The topic of describing a skill you want to develop in the future is a common theme in IELTS Speaking exams. It allows candidates to showcase their aspirations, self-awareness, and ability to articulate personal growth plans. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its versatility and relevance to personal development.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about skills and personal development. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you think it’s important to keep learning new skills throughout life?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely, I believe continuous learning is crucial in today’s fast-paced world. Not only does it keep our minds sharp and engaged, but it also enhances our adaptability in an ever-changing job market. Moreover, acquiring new skills can boost self-confidence and open up exciting opportunities that we might not have considered before. It’s a lifelong journey that contributes to both personal and professional growth.
Describe a skill that you learned from a family member can be an interesting topic to explore when discussing personal development. It shows how skills can be passed down through generations and highlights the importance of family in our learning journey.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a skill you want to develop in the future
You should say:
- What the skill is
- Why you want to develop it
- How you plan to develop it
- And explain how this skill will benefit you in the future
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
The skill I’m particularly keen on developing in the future is data analysis. In today’s digital age, the ability to interpret and draw meaningful insights from vast amounts of information has become increasingly valuable across various industries.
My interest in this skill stems from its wide-ranging applications and the potential it holds for informed decision-making. As we continue to generate exponential amounts of data, those who can effectively analyze and interpret this information will be in high demand. I’m fascinated by the idea of uncovering hidden patterns and trends that can drive strategic business decisions or contribute to scientific breakthroughs.
To develop this skill, I plan to take a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I intend to enroll in online courses specializing in data analysis, covering topics such as statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization. Platforms like Coursera and edX offer comprehensive programs in this field. Secondly, I aim to gain hands-on experience by working on real-world projects, perhaps through internships or collaborating on open-source data projects. Lastly, I’ll stay updated with the latest trends and tools in data analysis by following industry blogs and participating in relevant webinars.
The benefits of mastering data analysis are numerous and far-reaching. In my professional life, it will enhance my problem-solving abilities and make me a more valuable asset to potential employers. It will open up exciting career opportunities in fields like business intelligence, market research, and data science. On a personal level, it will sharpen my critical thinking skills and enable me to make more informed decisions in various aspects of life. Moreover, in an increasingly data-driven world, this skill will empower me to better understand and navigate complex issues, from economic trends to social phenomena.
Ultimately, developing proficiency in data analysis aligns perfectly with my goal of continuous learning and adapting to the evolving demands of the modern workplace.
Follow-up questions:
- How long do you think it will take you to develop this skill?
- Do you think this skill will be relevant in 10 years’ time?
Sample answers:
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(Band 7-8) Developing expertise in data analysis is certainly a long-term commitment. I anticipate it will take at least 2-3 years of dedicated study and practice to reach a proficient level. However, given the rapidly evolving nature of this field, I believe it will require ongoing learning to stay current with new techniques and technologies.
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(Band 8-9) Absolutely, I’m convinced that data analysis will not only remain relevant but will likely become even more crucial in the next decade. As we continue to generate and collect vast amounts of data across all sectors, the need for skilled professionals who can extract meaningful insights from this information will only grow. Moreover, with advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, the field of data analysis is likely to evolve, potentially opening up new applications and opportunities that we can’t even foresee today.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think the skills needed for the job market will change in the next 20 years?
Candidate (Band 8-9): The job market is likely to undergo significant transformations in the coming decades, driven by technological advancements and global challenges. I believe we’ll see a growing demand for skills that complement artificial intelligence and automation, rather than those that can be easily replicated by machines. Critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence will become increasingly valuable, as these are areas where humans still outperform AI.
Additionally, adaptability and the ability to learn quickly will be crucial. As the pace of change accelerates, professionals will need to continuously update their skills and knowledge to remain relevant. We’re likely to see a shift towards more interdisciplinary roles, requiring individuals to have a broad understanding of multiple fields.
Furthermore, I anticipate that skills related to sustainability and environmental management will become increasingly important as we grapple with climate change and resource scarcity. Digital literacy will also be fundamental across all sectors, not just in tech-specific roles.
Lastly, as our world becomes more interconnected, cross-cultural communication skills and the ability to work in diverse, global teams will be highly prized. This might include proficiency in multiple languages and a deep understanding of different cultural contexts.
Describe a time when you participated in an online course could be relevant here, as online learning is becoming increasingly important for developing new skills and adapting to changing job market demands.
Examiner: Do you think traditional education systems are well-equipped to teach these future skills?
Candidate (Band 7-8): While traditional education systems have their strengths, I believe they face significant challenges in preparing students for the rapidly evolving job market. Many conventional curricula are still focused on rote learning and standardized testing, which don’t necessarily foster the critical thinking and adaptability needed for future careers.
However, I’ve observed that many educational institutions are making efforts to modernize their approach. Some schools are incorporating project-based learning, emphasizing STEM subjects, and introducing coding from an early age. Universities are increasingly collaborating with industry partners to ensure their programs remain relevant.
That said, there’s still room for improvement. Education systems need to place greater emphasis on soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. They should also focus more on teaching students how to learn independently, as this will be crucial for lifelong learning in a rapidly changing world.
Ultimately, while traditional education is evolving, it may need to undergo more radical changes to fully equip students with the skills needed for future job markets.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Keen on (adjective phrase) – /kiːn ɒn/ – very interested in or enthusiastic about something
Example: I’m keen on developing my public speaking skills. -
Stem from (phrasal verb) – /stem frəm/ – to originate from or be caused by
Example: My interest in photography stems from my father’s influence. -
Multi-faceted approach (noun phrase) – /ˌmʌlti ˈfæsɪtɪd əˈprəʊtʃ/ – a strategy that considers many different aspects of a situation
Example: Solving climate change requires a multi-faceted approach. -
Far-reaching (adjective) – /fɑː ˈriːtʃɪŋ/ – having a wide range of effects or influences
Example: The invention of the internet has had far-reaching consequences on society. -
Proficiency (noun) – /prəˈfɪʃənsi/ – a high degree of skill or expertise
Example: Achieving proficiency in a new language takes time and dedication.
Describe a time when you helped someone learn a new skill can be a great opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of skill development and your ability to articulate the learning process.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a skill you want to develop:
- Be specific about the skill you choose and provide clear reasons for your interest in it.
- Use a variety of complex sentence structures and advanced vocabulary to articulate your thoughts.
- Demonstrate your awareness of current trends and future projections related to skill development.
- Provide concrete examples and personal anecdotes to support your points.
- Show your ability to think critically about the implications of developing this skill.
- Practice speaking fluently and coherently for 2 minutes without hesitation.
- Be prepared to discuss related topics in depth during Part 3 of the test.
Remember, the key to success lies in thorough preparation and regular practice. Good luck with your IELTS Speaking test!
Describe an interesting job that you have heard about could be a related topic to explore, as it might involve discussing skills needed for future careers.