The topic of describing a useful daily skill is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners. This topic allows candidates to showcase their ability to discuss practical aspects of their lives while demonstrating their English language skills.

Describe a piece of technology you find useful is a related topic that you might also encounter in your IELTS Speaking test. Being prepared for both will give you an advantage.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about skills and daily life. Here are some possible questions:

1. What skills do you think are important in daily life?
2. How do you usually learn new skills?
3. Are there any skills you’d like to improve?

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

Examiner: What skills do you think are important in daily life?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): I believe that in our fast-paced modern world, several skills are crucial for navigating daily life effectively. Firstly, time management is paramount. Being able to prioritize tasks and use our time efficiently can significantly enhance productivity and reduce stress. Secondly, effective communication skills are indispensable, whether it’s in personal relationships or professional settings. The ability to articulate thoughts clearly and listen actively can prevent misunderstandings and foster better connections. Lastly, I’d say adaptability is increasingly important. With the rapid pace of technological and societal changes, being able to learn quickly and adjust to new situations is a valuable skill that can help us thrive in various aspects of life.

Important skills for daily life

Part 2: Long Turn

Now, let’s look at a possible cue card for this topic:

Describe a skill you find very useful in your daily life
You should say:

• What the skill is
• How you learned it
• Why you find it useful
• And explain how it helps you in your daily life

Here’s a sample answer:

Band 6-7 response:

The skill I want to talk about is cooking. I learned it gradually over the years, starting from when I was a teenager. My mom taught me the basics, and then I picked up more advanced techniques from watching cooking shows and experimenting in the kitchen.

I find cooking very useful because it allows me to prepare healthy meals for myself. It’s much better than always eating out or relying on processed foods. Cooking helps me in my daily life by saving money and giving me control over what I eat. I can choose fresh ingredients and adjust recipes to suit my taste and dietary needs.

Moreover, cooking is a great way to relax after a long day at work. It’s satisfying to create something delicious with my own hands. Sometimes I invite friends over for dinner, which is a nice way to socialize and share my cooking skills with others.

Band 8-9 response:

The skill I’d like to elaborate on is culinary proficiency, which I consider indispensable in my daily routine. My journey into the culinary world began in my adolescence, with my mother serving as my initial mentor, imparting fundamental techniques. Subsequently, I honed my skills through a combination of autodidactic efforts, such as religiously following gastronomic programs and engaging in kitchen experimentation.

The utility of this skill in my life is multifaceted. Primarily, it empowers me to curate nutritionally balanced meals, which is vastly superior to the alternatives of frequent dining out or relying on processed sustenance. This culinary aptitude proves economically advantageous and grants me autonomy over my dietary intake. I can handpick fresh, premium ingredients and tailor recipes to align with my palate and nutritional requirements.

Furthermore, I find that engaging in culinary pursuits serves as an excellent stress-relief mechanism following a demanding workday. There’s an intrinsic satisfaction in crafting delectable dishes from scratch. Occasionally, I extend invitations to my social circle for dinner gatherings, which not only facilitates social bonding but also provides a platform to showcase my gastronomic prowess.

Examiner: That’s interesting. Can you tell me about a challenging dish you’ve learned to cook recently?

Band 6-7 response:
Recently, I learned to make sushi. It was quite challenging because it requires precision in preparing the rice and fish. Rolling the sushi neatly also took a lot of practice. But after a few attempts, I managed to create some decent-looking and tasty rolls.

Band 8-9 response:
I recently undertook the challenge of mastering the art of crafting authentic paella, a traditional Spanish dish. The complexity lay in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and the ideal texture of the rice – crisp at the bottom yet tender on top. It demanded meticulous attention to the sequence of adding ingredients and precise heat control. After several iterations and fine-tuning my technique, I succeeded in producing a paella that captured the essence of this iconic Mediterranean delicacy.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

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

Band 6-7 response:
Yes, I think schools should teach more practical skills. While academic subjects are important, students also need skills they can use in real life. For example, schools could teach budgeting, basic home repairs, or even cooking. These skills would help students be more independent when they leave school.

