When discussing skills that will be valuable in the future during your IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to demonstrate both foresight and analytical ability. Similar to describe an invention that changed the world, this topic requires you to think critically about technological and societal changes.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions examiners ask about skills and learning:
- Do you enjoy learning new skills?
- What skills do you think are important in today’s world?
- How do you usually learn new skills?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m passionate about continuous learning and regularly invest time in acquiring new skills. Currently, I’m focusing on developing my digital literacy since it’s increasingly crucial in our tech-driven world. I typically learn through a combination of online courses and hands-on practice, which I find extremely effective.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a skill you think will be useful in the future
You should say:
- What the skill is
- How you learned/would like to learn it
- Why you think it will be important
- How it might benefit people in the future
Just as describe a time when you learned something valuable from a family member, this response requires personal reflection and clear explanation.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about artificial intelligence programming, a skill that I believe will be absolutely essential in the coming decades. I initially developed an interest in this field through online courses on platforms like Coursera and edX.
The learning process has been incredibly enlightening. I’ve been systematically working through various programming languages, starting with Python, and then delving deeper into machine learning frameworks. What fascinates me most is how AI can be applied to solve complex real-world problems.
I’m thoroughly convinced that AI programming will be crucial because it’s revolutionizing virtually every industry, from healthcare to transportation. The ability to work with AI will become as fundamental as digital literacy is today.
In terms of future benefits, I can envision AI programmers playing a pivotal role in developing solutions for climate change, personalized medicine, and education. This skill will empower individuals to contribute meaningfully to society’s most pressing challenges.”
IELTS candidate explaining AI programming skills during speaking test
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Similar to describe a special place in your hometown, these questions require detailed explanations and examples.
Q: How will technological skills impact employment in the future?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I strongly believe that technological skills will fundamentally reshape the job market. We’re already witnessing a dramatic shift towards automation and digitalization. Companies are increasingly prioritizing candidates with advanced technical capabilities, particularly in data analysis and artificial intelligence. However, it’s worth noting that this transformation will also create new opportunities and career paths that don’t even exist today.”
Q: Should traditional skills be preserved in a digital age?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“While we’re rapidly advancing technologically, I firmly believe in the importance of preserving traditional skills. These skills often embody cultural heritage and provide a unique perspective on problem-solving. Moreover, they can complement modern techniques in unexpected ways, creating innovative solutions that combine the best of both worlds.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Digital literacy /ˈdɪdʒɪtəl ˈlɪtərəsi/ (n): The ability to use digital technology effectively
- Paradigm shift /ˈpærəداɪm ʃɪft/ (n): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
- Cutting-edge /ˈkʌtɪŋ edʒ/ (adj): The most advanced stage of development
- Cross-functional /krɒs ˈfʌŋkʃənl/ (adj): Involving different areas or skills
- Innovation mindset /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən ˈmaɪndset/ (n): An approach focused on creating new solutions
Tips from an Examiner
- Use specific examples and personal experiences
- Demonstrate awareness of global trends
- Structure your response logically
- Include relevant statistics or research when possible
- Show both advantages and potential challenges of future skills
Remember, like describe a person you know who is very kind-hearted, personal connection and genuine enthusiasm will make your response more engaging and authentic.
