As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve observed that questions about learning new skills for work are increasingly common in the test. This topic allows candidates to showcase their adaptability and professional growth, key qualities that examiners look for. Let’s explore how to excel in this speaking task, focusing on the prompt “Describe a time when you learned a new skill for a job.”
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you may encounter questions related to learning and work skills. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Question: Do you enjoy learning new skills?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy learning new skills. It’s always exciting to pick up something new, especially if it can help me in my work or daily life. For example, last year I learned how to use some new software for my job, which was challenging but rewarding.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I find the process of acquiring new skills not only enjoyable but also incredibly fulfilling. There’s something inherently satisfying about expanding one’s capabilities, particularly when those skills have practical applications. For instance, recently I’ve been delving into data analytics, which has been both challenging and exhilarating. It’s opening up new avenues for problem-solving in my professional life.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you learned a new skill for a job
You should say:
- What the skill was
- Why you needed to learn it
- How you learned it
- And explain how you felt about learning this new skill
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
The skill I want to talk about is project management. I needed to learn it because I was promoted to team leader in my company, and I had to oversee several projects simultaneously.
To learn this skill, I took an online course that covered the basics of project management. It included modules on planning, scheduling, and resource allocation. I also practiced using project management software to track progress and deadlines.
I felt quite challenged at first because there was a lot to learn. However, as I started applying the skills to my work, I felt more confident and capable. It was satisfying to see how the new knowledge improved my performance and helped my team work more efficiently.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to share my experience of acquiring the skill of data visualization, which proved to be a game-changer in my role as a marketing analyst.
The impetus for learning this skill came from a pressing need to present complex market trends and consumer behavior patterns in a more digestible and impactful manner to our executive team. Our traditional reports were often overwhelming and failed to convey key insights effectively.
To master this skill, I embarked on a multi-faceted learning journey. Firstly, I enrolled in an intensive online course focused on data visualization techniques and tools like Tableau and Power BI. Complementing this formal education, I immersed myself in hands-on practice, working with our company’s data sets to create compelling visualizations. I also sought out mentorship from a senior data scientist in our organization, who provided invaluable insights and feedback.
The process of learning was both exhilarating and daunting. Initially, I felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information and the technical aspects of the tools. However, as I progressed and began to see the tangible impact of my newly acquired skills, I experienced a profound sense of accomplishment and empowerment.
The ability to transform raw data into visually striking and informative graphics not only enhanced my analytical capabilities but also significantly boosted my confidence in presenting findings to senior management. It was immensely gratifying to witness how this new skill elevated the quality of our team’s output and facilitated more informed decision-making within the company.
Follow-up Questions
- How long did it take you to feel confident with this new skill?
Band 6-7 Answer:
It took me about three months to feel confident using data visualization in my work. At first, it was challenging, but with regular practice, I became more comfortable creating effective charts and graphs.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The journey to proficiency in data visualization was a gradual process that unfolded over approximately six months. Initially, I experienced a steep learning curve, grappling with the intricacies of various visualization tools and techniques. However, as I consistently applied these skills to real-world projects, I noticed a marked improvement in both my efficiency and the quality of my output. It was around the four-month mark when I experienced a significant breakthrough, feeling truly adept at selecting the most appropriate visualization methods for different data sets and crafting compelling visual narratives.
- Do you think companies should invest more in training their employees?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I believe companies should invest more in employee training. It helps workers do their jobs better and can make the company more successful. Training can also make employees feel more valued and motivated.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I firmly believe that companies should prioritize investing in employee training and development. Such investments yield multifaceted benefits for both the organization and its workforce. Firstly, it enhances the company’s competitive edge by ensuring that employees are equipped with cutting-edge skills and knowledge relevant to their industry. Moreover, comprehensive training programs foster a culture of continuous learning, which is crucial in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. From an employee perspective, such initiatives demonstrate the company’s commitment to their professional growth, thereby boosting morale, increasing job satisfaction, and improving retention rates. Ultimately, a well-trained workforce is more productive, innovative, and adaptable, which translates into improved business performance and sustainable long-term success.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question 1: How has technology changed the way people learn new skills for work?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Technology has greatly changed how people learn new skills for work. Now, there are many online courses and video tutorials available, which make learning more flexible and accessible. People can learn at their own pace and from anywhere. Also, virtual reality is starting to be used for training in some industries, which can provide very realistic practice scenarios.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Technology has revolutionized the landscape of professional skill acquisition in profound ways. The advent of e-learning platforms and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) has democratized access to knowledge, enabling individuals to upskill or reskill at their own pace and convenience. This shift has fostered a culture of continuous learning, which is crucial in today’s rapidly evolving job market.
