Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Practical Skill You Learned

The topic “describe a practical skill you learned” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. This topic allows candidates to showcase their ability to narrate personal experiences, use descriptive language, and demonstrate their vocabulary related to learning and skill development. Given its relevance to everyday life, this topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain a popular choice for examiners in the future.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about skills and learning. Here are some possible questions and a sample answer for one:

1. Do you enjoy learning new skills?
2. What was the last practical skill you learned?
3. How do you usually learn new skills?
4. Are there any skills you’d like to learn in the future?

Let’s look at a sample answer for question 2:

Examiner: What was the last practical skill you learned?

Candidate (Band 7-8 answer): The last practical skill I acquired was basic car maintenance. I realized it was essential to understand how to perform routine checks and minor repairs on my vehicle. This skill has proven to be incredibly useful in ensuring my car runs smoothly and potentially saving money on unnecessary mechanic visits.

Part 2: Long Turn

Now, let’s move on to Part 2, where you’ll be given a cue card to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our topic:

Describe a practical skill you learned

You should say:
- What the skill was
- When and where you learned it
- Why you decided to learn it
- And explain how learning this skill has been useful to you

Here are sample answers for different band scores:

Band 6-7 Answer:

The practical skill I want to talk about is cooking. I learned this skill about two years ago when I moved out of my parents’ house to attend university in a different city. I decided to learn cooking because I realized I couldn’t rely on takeout food all the time, and I wanted to eat healthier meals.

I started by watching cooking videos online and trying simple recipes. At first, I made a lot of mistakes, but gradually I improved. I learned how to chop vegetables properly, how to season food, and how to time different parts of a meal so everything would be ready at the same time.

Learning to cook has been very useful to me. First, it has helped me save money because cooking at home is much cheaper than eating out. Also, I can control what goes into my food, so I eat healthier now. Moreover, cooking has become a way for me to relax after a long day of studying. It’s satisfying to create something delicious with my own hands.

Band 8-9 Answer:

The practical skill I’d like to describe is advanced photography, which I embarked on learning about 18 months ago. My interest was piqued when I received a professional-grade camera as a gift, and I was determined to maximize its potential.

I initiated my learning journey by enrolling in an intensive weekend workshop at a local photography studio. This laid the foundation for understanding crucial concepts like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Following this, I delved deeper into online courses, focusing on composition techniques and post-processing skills.

My decision to learn photography stemmed from a desire to capture life’s fleeting moments with more finesse and creativity. I was particularly drawn to the idea of preserving memories in a way that truly reflected the emotion and atmosphere of each instant.

This skill has proven immensely beneficial in various aspects of my life. Professionally, I’ve been able to supplement my income by taking on freelance photography projects. On a personal level, it has sharpened my eye for detail and heightened my appreciation for the beauty in everyday scenes. Moreover, photography has become a therapeutic outlet, allowing me to express myself creatively and find solace in the art of visual storytelling.

IELTS Speaking: Describing a practical skill – Photography

Examiner’s follow-up questions:

1. How long did it take you to become proficient in this skill?
2. Did you face any challenges while learning this skill?
3. Would you recommend others to learn this skill? Why or why not?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):

Becoming proficient in advanced photography was a gradual process that took me approximately a year of dedicated practice. While the initial workshop provided a solid foundation, mastering the nuances of composition, lighting, and post-processing required consistent effort and experimentation. I devoted several hours each week to practicing different techniques and analyzing my results. The learning curve was steep at first, but as I persevered, I noticed a significant improvement in the quality of my work around the 6-month mark. By the end of the year, I felt confident in handling various shooting scenarios and producing professional-quality images.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Examiner: How has technology changed the way people learn new skills?

Candidate (Band 7-8 answer): Technology has revolutionized skill acquisition in numerous ways. Firstly, online platforms and apps have made learning more accessible and flexible, allowing people to acquire new skills at their own pace and convenience. For instance, language learning apps enable users to practice speaking and writing skills anytime, anywhere. Additionally, video tutorials and online courses have democratized education, providing access to expert knowledge that was previously limited to formal educational settings. Furthermore, virtual and augmented reality technologies are creating immersive learning experiences, particularly beneficial for practical skills like surgery or mechanical repairs. However, it’s worth noting that while technology has expanded learning opportunities, it may also lead to a lack of hands-on experience in some areas, which can be crucial for mastering certain skills.

