IELTS Speaking examiners often ask candidates to describe a skill they are currently learning. This topic is popular because it allows candidates to showcase their language abilities while discussing personal experiences. Let’s explore how to effectively answer this question and achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test.

Describe a challenge you faced while learning a new skill is a related topic that may come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Being prepared for both topics will give you an advantage.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about skills and learning. Here are some sample questions with suggested answers:

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

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I’m currently learning how to play the guitar. It’s been quite challenging but also very rewarding. I practice for about an hour every day and I’m slowly making progress.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Indeed, I’m in the process of honing my culinary skills, with a particular focus on traditional Asian cuisine. It’s been an incredibly enriching journey that has not only expanded my palate but also deepened my appreciation for different cultures. I’ve been dedicating several hours each week to experimenting with new recipes and techniques.

Q: Do you think it’s important to keep learning new skills throughout life?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I believe it’s very important. Learning new skills helps us stay mentally active and can make our lives more interesting. It also helps us adapt to changes in society and technology.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I’m a firm believer in the concept of lifelong learning. Continually acquiring new skills not only keeps our minds sharp and agile but also enhances our adaptability in an ever-evolving world. Moreover, it fosters personal growth, boosts self-confidence, and can lead to unexpected opportunities in both our personal and professional lives.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe a skill you are 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 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 mastering, which is digital photography. This isn’t just about pointing a camera and clicking; it’s an intricate art form that requires a deep understanding of light, composition, and post-processing techniques.

I’m learning this skill through a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I’ve enrolled in an online course offered by a renowned photographer, which provides structured lessons on everything from camera settings to advanced editing techniques. Additionally, I’m immersing myself in photography books and spending hours poring over the work of celebrated photographers to understand their styles and techniques. Perhaps most importantly, I’m putting theory into practice by going out several times a week to capture images in various settings and light conditions.

My decision to delve into digital photography stems from a lifelong passion for visual storytelling. In our increasingly digital world, I believe the ability to create compelling images is becoming ever more valuable. Moreover, I saw it as an opportunity to combine my love for technology with my creative inclinations.

Learning this skill has been an exhilarating journey. There’s a profound sense of satisfaction when I manage to capture a moment exactly as I envisioned it. Of course, there are moments of frustration when things don’t go as planned, but I find these challenges invigorating rather than discouraging. They push me to think outside the box and approach problems creatively.

What I find particularly rewarding is how this skill is changing the way I see the world. I’m now constantly attuned to the play of light and shadow in my surroundings, noticing subtle details I might have overlooked before. It’s as if learning photography has given me a new lens through which to view and appreciate the world around me.

In essence, learning digital photography has been a transformative experience. It’s not just about acquiring a new skill; it’s about developing a new way of seeing and interacting with the world. And that, I believe, is the true value of learning any new skill.”

Student learning digital photography for IELTS Speaking

Follow-up questions:

Q: How do you stay motivated when learning becomes difficult?

Band 6-7 Answer:
When learning gets tough, I try to remind myself of why I started in the first place. I also set small, achievable goals to keep myself motivated. Sometimes, I take a short break and come back to it with fresh energy.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Maintaining motivation during challenging learning phases requires a multi-pronged approach. I find it essential to cultivate a growth mindset, viewing difficulties as opportunities for improvement rather than insurmountable obstacles. I also employ visualization techniques, imagining the sense of accomplishment I’ll feel upon mastering the skill. Additionally, I’ve found that breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable chunks helps to prevent overwhelm and provides a steady stream of small victories to celebrate.

Q: Do you think some people are naturally better at learning new skills than others?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think some people might have a natural talent for learning certain skills. However, I believe that with hard work and dedication, anyone can improve and become good at a skill they’re interested in.

Band 8-9 Answer:
While innate aptitudes certainly play a role in skill acquisition, I believe the notion of a fixed “natural talent” can be somewhat misleading. Research in neuroplasticity has shown that our brains are remarkably adaptable, capable of forming new neural connections throughout our lives. What might appear as natural talent is often the result of early exposure, consistent practice, and effective learning strategies. That said, individual differences in learning styles, cognitive processes, and personality traits can influence the ease and speed with which one acquires new skills. However, I firmly believe that with the right mindset, perseverance, and tailored learning approaches, anyone can achieve a high level of proficiency in most skills.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Let’s consider the broader implications of skill learning. How do you think the skills people need are changing in the modern world?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think the skills people need are changing quite quickly these days. Technology is advancing rapidly, so digital skills are becoming more important. Also, with the world becoming more connected, skills like communication and adaptability are crucial. People need to be able to learn new things quickly to keep up with changes in their jobs and daily life.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The landscape of essential skills is undergoing a seismic shift in our contemporary world. The relentless pace of technological advancement is rendering certain traditional skills obsolete while simultaneously creating demand for entirely new skill sets. Digital literacy, for instance, has transitioned from being a specialized skill to a fundamental requirement across most sectors.

Moreover, the increasing interconnectedness of our global society is placing a premium on soft skills such as cross-cultural communication, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. The ability to collaborate effectively in diverse, often virtual teams is becoming indispensable.

