The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and skills. One common topic that frequently appears is describing a recently acquired skill. This question allows candidates to showcase their ability to discuss personal growth and learning experiences. Let’s explore how to effectively answer this question and impress the examiner with your English proficiency.

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:

Sample Question: “Do you enjoy learning new skills?”

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I really enjoy learning new things. It’s always exciting to challenge myself and expand my knowledge. Recently, I’ve been trying to learn how to cook different cuisines, which has been both fun and rewarding.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely! I find the process of acquiring new skills incredibly stimulating and rewarding. There’s something exhilarating about pushing my boundaries and broadening my horizons. For instance, I’ve recently delved into the world of digital photography, which has not only enhanced my creativity but also given me a fresh perspective on visual storytelling.”

Learning digital photography

Describe a product you got for free can be another interesting topic to discuss in your IELTS Speaking test, as it allows you to demonstrate your ability to describe experiences and express opinions.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a recently acquired skill:

Describe A Skill You Recently Acquired

You should say:
- What the skill is
- How you learned it
- Why you decided to learn it
- And explain how you feel about this new skill

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

“I’d like to talk about a skill I recently acquired, which is touch typing.

Touch typing is the ability to type quickly and accurately without looking at the keyboard. I learned this skill through an online course that I discovered while browsing for productivity tools. The course used a combination of interactive exercises and gamified lessons to make the learning process engaging and effective.

I decided to learn touch typing because I realized how much time I was wasting hunting and pecking for keys while working on my computer. As a university student, I often need to write long essays and reports, so I thought improving my typing speed and accuracy would be a significant time-saver.

Since mastering this skill, I feel incredibly empowered and efficient. My typing speed has increased dramatically, from about 30 words per minute to over 80 words per minute. This improvement has had a ripple effect on various aspects of my life. I can now complete assignments more quickly, take better notes during lectures, and even communicate more effectively in online discussions.

Moreover, the process of learning touch typing has taught me the value of perseverance and consistent practice. It wasn’t easy at first, and I often felt frustrated when I made mistakes. However, by sticking with it and practicing regularly, I was able to overcome these challenges and achieve my goal.

Practicing touch typing on a keyboard

In conclusion, acquiring the skill of touch typing has not only boosted my productivity but also increased my confidence in using technology. It’s a testament to the fact that investing time in learning new skills can yield significant long-term benefits.”

Follow-up Questions

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

Band 6-7 Answer:
“It took me about a month of regular practice to get comfortable with touch typing. I think it will be very useful in my future job because most office work involves using computers.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Mastering touch typing took approximately six weeks of dedicated practice. I devoted about an hour each day to the online course and additional exercises. As for its future utility, I’m convinced that this skill will be invaluable in my professional life. In today’s digital age, proficiency in typing is not just an asset but often a prerequisite for many careers. It will undoubtedly enhance my efficiency in tasks ranging from report writing to data entry, giving me a competitive edge in the job market.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to skills and learning.

Sample Question: “Do you think the education system in your country emphasizes practical skills enough?”

Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think our education system could do better in teaching practical skills. Many students graduate without knowing how to do basic things like manage money or cook. Schools should probably include more life skills in their curriculum.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“In my opinion, there’s a significant gap between the skills taught in our education system and those required in the real world. While our schools excel in imparting theoretical knowledge, they often fall short in equipping students with practical, life-ready skills. This discrepancy is particularly evident in areas such as financial literacy, digital competence, and soft skills like communication and problem-solving.

I believe there’s a pressing need for a more balanced approach that integrates academic learning with practical skill development. This could involve incorporating internships, project-based learning, and real-world problem-solving into the curriculum. By doing so, we would be better preparing students for the challenges they’ll face in their personal and professional lives.

Moreover, given the rapid pace of technological advancement, our education system needs to be more agile and adaptive. Teaching students how to learn and adapt to new skills quickly might be even more valuable than teaching specific skills that may become obsolete in the near future.”

Students working together on a project

Describe an invention that has changed your life is another interesting topic that can help you showcase your ability to discuss technological advancements and their impact on society.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to use a range of advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can help elevate your responses:

1. Acquire (verb) /əˈkwaɪər/ – to gain or obtain something
   Example: “I recently acquired the skill of public speaking.”
2. Proficiency (noun) /prəˈfɪʃənsi/ – a high degree of skill or expertise
   Example: “Achieving proficiency in a new language requires consistent practice.”
3. Endeavor (verb) /ɪnˈdevər/ – to try hard to do or achieve something
   Example: “I endeavored to learn coding despite its initial challenges.”
4. Perseverance (noun) /ˌpɜːrsəˈvɪrəns/ – persistence in doing something despite difficulty
   Example: “Learning to play the piano requires a great deal of perseverance.”
5. Versatile (adjective) /ˈvɜːrsətaɪl/ – able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities
   Example: “Cooking is a versatile skill that can be applied in various situations.”
6. Enhance (verb) /ɪnˈhæns/ – to increase or improve in value, quality, desirability, or attractiveness
   Example: “Learning a new language can enhance your career prospects.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a recently acquired skill:

1. Be specific: Provide concrete details about the skill you learned, the process of learning, and its impact on your life.
2. Use a variety of tenses: Incorporate past, present, and future tenses to discuss how you learned the skill, how you use it now, and how you plan to use it in the future.
3. Show enthusiasm: Demonstrate genuine interest in the skill you’re describing. This can help make your response more engaging and authentic.
4. Structure your answer: Organize your thoughts logically, using clear transitions between ideas.
5. Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with common IELTS topics and practice describing various skills and experiences.
6. Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use topic-specific vocabulary related to skills, learning, and personal development.

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. Speak clearly, maintain good eye contact, and try to sound natural and confident.

Describe a review you read about a product or service can be an excellent way to practice your descriptive skills and showcase your ability to analyze and discuss information from different sources.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss any recently acquired skill in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the goal is not just to describe the skill, but to demonstrate your English language proficiency through clear, articulate, and well-structured responses.