The ability to articulate personal growth and skill development is a crucial aspect of the IELTS Speaking test. Questions about self-improvement have been consistently featured in past exams and are likely to remain relevant in future assessments. This topic allows candidates to showcase their language proficiency while reflecting on their personal experiences, making it an excellent opportunity to demonstrate both linguistic and analytical skills.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about skills and personal development. Here’s a sample question with a suggested response:
Question: Do you enjoy learning new skills?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely! I find the process of acquiring new skills incredibly rewarding. There’s something exhilarating about challenging myself and expanding my capabilities. Whether it’s picking up a new language or mastering a musical instrument, I relish the journey of growth and self-discovery that comes with learning. It not only broadens my horizons but also boosts my confidence and opens up new opportunities in both my personal and professional life.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a skill you have improved recently
You should say:
- What the skill is
- How you improved it
- Why you decided to improve it
And explain how you feel about improving this skill
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about how I’ve recently improved my public speaking skills. I’ve always been quite nervous about speaking in front of large groups, but I decided to work on this because it’s important for my career.
To improve, I joined a local Toastmasters club where we practice giving speeches every week. I also watched a lot of TED Talks to learn from good speakers. I practiced in front of a mirror and recorded myself to see where I needed to improve.
I decided to improve this skill because I often have to give presentations at work, and I wanted to feel more confident. Also, being a good speaker can help in many areas of life, not just work.
I feel really proud of the progress I’ve made. Now, when I have to speak in public, I feel much more relaxed and can express my ideas clearly. It’s been a challenging journey, but very rewarding. I think this skill will be very useful for me in the future.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d be delighted to share my experience of enhancing my culinary skills, particularly in the realm of plant-based cooking. This gastronomic journey began about six months ago when I decided to adopt a more environmentally conscious lifestyle.
To refine my skills, I enrolled in an intensive online course led by a renowned vegan chef. The curriculum was comprehensive, covering everything from knife skills to intricate flavor pairings. I dedicated several hours each week to practicing new techniques, experimenting with exotic ingredients, and perfecting plant-based versions of classic dishes. Additionally, I immersed myself in culinary literature, devouring cookbooks and food science articles to understand the underlying principles of vegan cuisine.
My motivation to improve stemmed from a desire to align my dietary habits with my environmental values without compromising on taste or nutrition. I was determined to prove that plant-based meals could be just as delectable and satisfying as their animal-based counterparts.
The process of honing this skill has been incredibly fulfilling. Not only have I expanded my culinary repertoire, but I’ve also noticed a significant improvement in my overall health and energy levels. The creative challenge of transforming simple plant-based ingredients into gourmet meals has reignited my passion for cooking. Moreover, I’ve found great joy in sharing my creations with friends and family, gradually influencing their perception of vegan cuisine. This journey has reinforced my belief in the power of continuous learning and the profound impact that developing a new skill can have on various aspects of one’s life.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How long did it take you to see significant improvement in this skill?
- Did you face any challenges while improving this skill?
Sample Answers (Band 8-9):
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“The journey of improvement was gradual but noticeable. I’d say it took about three to four months before I observed a substantial enhancement in my culinary prowess. Initially, the progress was subtle – perhaps a slight improvement in knife skills or a better understanding of flavor profiles. However, as I consistently practiced and expanded my knowledge, the rate of improvement accelerated. Around the four-month mark, I found myself effortlessly creating complex dishes that I would have struggled with earlier. This timeline reinforced the idea that skill development is often exponential rather than linear, with persistent effort leading to compounding results.”
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“Certainly, the path to improvement was not without its obstacles. One of the primary challenges I encountered was sourcing certain specialized ingredients that are essential in vegan cooking. Living in a relatively small town, I often had to go to great lengths to find items like nutritional yeast or certain meat alternatives. Additionally, mastering the art of creating satisfying textures in plant-based dishes proved to be quite demanding. Replicating the umami flavor and mouthfeel of traditional animal-based products required extensive experimentation and numerous failed attempts. However, these challenges ultimately became opportunities for creativity and problem-solving, pushing me to innovate and discover unique solutions that have now become integral to my cooking style.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: Do you think the education system in your country places enough emphasis on skill development?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I think our education system is trying to focus more on skill development, but there’s still room for improvement. In recent years, schools have started to include more practical subjects and activities that help students develop real-world skills. For example, many schools now have coding classes or entrepreneurship programs. However, I believe we could do more to prepare students for the rapidly changing job market. Maybe we need to update our curriculum more frequently or bring in more experts from different industries to teach students.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“While our education system has made strides in incorporating skill development into the curriculum, I believe there’s still a considerable gap between academic education and the practical skills required in today’s dynamic job market. The traditional emphasis on rote learning and standardized testing often overshadows the cultivation of critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability – skills that are increasingly vital in our rapidly evolving global economy.
That being said, I’ve observed some promising initiatives. For instance, the introduction of project-based learning in some schools has been a step in the right direction, fostering teamwork, creativity, and real-world application of knowledge. Additionally, the integration of technology in classrooms is helping to develop digital literacy, an essential skill in our increasingly tech-driven world.
