Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Effectively Describe a Useful Everyday Skill

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about everyday skills and experiences. One common topic is describing a skill you find useful in daily life. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, focusing on the key phrase “describe a skill you have that you find useful in everyday life.” Let’s explore how to tackle this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

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

1. Do you have any special skills?
2. What skill do you use most often in your daily life?
3. Are there any skills you’d like to improve?

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

Examiner: What skill do you use most often in your daily life?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say time management is a skill I rely on heavily every day. Juggling work, studies, and personal commitments can be quite challenging, so I’ve honed my ability to prioritize tasks and make the most of my time. This skill helps me stay on top of my responsibilities and maintain a good work-life balance.”

Part 2: Long Turn

For Part 2, you might receive a cue card like this:

Describe a skill you have that you find useful in everyday life.

You should say:
- What the skill is
- How you learned it
- How often you use this skill
- And explain why you find it useful

Here’s a sample answer for different band scores:

Band 6-7 Answer:

“The skill I want to talk about is cooking. I learned it gradually from my parents while growing up. They always encouraged me to help in the kitchen, starting with simple tasks like washing vegetables and eventually teaching me to prepare entire meals.

I use this skill almost every day, as I prefer homemade food to eating out. It’s especially useful when I’m busy with work or studies because I can quickly whip up a nutritious meal instead of relying on unhealthy fast food.

Cooking is incredibly useful for several reasons. Firstly, it saves money compared to eating out or ordering in. Secondly, I can control the ingredients and make healthier choices. Lastly, it’s a great way to relax after a long day and be creative with different recipes and flavors.”

Band 8-9 Answer:

“I’d like to discuss a skill that I find indispensable in my daily life: effective communication. This multifaceted ability encompasses not just speaking clearly, but also active listening, empathy, and adapting one’s communication style to different situations and audiences.

I’ve cultivated this skill through a combination of formal education and real-world experience. During my university years, I took several courses on public speaking and interpersonal communication. However, the most valuable lessons came from putting theory into practice in various settings, from group projects to part-time jobs in customer service.

Scarcely a day goes by when I don’t rely on this skill. Whether I’m collaborating with colleagues on a project, explaining complex ideas to clients, or simply navigating social interactions, effective communication is always at the forefront.

The utility of this skill cannot be overstated. It enables me to build rapport with others quickly, resolve conflicts more efficiently, and convey my ideas with clarity and persuasion. Moreover, being an effective communicator has opened up numerous opportunities in both my professional and personal life. It’s helped me secure job interviews, nail presentations, and even strengthen personal relationships.

In essence, effective communication is not just a skill, but a powerful tool that enhances every aspect of my daily life, making interactions smoother, more productive, and ultimately more rewarding.”

Effective communication skill for IELTS Speaking

Follow-up Questions:

1. How long did it take you to master this skill?
2. Do you think this skill will be useful in your future career?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Mastering effective communication is an ongoing process that I believe never truly ends. While I’ve made significant strides over the years, there’s always room for improvement. I’d say it took about 5-6 years of conscious effort and practice to reach a level where I felt confident in most communication scenarios.

As for its future utility, I’m convinced that strong communication skills will be invaluable in my career. In today’s interconnected world, the ability to articulate ideas clearly, collaborate effectively, and build strong professional relationships is crucial across all industries. Whether I’m leading a team, negotiating with clients, or pitching innovative ideas, effective communication will undoubtedly be a cornerstone of my success.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to skills in general. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Examiner: How do you think technology has affected the skills people need in everyday life?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Technology has significantly transformed the skills required in our daily lives. On one hand, it has made certain traditional skills less necessary. For example, with GPS and navigation apps, the skill of reading maps or remembering routes has become less critical. Similarly, with calculators on our phones, mental math skills aren’t as essential as they once were.

On the other hand, technology has necessitated the development of new skills. Digital literacy is now crucial in most aspects of life, from banking to socializing. People need to know how to navigate various software, protect their online privacy, and discern reliable information from misinformation on the internet.

Moreover, technology has heightened the importance of certain soft skills. With the abundance of information at our fingertips, critical thinking and the ability to analyze and synthesize information have become more valuable than ever. Additionally, as technology enables more remote work and global collaboration, skills like virtual communication and cross-cultural understanding have gained significance.

In essence, while technology has reduced the need for some traditional skills, it has simultaneously created a demand for a new set of both technical and soft skills that are essential for thriving in our increasingly digital world.”

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

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“This is a nuanced issue that requires careful consideration. On one hand, there’s a compelling argument for incorporating more practical skills into school curricula. Many students graduate feeling ill-equipped to handle real-world challenges like managing finances, cooking nutritious meals, or basic home repairs. Equipping students with these skills could significantly enhance their independence and self-reliance upon entering adulthood.

Moreover, practical skills often complement academic learning. For instance, teaching cooking can reinforce lessons in chemistry, nutrition, and even mathematics. Similarly, financial literacy can provide real-world context to economic theories and mathematical concepts.

However, we must be cautious not to swing the pendulum too far in this direction. The primary purpose of education is to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a broad knowledge base. These foundational elements are crucial for adaptability in a rapidly changing world. Practical skills, while important, can often be acquired through experience or specific training later in life.

Perhaps the ideal approach would be to strike a balance. Schools could integrate practical skills into existing subjects or offer elective courses that focus on life skills. This way, students can gain practical knowledge without compromising on academic rigor.

Ultimately, the goal should be to produce well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also capable of navigating the practicalities of everyday life. This balanced approach would better prepare students for the multifaceted challenges they’ll face beyond the classroom.”

Practical skills education in a classroom setting

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking, incorporate sophisticated vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Here are some examples:

1. Indispensable /ˌɪndɪˈspensəbl/ (adj): Absolutely necessary.
   Example: Effective communication is an indispensable skill in the workplace.

2. Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (v): Develop or acquire (a skill, quality, or attitude).
   Example: It takes time and effort to cultivate good time management skills.

3. Put theory into practice (idiom): To use theoretical knowledge in real situations.
   Example: University internships allow students to put theory into practice.

4. Scarcely a day goes by (phrase): Used to emphasize that something happens very frequently.
   Example: Scarcely a day goes by when I don’t use my problem-solving skills.

5. The utility of something cannot be overstated (phrase): Used to emphasize the extreme usefulness of something.
   Example: The utility of digital literacy in today’s world cannot be overstated.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a skill:

1. Be specific: Instead of general statements, provide concrete examples of how you use the skill.
2. Use a range of tenses: Incorporate past, present, and future tenses to discuss how you learned the skill, how you use it now, and how it might be useful in the future.
3. Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, analyze the topic from different angles and consider broader implications.
4. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on various topics to improve your ability to speak at length without long pauses.
5. Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use topic-specific vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to enhance your responses.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about the content of your answers, but also how you deliver them. Practice regularly, record yourself, and seek feedback to continuously improve your speaking skills.

Describe an occasion when you helped a stranger can also be a useful topic to practice, as it allows you to demonstrate your ability to narrate an event and express your thoughts on social interactions.