In recent years, the IELTS Speaking test has frequently featured questions about skills and abilities. One particular topic that has gained prominence is “describe a skill that you would like to share with others.” This topic not only tests your English proficiency but also your ability to articulate personal experiences and aspirations. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively and maximize your score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about skills and sharing knowledge. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
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Do you enjoy learning new skills?
Band 7-8 Answer: “Absolutely! I find the process of acquiring new skills incredibly rewarding. It not only broadens my horizons but also gives me a sense of accomplishment. Recently, I’ve been learning to play the guitar, and despite the initial challenges, I’m thoroughly enjoying the journey.”
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What skill do you think is most important in today’s world?
Band 8-9 Answer: “In my opinion, digital literacy is paramount in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. The ability to navigate various digital platforms, understand basic coding, and critically evaluate online information has become essential across most professions and in our daily lives. Moreover, as we’ve seen during the pandemic, digital skills enable us to adapt quickly to changing circumstances, whether it’s remote work or online education.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a skill that you would like to share with others
You should say:
- What the skill is
- How you learned it
- Why you want to share it with others
- And explain how you would teach this skill to others
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
“The skill I’d like to share with others is cooking. I learned this skill primarily from my grandmother, who was an excellent cook. She taught me various recipes and techniques over the years.
I want to share this skill because I believe cooking is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Many people rely on fast food or pre-prepared meals, which aren’t always nutritious. By teaching others to cook, I can help them make healthier choices.
To teach this skill, I would start with simple recipes and gradually introduce more complex ones. I’d focus on teaching basic techniques like chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and understanding different cooking methods. I would also emphasize the importance of food safety and hygiene.
I think sharing this skill would be rewarding as it could really improve people’s quality of life.”
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
“The skill I’m passionate about sharing with others is mindfulness meditation. I initially learned this practice through a combination of guided apps, workshops, and extensive reading on the subject. Over time, it has become an integral part of my daily routine, significantly enhancing my overall well-being.
I’m eager to share this skill because I believe it has the potential to revolutionize people’s lives. In our fast-paced, stress-laden world, mindfulness offers a powerful antidote to anxiety and burnout. It fosters emotional resilience, improves focus, and promotes a greater sense of inner peace.
My approach to teaching this skill would be multifaceted. I’d begin with explaining the scientific basis of mindfulness, drawing on neuroscientific research to illustrate its benefits. Then, I’d guide learners through progressive exercises, starting with simple breath awareness and gradually introducing more advanced techniques like body scans and loving-kindness meditation.
I’d emphasize the importance of consistency and patience in developing this skill. To facilitate this, I’d create a supportive community where practitioners could share their experiences and challenges. Additionally, I’d incorporate technology, such as mindfulness apps and wearables, to help learners track their progress and maintain motivation.
By sharing this skill, I hope to contribute to a more mindful and compassionate society, where individuals are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges with grace and equanimity.”
Follow-up questions:
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How do you think sharing skills can benefit society?
Band 8-9 Answer: “Sharing skills can have a profound impact on society. Firstly, it fosters a culture of continuous learning and growth, which is crucial in our rapidly evolving world. When people share their expertise, it creates a ripple effect of knowledge dissemination, potentially leading to innovations and solutions to complex problems. Moreover, skill-sharing can bridge socioeconomic divides by providing opportunities for those who might not have access to formal education. It also promotes social cohesion and community building, as people come together to learn from one another, fostering empathy and understanding across diverse groups.”
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Do you think everyone has a skill worth sharing?
Band 8-9 Answer: “Absolutely. I firmly believe that every individual possesses unique experiences and insights that can be valuable to others. While some skills might be more conventionally recognized, like technical or artistic abilities, others are equally important but often overlooked. For instance, someone might excel at active listening or conflict resolution – soft skills that are crucial in both personal and professional settings. Even seemingly mundane skills, like efficiently organizing a workspace or managing time effectively, can be incredibly beneficial when shared. The key is recognizing the value in our own experiences and having the confidence to share them. This perspective not only empowers individuals but also enriches our collective knowledge pool.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How has technology changed the way we learn and share skills?