However, I believe we need a more comprehensive overhaul of our educational approach. This could involve closer collaboration between educational institutions and industries to ensure that the skills being taught are aligned with market demands. Furthermore, there’s a pressing need to prioritize soft skills such as emotional intelligence, communication, and leadership, which are often overlooked in traditional academic settings but are crucial for professional success.
Ultimately, the goal should be to create a more balanced educational ecosystem that not only imparts knowledge but also equips students with a versatile skill set, preparing them to thrive in an unpredictable future. This shift would require significant investment and a fundamental reimagining of our educational paradigms, but the long-term benefits for individuals and society at large would be immeasurable.”
Question: How do you think technology has changed the way people acquire new skills?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has revolutionized skill acquisition in numerous profound ways, fundamentally altering how we approach learning and personal development. The advent of online learning platforms, such as Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning, has democratized education, making a vast array of skills accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This has shattered geographical and financial barriers that previously limited skill development opportunities.
Moreover, the rise of interactive learning tools and gamification has transformed the learning experience itself. Virtual reality simulations, for instance, allow individuals to practice complex skills in safe, controlled environments – be it surgical procedures for medical students or flight simulations for aspiring pilots. This immersive approach not only enhances skill retention but also boosts engagement and motivation.
Another significant change is the shift towards microlearning and just-in-time skill acquisition. With smartphones and tablets, people can now learn in short bursts, fitting skill development into their busy schedules. This has led to a culture of continuous learning, where individuals can quickly upskill or reskill in response to changing job requirements or personal interests.
Additionally, AI-powered personalized learning algorithms are tailoring educational content to individual learning styles and paces, maximizing efficiency and effectiveness. This level of customization was simply not possible in traditional learning environments.
However, it’s important to note that while technology has expanded access to skill development, it has also created new challenges. The abundance of information can be overwhelming, and learners must develop strong digital literacy and critical thinking skills to navigate this landscape effectively. Furthermore, the ease of access to online resources may sometimes lead to a superficial understanding of complex topics, emphasizing the continued importance of guided, in-depth learning experiences.
In conclusion, while technology has undoubtedly transformed skill acquisition, making it more accessible, flexible, and personalized, it has also necessitated a shift in how we approach learning itself. The key lies in leveraging these technological advancements while maintaining the depth and rigor essential for true mastery of skills.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Gastronomic journey /ˌɡæstrəˈnɒmɪk ˈdʒɜːni/ (noun phrase): An exploration or experience related to food and cooking.
Example: “My gastronomic journey through Italy introduced me to countless regional specialties.” -
To align with /əˈlaɪn wɪð/ (phrasal verb): To position oneself or something in agreement or alliance.
Example: “I wanted to align my career goals with my personal values.” -
Culinary repertoire /ˈkʌlɪnəri ˈrepətwɑː/ (noun phrase): The range of cooking skills and dishes one can prepare.
Example: “Taking the cooking class significantly expanded my culinary repertoire.” -
Exponential /ˌekspəˈnenʃl/ (adjective): Increasing at a rapid and constantly growing rate.
Example: “The improvement in my language skills was exponential after immersing myself in the culture.” -
Comprehensive overhaul /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv ˈəʊvərhɔːl/ (noun phrase): A complete and thorough renovation or reorganization.
Example: “The education system needs a comprehensive overhaul to meet modern demands.” -
To democratize /dɪˈmɒkrətaɪz/ (verb): To make something accessible to everyone.
Example: “Online platforms have democratized access to high-quality educational resources.” -
Gamification /ˌɡeɪmɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ (noun): The application of typical elements of game playing to other areas of activity.
Example: “The use of gamification in the app made learning a new language both fun and effective.” -
Just-in-time skill acquisition /dʒʌst ɪn taɪm skɪl ˌækwɪˈzɪʃn/ (noun phrase): The process of learning skills exactly when they are needed.
Example: “Modern professionals often rely on just-in-time skill acquisition to stay relevant in their rapidly changing fields.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing skill improvement:
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Practice articulating your experiences clearly and coherently. Use a variety of descriptive language to make your account vivid and engaging.
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Develop your answers fully, providing specific examples and details to support your points.
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Use a range of advanced vocabulary and grammatical structures accurately. This demonstrates linguistic proficiency and contributes to a higher band score.
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Show critical thinking by reflecting on the impact of your skill improvement and connecting it to broader themes or experiences.
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Maintain fluency by speaking at a natural pace, using appropriate linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly.
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Be prepared to extend your responses in Part 3 by considering the wider implications of skill development in society.
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to English in various contexts will help you become more confident and proficient in expressing your ideas during the test.
describe a wildlife documentary you enjoyed watching can be an interesting topic to explore as it combines elements of nature appreciation and media consumption, both of which are relevant to discussions about personal growth and learning new skills.
describe an ideal place to spend a holiday could be linked to the concept of skill improvement, as many people use holidays as opportunities for personal development or to learn new activities.
describe a time when you learned a new skill from a friend is directly related to our topic and could provide additional perspectives on different methods of skill acquisition.
describe an activity that helps you relieve stress might be relevant when discussing the emotional aspects of learning new skills, as the process can sometimes be challenging and stressful.
Finally, describe an outdoor activity you want to try could be connected to the theme of continuous learning and the desire to acquire new skills, particularly in relation to physical or adventurous activities.