IELTS Speaking examiners frequently ask candidates to describe a class or training they recently attended. This topic allows candidates to showcase their ability to recount personal experiences, use descriptive language, and express opinions. Given its relevance to both academic and professional settings, this topic is likely to remain popular in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore how to excel in answering questions related to this theme across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about classes or training. Here are some common questions and a sample answer:
Q: Do you enjoy attending classes or training sessions?
A: Absolutely! I find classes and training sessions incredibly valuable. They provide structured learning environments where I can acquire new skills and knowledge efficiently. What I particularly appreciate is the opportunity to interact with instructors and fellow learners, which often leads to interesting discussions and fresh perspectives on the subject matter.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a class or training you recently attended
You should say:
- What the class or training was about
- Where and when you attended it
- Who else attended the class with you
- And explain how you felt about the class or training
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
I’d like to talk about a digital marketing workshop I attended last month. It was a two-day intensive course focused on social media strategies and content creation. The training took place at a local business center in the heart of the city, which was quite convenient for all participants.
The class was attended by a diverse group of about 20 people, ranging from small business owners to marketing professionals looking to upgrade their skills. What made it interesting was the mix of experiences and perspectives everyone brought to the discussions.
I found the training to be extremely beneficial. The instructor was knowledgeable and used real-world examples to illustrate key concepts. We had plenty of hands-on exercises which helped reinforce the learning. Overall, I felt energized and inspired by the end of the course, eager to apply the new strategies I’d learned to my work.
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
I’d like to describe an immersive virtual reality (VR) design workshop I participated in just three weeks ago. This cutting-edge training focused on creating user-centric VR experiences and implementing advanced 3D modeling techniques for virtual environments.
The workshop was conducted entirely online, leveraging state-of-the-art VR collaboration platforms. This innovative approach allowed participants from various countries to interact in a shared virtual space, making it feel as if we were all present in the same room despite being physically distant.
The class comprised an eclectic mix of 15 professionals, including game developers, UX designers, and architects. This interdisciplinary group fostered a rich exchange of ideas and cross-pollination of concepts from different fields, which significantly enhanced the learning experience.
I found the training to be utterly transformative and intellectually stimulating. The instructor, a renowned VR expert, skillfully blended theoretical concepts with practical applications, guiding us through complex problem-solving scenarios in real-time. The hands-on nature of the workshop, where we could immediately implement and test our designs in a virtual environment, was particularly effective.
By the end of the course, I felt both exhilarated and profoundly enlightened. The experience not only expanded my technical skillset but also broadened my perspective on the potential applications of VR technology across various industries. I left the workshop feeling inspired to push the boundaries of what’s possible in virtual reality design.
Follow-up questions:
Q: How do you think this class will benefit your career?
A: (Band 8-9) This VR design workshop has been instrumental in propelling my career forward. The cutting-edge skills I’ve acquired have positioned me at the forefront of the VR industry, making me a valuable asset to any company working in this space. Moreover, the interdisciplinary nature of the course has broadened my perspective, enabling me to envision innovative applications of VR technology across various sectors, from healthcare to education. This expanded viewpoint will undoubtedly enhance my problem-solving capabilities and creative output in future projects.
Q: Do you prefer online or in-person classes? Why?
A: (Band 8-9) While both formats have their merits, I find that the optimal learning experience often depends on the subject matter and learning objectives. For highly interactive and hands-on subjects like the VR workshop I attended, well-designed online platforms can offer unparalleled immersion and flexibility. They allow for global collaboration and the ability to manipulate virtual objects in real-time, which is crucial for VR design. However, for subjects that benefit from nuanced in-person interactions or physical demonstrations, traditional classroom settings might be more effective. Ultimately, I believe the future of education lies in blended learning approaches that leverage the strengths of both online and in-person modalities to create rich, engaging learning experiences.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How do you think the way people learn has changed in recent years?
A: (Band 8-9) The landscape of learning has undergone a paradigm shift in recent years, primarily driven by technological advancements and changing societal needs. We’ve seen a significant move towards personalized, adaptive learning experiences that cater to individual learning styles and paces. AI-powered platforms now offer tailored content and real-time feedback, allowing learners to progress at their optimal rate.
Moreover, there’s been a notable shift towards project-based and experiential learning, moving away from rote memorization. This approach fosters critical thinking and practical application of knowledge, which are crucial skills in today’s rapidly evolving job market.
The rise of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) and micro-credentials has democratized access to education, allowing people to acquire specific skills from top institutions without the need for full degree programs. This flexibility and accessibility have made lifelong learning a reality for many.
Lastly, the integration of immersive technologies like VR and AR in education has opened up new possibilities for experiential learning, allowing students to interact with complex concepts in three-dimensional space. This has been particularly transformative in fields like medicine, engineering, and the sciences.
Q: What skills do you think will be most important for people to learn in the future?
A: (Band 8-9) As we navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world, several key skills are likely to become indispensable. Firstly, adaptability and learning agility will be crucial. With the rapid pace of technological change, the ability to quickly acquire new skills and adapt to evolving work environments will be paramount.
Critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills will also be vital. As AI and automation take over routine tasks, humans will need to excel at analyzing complex situations, synthesizing information from diverse sources, and making nuanced decisions.
Digital literacy and data analysis skills will be essential across almost all sectors. As our world becomes more data-driven, the ability to interpret and leverage data for decision-making will be highly valued.
Emotional intelligence and cross-cultural competence will be increasingly important in our globalized world. The ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and navigate complex social situations will set individuals apart.
Lastly, creativity and innovation skills will be crucial. As routine tasks become automated, the ability to think outside the box, generate novel ideas, and approach problems from unconventional angles will be highly prized in the job market of the future.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Immersive /ɪˈmɜːsɪv/ (adj): Providing, involving, or characterized by deep absorption or immersion in something.
Example: The VR workshop provided an immersive learning experience. -
Cutting-edge /ˈkʌtɪŋ edʒ/ (adj): Very modern and advanced.
Example: The training introduced us to cutting-edge technologies in digital marketing. -
Interdisciplinary /ˌɪntədɪsəˈplɪnəri/ (adj): Involving two or more academic disciplines.
Example: The course brought together an interdisciplinary group of professionals. -
Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: The advent of online learning has caused a paradigm shift in education. -
Leverage /ˈliːvərɪdʒ/ (verb): Use (something) to maximum advantage.
Example: The instructor leveraged real-world examples to illustrate key concepts.
Describe a time when you had to learn a new skill for work can be another interesting topic to explore in IELTS Speaking, as it relates closely to the theme of continuous learning and professional development.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a class or training:
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Provide detailed and specific information about the class or training, including the topic, duration, location, and participants.
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Use a range of advanced vocabulary and complex grammatical structures to showcase your language proficiency.
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Elaborate on your thoughts and feelings about the experience, demonstrating your ability to reflect and express opinions.
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Connect your experience to broader themes such as personal growth, career development, or societal trends in education.
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Practice speaking fluently and coherently for 2 minutes without hesitation for Part 2.
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For Part 3, develop your answers fully with explanations, examples, and personal insights to demonstrate critical thinking skills.
Remember, regular practice and exposure to a variety of topics will help you improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test. Consider exploring related topics like describing a fitness routine you started recently to broaden your range of discussion points.
By following these guidelines and incorporating advanced vocabulary and complex structures into your responses, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing classes or training sessions you’ve attended.