Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Effectively Describe a Skill You Use in Your Daily Life

In IELTS Speaking, candidates are often asked to describe various aspects of their lives, including skills they use regularly. This topic is particularly common and likely to appear in future exams, as it allows examiners to assess a candidate’s ability to articulate personal experiences and practical knowledge. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to describing a skill you use in your daily life.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

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

Examiner: What skills do you use most often in your daily life?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, I’d say time management is a skill I rely on heavily every day. With a busy schedule balancing work, studies, and personal commitments, it’s crucial for me to prioritize tasks and allocate my time efficiently. This involves setting realistic goals, using digital tools to track my progress, and learning to say no to activities that don’t align with my priorities. It’s an ongoing process of improvement, but it’s definitely a skill that helps me stay productive and maintain a healthy work-life balance.”

Describe a person you know who has a lot of patience – this topic can be related to skills, as patience itself is a valuable skill in daily life.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a skill you use in your daily life:

Describe a skill you use in your daily life
You should say:
- What the skill is
- How you learned it
- How often you use it
- And explain why this skill is important to you

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“The skill I want to talk about is cooking. I learned it gradually from my mother when I was a teenager. She would invite me to help her in the kitchen, teaching me basic techniques like chopping vegetables and following recipes. As I grew older, I started experimenting on my own, watching cooking shows, and trying out new recipes from the internet.

I use this skill almost every day. I prepare my own meals most of the time, especially for breakfast and dinner. On weekends, I often cook for my family or friends.

This skill is important to me for several reasons. Firstly, it allows me to eat healthier by controlling the ingredients I use. Secondly, it saves me money compared to eating out all the time. Lastly, I find cooking relaxing and creative. It’s a way for me to unwind after a long day and express myself through food.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“The skill I’d like to describe is culinary proficiency, which I’ve honed over the years. My journey into the culinary world began in my adolescence, under the expert tutelage of my mother. She methodically introduced me to the fundamentals of food preparation, from the art of knife skills to the science of flavor combinations.

As my passion for cooking blossomed, I proactively sought to expand my repertoire. I immersed myself in culinary literature, religiously followed renowned chefs on various platforms, and diligently practiced diverse techniques. This self-directed learning has been instrumental in elevating my cooking from a mere hobby to a refined skill.

I employ this skill on a daily basis, preparing the majority of my meals. It’s not just about sustenance; it’s an opportunity to innovate and express creativity. On weekends, I often host elaborate dinners, using my culinary skills to bring people together and create memorable experiences.

The importance of this skill in my life cannot be overstated. Primarily, it empowers me to take control of my nutrition, ensuring I consume balanced, wholesome meals. Additionally, it’s financially prudent, significantly reducing my expenses on dining out. Perhaps most importantly, cooking serves as a therapeutic outlet. The process of creating a dish from scratch is immensely satisfying and serves as a perfect antidote to the stresses of daily life. It’s not just about feeding the body, but nourishing the soul.”

Chef demonstrating cooking techniques in a professional kitchen

Follow-up questions:

1. How has learning this skill changed your daily routine?
2. Do you think this skill will be useful in your future career?

Sample answers (Band 8-9):

1. “Learning to cook has revolutionized my daily routine. It’s instilled a sense of structure and purpose to my mornings and evenings. I now wake up earlier to prepare a nutritious breakfast, which sets a positive tone for the day. In the evenings, cooking serves as a clear demarcation between work and personal time, helping me to mentally transition and unwind. It’s also enhanced my time management skills, as I need to plan meals in advance and allocate time for grocery shopping and meal prep. Overall, this skill has made my daily life more organized, healthier, and enjoyable.”

2. “Absolutely, I believe culinary skills will be invaluable in my future career, regardless of the field I enter. Firstly, cooking is essentially about problem-solving and creativity – skills that are universally applicable. The ability to follow instructions precisely while also knowing when to improvise is crucial in many professional settings. Moreover, cooking has honed my multitasking abilities and attention to detail, which are prized attributes in any workplace. On a more practical level, being able to prepare quick, healthy meals can help me maintain high energy levels and productivity at work. Lastly, in a business context, the ability to prepare a meal can be a unique way to connect with clients or colleagues, potentially opening doors to new opportunities.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think schools should teach practical skills like cooking?

