If you’re preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, describing a recently mastered skill is a common topic that often appears in Part 2. Similar to describe a new skill you developed over the past year, this topic allows candidates to demonstrate their English proficiency while discussing personal achievements.
IELTS Speaking Test Examiner and Candidate Interaction
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions examiners may ask about skills and learning:
- Do you enjoy learning new skills?
- What skills do you think are important in today’s world?
- How do you usually learn new things?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I absolutely love acquiring new skills. I believe it’s crucial for personal growth and keeping up with our rapidly evolving world. Recently, I’ve been particularly passionate about learning through online platforms, which offer tremendous flexibility and access to expert instruction.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a skill that you have recently mastered
You should say:
- What the skill is
- How you learned it
- How long it took you to learn it
- And explain how this skill has helped you
Candidate Explaining Digital Marketing Skills with Confidence
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I recently learned digital marketing through online courses. I started by watching YouTube tutorials and then took a structured course on Udemy. It took me about three months to understand the basics. This skill has helped me promote my small business on social media and increase my customer base.”
For those interested in culinary skills, you might also find inspiration in describe a dish you learned to cook recently.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’ve recently mastered the intricacies of digital marketing, particularly focusing on social media analytics and content strategy. I undertook a comprehensive approach by combining professional certification courses from Google with hands-on experience managing real campaigns. The learning journey spanned approximately six months, during which I progressively developed expertise in various aspects of the field. This skill has proven invaluable as it has enabled me to launch and scale my own digital consultancy business, simultaneously helping other entrepreneurs optimize their online presence.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: How has technology changed the way people learn new skills?
A (Band 8-9): “Technology has revolutionized skill acquisition through unprecedented access to educational resources. Online learning platforms have democratized education, making it possible for anyone with internet access to learn from industry experts. Moreover, artificial intelligence and adaptive learning systems now provide personalized learning experiences, catering to individual learning styles and pace.”
Similar to describe an online course that you want to take, technology has transformed our learning approaches significantly.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Master (v) /ˈmɑːstə(r)/ – to acquire complete knowledge or skill
- Methodology (n) /ˌmeθəˈdɒlədʒi/ – a system of methods used in a particular area of study
- Proficiency (n) /prəˈfɪʃənsi/ – a high degree of skill or expertise
- Comprehensive (adj) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete; including all aspects
IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Practice Session
Examiner’s Tips
- Use a variety of tenses accurately to describe your learning journey
- Include specific examples and personal experiences
- Demonstrate complex vocabulary and structures naturally
- Maintain coherent flow with clear organization of ideas
- Show enthusiasm and engagement through appropriate intonation
For creative responses, you might also be interested in do you love magic ielts to explore different ways of expressing passion and interest.
