The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal development and skill improvement. One common topic that frequently appears is describing a skill you are currently trying to improve. This subject allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate your experiences, goals, and the process of learning. Let’s explore how to effectively approach this topic and showcase your English proficiency.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, you may encounter questions related to skill improvement. Here are some typical questions an examiner might ask:

1. Are you currently learning any new skills?
2. What skill would you like to improve in the future?
3. How do you usually go about learning new things?

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

Examiner: Are you currently learning any new skills?

Candidate (Band 6-7 response): Yes, I am. I’m currently trying to improve my public speaking skills. I’ve always been a bit nervous about speaking in front of large groups, so I decided to join a local Toastmasters club to practice and get better at it.

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely! I’m in the process of honing my public speaking skills. Given the pivotal role effective communication plays in both personal and professional spheres, I’ve made a concerted effort to enhance this ability. I’ve joined a local Toastmasters club and have been actively participating in their weekly meetings. Additionally, I’ve been watching TED Talks and analyzing the speakers’ techniques to incorporate into my own presentations.

Part 2: Long Turn

For the second part of the test, you might receive a cue card related to skill improvement. Here’s an example:

Describe A Skill You Are Currently Trying To Improve

You should say:

• What the skill is
• Why you want to improve it
• How you are trying to improve it
• And explain how you feel about your progress so far

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

The skill I’m currently trying to improve is cooking. I’ve always been interested in preparing delicious meals, but I never really had the time to focus on it before. Now, I’ve decided to make it a priority because I believe it’s an essential life skill and it can help me eat healthier.

To improve my cooking skills, I’ve been watching cooking shows on YouTube and following some food bloggers on Instagram. I try to cook at least three new recipes every week, and I’m not afraid to experiment with different ingredients and techniques. I’ve also asked my mom to teach me some of her signature dishes, which has been a great bonding experience.

So far, I feel pretty good about my progress. Of course, I’ve had some failures – like the time I burned a stir-fry because I got distracted – but overall, I can see improvement. My family seems to enjoy my cooking more now, which is really encouraging. I’m excited to continue learning and hopefully become a skilled home cook in the future.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

The skill I’m currently endeavoring to enhance is culinary expertise, specifically focusing on mastering the intricacies of French cuisine. This pursuit stems from my longstanding fascination with gastronomy and the cultural significance of food in bringing people together.

My motivation to improve this skill is multifaceted. Primarily, I view cooking as an art form that allows for creative expression while simultaneously providing nourishment. Moreover, I believe that proficiency in French cooking techniques will serve as a solid foundation for exploring other cuisines and developing my own unique culinary style.

To refine my skills, I’ve adopted a multifaceted approach. I’ve enrolled in an online course led by a renowned French chef, which provides in-depth instruction on classic techniques and flavor profiles. Additionally, I’ve been meticulously working my way through Julia Child’s “Mastering the Art of French Cooking,” attempting each recipe with careful attention to detail. To supplement this theoretical knowledge, I’ve joined a local cooking club where we collaborate on preparing elaborate French meals, allowing for peer feedback and shared learning experiences.

Regarding my progress, I feel a sense of both accomplishment and humility. While I’ve successfully executed several complex dishes, such as a perfectly emulsified hollandaise sauce and a delicate soufflé, I’m acutely aware of the vast expanse of knowledge yet to be explored. Each small victory in the kitchen fuels my passion and reinforces my commitment to this culinary journey. The process has been incredibly rewarding, not just in terms of skill acquisition, but also in the joy it brings to those who share my creations.

Mastering French cuisine and cooking techniques

Follow-up questions:

1. How long do you think it will take you to master this skill?
2. Do you think this skill will be useful in your future career?

Sample answers:

1. (Band 6-7) I think it might take a few years to really master French cooking. There’s so much to learn, and I’m just at the beginning. I’m hoping that with consistent practice, I’ll see significant improvement within a year or two.

   (Band 8-9) Mastery in any culinary tradition is a lifelong pursuit, and French cuisine is particularly renowned for its complexity and depth. While I anticipate achieving a high level of proficiency within 3-5 years of dedicated study and practice, I believe true mastery is an ongoing journey. The culinary world is constantly evolving, and there will always be new techniques to learn and flavors to explore.

2. (Band 6-7) Yes, I think cooking skills can be useful in many careers. Even if I don’t become a professional chef, being able to cook well can help in jobs related to hospitality or event planning. Plus, it’s a great skill for networking and building relationships in any field.

   (Band 8-9) Absolutely. The skills I’m developing through my culinary pursuits are highly transferable to various professional contexts. Beyond the obvious applications in the hospitality and food service industries, the discipline, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving required in French cooking are valuable assets in any career. Moreover, the cultural knowledge and appreciation I’m gaining can be instrumental in international business settings or diplomatic roles. In an increasingly globalized world, understanding and appreciating diverse culinary traditions can serve as a powerful tool for building cross-cultural relationships and fostering mutual understanding.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic of skill improvement. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Examiner: How do you think technology has changed the way people learn new skills?