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“Yes, I think schools should teach practical skills like cooking. It’s important for students to learn how to take care of themselves. Cooking is a basic life skill that everyone needs. It can help students eat healthier and save money in the future. Also, cooking classes can be fun and help students learn about different cultures through food.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that integrating practical skills like cooking into school curricula is not just beneficial, but essential. Such an approach would address multiple aspects of a student’s development. Firstly, it would promote self-sufficiency, equipping young people with the ability to sustain themselves independently upon leaving home. Moreover, cooking classes can serve as an excellent medium for teaching various academic subjects. For instance, they can reinforce mathematical concepts through measurement and portioning, enhance scientific understanding through the chemical processes involved in cooking, and even broaden cultural awareness by exploring cuisines from around the world. Additionally, in an era where obesity and diet-related health issues are prevalent, educating students about nutrition and healthy food preparation could have far-reaching positive impacts on public health. Lastly, cooking is a collaborative activity that can foster teamwork and communication skills, which are invaluable in any future career path.”

Describe a time when you helped organize a nature cleanup event – organizing events requires various skills that can be used in daily life, such as planning and coordination.

Examiner: How do you think technology has changed the way people learn new skills?

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“Technology has made learning new skills much easier. We can now find tutorials and courses online for almost anything. People can learn at their own pace and from anywhere. There are also apps that help track progress and remind us to practice. However, it might also make people less patient because they expect to learn things quickly.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has fundamentally transformed the landscape of skill acquisition in myriad ways. Primarily, it has democratized access to knowledge, breaking down geographical and financial barriers. Online platforms offer an unprecedented array of courses and tutorials, often at little to no cost, enabling individuals from all walks of life to pursue their interests and enhance their abilities.

Moreover, technology has revolutionized the learning process itself. Adaptive learning algorithms can tailor educational content to an individual’s pace and style, maximizing efficiency and retention. Virtual and augmented reality technologies are pushing the boundaries of experiential learning, allowing people to practice skills in simulated environments without real-world risks.

However, this technological shift is not without its drawbacks. The abundance of information can be overwhelming, potentially leading to a superficial understanding of complex skills. There’s also a risk of over-reliance on digital tools, potentially atrophying certain cognitive abilities or practical skills.

In essence, while technology has undoubtedly enhanced our capacity to learn new skills, it also necessitates a more discerning and self-directed approach to learning. The challenge lies in leveraging these tools effectively while maintaining the discipline and depth of traditional learning methods.”

User interface of an online learning platform

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Hone /həʊn/ (verb): to improve or perfect a skill over time
   Example: I’ve been honing my cooking skills for years.

2. Proficiency /prəˈfɪʃənsi/ (noun): a high degree of skill or expertise
   Example: Her proficiency in time management is truly impressive.

3. Instrumental /ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/ (adjective): serving as a means of pursuing an aim
   Example: Learning to code was instrumental in landing my current job.

4. Versatile /ˈvɜːsətaɪl/ (adjective): 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.

5. Indispensable /ˌɪndɪˈspensəbl/ (adjective): absolutely necessary
   Example: In today’s fast-paced world, time management has become an indispensable skill.

Describe a situation where you had to make a quick decision – decision-making is a crucial skill used in daily life, often requiring quick thinking and adaptability.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in describing a skill you use in your daily life during your IELTS Speaking test:

1. Be specific: Don’t just mention the skill; describe how you use it in detail.
2. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to the skill.
3. Provide examples: Illustrate your points with real-life scenarios where you’ve applied the skill.
4. Discuss the impact: Explain how the skill has affected your life or personal development.
5. Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to analyze the importance of the skill critically.

Remember, practice is key. Regularly describing different skills you use daily will help you become more fluent and confident in your responses.

Describe a person who taught you the value of kindness – learning kindness can be seen as acquiring a valuable skill for daily life interactions.

IELTS speaking practice session with an examiner

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss any skill you use in your daily life during your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to speak naturally and confidently while showcasing your English language abilities.

Describe a city you would like to visit – planning a visit to a new city requires various daily life skills such as research, budgeting, and time management.