How to Answer “Describe a Place Where You Developed a New Skill” in IELTS Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test is a critical part of the IELTS examination, assessing your speaking abilities through questions that gauge your fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammatical range, and pronunciation. One common question topic in the Speaking test is “Describe a place where you developed a new skill.” Understanding how to answer this effectively can significantly boost your score.

In this article, we will provide a detailed guide on how to handle this question in different parts of the Speaking test, offer sample answers, and analyze what makes a response outstanding. We will also highlight key vocabulary and phrases to use and provide practical tips for preparation.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about your personal background, interests, and daily activities. Here are some common questions:

• Have you ever been to a class to learn something new?
• Do you enjoy learning new skills?
• What is a new skill you have recently developed?

Sample Question and Answer

Question: Have you ever been to a class to learn something new?

Answer:
Yes, I have. Last year, I enrolled in a cooking class at a local culinary school. This experience was incredibly enriching as it allowed me to develop my culinary skills and learn about different cuisines.

Analysis:

• The response is clear and concise.
• Utilizes descriptive vocabulary (enrolled, culinary school, enriching).
• Demonstrates past experience, which showcases the ability to talk about personal history.

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you will be given a cue card with a topic. You have one minute to prepare and then need to speak for 1-2 minutes. Here is a sample cue card:

Cue Card:
Describe a place where you developed a new skill.
You should say:

• Where it is
• What skill you learned
• How you learned it
• How you felt about it

Sample Answer

One place where I developed a new skill is a digital marketing workshop at a co-working space in downtown. The skill I learned was search engine optimization (SEO).

The workshop spanned over two weekends, and it was facilitated by industry experts who provided hands-on training. Each participant had access to computers where we could apply the SEO techniques in real-time.

I learned about keyword research, content optimization, and link-building strategies. We even had assignments that mimicked real-life scenarios, making it easier to grasp the concepts.

I felt immensely proud and accomplished by the end of the workshop because I could see a clear improvement in my understanding and application of SEO techniques. Moreover, this skill has proven to be highly beneficial in my current job as a content marketer.

Analysis:

• The answer is sufficiently long and detailed.
• It uses specific, high-level vocabulary (digital marketing workshop, keyword research, content optimization).
• Grammar is varied with different sentence structures (compound and complex sentences).
• Shows a range of feelings (immensely proud and accomplished).

digital marketing workshop

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions about the topic discussed in Part 2. These questions aim to explore your ability to discuss broader issues.

Sample Questions and Answers

Question: Why do you think learning new skills is important for adults?

Answer:
Learning new skills is crucial for adults because it not only helps in professional development but also enhances personal growth. In today’s fast-paced world, staying updated with new skills can lead to better job opportunities and job security. On a personal level, acquiring new skills can boost self-confidence and enrich one’s life experiences.

Analysis:

• Uses sophisticated vocabulary (professional development, enhance personal growth).
• Gives a clear, coherent answer that includes multiple perspectives.
• Employs well-structured sentences.

Question: How can organizations encourage skill development among their employees?

Answer:
Organizations can encourage skill development by providing regular training sessions, offering sponsorships for workshops or courses, and creating a culture of continuous learning. Incentivizing learning and development programs, such as promotions or bonuses for acquiring new skills, can also be highly effective.

Analysis:

• Explores the topic comprehensively.
• Incorporates specific suggestions (regular training sessions, culture of continuous learning).
• Maintains complex sentence structures and varied vocabulary.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

Here are some key vocabulary and phrases that are crucial for achieving a high band score:

• Enroll (v): /ɪnˈroʊl/: to register or enter into a list, class, or school.
• Facilitate (v): /fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/: to make an action or process easier.
• Proficiency (n): /prəˈfɪʃənsi/: a high degree of competence or skill.
• Accomplishment (n): /əˈkʌmplɪʃmənt/: something that has been achieved successfully.
• Continuous learning (n): /kən’tɪn.ju.əs ‘lɜ:nɪŋ/: the ongoing process of learning new skills or knowledge.
• Incentivize (v): /ɪnˈsɛntɪvaɪz/: to motivate or encourage someone to do something.

Examples:

• “I decided to enroll in a digital marketing course to enhance my online business skills.”
• “The company organized a series of workshops to facilitate employee training.”
• “His proficiency in Spanish has significantly improved after his stay in Mexico.”
• “Completing the marathon was a significant accomplishment for her.”
• “A culture of continuous learning is essential for personal and professional development.”
• “The company incentivizes employees to learn new skills by offering bonuses.”

Examiner’s Tips for High Scores

1. Practice Regularly: Engage in daily speaking practice to improve fluency and coherence.
2. Use a Variety of Sentence Structures: Mix simple, compound, and complex sentences to demonstrate grammatical range.
3. Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn and use high-level vocabulary and phrases to articulate your thoughts clearly.
4. Be Specific: Provide detailed answers with specific examples to showcase your ability to discuss topics thoroughly.
5. Stay Calm and Focused: Keep a calm demeanor during the test to ensure clear and coherent speech.

Conclusion

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly with a question like “Describe a place where you developed a new skill,” it’s essential to prepare thoroughly, practice regularly, and use a wide range of vocabulary and advanced sentence structures. By applying the strategies and tips in this guide, candidates can effectively enhance their performance and achieve their desired band score.

For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, consider reading Describe a person who is good at leading a team and Describe a situation when you felt very stressed.