Examiner: Do you think traditional methods of learning skills are becoming obsolete?

Candidate (Band 8-9 answer): While technology has undoubtedly transformed the landscape of skill acquisition, I wouldn’t say traditional methods are becoming obsolete. Rather, we’re seeing a blend of traditional and modern approaches.

Apprenticeships and mentorship programs, for instance, remain invaluable in many fields, particularly those requiring hands-on experience or nuanced understanding that can’t be fully conveyed through digital means. The tactile experience and real-time feedback provided by in-person instruction are often irreplaceable, especially in crafts, arts, and certain technical professions.

Moreover, traditional classroom settings continue to offer benefits such as peer interaction, immediate clarification of doubts, and the discipline of a structured learning environment. These elements are often challenging to replicate fully in online settings.

What we’re witnessing is more of an evolution rather than obsolescence. Many institutions and individuals are adopting a hybrid approach, leveraging technology to enhance traditional methods rather than replace them entirely. This synergy often leads to more comprehensive and effective learning experiences, catering to diverse learning styles and needs.

In essence, while digital tools have expanded our learning toolkit, they haven’t rendered traditional methods obsolete. Instead, they’ve complemented these methods, creating a richer, more diverse learning ecosystem.

IELTS Speaking: Traditional vs Modern Learning Methods

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Embark on /ɪmˈbɑːrk ɒn/ (phrasal verb) – to start or begin a course of action
   Example: “I embarked on learning Spanish last year.”

2. Pique /piːk/ (verb) – to arouse or stimulate interest or curiosity
   Example: “The documentary piqued my interest in marine biology.”

3. Delve into /delv ˈɪntə/ (phrasal verb) – to research or investigate something thoroughly
   Example: “I decided to delve into the history of photography.”

4. Stem from /stem frəm/ (phrasal verb) – to originate from or be caused by
   Example: “My decision to learn cooking stemmed from a desire to eat healthier.”

5. Finesse /fɪˈnes/ (noun) – skill and subtlety in handling a situation or performing an action
   Example: “Learning photography allowed me to capture moments with more finesse.”

6. Immensely /ɪˈmensli/ (adverb) – extremely; very much
   Example: “This skill has proven immensely beneficial in various aspects of my life.”

7. Therapeutic outlet /ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk ˈaʊtlet/ (noun phrase) – an activity that helps relieve stress or emotional tension
   Example: “Photography became a therapeutic outlet for me during stressful times.”

Describe a skill you recently acquired can be a challenging task, but with these vocabulary items and phrases, you can elevate your response and impress the examiner.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a practical skill you’ve learned, consider the following tips:

1. Practice narrating your experience: Regularly practice telling the story of how you learned the skill, focusing on sequencing events logically and including relevant details.

2. Expand your vocabulary: Build a robust vocabulary related to learning and skill development. Use these words naturally in your responses.

3. Use a variety of tenses: When describing your learning journey, incorporate different tenses to show the progression of your skill acquisition.

4. Provide specific examples: Instead of general statements, give concrete examples of how you’ve applied the skill or how it has benefited you.

5. Show enthusiasm: Demonstrating genuine interest in the skill you’re describing can make your response more engaging and authentic.

6. Practice with timing: Ensure you can comfortably speak about your chosen skill for the full 2 minutes in Part 2, neither running out of things to say nor exceeding the time limit.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express your ideas clearly are all crucial factors in achieving a high score.

Describe a teacher who made a difference in your education is another common topic that requires similar skills in narration and detail. Practice with various topics to improve your overall speaking ability.

By following these guidelines and consistently practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to describe a skill you taught to someone or any other practical skill-related topic that may come up in your IELTS Speaking test.

IELTS Speaking Practice Tips

Describe a time when you were waiting for something special or describe an educational seminar you attended are other potential topics that could help you practice your descriptive and narrative skills for the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the more diverse topics you practice with, the better prepared you’ll be for any question that comes your way during the actual test.