The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about skills that are useful in everyday life. This topic has been a recurring theme in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Being prepared to discuss such skills can significantly boost your chances of achieving a high score in the Speaking section.
Describe a skill you learned during your education that has proven valuable in your daily life can be an excellent way to showcase your language abilities and personal experiences. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about skills and their importance in daily life. Here are some potential questions:
- “Do you think it’s important to learn new skills?”
- “What skill would you like to improve?”
- “How do you usually learn new skills?”
Let’s focus on the first question: “Do you think it’s important to learn new skills?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely. I believe learning new skills is crucial in today’s fast-paced world. It not only enhances our personal growth but also keeps us adaptable in our professional lives. For instance, I recently learned basic coding, which has surprisingly helped me become more logical in my approach to problem-solving in various aspects of my life.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a skill you find useful in daily life
You should say:
- What the skill is
- When you learned it
- How you learned it
- And explain why you find it useful in daily life
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a skill that I find incredibly useful in my daily life: effective time management. I first began to develop this skill during my university years, about five years ago, when I found myself struggling to balance my academic responsibilities with my part-time job and social life.
I learned this skill through a combination of methods. Firstly, I attended a workshop on productivity techniques offered by my university’s career center. This introduced me to concepts like the Pomodoro Technique and the Eisenhower Matrix. Following that, I delved deeper into the subject by reading books on time management, particularly ‘Getting Things Done’ by David Allen, which revolutionized my approach to organizing tasks.
Practical application was key to honing this skill. I started by meticulously tracking my daily activities for a week to identify time-wasters. Then, I implemented a digital calendar system to schedule my tasks and commitments, color-coding them based on priority. I also began using task management apps to break down larger projects into manageable steps.
The reason I find time management so useful in daily life is its far-reaching impact. It has dramatically increased my productivity, allowing me to accomplish more in less time. This efficiency has reduced my stress levels significantly, as I no longer feel overwhelmed by my to-do list. Moreover, it has enabled me to maintain a healthier work-life balance, ensuring I have time for both my professional development and personal interests.
Perhaps most importantly, effective time management has given me a greater sense of control over my life. I’m able to prioritize tasks that align with my long-term goals, rather than constantly reacting to immediate demands. This has led to more thoughtful decision-making and a clearer path towards my aspirations.
In essence, time management is not just about getting more done; it’s about making conscious choices about how I spend my most valuable resource – time. It’s a skill that continues to evolve with practice and has truly transformed my approach to daily life.”
Possible follow-up questions:
- “How has this skill affected your relationships with others?”
- “Do you think this skill will be important in your future career?”
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“Developing strong time management skills has had a profound positive impact on my relationships. By being more organized and efficient with my time, I’m able to dedicate quality time to my friends and family without feeling stressed or distracted. It’s allowed me to be more present in my interactions, as I’m not constantly worried about unfinished tasks. Moreover, my improved reliability and punctuality have made me a more dependable friend and colleague, which has strengthened my personal and professional relationships. People appreciate that I respect their time as much as my own.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to skills in daily life. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: “How do you think technology has changed the skills people need in daily life?”
A (Band 7-8): “Technology has significantly transformed the skills required in our daily lives. Digital literacy has become essential, as we increasingly rely on smartphones, computers, and various apps for work and personal tasks. The ability to navigate online platforms and discern reliable information from misinformation is crucial. Moreover, technology has made multitasking more prevalent, requiring us to juggle multiple digital tools simultaneously. However, it’s also highlighted the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as we need to adapt to rapidly changing digital landscapes.”
Q: “Do you think schools should focus more on teaching practical life skills?”
A (Band 8-9): “I firmly believe that schools should place a greater emphasis on teaching practical life skills. While academic knowledge is undoubtedly important, there’s a growing need for skills that directly apply to daily life and future careers. For instance, financial literacy is crucial yet often overlooked in traditional curricula. Teaching students how to budget, understand taxes, and make informed financial decisions could significantly impact their future well-being.
Additionally, schools could benefit from incorporating more interpersonal skills training, such as effective communication, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence. These skills are invaluable in both personal relationships and professional settings. Critical thinking and media literacy are also becoming increasingly important in our information-saturated world.
However, it’s essential to strike a balance. While practical skills are crucial, we shouldn’t completely sacrifice traditional academic subjects. Instead, schools could integrate life skills into existing subjects or offer dedicated courses. This approach would better prepare students for the complexities of adult life and the evolving job market, ultimately creating more well-rounded, capable individuals.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Meticulously (adverb) /məˈtɪkjələsli/ – In a way that shows great attention to detail; very carefully and precisely.
Example: “I meticulously planned my study schedule to ensure I covered all topics.” -
Far-reaching impact (phrase) – Having important and widely applicable effects or implications.
Example: “Learning a new language can have a far-reaching impact on one’s personal and professional life.” -
To prioritize (verb) /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/ – To decide which of a group of things are the most important so that you can deal with them first.
Example: “Effective time management helps me prioritize my tasks efficiently.” -
To delve deeper (phrase) – To research or examine something thoroughly.
Example: “After the introductory course, I decided to delve deeper into the subject by reading advanced textbooks.” -
Profound (adjective) /prəˈfaʊnd/ – Very great or intense; having or showing great knowledge or insight.
Example: “Learning this skill had a profound effect on how I approach problem-solving.” -
To revolutionize (verb) /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/ – To change something completely and fundamentally.
Example: “Digital technology has revolutionized the way we communicate and work.”
Describe a time you overcame an obstacle in your life by applying a useful skill can be another effective way to showcase your language abilities in the IELTS Speaking test.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing useful skills:
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Practice extensively: Regularly discuss various skills and their applications in your daily life with friends or language partners.
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Develop your vocabulary: Focus on learning and using advanced vocabulary related to skills, learning processes, and their impacts.
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Use specific examples: Always support your points with concrete, personal examples to make your answers more engaging and authentic.
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Improve fluency: Work on speaking smoothly and confidently, reducing hesitations and fillers.
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Enhance your pronunciation: Pay attention to word stress and intonation to make your speech clearer and more natural-sounding.
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Expand your ideas: In Part 3, practice analyzing topics from different perspectives and discussing broader implications.
By following these tips and thoroughly preparing for questions about useful skills in daily life, you’ll be well-equipped to excel in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to demonstrate your language abilities while sharing genuine experiences and insights.
Describe a shopping experience that went well could be another interesting topic to practice, as it allows you to showcase various language skills while discussing everyday experiences.