Mastering the Art of IELTS Speaking: Describing a Useful Skill You Learned

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and skills. One common topic that frequently appears is describing a skill you have learned and found useful. This topic allows candidates to showcase their ability to articulate personal growth, reflect on learning experiences, and demonstrate practical applications of acquired skills. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and maximize your speaking score.

Describe a person who makes you feel calm can be another interesting topic to discuss in your IELTS Speaking test. However, let’s focus on describing a useful skill you’ve learned.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

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

1. Do you enjoy learning new skills?
2. What’s a skill you’ve recently learned?
3. How do you usually learn new skills?

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

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):

“I recently learned the art of public speaking, which has been incredibly beneficial for my personal and professional development. I took an online course that covered various aspects such as structuring presentations, engaging audiences, and managing stage fright. It’s been a transformative experience, and I’ve already had the opportunity to apply these skills in several work presentations.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe a skill you learned that you find useful

You should say:
- What the skill is
- When and where you learned it
- How you learned it
- And explain why you find it useful

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about a skill I learned that has proven incredibly useful in my daily life: time management. I acquired this skill about two years ago when I started my university studies and realized I was struggling to balance my academic workload with my part-time job and social life.

I learned this skill primarily through a combination of online resources and practical application. I started by reading several books on productivity and watching YouTube tutorials on effective time management techniques. However, the real learning came from consistently applying these strategies in my daily routine.

The process involved experimenting with different methods until I found what worked best for me. I began by using a digital calendar to schedule all my activities and deadlines. Then, I incorporated the Pomodoro Technique for focused work sessions and implemented a priority matrix to categorize tasks based on their urgency and importance.

This skill has been immensely useful for several reasons. Firstly, it has significantly reduced my stress levels by helping me feel more in control of my commitments. Secondly, it has boosted my productivity, allowing me to accomplish more in less time. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, it has created a better work-life balance, giving me the freedom to pursue my hobbies and spend quality time with friends and family without feeling guilty about neglecting my responsibilities.

In essence, mastering time management has not only improved my academic and professional performance but has also enhanced my overall quality of life.”

Learning time management skills

Examiner’s follow-up questions:

1. How long did it take you to master this skill?
2. Have you taught this skill to others?

Sample Answers (Band 8-9):

1. “Mastering time management was a gradual process that took several months. While I saw immediate improvements in my productivity after implementing basic techniques, it took about six months of consistent practice to truly internalize these habits and adapt them to various situations. Even now, I consider it an ongoing journey of refinement and adaptation as I encounter new challenges and responsibilities.”

2. “Yes, I’ve had the opportunity to share my knowledge with classmates and colleagues. I’ve conducted a few informal workshops where I introduced the core concepts of time management and shared my personal experiences. It’s been rewarding to see others benefit from these techniques, and teaching has also helped me reinforce my own understanding of the skill.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. What skills do you think are most important for success in today’s world?
2. How has technology changed the way people learn new skills?
3. Do you think schools should focus more on teaching practical life skills?

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

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I firmly believe that schools should indeed place a greater emphasis on teaching practical life skills. While academic knowledge is undoubtedly important, there’s a growing need for students to be equipped with skills that are directly applicable to their personal and professional lives post-graduation.

Firstly, financial literacy is a crucial skill that’s often overlooked in traditional curricula. Teaching students about budgeting, investing, and understanding credit could significantly impact their future financial well-being. Similarly, emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills are invaluable in both personal relationships and professional settings.

Moreover, in our rapidly evolving digital landscape, digital literacy and information discernment are becoming increasingly important. Students need to learn how to navigate the online world safely, critically evaluate information sources, and use technology effectively.

However, it’s important to strike a balance between academic subjects and life skills. The challenge lies in integrating these practical skills into existing curricula without compromising on core academic content. This could be achieved through project-based learning, real-world case studies, or dedicated workshops.

Ultimately, by equipping students with a combination of academic knowledge and practical life skills, we’re better preparing them for the complexities of modern life and enhancing their chances of success in various aspects of their future endeavors.”

Describe a time when you helped someone with a difficult task is another topic that can help you practice your speaking skills for the IELTS test.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Transformative experience /trænsˈfɔːmətɪv ɪkˈspɪərɪəns/ (adj. + n.): A profoundly changing event or process.
   Example: “Learning to code was a transformative experience that opened up new career opportunities.”

2. Internalize /ɪnˈtɜːnəlaɪz/ (v): To make attitudes or behavior part of one’s nature by learning or unconscious assimilation.
   Example: “It took time to internalize the principles of effective public speaking.”

3. Work-life balance /wɜːk laɪf ˈbæləns/ (n): The division of one’s time and focus between working and family or leisure activities.
   Example: “Mastering time management helped me achieve a better work-life balance.”

4. Productivity /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/ (n): The effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input.
   Example: “Implementing these new skills significantly boosted my productivity at work.”

5. Gradual process /ˈɡrædʒuəl ˈprəʊses/ (adj. + n): A series of changes that happen slowly over time.
   Example: “Improving my public speaking skills was a gradual process that took consistent practice.”

Key vocabulary for IELTS Speaking

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a useful skill you’ve learned:

1. Be specific: Provide concrete examples of how you learned the skill and its applications in your life.

2. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions relevant to learning and skill development.

3. Demonstrate reflection: Show that you can critically evaluate the impact of the skill on your life and its broader implications.

4. Structure your answer: Organize your thoughts logically, especially in Part 2, to ensure you cover all aspects of the cue card.

5. Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses. Regular practice with a variety of topics can help improve your overall fluency.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about the content of your answers, but also how you deliver them. Confidence, clarity, and the ability to elaborate on your ideas are crucial factors in achieving a high band score.

Describe a skill you would like to develop can be an excellent topic to practice after mastering how to describe a skill you’ve already learned.