Master the Art of Teaching: Ace Your IELTS Speaking Task on Describing a Skill

Have you ever been asked to Describe A Skill You Want To Teach Others during your IELTS Speaking test? This topic has been a recurring theme in IELTS exams and is likely to appear in future tests as well. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this question and impress your examiner with a well-structured and engaging response.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, you may encounter questions related to skills and teaching. Here are some common questions and a sample answer:

1. Do you enjoy teaching others?
2. What skills do you think are important to teach children?
3. Have you ever taught someone a new skill?

Let’s focus on the third question:

Examiner: Have you ever taught someone a new skill?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I recently had the opportunity to teach my younger cousin how to play chess. It was a rewarding experience as I got to share my passion for the game while helping him develop critical thinking skills. I started by explaining the basic rules and movements of each piece, then gradually introduced more complex strategies. Seeing his eyes light up when he grasped a new concept was truly gratifying.”

Describe a goal you set for yourself and achieved can be another interesting topic to discuss in your IELTS Speaking test, as it allows you to showcase your ability to plan and execute tasks effectively.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:

Describe a skill you want to teach others

You should say:
- What the skill is
- Why you want to teach it
- How you would teach it
- And explain why you think this skill is important

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“The skill I’d like to teach others is time management. I believe it’s crucial in today’s fast-paced world to make the most of our limited time. I want to teach this skill because I’ve seen how it has transformed my own life, helping me become more productive and less stressed.

To teach time management, I would start by helping people identify their priorities and set clear goals. Then, I’d introduce techniques like the Pomodoro method for focused work sessions and the Eisenhower matrix for task prioritization. I’d also emphasize the importance of creating daily schedules and to-do lists.

This skill is important because it can dramatically improve one’s quality of life. By managing time effectively, people can achieve more, reduce stress, and find a better work-life balance. In both personal and professional settings, good time management can lead to increased productivity and overall satisfaction.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’m passionate about imparting the skill of effective public speaking to others. This art of communication is invaluable in numerous aspects of life, from professional presentations to personal interactions.

My motivation for teaching this skill stems from my own journey of overcoming stage fright and honing my oratory abilities. I’ve experienced firsthand how mastering public speaking can boost confidence, enhance career prospects, and facilitate meaningful connections.

My teaching approach would be multi-faceted. I’d begin by addressing the psychological aspects, helping students conquer their fear of public speaking through exposure therapy and confidence-building exercises. We’d then delve into the technical elements, such as vocal modulation, body language, and rhetorical devices. I’d emphasize the importance of thorough preparation and audience analysis. Practice sessions with constructive feedback would be a crucial component, allowing students to refine their skills in a supportive environment.

The significance of this skill cannot be overstated. In our increasingly interconnected world, the ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively is a cornerstone of success. Whether it’s pitching a business idea, delivering a keynote speech, or simply expressing oneself in social situations, effective public speaking empowers individuals to make a lasting impact and influence positive change in their spheres of influence.”

Teaching public speaking skill in IELTS speaking test

Follow-up Questions:

1. How long do you think it takes to master this skill?
2. Are there any challenges in teaching this skill to others?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“The journey to mastering public speaking is highly individual, but I’d say it typically takes several months to a year of consistent practice to see significant improvement. However, becoming truly proficient can be a lifelong pursuit, as there’s always room for refinement and adaptation to different contexts.

As for challenges, one of the main hurdles is helping individuals overcome their fear of public speaking, which is often deeply ingrained. Another challenge is catering to diverse learning styles and personalities, as some people may be naturally more introverted or struggle with certain aspects of delivery. Additionally, maintaining motivation over the long term can be difficult, as progress isn’t always linear or immediately apparent.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Examiner: What skills do you think will be most valuable in the future job market?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe that in the rapidly evolving job market, adaptability and digital literacy will be crucial. As technology continues to advance, the ability to quickly learn and apply new skills will be highly valued. Additionally, critical thinking and problem-solving skills will remain essential, as these are uniquely human abilities that can’t be easily replicated by artificial intelligence.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“In my opinion, the future job market will place a premium on a combination of technical and soft skills. Technological proficiency, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, data analysis, and cybersecurity, will be indispensable across various industries. However, equally important will be emotional intelligence and cross-cultural communication skills, as workplaces become increasingly globalized and diverse. Furthermore, I anticipate that creativity and innovation will be highly sought after, as these skills drive progress and help businesses stay competitive in a rapidly changing landscape.”

Describe an interesting class you attended could be a great way to illustrate how you’ve acquired valuable skills or knowledge that you’d like to pass on to others.

Examiner: How has technology changed the way we learn and teach new skills?

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“Technology has greatly impacted learning and teaching methods. Online courses and video tutorials have made education more accessible to people worldwide. Interactive learning apps and gamification have made the process more engaging. Teachers can now use digital tools to create more dynamic lessons and track student progress more effectively.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The advent of technology has revolutionized the landscape of skill acquisition and dissemination. We’ve seen a paradigm shift from traditional classroom-based learning to a more flexible, personalized approach. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and e-learning platforms have democratized education, breaking down geographical and economic barriers. Artificial Intelligence is now being employed to create adaptive learning experiences, tailoring content to individual needs and learning paces. Virtual and Augmented Reality technologies are enabling immersive, hands-on training in fields like medicine and engineering, previously limited by practical constraints. Moreover, blockchain technology is being explored for secure, verifiable credentialing systems. However, it’s crucial to note that while technology has enhanced accessibility and engagement, it also presents challenges such as the digital divide and the need for digital literacy among both learners and educators.”

Technology's impact on learning and teaching methods

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your IELTS Speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated words and phrases:

1. Impart /ɪmˈpɑːrt/ (verb): To pass on or communicate (knowledge, skills, etc.)
   Example: “I aim to impart my public speaking skills to aspiring orators.”

2. Articulate /ɑːrˈtɪkjuleɪt/ (verb): To express thoughts or ideas clearly and effectively
   Example: “The ability to articulate complex ideas is crucial in many professions.”

3. Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
   Example: “The internet caused a paradigm shift in how we access information.”

4. Cornerstone /ˈkɔːrnərˌstoʊn/ (noun): An important quality or feature on which something depends or is based
   Example: “Effective communication is a cornerstone of successful leadership.”

5. Multifaceted /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features
   Example: “Teaching is a multifaceted skill that requires patience, knowledge, and adaptability.”

Describe a time when you showed something new to someone is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your teaching skills and use some of these sophisticated vocabulary items.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a skill you want to teach others:

1. Structure your answer logically, covering all points in the cue card.
2. Use a variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures to showcase your language proficiency.
3. Provide specific examples to illustrate your points and make your answer more engaging.
4. Practice speaking on various topics to improve your fluency and confidence.
5. Listen carefully to the examiner’s questions and respond appropriately, especially in Part 3.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly will significantly impact your score.

Describe a person who inspired you to do something interesting could be a great way to introduce the skill you want to teach and explain your motivation behind it.

By following these guidelines and incorporating sophisticated vocabulary and structures, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the topic of describing a skill you want to teach others in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember to practice regularly and seek feedback to continually improve your performance.

IELTS Speaking test preparation

Describe a person who is passionate about their job can provide inspiration for discussing your own passion for teaching a particular skill.