional development.
Describe a language you have learned can be a related topic that may come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Being prepared to discuss various learning experiences will help you perform well across different potential topics.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about courses and professional development. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you think it’s important for people to continue learning throughout their careers?
Suggested answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely. I believe continuous learning is crucial in today’s fast-paced world. With technology and industries evolving rapidly, it’s essential to stay abreast of new developments in one’s field. Ongoing education not only enhances job performance but also fosters personal growth and opens up new opportunities for career advancement. Moreover, it helps professionals remain competitive in the job market and adapt to changing work environments.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe A Course You Took That Helped You Professionally
You should say:
- What the course was about
- Where and when you took it
- Why you decided to take this course
- How it helped you in your professional life
Professional development course in a classroom setting
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a data analytics course I took last year that has had a significant impact on my professional life. The course was an intensive six-week program focused on advanced statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms for big data analysis.
I enrolled in this course at a reputable online learning platform in March 2022. The timing was perfect as I could balance it with my work commitments by dedicating evenings and weekends to my studies.
My decision to take this course was driven by the growing importance of data-driven decision making in my field of marketing. I realized that to stay competitive and advance in my career, I needed to enhance my analytical skills and gain a deeper understanding of how to extract meaningful insights from large datasets.
The course has been immensely beneficial to my professional life. It has equipped me with cutting-edge skills that I now apply daily in my work. I can now conduct more sophisticated analyses of our marketing campaigns, which has led to more targeted and effective strategies. Moreover, my newfound expertise has positioned me as a valuable asset in my company, resulting in my recent promotion to a senior analyst role.
Perhaps most importantly, this course has ignited a passion for continuous learning in me. It’s made me realize the importance of staying updated with the latest developments in my field, and I now actively seek out opportunities to further my knowledge and skills.”
Follow-up questions:
- How has this course changed your approach to problem-solving at work?
- Do you think online courses are as effective as traditional classroom-based courses?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“This course has fundamentally transformed my approach to problem-solving at work. Now, I habitually adopt a data-driven perspective when faced with challenges. Instead of relying solely on intuition or past experiences, I systematically analyze relevant data to identify patterns and trends that inform my decisions. This analytical mindset has not only improved the accuracy of my problem-solving but has also enhanced my ability to present convincing arguments to stakeholders, as I can now back up my recommendations with solid data.”
Describe a practical skill you learned is another topic that might come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Being able to discuss various learning experiences will help you perform well across different potential topics.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think the role of professional development courses will change in the future?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe the role of professional development courses will become increasingly vital in the future. As industries continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace, there will be a growing need for employees to regularly update their skills. We’re likely to see a shift towards more flexible, personalized learning experiences that cater to individual career paths and learning styles.
Online platforms and micro-learning modules will probably gain more prominence, allowing professionals to acquire specific skills on-demand. Additionally, I anticipate a greater emphasis on interdisciplinary courses that bridge multiple fields, reflecting the increasingly interconnected nature of modern work environments.
Moreover, I expect to see a rise in courses focused on soft skills and adaptability, as these become crucial in navigating rapidly changing workplaces. Ultimately, professional development will likely evolve from being seen as occasional training to an integral, ongoing part of one’s career journey.”
Describe a skill you taught to someone can be a related topic that allows you to demonstrate your ability to discuss learning and teaching experiences in your IELTS Speaking test.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Continuous learning /kənˈtɪnjuəs ˈlɜːrnɪŋ/ (noun phrase): The ongoing acquisition of knowledge and skills throughout one’s life or career.
Example: “Embracing continuous learning is essential for staying relevant in today’s job market.”Data-driven decision making /ˈdeɪtə ˈdrɪvən dɪˈsɪʒən ˈmeɪkɪŋ/ (noun phrase): The practice of basing decisions on data analysis rather than intuition or observation alone.
Example: “Our company has adopted a data-driven decision making approach to improve our marketing strategies.”Cutting-edge skills /ˈkʌtɪŋ ɛdʒ skɪlz/ (noun phrase): The most advanced or innovative skills in a particular field.
Example: “The course provided me with cutting-edge skills in artificial intelligence and machine learning.”Interdisciplinary /ˌɪntərdɪsəˈplɪnəri/ (adjective): Involving two or more academic, scientific, or artistic disciplines.
Example: “The program offered an interdisciplinary approach, combining elements of business, technology, and psychology.”Adapt to changing work environments /əˈdæpt tuː ˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ wɜːrk ɪnˈvaɪrənmənts/ (phrase): To adjust one’s skills or methods to suit new conditions in the workplace.
Example: “The ability to adapt to changing work environments is crucial for long-term career success.”
Describe a time when you made an important decision is another potential topic that can help you showcase your decision-making skills and experiences in the IELTS Speaking test.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing professional courses:
Use specific examples: Provide detailed information about the course you took, including its content, duration, and impact on your career.
Demonstrate reflection: Show that you’ve thought critically about how the course has influenced your professional development and approach to work.
Employ a range of vocabulary: Use varied and sophisticated vocabulary related to education, professional development, and your specific field.
Maintain fluency: Practice speaking about your learning experiences to ensure you can discuss them smoothly and confidently.
Show enthusiasm: Convey genuine interest in continuous learning and professional growth.
Link ideas coherently: Connect your thoughts logically, using appropriate transition words and phrases.
Elaborate on your answers: Provide comprehensive responses, especially in Part 3, demonstrating your ability to discuss abstract concepts related to education and career development.
Remember, the key to success is not just in memorizing answers, but in being able to discuss your experiences and opinions naturally and articulately.
Describe a goal that you would like to achieve is another topic that might come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Being prepared to discuss various aspects of personal and professional development will help you perform well across different potential topics.
IELTS Speaking test discussion about professional courses
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss professional courses and their impact on your career in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember to speak naturally and confidently, and you’ll be on your way to achieving a high score.