Perhaps most critically, we’re seeing a growing emphasis on meta-skills – the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn. In a world where specific knowledge can quickly become outdated, the capacity for continuous learning and cognitive flexibility is paramount. This shift necessitates a fundamental change in our approach to education and professional development, moving away from rote memorization towards fostering critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability.

Furthermore, as automation and artificial intelligence continue to advance, uniquely human skills such as complex problem-solving, creativity, and empathy are becoming increasingly valuable. The future workforce will likely need to leverage these quintessentially human attributes in conjunction with technological proficiency to remain relevant and competitive.

Describe a skill you want to develop in the future is another topic that ties in well with this discussion on changing skill requirements.

Examiner: How do you think governments and educational institutions should adapt to these changing skill requirements?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I believe governments and schools need to update their education systems. They should focus more on teaching digital skills and preparing students for jobs that might not even exist yet. It’s also important to teach students how to learn independently because they’ll need to keep learning throughout their lives.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The rapid evolution of skill requirements in our modern world necessitates a paradigm shift in our educational approaches and policies. Governments and educational institutions need to adopt a more agile and forward-thinking stance to effectively prepare individuals for the future workforce.

Firstly, there needs to be a fundamental reevaluation of curriculum design. While foundational knowledge remains crucial, there should be a greater emphasis on developing transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, digital literacy, and emotional intelligence. These skills will equip students to adapt to a variety of future scenarios, rather than preparing them for specific, potentially short-lived job roles.

Secondly, the concept of education as a finite process culminating in a degree needs to be replaced with a model of lifelong learning. This could involve the implementation of modular education systems that allow for continuous upskilling and reskilling throughout one’s career. Governments could incentivize this through policies such as tax breaks for continued education or subsidies for companies that invest in employee skill development.

Furthermore, there’s a pressing need for closer collaboration between educational institutions and industry. This could take the form of co-designed curricula, increased opportunities for internships and apprenticeships, and regular input from industry leaders on emerging skill requirements. Such collaboration would help bridge the often-cited skills gap between education and employment.

Lastly, given the unpredictable nature of future skill demands, educational systems need to place a greater focus on teaching students how to learn. This involves fostering curiosity, developing research skills, and encouraging a growth mindset. By equipping students with these meta-skills, we can ensure they’re prepared to adapt to whatever challenges the future may hold.

In essence, the role of governments and educational institutions in this rapidly changing landscape is to create flexible, responsive systems that not only impart knowledge but also cultivate adaptability, creativity, and a passion for lifelong learning.

Government adapting education for changing skill requirements

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

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

1. Honing (verb) /həʊnɪŋ/ – to improve or perfect over a period of time
   Example: “I’m currently honing my public speaking skills.”

2. Intricate (adjective) /ˈɪntrɪkət/ – very complicated or detailed
   Example: “Learning a new language involves understanding its intricate grammar rules.”

3. Multi-faceted approach (phrase) /ˌmʌlti ˈfæsɪtɪd əˈprəʊtʃ/ – involving or including many different aspects
   Example: “I’m taking a multi-faceted approach to learning French, combining classes, language apps, and immersion experiences.”

4. Immersing (verb) /ɪˈmɜːsɪŋ/ – involving oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest
   Example: “I’m immersing myself in the local culture to improve my language skills.”

5. Stems from (phrasal verb) /stemz frɒm/ – to originate or develop from
   Example: “My interest in photography stems from my love of capturing memorable moments.”

6. Exhilarating (adjective) /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ – making one feel very happy, animated, or elated
   Example: “The process of learning a new skill can be both challenging and exhilarating.”

7. Attuned to (phrase) /əˈtjuːnd tuː/ – aware of or responsive to
   Example: “Learning music has made me more attuned to the sounds around me.”

8. Transformative experience (phrase) /trænsˈfɔːmətɪv ɪkˈspɪəriəns/ – an experience that causes a marked change in someone or something
   Example: “Learning to speak a new language fluently can be a transformative experience.”

Describe an important skill you learned in school is another topic where you can apply these sophisticated vocabulary terms.

Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner

As an experienced IELTS Speaking Examiner, I would offer the following advice to candidates aiming for a high band score:

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: Focus on learning new words and phrases related to common IELTS topics. Use them in context to ensure you understand their proper usage.

3. Work on your pronunciation: Clear pronunciation is crucial for effective communication. Pay attention to word stress and intonation.

4. Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points and provide examples to support your ideas.

5. Use a variety of grammatical structures: Demonstrate your language proficiency by using a mix of simple and complex sentence structures.

6. Stay calm and confident: Remember, the examiner is there to assess your English, not to trick you. Stay relaxed and speak naturally.

7. Listen carefully: Make sure you understand the question before answering. It’s okay to ask for clarification if needed.

8. Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, avoid memorizing answers. Speak genuinely about your experiences and opinions.

9. Manage your time: In Part 2, use your preparation time wisely and try to speak for the full two minutes.

10. Reflect on abstract ideas: In Part 3, try to discuss more abstract concepts and broader implications of the topic.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about perfect English, but about communicating effectively and confidently.

IELTS Speaking Examiner giving tips

Describe a time when you took on a new challenge can be an excellent opportunity to apply these tips and showcase your language skills.

By following these guidelines and consistently practicing, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the goal is not just to answer the questions, but to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in English across a range of topics and situations.