Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Skill You’re Currently Learning

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and ongoing activities. One common topic is describing a skill you are currently learning. This question allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss personal development and express your thoughts on learning processes. Let’s explore how to excel in answering this type of question across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask simple questions about skills you’re learning. Here are some possible questions:

1. Are you learning any new skills at the moment?
2. What kind of skills do you think are important to learn these days?
3. Do you prefer to learn skills by yourself or with others?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Are you learning any new skills at the moment?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I am. Currently, I’m in the process of learning digital photography. It’s something I’ve been interested in for a while, and I finally decided to take the plunge. I’ve been watching online tutorials and practicing with my camera whenever I have free time. It’s quite challenging, especially understanding all the technical aspects like aperture and shutter speed, but I find it incredibly rewarding when I manage to capture a great shot.”

This answer demonstrates a good range of vocabulary, uses present continuous tense appropriately, and provides some details about the learning process.

IELTS Speaking: Describing digital photography skills

Part 2: Long Turn

For Part 2, you might receive a cue card like this:

Describe a skill you are currently learning

You should say:
- What the skill is
- How you are learning it
- Why you decided to learn this skill
- And explain how you feel about learning this new skill

Here’s a sample answer for Band 8-9:

“I’d like to talk about a skill I’m currently in the process of acquiring, which is playing the acoustic guitar.

I’ve always been passionate about music, and recently I decided to challenge myself by learning to play an instrument. I chose the guitar because of its versatility and the fact that it’s relatively portable.

In terms of my learning approach, I’m using a combination of methods. Primarily, I’m taking weekly lessons with a professional instructor who’s guiding me through the basics of guitar playing, including proper finger placement, strumming techniques, and reading music. Additionally, I’m supplementing these lessons with online tutorials and practice sessions at home.

The catalyst for this decision was a desire to broaden my horizons and engage in a hobby that’s both mentally stimulating and creatively fulfilling. I believe that learning a musical instrument can enhance cognitive abilities and provide a wonderful outlet for self-expression.

As for my feelings about this learning journey, I must say it’s been a mixed bag of emotions. On one hand, I feel incredibly excited and motivated, especially when I manage to play a simple tune correctly. There’s a sense of achievement that comes with mastering even the smallest technique. On the other hand, it can be quite frustrating at times, particularly when I struggle with a chord or can’t seem to get the rhythm right. However, I view these challenges as part of the learning process and try to remain patient with myself.

Overall, I’m finding the experience of learning the guitar to be immensely rewarding. It’s teaching me not just about music, but also about the importance of perseverance and the joy of continuous learning. I’m looking forward to seeing how my skills develop over time and perhaps even performing for friends and family in the future.”

This response effectively addresses all points in the cue card, uses a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures, and demonstrates clear organization and coherence.

IELTS Speaking: Learning to play acoustic guitar

Possible follow-up questions:

1. Do you think it’s important for adults to continue learning new skills?
2. What are some challenges people face when learning a new skill later in life?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):

“Absolutely, I believe it’s crucial for adults to continue acquiring new skills throughout their lives. In today’s rapidly changing world, lifelong learning is more important than ever. It helps keep our minds sharp and adaptable, which is essential in both personal and professional contexts. Learning new skills can also boost self-confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment. Moreover, it can open up new opportunities, whether in career advancement or personal growth. From a neurological perspective, continuous learning has been shown to promote brain plasticity, potentially staving off cognitive decline as we age. Ultimately, I think the process of learning itself, regardless of the specific skill, keeps us engaged with the world around us and contributes to a more fulfilling life.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to learning skills. Here are some examples:

1. How has technology changed the way people learn new skills?
2. Do you think schools should focus more on teaching practical skills?
3. What role does motivation play in acquiring new skills?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“Technology has revolutionized the way people acquire new skills in numerous ways. Firstly, it has democratized access to information and learning resources. With online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and YouTube, anyone with an internet connection can learn practically anything, from coding to cooking, often for free or at a fraction of the cost of traditional education.

