As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve observed that questions about personal skills and self-improvement are increasingly common in the test. The topic “describe a skill you want to improve” is particularly popular, as it allows candidates to showcase their self-awareness and future goals. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this topic and maximize your score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about skills and self-improvement. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
- “Do you think it’s important to continuously improve your skills?”
Band 6-7 answer: “Yes, I believe it’s crucial to keep improving our skills. In today’s fast-paced world, we need to adapt and learn new things to stay competitive in our careers and personal lives.”
Band 8-9 answer: “Absolutely. Continuous skill development is paramount in our rapidly evolving society. Not only does it enhance our professional prospects, but it also contributes to personal growth and fosters a sense of fulfillment. In my opinion, embracing lifelong learning is key to navigating the challenges of the modern world successfully.”
describe a skill you would like to improve in the future
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a skill you want to improve
You should say:
- What the skill is
- Why you want to improve it
- How you plan to improve it
- And explain how this improvement will benefit you in the future
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“The skill I want to improve is public speaking. I’ve always been a bit nervous when speaking in front of large groups, and I think it’s holding me back in my career. I want to improve this skill because it’s essential for presentations at work and could help me advance to leadership positions.
To improve, I plan to join a local Toastmasters club where I can practice speaking regularly. I’ll also watch TED talks to learn from experienced speakers and try to implement their techniques. Additionally, I’ll ask for more opportunities to present at work, even if it’s just small team meetings at first.
In the future, this improvement will benefit me by boosting my confidence and helping me communicate my ideas more effectively. It could lead to better job opportunities and allow me to make a bigger impact in my field.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The skill I’m keen on enhancing is my proficiency in data analysis, particularly in the realm of machine learning. As we’re increasingly immersed in a data-driven world, I believe this skill is not just valuable but indispensable for making informed decisions and driving innovation across various sectors.
My motivation to improve this skill stems from its wide-ranging applications and the potential it holds for solving complex problems. From healthcare to finance, data analysis and machine learning are revolutionizing industries, and I want to be at the forefront of this transformation.
To cultivate this skill, I’ve devised a comprehensive plan. Firstly, I’m enrolling in an online course on Coursera, specializing in advanced data analysis and machine learning algorithms. Concurrently, I’ll be working on practical projects using real-world datasets to apply theoretical knowledge in tangible scenarios. I also plan to participate in Kaggle competitions, which will expose me to challenging problems and allow me to learn from a global community of data scientists.
The long-term benefits of improving this skill are manifold. It will significantly enhance my problem-solving abilities and enable me to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets. This proficiency will make me an invaluable asset in any organization, potentially opening doors to exciting career opportunities in data science or AI research. Moreover, it will empower me to contribute to groundbreaking projects that could have a profound impact on society, whether it’s in predictive healthcare, climate change mitigation, or developing smarter cities.”
Follow-up Questions:
- “How long do you think it will take to improve this skill significantly?”
Band 6-7 answer: “I think it might take about six months to a year of consistent practice to see significant improvement. It depends on how much time I can dedicate to it alongside my other commitments.”
Band 8-9 answer: “The journey of skill improvement is ongoing and iterative. While I anticipate seeing tangible progress within 6-12 months of dedicated practice, I believe that true mastery is a lifelong pursuit. The field of data analysis and machine learning is constantly evolving, so I’ll need to remain adaptable and commit to continuous learning to stay at the cutting edge.”
- “Do you think some skills are more important than others in today’s society?”
Band 6-7 answer: “Yes, I believe some skills are more valuable in today’s world. For example, digital literacy and communication skills are crucial in most jobs now.”
Band 8-9 answer: “Indeed, the relative importance of skills fluctuates with societal and technological changes. In our current digital age, skills like data literacy, critical thinking, and adaptability are increasingly paramount. However, it’s crucial to recognize that soft skills such as emotional intelligence and cross-cultural communication remain indispensable, especially as our world becomes more interconnected. The most valuable skill set is often a harmonious blend of technical prowess and human-centric abilities.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Do you think the education system in your country adequately prepares students with the skills they need for the future?”
Band 6-7 answer: “I think our education system does a good job in some areas, like teaching academic subjects. However, it could improve in teaching practical skills like financial literacy or critical thinking. Schools could also focus more on digital skills, which are essential in today’s job market.”
Band 8-9 answer: “While our education system has its strengths, I believe there’s room for substantial improvement in preparing students for the future job market. The traditional emphasis on rote learning and standardized testing, while valuable in some contexts, often falls short in fostering critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability – skills that are increasingly crucial in our rapidly evolving world.
I think there’s a pressing need for a paradigm shift in our educational approach. Integrating project-based learning, emphasizing interdisciplinary studies, and incorporating real-world problem-solving into curricula could better equip students with the versatile skill set demanded by the 21st-century workforce. Moreover, fostering emotional intelligence, cultural competence, and digital literacy should be key priorities.
That said, it’s important to acknowledge that education systems face numerous challenges, including resource constraints and the need to cater to diverse learning needs. Striking a balance between traditional academic rigor and future-oriented skill development is no small feat. It requires collaborative efforts from policymakers, educators, and industry leaders to continually refine and adapt our educational strategies.”
describe a skill you recently developed
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Cultivate /ˈkʌl.tɪ.veɪt/ (verb): To develop or improve a skill through practice and attention.
Example: “I plan to cultivate my public speaking skills by joining a debate club.” -
Proficiency /prəˈfɪʃ.ən.si/ (noun): A high degree of skill or expertise.
Example: “Achieving proficiency in a new language requires consistent practice and immersion.” -
Paramount /ˈpær.ə.maʊnt/ (adjective): More important than anything else.
Example: “In today’s digital age, continuous skill development is paramount for career success.” -
Indispensable /ˌɪn.dɪˈspen.sə.bəl/ (adjective): Absolutely necessary or essential.
Example: “Effective communication skills are indispensable in both personal and professional contexts.” -
Revolutionize /ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃən.aɪz/ (verb): To change something radically or fundamentally.
Example: “Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing various industries, from healthcare to finance.”
describe a tourist attraction that disappointed you
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing skills you want to improve:
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Elaborate on your answers: Provide detailed explanations and examples to showcase your language proficiency and critical thinking skills.
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses.
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Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on various topics to improve your ability to speak at length without hesitation.
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Show self-awareness: Demonstrate your ability to reflect on your strengths and areas for improvement.
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Connect ideas: Link your personal experiences with broader societal trends or future implications.
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Practice regularly: Engage in mock interviews and record yourself to identify areas for improvement in your speaking skills.
By following these tips and utilizing the sample answers provided, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing skills you want to improve.
describe a trip you had to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about memorizing answers, but about developing the ability to communicate effectively and confidently on a wide range of topics. Good luck with your preparation!