The IELTS Speaking Test is designed to assess several aspects of your spoken English, including fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and accuracy. It consists of three parts:
- Part 1: Introduction and Interview – Simple questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics.
- Part 2: Long Turn – A cue card task where you speak for 1-2 minutes on a particular topic.
- Part 3: Two-Way Discussion – More abstract and complex discussion related to Part 2 topic.
One common topic is “Describe a situation when you had to learn a new skill”. Let’s dive into how to tackle this topic effectively.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions and Sample Answer
Question:
- Do you enjoy learning new skills?
Sample Answer:
“Absolutely! I believe that learning new skills is vital for both personal and professional growth. For instance, last year I took up photography. It was challenging at first, but eventually, I found it incredibly rewarding. Photography allowed me to see the world from a different perspective.”
Analysis:
- Lexical Resource: Vocabulary like “vital,” “personal and professional growth,” “rewarding.”
- Fluency and Coherence: Smooth transition between ideas.
- Grammatical Range: Using complex sentences with conjunctions.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card and Sample Answer
Cue Card:
Describe a situation when you had to learn a new skill. You should say:
- What the skill was
- Why you learned it
- How you learned it
- How you felt about learning this skill
Sample Answer:
“One situation when I had to learn a new skill was when I decided to learn how to play the guitar. I chose this skill because I have always been passionate about music and wanted to understand how to create it myself. The learning process was quite challenging — I attended weekly guitar lessons, practiced every day at home, and watched numerous online tutorials. Over time, I became proficient. Learning to play the guitar made me feel extremely accomplished and also helped me relax during stressful times. It was a fulfilling experience as it not only boosted my self-confidence but also connected me with like-minded people.”
learning-guitar|learning guitar|A person is learning to play an acoustic guitar. The image focuses on their hands on the fretboard and the strings.
Analysis:
- Lexical Resource: “Passionate about music,” “proficient,” “self-confidence,” “like-minded people.”
- Grammatical Range: Variation in sentence structures, use of past tenses, and complex sentences.
- Fluency and Coherence: Clear structure following the bullet points on the cue card.
Follow-Up Questions:
- Was it difficult to learn this skill? Why or why not?
- Have you found this skill useful in your daily life? How?
Sample Answers:
- “Initially, it was quite difficult due to the intricacies of finger placement and rhythm. However, with persistent practice, it became easier.”
- “Absolutely, knowing how to play the guitar has been incredibly useful. It’s a great way to de-stress and has made me more socially interactive at gatherings.”
Analysis:
- Lexical Resource: “Intricacies,” “persistent practice,” “socially interactive.”
- Fluency and Coherence: Concise responses with logical explanations.
- Grammatical Range: Use of complex sentences and conjunctions.
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
Abstract Discussion and Sample Answers
-
Do you think it’s more important to have a range of skills or to be an expert in one area?
“In today’s world, I believe it’s essential to have a range of skills. This versatility can make one more adaptable in various situations, and it encourages continuous learning. However, being an expert in one area can also be valuable, particularly in specialized fields. Thus, a balanced approach is probably the best.”
-
How can employers help employees learn new skills?
“Employers can play a crucial role by providing training programs and continuous development opportunities. They should also encourage a culture of mentorship and collaborative learning. By investing in their employees’ growth, they not only enhance productivity but also boost morale.”
Analysis:
- Lexical Resource: “Versatility,” “continuous learning,” “specialized fields,” “training programs,” “mentorship,” “collaborative learning.”
- Grammatical Range: Use of both simple and complex structures.
- Fluency and Coherence: Thoughtful and coherent opinions with support.
Essential Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Key Vocabulary
-
Intricacies (noun) /ˈɪn.trɪ.kə.si/: Complex details.
- “The intricacies of the new software were challenging to master.”
-
Versatile (adjective) /ˈvɜː.sə.taɪl/: Able to adapt to different functions or activities.
- “Being versatile is important in the ever-changing job market.”
-
Fulfillment (noun) /fʊlˈfɪl.mənt/: A feeling of satisfaction or happiness because of fully developing one’s abilities or character.
- “The job gave her a sense of fulfillment.”
Example Usage
- “Intricacies of the guitar chords made it hard at first, but persistence paid off.”
- “Her versatile skills make her an asset in any team.”
- “Achieving my goals in music has brought me great fulfillment.”
Examiner’s Tips for Success
Practice Regularly
- Engage in regular speaking practice to enhance fluency and coherence.
- Record yourself and evaluate the usage of vocabulary and grammar.
Seek Feedback
- Get feedback from peers or teachers to identify areas of improvement.
- Focus on correcting mispronunciations and awkward phrasing.
Expand Vocabulary
- Read widely to expose yourself to new words and phrases.
- Use new words in sentences to solidify understanding and recall.
Stay Calm
- Remember that coherence and fluency matter more than perfection.
- Take a moment to think if you need to, but aim for a natural flow of conversation.
By incorporating these strategies and practicing with the provided examples, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking Test, especially on topics like “Describe a situation when you had to learn a new skill.”