Describe a Time When You Had to Learn Something New

In the IELTS Speaking Test, the examiner evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English. They assess four key criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. One common topic is “Describe a time when you had to learn something new.” This topic is frequently found in IELTS Speaking Part 2. Let’s explore how to excel at this question, covering all essential aspects and providing detailed samples.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Common Part 1 Questions

IELTS Speaking Part 1 is designed to be relatively simple, with questions about everyday topics. Common questions include:

1. Do you like learning new things?
2. Tell me about a recent skill you have learned.
3. What motivates you to learn something new?

Sample Question and Suggested Answer

Question: Tell me about a recent skill you have learned.

Answer: “Recently, I learned how to play the guitar. I have always been fascinated by music and decided to take up this instrument during my free time. It was challenging initially to get the chords right, but with consistent practice, I started making progress quickly.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a time when you had to learn something new.

You should say:

• What you learned
• When you learned it
• How you learned it
• And explain how you felt about learning it

Sample Answer

“One time when I had to learn something new was when I started using a new software program at work. I learned to use Microsoft Excel about a year ago. Before that, I had very little experience with spreadsheets. Learning Excel was initially daunting due to the vast array of functions and features. However, I took an online course and spent several evenings practicing the different formulas and data analysis tools. I found it incredibly rewarding as I could see tangible improvements in my efficiency at work. This experience not only enhanced my skills but also boosted my confidence to tackle more complex tasks.”

online course excel

Follow-up Questions for Part 2

1. Why do you think learning new skills is important?
2. How did learning this new skill benefit you personally or professionally?

Suggested Answers

Question: Why do you think learning new skills is important?

Answer: “I believe learning new skills is crucial because it helps us stay competitive in the professional world and also keeps our minds active and engaged. It opens up new opportunities and allows us to adapt to changing circumstances, making us more versatile individuals.”

Question: How did learning this new skill benefit you personally or professionally?

Answer: “Learning Excel has been highly beneficial for me professionally as it improved my productivity and allowed me to handle data more effectively. Personally, it gave me a sense of accomplishment and increased my confidence in tackling new challenges.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner’s Questions and Suggested Answers

1. How can people make the process of learning something new more efficient?
2. Are there any recent innovations that have made learning new things easier?

Question: How can people make the process of learning something new more efficient?

Answer: “People can make the learning process more efficient by setting clear goals, breaking down the material into manageable sections, and maintaining a consistent practice schedule. Utilizing modern technology like online courses and educational apps can also help in acquiring new skills faster.”

Question: Are there any recent innovations that have made learning new things easier?

Answer: “Absolutely. Innovations such as massive open online courses (MOOCs), interactive learning platforms, and augmented reality (AR) have revolutionized the way we learn. These technologies make education more accessible, engaging, and tailored to individual learning styles.”

Key Vocabulary and Structures to Achieve High Scores

Important Vocabulary

1. Daunting [ˈdɔːntɪŋ] (adj.): Intimidating, causing one to lose confidence.

   • Example: “The idea of learning a new programming language seemed daunting at first.”

2. Tangible [ˈtændʒəbl] (adj.): Perceptible by touch; clear and definite.

   • Example: “The tangible benefits of learning Spanish included better communication during my travels.”

3. Versatile [ˈvɜːrsətl] (adj.): Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.

   • Example: “Being versatile in various skills makes you more valuable in the workplace.”

4. Accomplishment [əˈkʌmplɪʃmənt] (n.): Something that has been achieved successfully.

   • Example: “Completing the marathon was a significant accomplishment for her.”

Useful Structures

1. It initially seemed… but with consistent practice,

   • Example: “It initially seemed complicated, but with consistent practice, I started to see progress.”

2. Not only… but also

   • Example: “It not only enhanced my skills but also boosted my confidence.”

3. … has been highly beneficial for me… as it

   • Example: “Learning this new software has been highly beneficial for me professionally as it improved my efficiency.”

Conclusion

To excel in the IELTS Speaking Test, it’s essential to build a rich vocabulary, practice frequently, and develop coherent and structured responses. Focus on speaking fluently, using a range of grammatical structures, and making your responses authentic. Remember, preparation and confidence are key.

For more tips and practice materials, you might find these resources helpful: Describe a time when you had to learn something new quickly, Describe a time when you were very curious about learning something new, and How to prepare for IELTS exam in one week.

Examiner’s Tips

• Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the more confident you will become.
• Use a Range of Vocabulary: Don’t repeat the same words; use synonyms and varied expressions.
• Stay Calm: Take a deep breath and stay calm. This will help you to think more clearly and speak more fluently.