The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about skills and learning experiences. One common topic is describing a skill that took a long time to master. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively address this topic and maximize your speaking score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about skills and learning. Here are some possible questions and a sample answer:
Examiner: “Do you enjoy learning new skills?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I find the process of acquiring new abilities both challenging and rewarding. There’s something incredibly satisfying about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and seeing tangible progress over time. Whether it’s picking up a new language or mastering a musical instrument, I believe that learning new skills keeps our minds sharp and opens up exciting opportunities in life.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a skill that took a long time to learn:
Describe a skill that took you a long time to learn
You should say:
- What the skill was
- Why you decided to learn it
- How you learned it
- And explain why it took you a long time to learn this skillSample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about learning to play the guitar, which was a skill that took me quite a while to master. I decided to learn it because I’ve always loved music, and I thought it would be cool to be able to play my favorite songs.
I started by taking lessons from a local teacher, who taught me the basics like how to hold the guitar and play simple chords. I practiced regularly at home, using online tutorials and apps to supplement my lessons.
It took me a long time to learn because there were many aspects to master. Developing finger strength and dexterity was challenging, and memorizing chord shapes took a lot of repetition. Reading music and understanding music theory were also time-consuming. But with persistence and regular practice, I gradually improved over several years.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to discuss my journey in mastering the art of public speaking, a skill that demanded considerable time and effort to acquire. I embarked on this challenging path when I realized its critical importance in both personal and professional spheres.
My learning process was multifaceted and comprehensive. I initially enrolled in a Toastmasters club, which provided a supportive environment to practice and receive constructive feedback. Concurrently, I devoured books on rhetoric and persuasion, studying the techniques of renowned orators. I also made it a point to analyze TED talks, paying close attention to the speakers’ body language, vocal variety, and content structure.
The prolonged learning curve can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, public speaking is an intricate blend of various sub-skills – from crafting compelling content to mastering non-verbal communication. Each aspect required individual attention and practice. Secondly, overcoming the deeply ingrained fear of public speaking was a significant hurdle that took time to surmount. Lastly, the skill demands constant refinement; each audience and context presents unique challenges, necessitating ongoing adaptation and learning.
Despite the lengthy process, the journey has been immensely rewarding. It has not only boosted my confidence but also opened numerous doors in my professional life, enabling me to articulate my ideas more effectively and inspire others through the power of words.”
Follow-up questions:
- How did you stay motivated during the learning process?
- What advice would you give to someone just starting to learn this skill?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
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“Maintaining motivation was indeed a challenge, but I employed several strategies. I set realistic, incremental goals for myself, celebrating small victories along the way. I also surrounded myself with like-minded individuals who shared my passion for public speaking, which created a sense of community and accountability. Additionally, I made a habit of visualizing my end goal – being able to confidently address large audiences and make a meaningful impact through my words. This vision served as a powerful motivator during tough times.”
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“For someone embarking on this journey, I’d offer a few pieces of advice. Firstly, embrace discomfort – growth often happens outside your comfort zone. Secondly, seek regular opportunities to practice, even if it’s just speaking in front of a mirror or a small group of friends. Thirdly, be open to feedback and view constructive criticism as a valuable tool for improvement. Lastly, study diverse speakers and styles to develop your unique voice. Remember, mastering public speaking is a marathon, not a sprint, so patience and persistence are key.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Do you think the education system in your country places enough emphasis on learning practical skills?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“That’s an interesting question. In my opinion, our education system has made strides in incorporating practical skills, but there’s still room for improvement. Many schools now offer vocational courses and internship programs, which is a step in the right direction. However, I believe we could do more to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application.
For instance, we could integrate more project-based learning into the curriculum, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts to practical problems. Additionally, fostering entrepreneurial skills and financial literacy from an early age could greatly benefit students in their future careers and personal lives.
That said, it’s important to strike a balance. While practical skills are crucial, we shouldn’t neglect the value of a strong theoretical foundation. Perhaps the ideal approach would be to find innovative ways to blend theoretical knowledge with practical application throughout the educational journey.”
Examiner: “How do you think technology has changed the way people learn new skills?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has revolutionized the landscape of skill acquisition in numerous ways. Firstly, it has democratized access to information. With online platforms like Coursera, edX, and YouTube, anyone with an internet connection can learn from experts across the globe, breaking down geographical and financial barriers.
Moreover, technology has made learning more interactive and engaging. Virtual reality simulations, for instance, allow people to practice complex skills in safe, controlled environments. This is particularly beneficial in fields like medicine or aviation, where hands-on experience is crucial but traditionally difficult to obtain.
Another significant impact is the personalization of learning. Adaptive learning technologies can tailor content and pace to individual needs, making the learning process more efficient and effective. AI-powered tutoring systems can provide instant feedback, allowing learners to identify and correct mistakes in real-time.
However, it’s worth noting that technology also presents challenges. The abundance of information can be overwhelming, and learners need to develop strong digital literacy skills to discern credible sources. Additionally, the ease of access to information might lead to a decrease in deep, focused learning, as people may be more inclined to skim surface-level content rather than engage deeply with a subject.
In conclusion, while technology has undoubtedly transformed skill acquisition, making it more accessible and versatile, it also requires us to adapt our learning strategies and develop new meta-skills to navigate this digital landscape effectively.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Multifaceted /ˌmʌl.tiˈfæs.ɪ.tɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
Example: “Learning a new language is a multifaceted process that involves grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and cultural understanding.” -
To surmount /səˈmaʊnt/ (verb): To overcome (a difficulty or obstacle).
Example: “One of the biggest challenges to surmount when learning public speaking is the fear of addressing large audiences.” -
Intricate /ˈɪn.trɪ.kət/ (adjective): Very complicated or detailed.
Example: “Mastering the piano requires understanding the intricate relationships between melody, harmony, and rhythm.” -
To articulate /ɑːˈtɪk.jə.leɪt/ (verb): To express (an idea or feeling) fluently and coherently.
Example: “Through practice, I’ve become better at articulating my thoughts in high-pressure situations.” -
Incremental /ˌɪŋ.krəˈmen.təl/ (adjective): Increasing gradually by regular degrees or additions.
Example: “I found that setting incremental goals helped me stay motivated throughout the long learning process.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a skill that took a long time to learn:
- Use a variety of tenses to describe your learning journey, showcasing your grammatical range.
- Incorporate idiomatic expressions naturally to demonstrate fluency.
- Provide specific examples and anecdotes to support your points and make your answer more engaging.
- Reflect on the learning process, discussing challenges and how you overcame them.
- Practice describing different skills to improve your ability to speak at length on this topic.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Focus on fluency, coherence, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy.
Describe a situation where you had to make a quick decision can be another challenging topic in the IELTS Speaking test. Practicing such diverse topics will help you become more versatile and confident in your speaking abilities.