Secondly, technology has made learning more flexible and personalized. Learners can now study at their own pace, revisit difficult concepts as many times as needed, and choose learning methods that suit their individual styles. For instance, visual learners can benefit from video tutorials, while those who prefer reading can access e-books and articles.

Moreover, technology has enabled more interactive and immersive learning experiences. Virtual reality and augmented reality, for example, are being used to provide hands-on training in fields like medicine and engineering, allowing learners to practice skills in safe, simulated environments.

However, it’s worth noting that technology-based learning also presents challenges. The abundance of information can be overwhelming, and learners need to develop strong critical thinking skills to discern quality resources. Additionally, the lack of face-to-face interaction in many online learning environments can be a drawback for some learners who thrive on personal connections.

On balance, though, I believe technology has significantly enhanced our ability to learn new skills, making the process more accessible, efficient, and engaging than ever before.”

This answer demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic, uses a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures, and provides a balanced view of the issue.

IELTS Speaking: Technology's impact on skill learning

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and phrases. Here are some examples that can elevate your responses:

1. To broaden one’s horizons /ˈbrɔːdn wʌnz həˈraɪznz/ (phrase): To expand one’s range of interests, experiences, and knowledge.
   Example: “Learning a new language is an excellent way to broaden your horizons.”

2. Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (noun): Something that causes an important event to happen.
   Example: “The pandemic was a catalyst for many people to learn new digital skills.”

3. Mixed bag of emotions (idiom): A variety of different feelings or reactions.
   Example: “Starting a new job is often a mixed bag of emotions – excitement mixed with nervousness.”

4. To view something as (phrase): To consider or regard something in a particular way.
   Example: “I view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.”

5. Immensely /ɪˈmensli/ (adverb): Extremely; very much.
   Example: “I find the process of learning a new skill to be immensely rewarding.”

6. Lifelong learning /ˌlaɪfˈlɒŋ ˈlɜːnɪŋ/ (noun): The ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge.
   Example: “In today’s rapidly changing job market, lifelong learning is essential for career success.”

7. To stave off /steɪv ɒf/ (phrasal verb): To prevent or delay something bad from happening.
   Example: “Engaging in mentally stimulating activities can help stave off cognitive decline in old age.”

8. To democratize /dɪˈmɒkrətaɪz/ (verb): To make something available to all people.
   Example: “The internet has democratized access to information and education.”

Using these phrases and vocabulary items accurately and naturally in your responses can significantly enhance the quality of your speaking and help you achieve a higher band score.

Examiner’s Advice

As an IELTS examiner, I would advise candidates to focus on the following areas to improve their performance in the Speaking test:

1. Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Try to speak English every day, even if it’s just talking to yourself.

2. Expand your vocabulary: Work on learning new words and phrases related to common IELTS topics. Make sure you understand how to use them correctly in context.

3. Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short, simple answers. Try to explain your thoughts in detail and provide examples to support your points.

4. Work on fluency: Aim to speak smoothly without too many pauses or hesitations. Practice linking your ideas together coherently.

5. Improve your pronunciation: While a perfect accent isn’t necessary, clear pronunciation is important. Pay attention to word stress and intonation.

6. Listen to native speakers: This can help you pick up natural phrases and improve your understanding of spoken English.

7. Be confident: Remember, the examiner wants to hear you speak. Don’t be afraid to express your opinions and share your experiences.

8. Stay on topic: Make sure your answers are relevant to the questions asked. If you’re unsure, it’s okay to ask for clarification.

9. Use a range of grammatical structures: Don’t just stick to simple sentences. Try to use a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences.

10. Be yourself: While it’s important to showcase your language skills, remember to let your personality shine through. Authentic responses often come across as more natural and engaging.

By focusing on these areas and consistently practicing, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key to success is not just in knowing the language, but in being able to use it effectively to communicate your thoughts and ideas.