Candidate (Band 6-7): Technology has made learning new skills much easier and more accessible. We can now find online courses and tutorials for almost anything. It’s also easier to connect with experts and other learners through social media and online forums. However, I think it’s still important to practice skills in real life, not just through a screen.

Candidate (Band 8-9): Technology has revolutionized the landscape of skill acquisition in numerous ways. Firstly, it has democratized access to knowledge, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to learn from world-class experts through massive open online courses (MOOCs) and specialized learning platforms. This has effectively dismantled geographical and socioeconomic barriers to education.

Moreover, technology has introduced interactive and immersive learning experiences through virtual and augmented reality, enabling learners to practice skills in simulated environments that closely mimic real-world scenarios. This is particularly beneficial for fields like medicine or engineering, where hands-on experience is crucial but not always readily available.

However, it’s important to note that while technology has enhanced learning opportunities, it also presents challenges such as information overload and the need for digital literacy. Additionally, the ease of access to information might sometimes lead to a superficial understanding rather than deep, experiential learning. Therefore, a balanced approach that combines technological resources with practical, real-world application is often the most effective way to develop and refine skills in the digital age.

Examiner: Do you think the education system in your country places enough emphasis on practical skills?

Candidate (Band 6-7): I think our education system could do better in teaching practical skills. We focus a lot on academic subjects, which is important, but sometimes we forget about skills like financial management or communication. Some schools are starting to include more practical subjects, but there’s still room for improvement.

Candidate (Band 8-9): In my opinion, there’s a significant disparity between the emphasis on theoretical knowledge and practical skills in our education system. While our curriculum excels in providing a strong academic foundation, it often falls short in equipping students with the practical competencies necessary for the modern workforce.

This imbalance is particularly evident in areas such as financial literacy, digital skills, and soft skills like effective communication and teamwork. These are critical competencies that are increasingly valued by employers across various industries.

However, it’s encouraging to see that there’s a growing recognition of this gap, and steps are being taken to address it. For instance, some schools have begun integrating project-based learning and internship programs into their curricula, providing students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.

Furthermore, there’s an increasing emphasis on STEM education, which often incorporates hands-on learning experiences. Nevertheless, I believe there’s still substantial room for improvement. A more comprehensive overhaul of the education system to include a wider range of practical skills and experiential learning opportunities would better prepare students for the challenges of the 21st-century job market and life in general.

Improving practical skills in the education system

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance when discussing skill improvement, consider using these sophisticated terms and expressions:

1. Hone /həʊn/ (verb): To refine or perfect a skill.
   Example: I’m constantly seeking opportunities to hone my leadership abilities.

2. Proficiency /prəˈfɪʃənsi/ (noun): A high degree of skill or expertise.
   Example: Achieving proficiency in a foreign language requires consistent practice and immersion.

3. Multifaceted approach /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd əˈprəʊtʃ/ (phrase): A strategy that considers many aspects of a situation.
   Example: I’ve adopted a multifaceted approach to improving my public speaking skills, including joining a club, watching online tutorials, and practicing regularly.

4. Endeavor /ɪnˈdevə(r)/ (verb): To try hard to achieve something.
   Example: I’m endeavoring to master the art of French cuisine.

5. Pivotal /ˈpɪvətl/ (adjective): Of crucial importance.
   Example: Effective communication plays a pivotal role in both personal and professional spheres.

6. Meticulous /məˈtɪkjələs/ (adjective): Showing great attention to detail.
   Example: I’ve been meticulously working through each recipe in the cookbook to improve my culinary skills.

By incorporating these terms and phrases into your responses, you can demonstrate a rich vocabulary and sophisticated expression, which are key factors in achieving high scores in the IELTS Speaking test.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing skill improvement:

1. Be specific: Instead of general statements, provide concrete examples of how you’re improving your skills.

2. Use a variety of tenses: Demonstrate your grasp of English grammar by discussing your past experiences, current efforts, and future plans related to skill improvement.

3. Show reflection: Don’t just describe what you’re doing; explain why you’re doing it and how you feel about your progress.

4. Employ a range of vocabulary: Use synonyms and varied expressions to avoid repetition and showcase your lexical resource.

5. Practice regularly: Consistent practice in English conversation will help you become more fluent and confident during the test.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are all crucial factors in achieving a high score.

For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking performance, you might find it helpful to describe a difficult problem you solved at work or describe a technology you want to use more proficiently. These exercises can help you practice articulating your thoughts on various topics related to personal and professional development.