Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Challenge You Faced While Learning a New Skill

Learning new skills is an integral part of personal growth and development. In the IELTS Speaking test, you may be asked to describe a challenge you faced while acquiring a new ability. This topic allows examiners to assess your English proficiency and your capacity to articulate personal experiences effectively. Let’s explore how to tackle this subject and achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test.

IELTS Speaking Test Preparation

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

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

Q1: Do you enjoy learning new skills?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. Learning new skills is exciting and helps me grow as a person. It can be challenging sometimes, but I find it rewarding when I make progress.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m passionate about acquiring new skills as it not only broadens my horizons but also enhances my personal and professional growth. The process of learning, while often challenging, provides me with a sense of accomplishment and boosts my self-confidence.

Q2: What was the last new skill you learned?

Band 6-7 Answer:
The last new skill I learned was cooking. I started learning during the lockdown because I had more time at home. It was difficult at first, but now I can make some good dishes.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Recently, I embarked on learning digital photography. Given the ubiquity of high-quality cameras in smartphones, I felt compelled to harness their potential fully. It’s been a fascinating journey, delving into concepts like composition, lighting, and post-processing techniques.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Now, let’s focus on the main topic. Here’s a sample cue card you might encounter:

Describe A Challenge You Faced While Learning A New Skill

You should say:

• What the skill was
• Why you decided to learn it
• What challenge you faced
• How you overcame the challenge

And explain how you felt after overcoming the challenge.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

I’d like to talk about a significant challenge I encountered while learning the art of public speaking.

Public speaking is a skill I decided to acquire because I recognized its immense value in both personal and professional spheres. As an introvert, I often found myself shying away from opportunities that required addressing large audiences. However, I realized that mastering this skill would not only boost my confidence but also enhance my career prospects.

The most formidable challenge I faced was overcoming my paralyzing fear of standing in front of a crowd. Initially, even the thought of speaking to more than a handful of people would make my heart race and my palms sweat. This anxiety was so intense that it impeded my ability to articulate my thoughts clearly, causing me to stumble over my words and lose my train of thought.

To overcome this challenge, I adopted a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I joined a local Toastmasters club, which provided a supportive environment to practice speaking regularly. I also immersed myself in books and online resources about public speaking techniques and strategies for managing anxiety. Additionally, I started practicing mindfulness and deep breathing exercises to help calm my nerves before speaking engagements.

Perhaps the most effective strategy was gradual exposure. I began by speaking in front of small groups of friends and gradually increased the size of my audience. With each successful attempt, my confidence grew, and my anxiety diminished.

After overcoming this challenge, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and empowerment. It was as if I had conquered a personal Everest. The ability to effectively communicate my ideas to large groups has opened up numerous opportunities in my professional life and has significantly boosted my self-esteem. Moreover, the process taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone for personal growth.

This experience has reinforced my belief that with determination and the right strategies, any skill can be mastered, no matter how daunting it may seem initially.

Follow-up Questions

1. How long did it take you to overcome your fear of public speaking?
2. Did you consider giving up at any point during the learning process?

Band 6-7 Answer:
It took me about six months to feel comfortable speaking in public. Yes, I thought about giving up a few times when I felt very nervous, but I kept going because I knew it was important for my career.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The process of conquering my fear of public speaking was gradual and took approximately a year before I felt genuinely comfortable addressing large audiences. There were certainly moments of self-doubt where the temptation to abandon this pursuit was strong, particularly after some initial setbacks. However, I persevered by reminding myself of the long-term benefits and focusing on small, incremental improvements rather than seeking immediate perfection.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to learning new skills. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Q1: Why do some people find it challenging to learn new skills as they get older?

Band 6-7 Answer:
As people get older, they might find it harder to learn new skills because they’re busy with work and family. Also, they might be afraid of making mistakes or feel too set in their ways to try new things.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The challenges faced by older individuals in acquiring new skills can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new neural connections, tends to decrease with age, potentially making the learning process more arduous. Additionally, older adults often have more responsibilities and time constraints, which can limit their capacity to dedicate sufficient time to skill acquisition. Moreover, there’s often a psychological barrier where individuals may feel less confident in their ability to learn or fear appearing incompetent, especially if they’re already established in their careers. However, it’s crucial to note that these challenges are not insurmountable, and many older adults successfully acquire new skills by leveraging their life experience and adopting tailored learning strategies.

Q2: How can technology help people learn new skills more effectively?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Technology can help people learn new skills in many ways. There are lots of online courses and tutorials available, which people can access anytime. Apps and games can make learning fun and interactive. Also, technology allows people to connect with experts and other learners from around the world.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Technology has revolutionized the landscape of skill acquisition in numerous ways. Firstly, it has democratized access to information, enabling individuals to learn from world-class experts through Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and specialized learning platforms. Additionally, adaptive learning algorithms can tailor the learning experience to individual needs, optimizing the pace and content delivery based on the learner’s progress. Virtual and augmented reality technologies are also pushing the boundaries of experiential learning, allowing for immersive practice environments in fields like medicine and engineering. Furthermore, gamification elements in educational software can enhance engagement and motivation, making the learning process more enjoyable and sustainable. Lastly, technology facilitates global collaboration and peer-to-peer learning through forums and social learning platforms, creating diverse and enriching learning communities.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. To embark on (phrasal verb) /ɪmˈbɑːrk ɒn/: To start or begin a new project or experience.
   Example: I decided to embark on learning a new language to enhance my career prospects.

2. Ubiquity (noun) /juːˈbɪkwəti/: The state of being everywhere.
   Example: The ubiquity of smartphones has made digital skills essential in today’s world.

3. To harness (verb) /ˈhɑːrnəs/: To control and use the force or strength of something to produce power or achieve something.
   Example: By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, we can revolutionize the way we learn new skills.

4. Paralyzing fear (noun phrase) /ˈpærəlaɪzɪŋ fɪər/: Extreme fear that prevents someone from acting or functioning normally.
   Example: Many people experience a paralyzing fear when they have to speak in public.

5. To impede (verb) /ɪmˈpiːd/: To delay or prevent someone or something from making progress or moving forward.
   Example: Lack of confidence can impede one’s ability to learn new skills effectively.

6. Multi-faceted approach (noun phrase) /ˌmʌlti ˈfæsɪtɪd əˈprəʊtʃ/: A strategy that involves many different aspects or methods.
   Example: Overcoming learning challenges often requires a multi-faceted approach, combining practice, theory, and feedback.

Learning New Skills

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing challenges in learning new skills:

1. Use a variety of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases relevant to the topic of learning and overcoming challenges.

2. Provide specific examples: When describing your experience, offer concrete details to make your answer more vivid and engaging.

3. Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to analyze your experiences by discussing how you felt and what you learned from overcoming the challenge.

4. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to improve your ability to discuss it smoothly and confidently.

5. Use appropriate tenses: Ensure you use the correct tenses when describing past experiences and their impact on the present.

6. Develop your answers: In Part 3, aim to provide thoughtful, extended responses that showcase your ability to discuss abstract ideas related to learning and skill acquisition.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and increase your chances of achieving a high band score.

For more guidance on IELTS Speaking topics, you might find these resources helpful:

• Describe a person who has encouraged you to pursue your goals
• Describe a time when you had to adapt to a new job or role
• Describe a time when you had to manage a project under pressure

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is practice and preparation. Good luck with your IELTS journey!