The ability to articulate future aspirations and skills is a crucial element in the IELTS Speaking test. The topic “describe a skill you want to learn in the future” frequently appears in various forms, testing candidates’ ability to express ambitions and discuss personal development. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample responses and valuable insights to help you achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about skills and learning. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Question: “Do you enjoy learning new skills?”
Answer (Band 7-8): “Absolutely! I find great satisfaction in acquiring new abilities. There’s something incredibly rewarding about mastering a new skill, whether it’s a language, a musical instrument, or even a new cooking technique. I believe continuous learning keeps our minds sharp and broadens our horizons.”
Describe a time when you were proud of your cultural heritage can also be an excellent topic to showcase your speaking skills in Part 1, as it allows you to demonstrate your ability to discuss personal experiences and cultural aspects fluently.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a skill you want to learn in the future
You should say:
- What the skill is
- Why you want to learn it
- How you plan to learn it
- And explain how this skill will be useful to you in the future
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“The skill I’d like to learn in the future is digital marketing. I’ve always been fascinated by how businesses promote themselves online, and I think it’s a really important skill in today’s digital world.
I want to learn digital marketing because I believe it will be incredibly valuable for my career. As more and more businesses move online, understanding how to reach customers through digital channels is becoming essential. Plus, I think it would be really interesting to learn about things like social media marketing, SEO, and content creation.
To learn this skill, I plan to start with some online courses. There are lots of great platforms like Coursera and Udemy that offer digital marketing courses. I also want to follow some marketing blogs and YouTube channels to stay up-to-date with the latest trends. If possible, I’d like to do an internship with a digital marketing agency to get some hands-on experience.
I think this skill will be really useful for me in the future. It could open up new career opportunities, whether I want to work for a company or start my own business. Even if I don’t pursue a career directly in marketing, understanding how to promote ideas and products online is valuable in almost any field. It’s a skill that I believe will continue to be important as technology evolves.”
Digital marketing skill learning plan
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“The skill I’m particularly keen on acquiring in the future is artificial intelligence programming. This cutting-edge field has piqued my interest due to its immense potential to revolutionize various industries and solve complex problems.
My motivation to delve into AI programming stems from its far-reaching implications across multiple sectors. From healthcare to finance, AI has the capacity to streamline processes, enhance decision-making, and unlock new realms of possibility. I’m fascinated by the prospect of contributing to innovations that could significantly improve people’s lives and drive technological progress.
To embark on this learning journey, I’ve devised a comprehensive strategy. Firstly, I plan to immerse myself in the fundamentals of computer science and programming languages like Python, which are crucial for AI development. I’ll leverage online platforms such as Coursera and edX to take specialized courses from renowned institutions. Additionally, I intend to participate in AI coding challenges on platforms like Kaggle to hone my practical skills. To round out my education, I aim to attend AI conferences and join local meetup groups to network with professionals and stay abreast of the latest developments in the field.
The utility of this skill in my future cannot be overstated. AI programming is poised to be a cornerstone of technological advancement in the coming decades. Mastering this skill would not only make me highly marketable in the job market but also equip me with the tools to potentially develop groundbreaking applications. Whether I choose to work for a tech giant, a startup, or even launch my own AI-driven venture, this skill will be invaluable. Moreover, the problem-solving and analytical thinking skills acquired through AI programming are transferable to numerous other fields, making it a versatile asset for my professional growth.”
Follow-up Questions
- How long do you think it will take you to learn this skill?
Answer (Band 8-9): “Well, mastering AI programming is undoubtedly a long-term commitment. Given the complexity and ever-evolving nature of the field, I anticipate it will take at least 2-3 years of dedicated study and practice to gain a solid foundation. However, I view this as an ongoing journey of learning, as AI is a field that’s constantly advancing. I plan to continually update my knowledge and refine my skills throughout my career to stay at the cutting edge of this dynamic field.”
- Do you think this skill will become more important in the future?
