Speaking about self-improvement and personal development is a common theme in IELTS examinations, particularly when describing a skill you wish to improve for your future career. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively across all parts of the Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common questions in this section include:
- What skills do you think are important in life?
- Are you good at learning new skills?
- How do you usually learn new things?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe critical thinking and effective communication are crucial life skills. I’m quite adept at picking up new abilities, particularly through hands-on experience and systematic practice. I typically learn best by combining theoretical knowledge with practical application.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Your task is to describe a skill you wish 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 skill will help you in the future
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about enhancing my public speaking abilities. This is a skill that I’ve been particularly keen on developing as it’s absolutely essential in today’s professional landscape.
What fascinates me about public speaking is its power to influence and inspire others. I’ve noticed that successful leaders invariably possess exceptional oratory skills, which has motivated me to work on this aspect of my personal development.
To improve this skill, I’ve devised a comprehensive strategy. I’ve joined a local Toastmasters club where I can practice regularly in a supportive environment. Additionally, I’m systematically studying successful speakers’ techniques and implementing them in my presentations.
Looking ahead, I’m convinced that mastering this skill will open numerous doors in my career. It will enable me to effectively communicate my ideas, lead teams with confidence, and make meaningful contributions in professional settings.”
Similar to describing a hobby you would like to develop further, discussing skill improvement requires structured thinking and clear expression.
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: Why do some people find it difficult to learn new skills in adulthood?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“There are multiple factors at play. Firstly, adults often have deeply ingrained habits that can be challenging to modify. Additionally, they typically juggle numerous responsibilities, which can limit their time and energy for learning. However, I believe the main barrier is often psychological – many adults have developed a fixed mindset about their capabilities.”
Q: How has technology changed the way people develop new skills?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has revolutionized skill acquisition in several ways. Online learning platforms have made education more accessible and flexible, while AI-powered applications can provide personalized learning experiences. Much like describing an invention you wish had existed in the past, these technological advances have transformed how we approach skill development.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Systematic approach: /ˌsɪstəˈmætɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/ – organized and methodical way of doing something
- Personal development: /ˈpɜːsənl dɪˈveləpmənt/ – process of improving oneself
- Implement strategies: /ˈɪmplɪment ˈstrætədʒiz/ – put plans into action
- Enhance capabilities: /ɪnˈhɑːns keɪpəˈbɪlətiz/ – improve abilities
- Profound impact: /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ – deep and significant effect
Examiner’s Tips
- Use specific examples to illustrate your points
- Demonstrate range in vocabulary and grammar
- Maintain good fluency while organizing thoughts
- Show awareness of formal and informal language
- Practice speaking on various topics regularly
Remember that while discussing skills improvement, you can draw inspiration from describing a person you admire for their leadership skills to demonstrate how others’ expertise motivates your own development.