Band 7-8 Answer: “Technology has revolutionized skill-sharing in numerous ways. Online platforms and apps have made learning accessible to anyone with an internet connection. We can now learn from experts worldwide through video tutorials, webinars, and online courses. Social media has also become a powerful tool for sharing quick tips and tricks. Moreover, virtual reality is emerging as an innovative way to provide immersive learning experiences.”
Band 9 Answer: “Technology has fundamentally transformed the landscape of skill acquisition and dissemination. The advent of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and interactive e-learning platforms has democratized education, making high-quality instruction available to anyone with internet access. This has bridged geographical and socioeconomic barriers, allowing individuals in remote or underserved areas to access world-class education.
Furthermore, artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms are personalizing the learning experience, adapting content and pace to individual needs. Augmented and virtual reality technologies are revolutionizing hands-on training in fields like medicine and engineering, providing safe, immersive environments for practice.
Blockchain technology is also making inroads, offering secure, verifiable credentials for skills learned online. This could potentially disrupt traditional educational paradigms and how employers verify skills.
However, it’s crucial to note that while technology has expanded access, it also presents challenges such as the digital divide and the need for digital literacy. Balancing technological advancements with efforts to ensure equitable access and skills to utilize these tools effectively is key to harnessing their full potential in skill-sharing and learning.”
Examiner: In your opinion, what are the most important skills for the future job market?
Band 8-9 Answer: “The future job market will likely prioritize a blend of technical and soft skills. On the technical side, proficiency in artificial intelligence, data analysis, and cybersecurity will be crucial as these fields continue to grow exponentially. Coding and software development skills will remain in high demand across various sectors.
Equally important are adaptive thinking and cognitive flexibility. As the pace of technological change accelerates, the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new systems and methodologies will be paramount. Emotional intelligence and cross-cultural communication skills will be vital in an increasingly globalized and diverse workplace.
Critical thinking and complex problem-solving abilities will be highly valued as automation takes over more routine tasks, leaving humans to tackle nuanced, multifaceted challenges. Creativity and innovation will be key differentiators in a world where AI can perform many analytical tasks.
Lastly, environmental literacy and skills related to sustainability will likely become increasingly important as businesses and governments grapple with climate change and resource management.
It’s worth noting that the most successful individuals will likely be those who can integrate multiple skill sets, bridging the gap between technical expertise and human-centric abilities.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Revolutionize (verb) /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/ – to change something completely and fundamentally
Example: “The internet has revolutionized the way we access information.” -
Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
Example: “Teaching is a multifaceted skill that requires patience, knowledge, and effective communication.” -
Antidote (noun) /ˈæntɪdəʊt/ – something that counteracts or prevents something unpleasant
Example: “Regular exercise can be an effective antidote to stress and anxiety.” -
Foster (verb) /ˈfɒstə(r)/ – to encourage the development of something
Example: “Good leaders foster an environment of creativity and innovation.” -
Ripple effect (noun phrase) /ˈrɪpl ɪˌfekt/ – the continuing and spreading results of an event or action
Example: “Sharing knowledge can create a ripple effect, positively impacting many lives.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a skill you’d like to share:
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Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and coherently. Use a variety of sentence structures and advanced vocabulary where appropriate.
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Develop your ideas fully. Don’t just state what the skill is; explain why it’s important, how you learned it, and how you would teach it to others.
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Use specific examples to illustrate your points. This adds authenticity to your response and demonstrates your ability to apply language in context.
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Show enthusiasm in your voice and manner. This topic allows you to speak about something you’re passionate about, so let that enthusiasm shine through.
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Be prepared to discuss broader implications. In Part 3, be ready to talk about the importance of skill-sharing in society, the impact of technology on learning, and future skill requirements.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just about using advanced vocabulary, but about communicating your ideas effectively and engaging in a natural, fluent conversation with the examiner.
To further enhance your speaking skills, you might find it helpful to describe a time when you worked with a new team, as this can provide valuable insights into your collaborative abilities and communication skills, which are highly relevant when discussing skill-sharing.