Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe Teaching Someone a New Skill

The topic “describe a time when you helped someone learn a new skill” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate personal experiences, use appropriate vocabulary, and demonstrate your communication skills. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about skills and learning. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Examiner: Do you enjoy learning new skills?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy learning new skills. It’s always exciting to try something different and expand my knowledge. Recently, I’ve been learning how to cook Italian dishes, which has been both challenging and rewarding.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I find the process of acquiring new skills incredibly stimulating and fulfilling. There’s something genuinely exhilarating about pushing the boundaries of my capabilities and expanding my repertoire of abilities. For instance, I’ve recently immersed myself in the art of Italian cuisine, which has not only broadened my culinary horizons but also given me a deeper appreciation for the cultural nuances behind different cooking styles.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe a time when you helped someone learn a new skill

You should say:
- Who you helped
- What skill you taught them
- Why you decided to help them
- How you felt about the experience

Band 6-7 Answer:

I’d like to talk about a time when I helped my younger sister learn how to bake cookies. She’s always been interested in cooking, but she had never tried baking before.

I decided to help her because I enjoy baking myself and thought it would be a fun activity for us to do together. Also, I wanted to encourage her interest in cooking and help her develop a new skill.

To teach her, I first explained the ingredients we needed and how to measure them correctly. Then, we went through the steps of mixing the dough, shaping the cookies, and baking them in the oven. I made sure to let her do most of the work, only stepping in when she needed guidance.

The experience was really enjoyable. It was great to see her enthusiasm as she learned each step of the process. When the cookies came out of the oven and she tasted her first homemade cookie, her face lit up with pride. This made me feel happy and satisfied that I could help her learn something new.

Overall, it was a positive experience for both of us. Not only did my sister learn a new skill, but I also improved my teaching abilities. It strengthened our bond as siblings and created a lovely memory for us to share.

Band 8-9 Answer:

I’d be delighted to share an experience where I had the opportunity to impart a new skill to someone. The individual in question was my younger sister, who had always harbored a keen interest in culinary arts but had yet to venture into the realm of baking.

The skill I chose to teach her was the art of baking cookies from scratch. My decision to assist her in this endeavor stemmed from multiple factors. Primarily, I saw it as an excellent opportunity to nurture her budding interest in cooking and expand her culinary repertoire. Additionally, I believed that baking together would serve as a bonding experience, strengthening our sibling relationship.

The teaching process was both systematic and interactive. I began by elucidating the importance of precise measurements in baking, demonstrating how to accurately measure dry and wet ingredients. We then progressed through each step of the recipe, from creaming the butter and sugar to folding in the dry ingredients. Throughout the process, I encouraged her to take the lead, only intervening when necessary to provide guidance or clarify a technique.

The experience was incredibly rewarding on multiple levels. Witnessing my sister’s enthusiasm and growing confidence as she mastered each new technique was truly gratifying. The moment when she removed the perfectly golden cookies from the oven and savored her first bite was particularly memorable. Her expression of pure joy and accomplishment was priceless.

Reflecting on the experience, I found it to be mutually beneficial. Not only did my sister acquire a new skill, but I also honed my ability to teach and communicate effectively. The process reinforced the importance of patience and clear instruction in teaching. Moreover, it deepened our sibling bond, creating a shared memory that we both cherish.

In conclusion, this experience highlighted the reciprocal nature of teaching and learning. It demonstrated how sharing knowledge can be a fulfilling and enriching experience for both the teacher and the learner, fostering personal growth and strengthening relationships.

Teaching baking skills to younger sister

Examiner: How did you ensure that your sister understood each step of the baking process?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I made sure my sister understood each step by explaining things clearly and letting her do the tasks herself. I asked her questions along the way to check if she understood, and I watched her closely to see if she needed any help.

Band 8-9 Answer:
To ensure my sister fully grasped each step of the baking process, I employed a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I utilized the “demonstrate, observe, and practice” method. I would first demonstrate a technique, then have her observe closely, and finally allow her to practice it herself. Additionally, I encouraged her to verbalize her understanding of each step, which helped identify any misconceptions. I also implemented a hands-on questioning technique, asking her to explain why certain steps were necessary, which promoted a deeper understanding of the baking science involved. This comprehensive approach not only ensured her understanding but also fostered critical thinking skills within the context of baking.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: In your opinion, what are the most important skills for young people to learn nowadays?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think some of the most important skills for young people today are digital literacy, communication, and problem-solving. Digital skills are crucial because technology is everywhere now. Good communication helps in both personal and professional life. Problem-solving is important because it helps people deal with challenges in any situation.

Band 8-9 Answer:
In today’s rapidly evolving world, I believe there are several crucial skills that young people should prioritize. Firstly, digital literacy is paramount, given the ubiquitous nature of technology in both personal and professional spheres. This encompasses not just basic computer skills, but also an understanding of data privacy, online safety, and the ability to navigate and evaluate digital information critically.

Secondly, effective communication skills, both verbal and written, remain indispensable. The ability to articulate ideas clearly, listen actively, and adapt communication styles to different audiences and platforms is invaluable in any field.

Thirdly, I would emphasize the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. With the pace of change in today’s job market, the ability to quickly acquire new skills and adapt to new situations is crucial for long-term success.

Lastly, I believe emotional intelligence and cultural competence are increasingly vital. As our world becomes more interconnected, the ability to understand and work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds is becoming a key differentiator in many fields.

These skills, I believe, form a robust foundation that can help young people navigate the complexities of the modern world and workplace effectively.

Young people learning digital skills

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Impart /ɪmˈpɑːrt/ (verb): To pass on or communicate (knowledge, skills, etc.)
   Example: “I was eager to impart my baking knowledge to my sister.”

2. Culinary /ˈkʌlɪnəri/ (adjective): Related to cooking or the kitchen
   Example: “My sister had always shown interest in culinary arts.”

3. Elucidate /ɪˈluːsɪdeɪt/ (verb): To explain or make something clear
   Example: “I took time to elucidate the importance of precise measurements in baking.”

4. Repertoire /ˈrepətwɑːr/ (noun): A stock of skills or types of behavior that a person habitually uses
   Example: “Teaching my sister to bake expanded her culinary repertoire.”

5. Nurture /ˈnɜːrtʃər/ (verb): To encourage or help develop
   Example: “I wanted to nurture her interest in cooking.”

6. Reciprocal /rɪˈsɪprəkl/ (adjective): Given or felt by each toward the other; mutual
   Example: “The teaching experience was reciprocal, as we both learned from it.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing teaching a new skill:

1. Use a variety of vocabulary and avoid repetition. Incorporate advanced words and phrases naturally.
2. Structure your answer logically, covering all points in the cue card.
3. Provide specific examples and personal experiences to support your points.
4. Use a range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences.
5. Show enthusiasm and engage with the topic to demonstrate good communication skills.
6. Practice speaking on various topics to improve fluency and confidence.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about using advanced vocabulary, but also about communicating your ideas clearly and confidently. Regular practice and expanding your general knowledge will greatly enhance your performance.

Describe a time when you shared an important story with someone can be another interesting topic to practice, as it also involves personal narration and communication skills.