As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ve noticed that questions about digital skills improvement have become increasingly common in recent years. This topic is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Speaking tests, given the rapid advancement of technology in our daily lives. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to improving your digital skills, with a focus on achieving a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about digital skills. Here are a few examples:
- Do you use technology in your daily life?
- How often do you learn new digital skills?
- What’s your favorite digital device?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you use technology in your daily life?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! Technology is an integral part of my daily routine. I rely heavily on my smartphone for communication, scheduling, and even tracking my fitness goals. I also use my laptop for work and online learning. It’s hard to imagine a day without using some form of digital technology.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Now, let’s focus on the main topic with a cue card task:
IELTS Speaking Cue Card
Cue Card
Describe A Time When You Improved Your Digital Skills
You should say:
- What skill you improved
- How you improved it
- Why you decided to improve this skill
- And explain how this improvement has benefited you
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I’d like to talk about a time when I significantly improved my digital skills, specifically in the area of video editing. This happened about a year ago when I decided to start a YouTube channel.
Initially, I had very basic knowledge of video editing. I could only do simple cuts and add basic text. However, I realized that to create engaging content, I needed to enhance my skills. So, I decided to learn more advanced video editing techniques.
To improve my skills, I took an online course on a popular e-learning platform. The course covered various aspects of video editing, from basic transitions to advanced effects and color grading. I spent about two hours every day for a month, watching tutorial videos and practicing on my own projects.
I chose to improve this skill because I wanted my YouTube channel to stand out. I believed that high-quality, well-edited videos would attract more viewers and help me grow my channel.
This improvement has benefited me in several ways. Firstly, the quality of my videos has improved dramatically, leading to an increase in views and subscribers. Secondly, I’ve been able to apply these skills to my professional life, creating promotional videos for my company. Lastly, it’s given me a new creative outlet and a sense of accomplishment.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to delve into a recent experience where I substantially enhanced my digital prowess, specifically in the realm of data visualization using advanced software tools.
The skill I honed was the ability to create interactive and dynamic dashboards using Tableau, a powerful data visualization tool. This journey of improvement began approximately six months ago when I was tasked with presenting complex sales data to our company’s board of directors.
To elevate my proficiency, I embarked on a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I enrolled in a comprehensive online course offered by a renowned data science institute. This provided me with a solid theoretical foundation. Concurrently, I immersed myself in hands-on practice, dedicating at least two hours daily to experimenting with real datasets. I also joined online forums and participated in webinars, which exposed me to industry best practices and cutting-edge techniques.
The impetus for this skill enhancement stemmed from a growing realization of the pivotal role data plays in modern business decision-making. I recognized that the ability to transform raw data into compelling visual narratives could be a game-changer in my professional trajectory.
The benefits of this skill improvement have been manifold and far-reaching. Most notably, my data presentations have become significantly more impactful, leading to quicker and more informed decision-making at the executive level. This has not only elevated my professional standing but also contributed to more data-driven strategies within our organization. Moreover, this newly acquired expertise has opened up exciting opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to projects beyond my immediate role.
In essence, this digital skill enhancement has not just been about mastering a tool, but about transforming the way I approach and communicate complex information, thereby adding substantial value to my professional capabilities and to my organization as a whole.”
Follow-up Questions
- How do you think digital skills will impact future job markets?
- What are some challenges people face when trying to improve their digital skills?
Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):
“The impact of digital skills on future job markets is likely to be profound and far-reaching. As we continue to move towards an increasingly digitized world, these skills will become not just desirable, but absolutely essential across virtually all industries.
Firstly, we’re likely to see a significant shift in the types of jobs available. Many traditional roles may become automated, while new positions that require advanced digital skills will emerge. For instance, we’re already seeing a surge in demand for data scientists, AI specialists, and cybersecurity experts.
Moreover, even in fields not traditionally associated with technology, digital literacy will become crucial. For example, healthcare professionals may need to be proficient in telemedicine and digital health records, while educators might need to master online teaching platforms and digital curriculum design.
There’s also likely to be an increased emphasis on continuous learning and adaptability. As digital technologies evolve rapidly, professionals will need to constantly update their skills to remain relevant in the job market.
However, it’s important to note that while technical skills will be vital, they won’t be sufficient on their own. The future job market will likely place a premium on individuals who can combine digital proficiency with uniquely human skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. This blend of digital and human skills will be key to navigating the complexities of future workplaces.
In conclusion, digital skills will undoubtedly be a cornerstone of future employability, reshaping job markets and redefining what it means to be a skilled professional in the 21st century.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think governments can encourage more people to improve their digital skills?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Governments can play a pivotal role in encouraging digital skill development through a multi-pronged approach.
Firstly, they could integrate digital literacy into the core curriculum from an early age. This would ensure that students are equipped with fundamental digital skills before entering the workforce. Additionally, governments could collaborate with industry leaders to design curricula that align with the evolving needs of the job market.
Secondly, governments could incentivize businesses to provide digital training for their employees. This could be done through tax breaks or grants for companies that invest in upskilling their workforce. Such initiatives would not only benefit individuals but also enhance the overall digital competitiveness of the nation.
Furthermore, governments could establish nationwide digital literacy programs targeting different demographics. For instance, they could offer free or subsidized courses for older adults or those in rural areas who might have limited access to digital resources. These programs could be delivered through community centers, libraries, or online platforms to ensure widespread accessibility.
Another effective strategy would be to launch public awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of digital skills in today’s world. These campaigns could showcase success stories and provide information about available resources for skill development.
Lastly, governments could foster partnerships with tech companies to provide affordable access to digital devices and internet connectivity, especially in underserved communities. This would help bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to develop these crucial skills.
In conclusion, by implementing a comprehensive strategy that combines education, incentives, accessibility, and awareness, governments can significantly boost digital skill development across all sectors of society.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Digital literacy (noun) – /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – The ability to use information and communication technologies effectively.
Example: “Improving digital literacy is crucial for success in today’s job market.”To upskill (verb) – /ʌpˈskɪl/ – To learn new skills or to teach workers new skills.
Example: “Many companies are investing in programs to upskill their employees in digital technologies.”Tech-savvy (adjective) – /tek ˈsævi/ – Well informed about or proficient in the use of modern technology.
Example: “Employers are increasingly looking for tech-savvy candidates who can adapt to new digital tools quickly.”Digital transformation (noun) – /ˈdɪdʒɪtl trænsf’məːʃən/ – The integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, fundamentally changing how you operate and deliver value to customers.
Example: “The company underwent a significant digital transformation, moving all its operations online.”To leverage (verb) – /ˈlevərɪdʒ/ – To use something to maximum advantage.
Example: “By leveraging new digital skills, I was able to increase my productivity significantly.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing digital skills improvement:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary related to technology and skill development.
- Provide specific examples from your personal experience to support your points.
- Discuss both the benefits and challenges of improving digital skills.
- Show awareness of the broader implications of digital skills in society and the job market.
- Use complex sentence structures and idiomatic expressions where appropriate.
- Practice speaking about various aspects of digital skills to improve fluency.
Remember, the key to success is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, clarity, and coherence in your responses will greatly contribute to achieving a high band score.
