Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Effectively Describe a Skill You Want to Improve

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal development and future goals. One common topic is describing a skill you would like to improve in the future. This article will provide valuable insights and sample answers to help you excel in this area of the IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about skills and self-improvement. Here are some possible questions:

1. Do you have any skills you’d like to improve?
2. What’s a skill you think is important for your future career?
3. How do you usually go about learning new skills?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you have any skills you’d like to improve?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, absolutely. I’m particularly keen on enhancing my public speaking abilities. While I’m fairly comfortable communicating one-on-one, I often find myself feeling anxious when addressing larger groups. I believe that honing this skill would be incredibly beneficial for both my personal and professional development, especially as I aspire to take on leadership roles in the future.”

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Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

For Part 2, you might receive a cue card like this:

Describe a skill you would like to improve in the future

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 benefit you in the future

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“The skill I’d like to improve in the future is my ability to speak Mandarin Chinese. I’ve been studying it for a while, but I still struggle with fluency and pronunciation.

I want to improve this skill because China is becoming increasingly important in global business. Being able to communicate effectively in Mandarin would give me a significant advantage in my career.

To improve, I plan to take an intensive language course and perhaps spend some time in China to immerse myself in the language and culture. I’m also considering finding a language exchange partner to practice speaking regularly.

This skill will benefit me greatly in the future. It will open up new job opportunities, allow me to communicate with a wider range of people, and help me understand Chinese culture better. In today’s globalized world, being bilingual in English and Mandarin would be a valuable asset.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“The skill I’m eager to hone in the coming years is my proficiency in Mandarin Chinese. Despite having studied it for some time, I still find myself grappling with the nuances of tones and the intricacies of idiomatic expressions.

My fervent desire to improve this skill stems from the undeniable ascendancy of China in the global economic landscape. Mastering Mandarin would undoubtedly give me a competitive edge in the international business arena, allowing me to forge stronger connections with Chinese partners and clients.

To achieve this goal, I’ve devised a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I intend to enroll in an intensive immersion program at a reputable language school in Beijing. This will allow me to be steeped in the language and culture on a daily basis. Additionally, I plan to leverage technology by using language learning apps and participating in online language exchange forums. I’m also considering finding a language tandem partner to engage in regular conversation practice, which will help me refine my speaking skills and gain confidence.

The potential benefits of mastering Mandarin are manifold. In the professional sphere, it will significantly broaden my career prospects, particularly in multinational corporations with strong ties to China. On a personal level, it will enable me to delve deeper into Chinese literature, cinema, and philosophy, enriching my cultural understanding. Moreover, in our increasingly interconnected world, being bilingual in two of the most widely spoken languages will undoubtedly prove to be an invaluable asset, both for my personal growth and professional advancement.”

Follow-up Questions:

1. How long do you think it will take to improve this skill significantly?
2. Are there any challenges you anticipate in improving this skill?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for Question 1:
“Realistically speaking, I believe it will take a considerable amount of time and effort to achieve significant improvement in my Mandarin skills. Given the complexity of the language, particularly for native English speakers, I anticipate that it might take anywhere from two to three years of consistent, dedicated study to reach a level of professional working proficiency. However, I’m well aware that language learning is a lifelong journey, and I’m prepared to invest the necessary time and energy to continually refine my skills even beyond that point.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to skills and personal development. For example:

Examiner: Do you think schools should focus more on teaching practical skills rather than academic subjects?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe there needs to be a balance between practical skills and academic subjects in schools. While academic knowledge forms the foundation of our understanding of the world, practical skills are crucial for navigating real-life situations.

Schools should integrate more practical skills into their curricula, such as financial literacy, critical thinking, and interpersonal communication. These skills are essential for success in both personal and professional life. However, this shouldn’t come at the expense of academic subjects, which provide the theoretical knowledge necessary for advanced learning and specialized careers.

Perhaps the solution lies in adopting a more interdisciplinary approach, where practical skills are taught within the context of academic subjects. For instance, a science class could include project management elements, or a history class could incorporate public speaking practice. This way, students can develop a well-rounded skill set while still gaining the academic knowledge they need.”

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Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key phrases and their meanings:

1. Eager to hone (verb phrase) – Very willing to improve or perfect a skill
   Example: “I’m eager to hone my public speaking skills before the conference next month.”

2. Grappling with (phrasal verb) – Struggling to understand or deal with something
   Example: “Many students find themselves grappling with complex mathematical concepts.”

3. Undeniable ascendancy (noun phrase) – Clear and unstoppable rise to power or prominence
   Example: “The undeniable ascendancy of social media has transformed how we communicate.”

4. Forge stronger connections (verb phrase) – To create and develop better relationships
   Example: “The international summit aimed to forge stronger connections between the participating nations.”

5. Multi-faceted approach (adjective + noun) – A strategy that considers many different aspects of a situation
   Example: “Solving climate change requires a multi-faceted approach involving governments, businesses, and individuals.”

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Examiner’s Advice for High Scores in IELTS Speaking

1. Practice regularly: Engage in English conversations daily, even if it’s just talking to yourself in the mirror.

2. Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to common IELTS topics and use them in context.

3. Work on pronunciation: Focus on stress, intonation, and individual sounds to improve your clarity and fluency.

4. Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Elaborate on your points and provide examples to showcase your language skills.

5. Stay informed: Keep up with current affairs and global issues to have a wide range of topics to discuss confidently.

6. Record yourself: Listen to your own speaking to identify areas for improvement in fluency, pronunciation, and grammar.

7. Use a variety of sentence structures: Mix simple, compound, and complex sentences to demonstrate your language proficiency.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Focus on expressing your ideas clearly and confidently, using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your level.

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IELTS Speaking Practice Tips

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about skills you want to improve in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!