Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe an Important Skill with Confidence

Describing an important skill is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners. Being well-prepared to discuss various skills can significantly boost your performance in all parts of the speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about skills. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

Question: What skills do you think are important for your job/studies?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
For my studies in computer science, I believe critical thinking and problem-solving are crucial skills. These abilities help me analyze complex algorithms and develop efficient solutions. Additionally, strong communication skills are essential, as we often work on group projects and need to explain technical concepts clearly to non-technical audiences.

Important skills for job and studies

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing an important skill:

Describe a skill you think is important

You should say:

• What the skill is
• How you learned it
• Why you think it is important
• And explain how it has helped you in your life

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

I’d like to talk about a skill that I consider extremely important in both personal and professional life: adaptability. This is the ability to adjust quickly and effectively to new situations, challenges, or environments.

I’ve developed this skill gradually throughout my life, but I became particularly aware of its importance during my university years. As an international student, I had to adapt to a new culture, educational system, and way of life. This experience forced me out of my comfort zone and taught me to be more flexible in my approach to various situations.

Adaptability is crucial in today’s rapidly changing world. With technological advancements and global interconnectedness, the ability to pivot quickly and embrace change is more valuable than ever. It allows individuals to stay relevant in their careers and navigate complex social situations with ease.

This skill has helped me tremendously in my life. For instance, when I started my first job, I had to adapt to a corporate environment, which was quite different from university life. My adaptability allowed me to quickly learn new software, understand company protocols, and build rapport with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, during the recent global pandemic, I was able to swiftly transition to remote work and maintain productivity, which I attribute largely to my adaptable nature.

In conclusion, I believe adaptability is a cornerstone skill that enhances one’s resilience and success in various aspects of life. It’s not just about surviving change, but thriving in it.

Follow-up questions:

1. How can people improve their adaptability?
2. Do you think adaptability is more important now than in the past?

Sample Answers:

1. (Band 7-8) People can enhance their adaptability by deliberately seeking new experiences and challenging themselves. This could involve traveling to unfamiliar places, learning new skills, or taking on projects outside their comfort zone. Additionally, practicing mindfulness and developing a growth mindset can help individuals become more open to change and less resistant to new ideas or situations.

2. (Band 8-9) I firmly believe that adaptability is significantly more important now than in the past. In our rapidly evolving global landscape, changes that once took decades now occur in mere months. The pace of technological advancement and the interconnectedness of economies mean that industries can be disrupted overnight. Moreover, global challenges like climate change and pandemics require us to be more flexible than ever before. Those who can swiftly adjust their strategies and mindsets are more likely to thrive in this dynamic environment.

Describe a person who is very active can also be an interesting topic to discuss in relation to adaptability, as active individuals often demonstrate this skill in various aspects of their lives.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

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

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
I believe schools should definitely place more emphasis on teaching practical skills. While theoretical knowledge is undoubtedly important, students often graduate lacking essential life skills. For instance, financial literacy and effective communication are crucial for success in both personal and professional life. By incorporating these practical skills into the curriculum, schools can better prepare students for the challenges they’ll face in the real world.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I’m of the opinion that schools should strike a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. While it’s crucial to maintain a strong foundation in academic subjects, there’s an undeniable need to equip students with real-world competencies. Skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence are invaluable in navigating the complexities of modern life. Moreover, digital literacy and adaptability are becoming increasingly essential in our rapidly evolving technological landscape. By integrating these practical skills into the curriculum, schools can foster well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also adept at tackling real-world challenges. This approach would better prepare students for the multifaceted demands of higher education, the workforce, and society at large.

Teaching practical skills in schools

Examiner: How do you think technology has changed the skills needed in the workplace?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
Technology has significantly transformed the skills required in the modern workplace. Digital literacy has become essential across almost all industries. Employees now need to be proficient in various software and digital tools specific to their field. Additionally, the ability to adapt quickly to new technologies is crucial, as innovations are constantly emerging. This rapid pace of change also highlights the importance of continuous learning as a key skill in today’s job market.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
The impact of technology on workplace skills has been profound and multifaceted. Firstly, it has elevated digital competencies from being merely advantageous to absolutely indispensable. Beyond basic computer literacy, employees are now expected to navigate complex digital ecosystems and leverage data analytics tools to drive decision-making. Moreover, technology has amplified the need for cognitive flexibility and rapid skill acquisition. The half-life of skills is shrinking, necessitating a workforce that can pivot swiftly and embrace lifelong learning.

Interestingly, while technology has automated many routine tasks, it has simultaneously increased the value of uniquely human skills. Emotional intelligence, creative problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication have become more critical as machines take over repetitive work. Furthermore, the rise of remote work, accelerated by technological advancements, has made self-management and virtual collaboration essential skills.

In essence, technology hasn’t just changed the specific skills needed but has fundamentally altered the very nature of skill development in the workplace. It has created a paradigm where adaptability and the ability to synthesize information from various sources are paramount.

Describe a project you completed successfully often requires discussing how technology and various skills contributed to the project’s success, which aligns well with this topic.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Adaptability /əˈdæptəbɪləti/ (noun): The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.
   Example: Her adaptability allowed her to thrive in various work environments.

2. Cognitive flexibility /ˈkɒɡnətɪv ˌfleksəˈbɪləti/ (noun phrase): The ability to switch between thinking about two different concepts or to think about multiple concepts simultaneously.
   Example: Cognitive flexibility is crucial for solving complex problems in today’s fast-paced work environment.

3. Digital literacy /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈlɪtərəsi/ (noun phrase): The ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information.
   Example: Employers increasingly value digital literacy skills in all sectors of the job market.

4. Emotional intelligence /ɪˈməʊʃənl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/ (noun phrase): The capacity to be aware of, control, and express one’s emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically.
   Example: Leaders with high emotional intelligence often foster more productive and harmonious work environments.

5. Pivot /ˈpɪvət/ (verb): To adapt or change quickly in response to new circumstances.
   Example: The company had to pivot its business model to survive the economic downturn.

Describe a hobby that helps you to relax can be an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the use of these advanced vocabulary items in a different context.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing important skills:

1. Practice extensively: Regularly discuss various skills with friends or language partners to improve fluency and confidence.

2. Develop personal examples: Prepare specific, detailed examples of how you’ve used or developed important skills in your life.

3. Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a range of advanced words and phrases related to skills and personal development.

4. Focus on coherence: Ensure your answers are well-structured and logically connected, especially in Part 2’s long turn.

5. Be reflective: Show depth in your answers by explaining why skills are important and how they impact different aspects of life.

6. Stay current: Keep up with global trends in skills development to provide relevant and insightful answers in Part 3 discussions.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, accuracy, and a natural conversation flow.

Describe a time when you felt proud of someone else can be an excellent opportunity to practice these skills in a different context, demonstrating your ability to adapt your language use to various topics.

IELTS Speaking practice session

By following these guidelines and consistently practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss important skills and other topics in your IELTS Speaking test with confidence and proficiency.