In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates often encounter questions about skills they found difficult to learn. This topic has been a recurring theme in past exams and is likely to appear in future tests. Being well-prepared to discuss such experiences can significantly boost your performance. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this subject and impress the examiner with your English proficiency.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about skills and learning. Here’s a sample question with a suggested response:
Examiner: “What skill do you think is most important for success in life?”
Candidate: “I believe effective communication is crucial for success in all aspects of life. It enables us to convey our ideas clearly, build relationships, and navigate challenges in both personal and professional settings. Without strong communication skills, even the most talented individuals may struggle to reach their full potential.”
This response demonstrates a good grasp of English and thoughtful reflection on the topic. The candidate uses relevant vocabulary and provides a clear explanation for their choice.
Part 2: Long Turn
For this section, let’s consider a cue card related to our main topic:
Cue Card
Describe a skill that was difficult for you to learn
You should say:
- What the skill was
- Why you wanted to learn it
- How you learned it
- And explain why it was difficult to learn
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I’d like to talk about learning to play the guitar, which was quite challenging for me. I decided to pick up this skill because I’ve always been fascinated by music and wanted to be able to play my favorite songs.
To learn, I started with online tutorials and gradually progressed to taking lessons from a local instructor. The process was difficult because it required a lot of finger dexterity and coordination that I initially lacked. Additionally, building up calluses on my fingertips was uncomfortable at first.
What made it particularly challenging was the need to multitask – reading music, positioning my fingers correctly, and strumming in rhythm all at once. It took months of consistent practice before I could play even simple songs smoothly.
Despite the difficulties, I persevered because I was passionate about music. Overcoming these challenges taught me the value of patience and dedication in acquiring new skills.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to discuss my experience learning Mandarin Chinese, which proved to be an incredibly formidable challenge. My motivation for tackling this language stemmed from a desire to enhance my career prospects in international business and to immerse myself in Chinese culture.
To embark on this linguistic journey, I enrolled in an intensive language program at a local university and supplemented my studies with language exchange partners and immersive media consumption. The difficulty lay in the multifaceted nature of the language – from mastering the tonal system that can completely alter a word’s meaning, to memorizing thousands of intricate characters that bear little resemblance to the Latin alphabet I was accustomed to.
What made this endeavor particularly arduous was the need to rewire my brain to process information in an entirely different way. The syntax and grammar structures were so fundamentally different from English that I often found myself grappling with even basic sentences. Moreover, the cultural nuances embedded within the language added another layer of complexity to the learning process.
Despite these hurdles, I persisted with unwavering determination. I developed mnemonic techniques to aid in character memorization and practiced tones relentlessly. This experience not only expanded my linguistic abilities but also honed my problem-solving skills and cultural intelligence. It taught me the invaluable lesson that with persistence and the right learning strategies, even the most daunting skills can be acquired.”
Learning Mandarin Chinese as a challenging skill
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: “How did learning this skill change your perspective on acquiring new abilities?”
Band 6-7 Response: “Learning to play the guitar made me realize that acquiring new skills takes time and effort. It taught me to be more patient with myself and to appreciate the learning process, not just the end result.”
Band 8-9 Response: “Mastering Mandarin Chinese fundamentally altered my approach to skill acquisition. It illuminated the importance of embracing discomfort and uncertainty as catalysts for growth. This experience cultivated a growth mindset that has since permeated all aspects of my personal and professional development.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Do you think the education system in your country adequately prepares students for learning difficult skills?”
Band 6-7 Response: “I believe our education system provides a solid foundation for learning, but there’s room for improvement. Schools could focus more on teaching learning strategies and fostering resilience to help students tackle challenging skills more effectively.”
Band 8-9 Response: “While our education system has its merits, I believe it falls short in equipping students with the metacognitive tools necessary for mastering complex skills. There’s an overemphasis on rote memorization at the expense of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. A more holistic approach that incorporates experiential learning and cultivates adaptability would better prepare students for the challenges of acquiring difficult skills in an ever-evolving global landscape.”
Education system preparing students for difficult skills
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Perseverance /pəːsɪˈvɪər.əns/ (noun): Continued effort and determination despite difficulties.
Example: “Her perseverance in learning the violin was admirable.”Meticulous /məˈtɪk.jʊ.ləs/ (adjective): Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
Example: “Learning calligraphy requires meticulous attention to detail.”Paradigm shift /ˈpær.ə.daɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: “Learning to code required a paradigm shift in my problem-solving approach.”Innate aptitude /ɪˈneɪt ˈæp.tɪ.tjuːd/ (phrase): Natural ability or skill.
Example: “Despite lacking an innate aptitude for languages, she became fluent through sheer determination.”Cognitive flexibility /ˈkɒɡ.nə.tɪv ˌflek.sə.ˈbɪl.ə.ti/ (noun): The ability to adapt thinking or attention in response to changing goals or environmental stimuli.
Example: “Developing cognitive flexibility was crucial in mastering the complex rules of chess.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing difficult skills:
- Use a variety of advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to demonstrate language proficiency.
- Provide specific examples and personal anecdotes to illustrate your points.
- Reflect on the learning process and its impact on your personal growth.
- Demonstrate critical thinking by analyzing the challenges and your strategies for overcoming them.
- Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and coherently under time pressure.
Remember, the key to success lies not just in what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to engage in a natural conversation are crucial factors in achieving a high score.
Describe a goal you set for yourself and achieved can be another interesting topic to explore in your IELTS preparation, as it allows you to showcase your ability to discuss personal achievements and the process of overcoming challenges.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about difficult skills in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the journey of learning a challenging skill itself provides rich material for discussion, demonstrating your language abilities and personal growth simultaneously.
IELTS Speaking test preparation
As you continue your IELTS preparation, you might find it helpful to describe a talented person you admire. This can provide valuable practice in discussing skills and abilities from a different perspective, further enhancing your speaking repertoire.