The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal development and aspirations. One common topic is describing a skill you would like to improve. This theme allows candidates to showcase their self-awareness, ambition, and ability to articulate personal goals. Let’s explore how to effectively answer such questions and maximize your speaking score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about skills and self-improvement. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
- “Do you have any skills you’d like to improve?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I’m always eager to enhance my abilities. Currently, I’m focusing on improving my public speaking skills. While I’m fairly comfortable communicating one-on-one, I find addressing larger groups quite challenging. I believe mastering this skill would be invaluable for my personal and professional growth.”
- “How do you usually go about learning new skills?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I typically adopt a multi-faceted approach when acquiring new skills. Firstly, I conduct thorough research to understand the fundamentals. Then, I seek out practical applications, often through online courses or workshops. I also believe in the power of peer learning, so I often join study groups or find a mentor. Finally, I make a point of practicing consistently and seeking feedback to refine my abilities.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe A Skill You Would Like 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 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my desire to enhance my proficiency in Mandarin Chinese. As a language enthusiast and a business professional working in an increasingly globalized world, I believe that improving my Mandarin skills would be immensely beneficial.
The primary reason I want to improve this skill is the growing economic significance of China in the global marketplace. Being able to communicate fluently in Mandarin would open up numerous opportunities for international collaboration and business expansion. Moreover, I’m fascinated by Chinese culture and history, and I believe that mastering the language would provide me with deeper insights into this rich civilization.
To improve my Mandarin skills, I’ve devised a comprehensive strategy. Firstly, I’ve enrolled in an intensive language course at a reputable institute, which includes both group classes and one-on-one tutoring sessions. Additionally, I’ve started using language learning apps like Duolingo and HelloTalk for daily practice. I also plan to immerse myself in Chinese media, watching films, TV shows, and listening to podcasts in Mandarin to improve my listening comprehension and familiarize myself with colloquial expressions.
Furthermore, I’ve joined a language exchange program where I practice conversing with native Mandarin speakers. In return, I help them with their English, creating a mutually beneficial learning environment. I’ve also set a goal to take the HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) test within the next year, which will provide a tangible measure of my progress.
Looking ahead, I believe this skill improvement will significantly impact my future. Professionally, it will enhance my marketability in the global job market and potentially lead to exciting career opportunities in China or with Chinese companies. On a personal level, it will allow me to forge deeper connections with Mandarin speakers, both in their country and in the Chinese diaspora worldwide. Moreover, the process of learning a complex language like Mandarin will undoubtedly sharpen my cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills, which are valuable in all aspects of life.
In conclusion, improving my Mandarin skills is not just about learning a language; it’s about opening doors to new cultural experiences, professional opportunities, and personal growth. It’s a challenging journey, but one that I’m incredibly excited about and committed to pursuing.”
IELTS candidate describing Mandarin skill improvement
Possible follow-up questions:
- “How long do you think it will take to achieve fluency in Mandarin?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, achieving fluency in Mandarin is certainly a long-term commitment. Given its complexity, particularly for English speakers, I estimate it could take anywhere from 3 to 5 years of consistent, dedicated study to reach a high level of proficiency. However, I believe I can attain a functional level for business communication within 1-2 years with intensive study.”
- “Do you think learning Mandarin will be more challenging than other skills you’ve acquired?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely. Mandarin presents unique challenges, particularly due to its tonal nature and character-based writing system, which are fundamentally different from English. However, I see this as an exciting intellectual challenge. The process of learning Mandarin will likely enhance my cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills in ways that other skill acquisitions might not. It’s not just about learning vocabulary and grammar, but about adopting a new way of thinking and expressing ideas.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
- Examiner: “In your opinion, what are the most important skills for success in today’s job market?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“In today’s rapidly evolving job market, I believe a combination of technical and soft skills is crucial for success. On the technical side, digital literacy and data analysis skills are increasingly valuable across various industries. The ability to navigate complex software systems and extract meaningful insights from data sets can significantly enhance one’s productivity and decision-making capabilities.
However, equally important are soft skills such as adaptability and emotional intelligence. With the pace of technological change, the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new tools and methodologies is invaluable. Emotional intelligence, which encompasses self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication, is essential for collaboration and leadership in diverse, often global teams.
Moreover, I believe critical thinking and problem-solving skills are paramount. In an era of information overload, the ability to analyze situations critically, identify key issues, and develop innovative solutions is highly prized by employers.
Lastly, I would emphasize the importance of continuous learning. The most successful professionals are those who view their skill set as a work in progress, constantly seeking opportunities to expand their knowledge and capabilities. This proactive approach to personal development ensures relevance and competitiveness in an ever-changing job market.”
- Examiner: “How do you think the skills needed for success might change in the future?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Predicting future skill requirements is challenging, but based on current trends, I anticipate several key shifts. Firstly, I believe technological fluency will become even more critical. As artificial intelligence and automation continue to advance, there will likely be a growing demand for skills that complement these technologies, such as AI management and human-machine collaboration.
Additionally, I foresee an increased emphasis on creativity and innovation. As routine tasks become increasingly automated, the ability to think outside the box and generate novel ideas will become more valuable. This ties into the growing importance of interdisciplinary thinking – the capacity to draw insights from multiple fields to solve complex problems.
Furthermore, I expect intercultural competence to gain prominence. As businesses become more globally integrated, the ability to work effectively across cultural boundaries will be crucial. This includes not just language skills, but also cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
Ethical decision-making is another skill I believe will become increasingly important. As technology raises new ethical dilemmas, professionals who can navigate these complex issues responsibly will be in high demand.
Lastly, I anticipate a growing need for environmental literacy. As sustainability becomes a central concern for businesses and societies, understanding environmental impacts and developing sustainable practices will likely become a core competency across many industries.
In essence, while technical skills will remain important, I believe the future will place a premium on uniquely human capabilities – our ability to create, empathize, adapt, and make nuanced judgments in complex situations.”
IELTS examiner and candidate discussing future job skills
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Proficiency /prəˈfɪʃənsi/ (noun): A high degree of skill or expertise.
Example: “I aim to achieve proficiency in Mandarin within the next few years.”Comprehensive strategy /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv ˈstrætədʒi/ (noun phrase): A thorough and complete plan of action.
Example: “I’ve developed a comprehensive strategy to improve my public speaking skills.”Immerse oneself /ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself/ (phrasal verb): To involve oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest.
Example: “To improve my language skills, I plan to immerse myself in French culture and media.”Cognitive abilities /ˈkɒɡnətɪv əˈbɪlətiz/ (noun phrase): Mental skills used in the process of acquiring knowledge and understanding.
Example: “Learning a new language can significantly enhance one’s cognitive abilities.”Interdisciplinary thinking /ˌɪntədɪsəˈplɪnəri ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ (noun phrase): The ability to draw insights from multiple fields or disciplines.
Example: “In today’s complex business environment, interdisciplinary thinking is increasingly valuable.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing skills you want to improve:
- Be specific about your chosen skill and your reasons for wanting to improve it.
- Provide a detailed plan for improvement, showing thoughtfulness and commitment.
- Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures to demonstrate language proficiency.
- Relate your skill improvement to broader contexts, such as career prospects or personal growth.
- Practice speaking on this topic beforehand, but avoid memorizing responses verbatim.
- Engage with the examiner naturally, showing enthusiasm for the subject matter.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural conversational style while showcasing your language skills.
Describe a peaceful place in your neighborhood can be another interesting topic to practice for your IELTS Speaking test. It allows you to demonstrate your descriptive language skills and ability to convey personal experiences effectively.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss skill improvement and other topics in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!