Band 8-9 response:
I firmly believe that educational institutions should place greater emphasis on imparting practical skills to students. While the acquisition of academic knowledge is undoubtedly crucial, there’s an equally pressing need for skills that have tangible applications in day-to-day life. Schools could incorporate modules on financial literacy, including budgeting and basic investment principles, rudimentary home maintenance skills, and even culinary arts into their curricula. Such an approach would foster a more holistic development of students, equipping them with the tools to navigate real-world challenges more effectively upon graduation. Moreover, this practical skill set could potentially enhance students’ self-reliance and confidence, attributes that are invaluable in both personal and professional spheres.

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

Band 6-7 response:
Technology has made learning new skills much easier. We can now access online courses and tutorials on almost any topic. For example, if I want to learn a new language, I can use apps like Duolingo. YouTube is also great for learning things like cooking or DIY projects. Technology allows us to learn at our own pace and from experts all over the world.

Band 8-9 response:
Technology has revolutionized the landscape of skill acquisition in profound ways. The advent of digital platforms has democratized access to knowledge, making it possible for individuals to engage with expert instruction regardless of geographical constraints. Online learning platforms like Coursera and edX have made high-quality educational content from prestigious institutions accessible to a global audience. Moreover, the proliferation of tutorial videos on platforms like YouTube has facilitated visual learning, which is particularly beneficial for mastering practical skills such as cooking or DIY projects.

The integration of artificial intelligence in learning apps, such as language learning platforms like Duolingo, has enabled personalized learning experiences tailored to individual progress and learning styles. This technology-driven approach allows learners to proceed at their own pace, reinforcing areas of weakness and advancing rapidly in areas of strength.

Furthermore, virtual and augmented reality technologies are pushing the boundaries of experiential learning, allowing individuals to practice skills in simulated environments before applying them in real-world scenarios. This is particularly valuable in fields like medicine or engineering, where hands-on experience is crucial but not always easily accessible in traditional learning environments.

However, it’s important to note that while technology has undoubtedly enhanced accessibility and flexibility in skill acquisition, it also requires learners to develop strong self-discipline and time management skills to effectively navigate the vast sea of available information and maintain consistent progress in their learning journey.

Technology's impact on skill learning

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Indispensable /ˌɪndɪˈspensəbl/ (adj): Absolutely necessary.
   Example: Time management is an indispensable skill in today’s fast-paced world.

2. Multifaceted /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adj): Having many different aspects or features.
   Example: The benefits of learning a new language are multifaceted, impacting both personal and professional life.

3. Autonomy /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/ (n): The right or condition of self-government; independence.
   Example: Developing practical skills gives students greater autonomy in their daily lives.

4. Curate /kjʊəˈreɪt/ (v): To select, organize, and look after the items in a collection.
   Example: Learning to curate a healthy diet is an essential life skill.

5. Proficiency /prəˈfɪʃnsi/ (n): A high degree of skill or expertise.
   Example: Achieving proficiency in a musical instrument requires consistent practice.

6. Hone /həʊn/ (v): To refine or perfect something over a period of time.
   Example: I’ve been honing my public speaking skills through regular practice.

7. Empowers /ɪmˈpaʊəz/ (v): Gives someone the authority or power to do something.
   Example: Financial literacy empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their money.

8. Intrinsic /ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk/ (adj): Belonging naturally; essential.
   Example: There’s an intrinsic satisfaction in mastering a new skill.

Describe an online video in which you learned something new is another topic where you can use some of these vocabulary items to enhance your response.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a useful daily skill:

1. Preparation is key: While you can’t predict exact questions, having a range of personal experiences and opinions ready will help you speak more confidently.

2. Use a variety of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses.

3. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking at length without long pauses. Use fillers appropriately if you need time to think.

4. Demonstrate range: Show your ability to use different grammatical structures, from simple to complex sentences.

5. Be specific: Provide concrete examples and details to support your points.

6. Stay relevant: Always address the question asked and stay on topic.

7. Show reflection: Demonstrate critical thinking by explaining why you find the skill useful and how it impacts your life.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Regular practice and exposure to English will help you improve your overall performance.

Describe an activity you do after work could be another opportunity to discuss a useful daily skill you practice regularly.