Answer (Band 8-9): “Absolutely. I’m convinced that AI programming will not only become more important but will likely be pivotal in shaping our future. As we move towards an increasingly data-driven and automated world, the demand for AI expertise is set to skyrocket. We’re already seeing AI permeate various aspects of our lives, from virtual assistants to autonomous vehicles, and this trend is only going to accelerate. I believe that in the coming decades, AI will be integral to solving some of our most pressing global challenges, such as climate change and healthcare accessibility. Consequently, professionals with AI programming skills will be in an excellent position to make significant contributions across numerous industries and sectors.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “How do you think the skills people need for work will change in the future?”
Answer (Band 7-8): “I believe the skills required for work will undergo significant changes in the future. With the rapid advancement of technology, digital literacy and adaptability will become increasingly crucial. Workers will need to be comfortable with constantly evolving technologies and be able to quickly learn new systems. Additionally, as automation takes over many routine tasks, critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills will become more valuable. The ability to collaborate effectively, both in-person and virtually, will also be essential in an increasingly globalized work environment.”
Answer (Band 8-9): “The future workforce will likely need to possess a unique blend of technical prowess and distinctly human attributes. As AI and automation continue to reshape the job market, I anticipate a heightened demand for skills that machines cannot easily replicate. This includes advanced emotional intelligence, complex problem-solving, and innovative thinking.
Moreover, the ability to synthesize information from diverse sources and derive meaningful insights will be paramount. We’re likely to see a surge in demand for individuals who can bridge the gap between technical specialists and non-technical stakeholders, necessitating strong communication and leadership skills.
Lifelong learning and adaptability will become not just beneficial, but essential traits. The rapid pace of technological change means that workers will need to continuously upskill and reskill throughout their careers. This will require a mindset shift towards viewing learning as an ongoing process rather than a finite stage of life.
Lastly, I believe there will be an increased emphasis on cross-disciplinary knowledge. As complex global challenges require multifaceted solutions, professionals who can draw connections between different fields and apply knowledge across domains will be highly valued.”
Describe a special gift you received is another topic that can help you practice discussing personal experiences and emotions, which are valuable skills for the IELTS Speaking test.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Pique one’s interest /piːk wʌnz ˈɪntrəst/ (phrasal verb): to arouse curiosity or interest
Example: “The new technology piqued my interest in artificial intelligence.”Cutting-edge /ˈkʌtɪŋ edʒ/ (adjective): very modern and advanced
Example: “AI programming is a cutting-edge field with enormous potential.”Immerse oneself /ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself/ (phrasal verb): to involve oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest
Example: “To learn the new skill, I plan to immerse myself in online courses and practical projects.”Far-reaching implications /fɑː ˈriːtʃɪŋ ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃnz/ (phrase): having a wide-ranging and significant effect
Example: “The development of AI has far-reaching implications for various industries.”Poised to be /pɔɪzd tuː biː/ (phrase): ready or on the brink of a particular action or state
Example: “AI programming is poised to be a crucial skill in the job market of the future.”
AI programming's future impact
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing future skills:
Develop a range of vocabulary related to learning, skills, and future trends. This will help you express your ideas more precisely and impressively.
Practice explaining complex ideas in simple terms. This demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively, a key criterion in the IELTS Speaking test.
Use a variety of grammatical structures, including conditionals when talking about future possibilities. This showcases your language proficiency.
Provide specific examples and personal anecdotes to support your points. This makes your answers more engaging and memorable.
Stay informed about current trends in education, technology, and the job market. This will help you discuss future skills more confidently and intelligently.
Work on your fluency by practicing speaking on this topic regularly. The more comfortable you are with the subject, the more naturally you’ll be able to discuss it during the test.
Describe a time when you gave someone a surprise can be an excellent way to practice using descriptive language and discussing personal experiences, which are valuable skills for this type of IELTS Speaking question.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss future skills confidently in your IELTS Speaking test, potentially boosting your band score significantly.