In IELTS Speaking tests, candidates are often asked to describe skills they find challenging. This topic has been a recurring theme in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Being able to articulate your experiences with difficult skills effectively can significantly boost your speaking score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask questions like:

1. What skills do you find most challenging to learn?
2. How do you approach learning new skills?
3. Can you describe a skill you recently tried to improve?

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

Examiner: What skills do you find most challenging to learn?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I find public speaking quite challenging. It’s not easy for me to talk in front of a large group of people. I often get nervous and forget what I want to say. I’m trying to improve by practicing more and joining a local speaking club.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Undoubtedly, public speaking is one of the most formidable skills for me to master. The prospect of addressing a large audience tends to induce anxiety, causing my mind to go blank at crucial moments. However, I’m actively working on overcoming this hurdle by regularly participating in a local Toastmasters club and seeking out opportunities to present at work. It’s a gradual process, but I’m starting to see tangible improvements in my confidence and delivery.”

Person feeling anxious before public speaking

“Describe a memorable experience during a holiday” can also be challenging for some candidates, as it requires recalling specific details and expressing emotions effectively.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:

Describe A Skill You Find Challenging to learn
You should say:

• What the skill is
• Why you find it challenging
• How you are trying to improve this skill
• And explain why this skill is important to you

Band 6-7 Answer:
“The skill I find challenging to learn is playing the piano. It’s difficult because it requires coordination between both hands and reading music at the same time. I’m trying to improve by practicing regularly and taking lessons from a professional teacher. This skill is important to me because I love music and want to be able to play my favorite songs.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“The skill I find particularly challenging to master is playing the piano. The complexity lies in the need for impeccable hand-eye coordination, coupled with the ability to read and interpret musical notation simultaneously. It’s a multifaceted task that demands both cognitive and motor skills to work in perfect harmony.

To tackle this challenge, I’ve adopted a structured approach. I’ve enlisted the guidance of a seasoned piano instructor who provides weekly lessons. Additionally, I’ve committed to a rigorous practice schedule, dedicating at least an hour each day to honing my skills. I’ve also incorporated various learning techniques, such as breaking down complex pieces into smaller, manageable sections and using mnemonic devices to remember chord progressions.

This skill holds immense importance for me on multiple levels. Firstly, it serves as a profound form of self-expression, allowing me to convey emotions through music that words often fail to capture. Moreover, learning the piano has proven to be an excellent cognitive exercise, enhancing my mental agility and problem-solving skills. Lastly, it provides a sense of accomplishment and personal growth as I gradually overcome the obstacles and see tangible progress in my abilities.”

Person practicing piano with sheet music

Follow-up questions:

Examiner: How long do you think it takes to master a challenging skill?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think it takes several years to master a challenging skill. It depends on how much time and effort you put into practice. Some people might learn faster than others, but generally, it requires a lot of dedication and patience.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“The time required to truly master a challenging skill can vary significantly depending on various factors. Generally speaking, the widely accepted theory of ‘10,000 hours of deliberate practice’ proposed by Malcolm Gladwell comes to mind. However, I believe it’s not just about the quantity of time invested, but also the quality and intensity of practice.

Factors such as individual aptitude, learning methods, and the complexity of the skill itself all play crucial roles. For instance, mastering a musical instrument might take 5-10 years of consistent, focused practice, while becoming proficient in a new language could take 2-3 years of immersive learning.

Ultimately, I think the journey to mastery is ongoing and doesn’t have a definitive endpoint. Even experts in their fields continually strive to refine and improve their skills. The key lies in embracing the process of learning and finding joy in the gradual improvements along the way.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think schools should focus more on teaching practical skills?

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think schools should teach more practical skills. Many students graduate without knowing how to do basic things like manage money or cook. These skills are important for daily life. Schools could add classes on financial literacy or home economics to help students be more prepared for adult life.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I firmly believe that schools should place greater emphasis on teaching practical skills alongside traditional academic subjects. In today’s rapidly evolving world, students need to be equipped with a diverse skill set that extends beyond theoretical knowledge.

Firstly, incorporating practical skills into the curriculum would better prepare students for the realities of adult life. Skills such as financial literacy, time management, and basic home economics are invaluable yet often overlooked in traditional education systems. By addressing these areas, schools can help bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.

Moreover, focusing on practical skills can enhance student engagement and motivation. Many students struggle to see the relevance of purely theoretical subjects to their lives. By demonstrating the immediate applicability of what they’re learning, schools can foster a more positive attitude towards education.

However, it’s crucial to strike a balance. While practical skills are important, we shouldn’t compromise on core academic subjects. The ideal approach would be to integrate practical elements into existing subjects and supplement the curriculum with dedicated courses on essential life skills.

In conclusion, I believe a more holistic approach to education, one that combines academic rigor with practical skill development, would better serve students in preparing them for the complexities of modern life and the demands of the job market.”

Students working together on a hands-on project

“Describe an outdoor sport you want to try” is another topic where candidates can demonstrate their ability to discuss challenging skills and personal aspirations.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

1. Formidable (adjective) /fɔːˈmɪdəbl/: Inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, intense, or capable.
   Example: Learning a new language can be a formidable task for many adults.
2. To induce (verb) /ɪnˈdjuːs/: To bring about or give rise to.
   Example: The challenging nature of the skill induced anxiety in many learners.
3. Tangible improvements (noun phrase) /ˈtæn.dʒə.bl ɪmˈpruːv.mənts/: Improvements that are real and can be seen or measured.
   Example: After months of practice, she saw tangible improvements in her piano playing.
4. Impeccable (adjective) /ɪmˈpek.ə.bl/: In accordance with the highest standards; faultless.
   Example: The pianist’s performance demonstrated impeccable technique.
5. To adopt a structured approach (phrase): To use a method that is organized and well-planned.
   Example: To master the skill, he adopted a structured approach, practicing for two hours every day.
6. Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌl.tiˈfæs.ɪ.tɪd/: Having many different aspects or features.
   Example: Learning a musical instrument is a multifaceted process, involving physical, cognitive, and emotional skills.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in describing challenging skills during your IELTS Speaking test:

1. Be specific: Provide concrete examples and details about the skill and why you find it challenging.
2. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to demonstrate language proficiency.
3. Showcase your critical thinking: Analyze why the skill is challenging and how it impacts your life.
4. Structure your response: Organize your thoughts logically, using clear transitions between ideas.
5. Practice regularly: Describe a time when you worked with a difficult team member or other challenging situations to improve your ability to articulate complex experiences.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Demonstrate fluency, use a variety of grammatical structures, and maintain a natural, conversational tone throughout your responses.

By following these guidelines and consistently practicing, you can significantly improve your ability to describe challenging skills and boost your overall performance in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, describe an activity you do to stay fit can also be a great way to practice discussing skills and personal experiences in a structured manner.