How to Answer “Describe a Skill You Would Like to Learn” in IELTS Speaking Test

IELTS Speaking is designed to assess your English speaking skills and consists of three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). As an IELTS examiner, I will focus on fluency, grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and coherence when evaluating your answers. One common topic that frequently appears is “Describe a skill you would like to learn.” This question allows you to showcase various aspects of your language abilities.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you will answer questions about yourself and your everyday life. Here are some example questions and a suggested answer:

Example Questions:

1. What skills are you learning at the moment?
2. Do you think it is important to learn new skills?
3. What skills did you learn when you were a child?

Suggested Answer:

“I am currently learning how to play the guitar. I believe it is important to learn new skills because it keeps our minds active and helps us grow intellectually. As a child, I learned how to swim, which is a valuable skill for safety and fitness.”

Part 2: Long Turn

For Part 2, you will be given a cue card and have 1 minute to prepare a 2-minute speech.

Cue Card:

Describe a skill you would like to learn.
You should say:

• What the skill is
• Why you want to learn it
• How you plan to learn it
• How it will benefit you

Suggested Answer:

“The skill I would like to learn is public speaking. Public speaking is an essential skill for my professional development, as it will allow me to communicate my ideas more effectively in meetings and conferences. I plan to learn this skill by taking a course in public speaking and by practicing in front of a mirror and with friends. This skill will benefit me by boosting my confidence and enhancing my career opportunities.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Part 3 will involve a more in-depth discussion on related topics.

Example Questions:

1. Why do people want to learn new skills?
2. How can employers support their employees in learning new skills?
3. Do you think technology affects the skills that people need to learn?

Suggested Answers:

“People want to learn new skills to improve their personal and professional lives. Learning new skills opens up new opportunities and helps individuals stay competitive in the job market. Employers can support their employees by providing training programs and learning resources. Technology definitely affects the skills people need to learn because many new technological advancements require specialized knowledge.”

Public Speaking Class

Important Vocabulary & Structures

Vocabulary:

1. Skill (/skɪl/): an ability to do something well.
   • Example: “Learning a new skill can be very rewarding.”
2. Essential (/ɪˈsɛn.ʃəl/): absolutely necessary.
   • Example: “Time management is an essential skill for students.”
3. Professional Development (/prəˈfɛʃ.ən.əl dɪˈvɛləpmənt/): improvement of professional knowledge and competence.
   • Example: “Attending workshops contributes to one’s professional development.”
4. Communicate (/kəˈmjuː.nɪ.keɪt/): to share information.
   • Example: “Good public speakers can communicate complex ideas clearly.”
5. Confidence (/ˈkɒn.fɪ.dəns/): feeling sure of oneself and one’s abilities.
   • Example: “Mastering public speaking can greatly increase one’s confidence.”

Structures:

1. Present Continuous for current actions:
   • “I am currently learning how to play the guitar.”
2. Infinitive of Purpose to explain reasons:
   • “I plan to learn this skill to improve my professional opportunities.”
3. First Conditional for possible future benefits:
   • “If I practice regularly, I will become more confident.”

Tips for Practice

1. Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Practice speaking English every day to build confidence and fluency.
2. Record Yourself: Recording your answers and listening to them can help you identify areas for improvement.
3. Expand Vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases to express your ideas more precisely.
4. Mock Tests: Take mock speaking tests to familiarize yourself with the test format and timing.

For more guidance, check these related articles:

• How to Answer “Describe a Skill You Would Like to Learn” Questions
• Describe a Goal You Want to Achieve
• Describe a Person Who is Good at Cooking
• Describe a Teacher Who Helped You
• Describe a Memorable Childhood Experience

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test. Best of luck!