For those preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, being able to describe a new or useful skill you learned recently is a common topic that requires careful preparation and practice.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions examiners may ask:
- Do you enjoy learning new skills?
- What kind of skills do you think are important for life?
- Is it easier to learn new skills now compared to the past?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I absolutely thrive on acquiring new skills. Recently, I’ve been immersing myself in digital photography, which has been both challenging and rewarding. I believe that in today’s fast-paced world, the ability to adapt and learn continuously is crucial for personal and professional growth.”
IELTS Speaking Part 1 Interview Session
Part 2: Cue Card
Task Card
Describe a new skill you learned recently
You should say:
- What the skill was
- How you learned it
- Why you decided to learn it
- And explain how you feel about this skill now
Similar to describe an online course you recently attended, this topic requires structured responses.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about how I recently learned advanced video editing. This journey began six months ago when I realized the growing significance of visual content in digital communication.
I took a systematic approach to learning by first enrolling in a comprehensive online course on Adobe Premiere Pro. The course was meticulously structured, starting from basic cutting and transitions to more sophisticated techniques like color grading and sound mixing.
What prompted me to pursue this skill was the increasing demand for video content in social media marketing. I was particularly motivated by the possibility of creating professional-quality content for my personal brand.
Now, I feel incredibly empowered by this skill. It has opened up numerous opportunities for both personal and professional projects. The most rewarding aspect is seeing how my videos can effectively convey messages and engage audiences in ways that static content cannot.”
Advanced Video Editing Skills Demonstration
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: How do you think technology has changed the way people learn new skills?
A (Band 8-9): “Technology has revolutionized skill acquisition in several ways. Digital platforms have made learning more accessible and flexible, allowing people to learn at their own pace. Moreover, the integration of AI and interactive tools has created more personalized learning experiences. However, this digital transformation also means we need to be more discerning about the quality of online resources.”
For those interested in describe a skill you want to learn, similar preparation strategies can be applied.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Advanced Expressions:
- To immerse oneself in (phrasal verb) – to become completely involved in something
- To embark on a journey (idiom) – to start a new experience or project
- Meticulously structured (adv + adj) – carefully and precisely organized
- Paradigm shift (n) – a fundamental change in approach or assumptions
Essential IELTS Speaking Vocabulary
Examiner’s Tips
- Structure your response clearly with a beginning, middle, and end
- Use specific examples to support your points
- Employ a range of advanced vocabulary naturally
- Show reflection and critical thinking in Part 3
- Maintain natural fluency while incorporating sophisticated language
Remember that describe a skill you have learned recently requires demonstrating both language proficiency and the ability to organize thoughts coherently.
