IELTS Speaking exams often include questions about skills and abilities. One common topic is describing a skill that everyone should learn. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test.
Describe a time when you shared your knowledge or expertise with others is another related topic that can help you prepare for this type of question. By understanding how to articulate your experiences in sharing skills, you’ll be better equipped to discuss essential skills everyone should learn.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about skills and learning. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Question: “Do you think it’s important for people to learn new skills?”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely. I believe that learning new skills is crucial for personal and professional growth. In today’s rapidly changing world, staying adaptable and continuously expanding our skill set is essential for success. It not only enhances our employability but also broadens our perspectives and boosts our confidence. Moreover, the process of acquiring new skills keeps our minds sharp and promotes lifelong learning, which I find incredibly valuable.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a skill everyone should learn:
Describe a skill you think everyone should learn
You should say:
- What the skill is
- Why you think it’s important
- How people can learn this skill
- And explain how this skill can benefit society
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a skill that I believe is absolutely essential for everyone to learn: critical thinking. This skill involves the ability to analyze information objectively, evaluate arguments, and make reasoned judgments.
I consider critical thinking crucially important because we live in an era of information overload. With the proliferation of social media and the ease of spreading misinformation, it’s more vital than ever to be able to discern fact from fiction and make informed decisions.
People can develop this skill through various means. Formal education plays a significant role, but it’s also something that can be honed through practice in everyday life. Reading widely, engaging in debates, and actively questioning assumptions are all excellent ways to sharpen critical thinking abilities. Additionally, there are numerous online courses and workshops dedicated to teaching critical thinking techniques.
The benefits of widespread critical thinking skills to society would be immense. It would lead to a more informed and engaged citizenry, capable of making better decisions in both personal and public spheres. This could result in improved policy-making, reduced susceptibility to manipulation, and a general elevation of public discourse. Furthermore, in the workplace, critical thinkers are often more innovative and better problem-solvers, which could drive economic progress and technological advancements.
In conclusion, I firmly believe that if more people mastered the art of critical thinking, we’d see a significant positive impact on individual lives and society as a whole.”
Critical thinking skill described in IELTS Speaking
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I think a really important skill for everyone to learn is critical thinking. It’s about being able to think carefully about information and make good decisions.
I think it’s important because there’s so much information around us nowadays, especially on the internet and social media. It’s not always easy to know what’s true and what’s not.
People can learn this skill in school, but also by reading a lot and talking about different ideas with others. There are also some online courses that can help.
I believe this skill can really help society because if more people can think critically, we’ll make better choices. This could help in politics, at work, and in everyday life. It could lead to better solutions to problems and less misunderstanding between people.”
Follow-up questions:
- How long does it typically take to develop strong critical thinking skills?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Developing robust critical thinking skills is an ongoing process that can take years to fully master. However, significant improvements can be seen within a few months of dedicated practice. It’s important to note that critical thinking is not a skill that’s ever truly ‘completed’ – it requires constant refinement and application to stay sharp. The time frame can vary depending on factors such as an individual’s starting point, learning environment, and commitment to improvement. In my experience, with consistent effort and the right guidance, most people can see noticeable enhancements in their critical thinking abilities within 6-12 months.”
- Are there any potential drawbacks to promoting critical thinking in society?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“While the benefits of critical thinking far outweigh any potential drawbacks, it’s worth considering some possible challenges. One concern is that a society of critical thinkers might experience slower decision-making processes, as people take more time to analyze and question information. Additionally, it could lead to increased skepticism towards authority, which, while often healthy, might occasionally hinder necessary swift action in emergencies. There’s also a risk of over-analysis paralysis, where individuals become so focused on questioning everything that they struggle to reach conclusions. However, I believe these potential issues are minor compared to the immense benefits of a more critically thinking populace, and can be mitigated through balanced education and guidance.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: “Do you think the education system in most countries adequately teaches critical thinking skills?”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“That’s an intriguing question. In my opinion, while many education systems recognize the importance of critical thinking, there’s still considerable room for improvement in how it’s taught. Traditional educational models often prioritize rote learning and standardized testing, which don’t necessarily foster critical thinking skills.
However, I’ve observed a gradual shift in recent years. Progressive educational approaches are increasingly incorporating elements that promote critical thinking, such as project-based learning, Socratic questioning, and interdisciplinary studies. These methods encourage students to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information rather than simply memorizing facts.
That being said, the implementation of these approaches varies widely between and even within countries. Developed nations with well-funded education systems might be making more headway in this area, while countries with limited resources may struggle to move beyond basic literacy and numeracy.
I believe there’s a pressing need for a more universal and systematic approach to teaching critical thinking. This could involve redesigning curricula to explicitly include critical thinking skills, training teachers in methods to foster these skills, and developing assessment tools that can effectively measure critical thinking abilities.
Ultimately, while progress is being made, I think most education systems are still falling short of adequately equipping students with the level of critical thinking skills needed in our increasingly complex world.”
Education system teaching critical thinking
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I think most education systems try to teach critical thinking, but they don’t always do a great job. Many schools still focus on memorizing facts for tests, which doesn’t really help with critical thinking.
Some schools are trying new ways of teaching that help students think more deeply about things. They use projects and discussions to get students to analyze information better.
But this isn’t happening everywhere. Some countries with better schools might be doing more of this, while others might not have the resources to change how they teach.
I think schools need to do more to teach critical thinking. They could change what they teach and how they teach it to help students get better at thinking critically. It’s really important for students to learn this skill for their future.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Crucial /ˈkruːʃəl/ (adjective): Extremely important or necessary.
Example: “Critical thinking is a crucial skill in the modern workplace.”Proliferation /prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃən/ (noun): Rapid increase in number or amount.
Example: “The proliferation of online information makes critical thinking more important than ever.”Discern /dɪˈsɜːn/ (verb): To recognize or find out.
Example: “It’s essential to discern reliable sources from unreliable ones.”Hone /həʊn/ (verb): To refine or perfect something over time.
Example: “We can hone our critical thinking skills through regular practice and reflection.”Susceptibility /səˌseptəˈbɪləti/ (noun): The state of being likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing.
Example: “Strong critical thinking skills reduce one’s susceptibility to misinformation.”
Describe a book you read that you would recommend to others could be an excellent opportunity to showcase your critical thinking skills by explaining why you found a particular book valuable and how it influenced your thinking.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing skills:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary, including less common words and phrases related to skills and learning.
- Demonstrate your ability to speak at length with minimal hesitation.
- Provide specific examples to support your points.
- Show your capacity for abstract thinking, especially in Part 3.
- Use a variety of grammatical structures accurately.
- Practice regularly, recording yourself and analyzing your responses.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are all crucial factors in achieving a high band score.
Describe a person who encourages you to pursue your dreams is another topic where you can demonstrate your speaking skills while discussing personal growth and skill development. This can be a great way to show how others have influenced your own skill acquisition journey.