Moreover, advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual reality have ushered in a new era of immersive and personalized learning experiences. For instance, VR simulations allow employees to practice complex procedures or scenarios in a safe, controlled environment, enhancing the effectiveness of training in high-stakes industries like healthcare or aviation.
The rise of microlearning – delivering content in short, focused bursts – aligns well with the modern workforce’s need for just-in-time learning. This approach, often facilitated through mobile apps, enables learners to acquire and apply new skills more efficiently.
Furthermore, AI-powered adaptive learning systems can tailor content and pace to individual learners’ needs, maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of skill acquisition. This personalization of learning pathways represents a significant advancement over traditional one-size-fits-all training methods.
Question 2: Do you think the responsibility for learning new job skills lies more with the employee or the employer?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think the responsibility is shared between the employee and the employer. Employees should be proactive in identifying skills they need to improve and seeking out learning opportunities. However, employers should provide resources and support for training, as it benefits the company to have skilled workers. It’s a partnership where both sides need to contribute.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The responsibility for acquiring new job skills is best viewed as a symbiotic relationship between employees and employers, with both parties playing crucial and complementary roles.
On the employee side, there’s an inherent responsibility to remain proactive and adaptable in today’s rapidly evolving job market. This involves continuously assessing one’s skill set against industry trends and actively seeking opportunities for growth. The most successful professionals often demonstrate a strong sense of initiative in their learning journey, viewing skill development as an integral part of their career progression.
Conversely, employers have a vested interest in nurturing a skilled and competitive workforce. This translates into a responsibility to create an environment conducive to learning and provide tangible support for skill development. This can manifest in various forms, such as allocating resources for training programs, offering tuition reimbursement for relevant courses, or implementing mentorship schemes.
Moreover, employers are often better positioned to identify emerging skills that will be crucial for the company’s future success. By sharing this foresight with employees and aligning learning opportunities with strategic goals, they can ensure that skill development efforts are both relevant and impactful.
Ultimately, the most effective approach is one of shared responsibility. While employees should drive their own development, employers need to facilitate and encourage this growth. This collaborative model not only enhances individual career prospects but also contributes to the overall competitiveness and adaptability of the organization.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
-
Acquire (verb) /əˈkwaɪər/ – to gain or obtain something
Example: She quickly acquired the necessary skills for her new role. -
Impetus (noun) /ˈɪmpɪtəs/ – the force that makes something happen or makes it happen more quickly
Example: The new project gave impetus to our team’s creativity. -
Tangible (adjective) /ˈtændʒəbl/ – clear and definite; real
Example: We saw tangible results from our training efforts within a month. -
Immerse (verb) /ɪˈmɜːs/ – to become completely involved in something
Example: To improve my language skills, I immersed myself in Spanish-language media. -
Proficiency (noun) /prəˈfɪʃənsi/ – a high degree of skill or expertise
Example: Achieving proficiency in data analysis took months of dedicated practice. -
Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
Example: Learning a new job skill often requires a multifaceted approach. -
Upskill (verb) /ˈʌpskɪl/ – to learn new skills or to teach workers new skills
Example: Many companies are investing in programs to upskill their workforce in digital technologies.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing learning new job skills:
- Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
- Provide specific examples from your personal experience to make your answers more engaging and authentic.
- Practice speaking on various topics related to work and learning to build your confidence and fluency.
- Be prepared to discuss both the benefits and challenges of learning new skills, showing your ability to present balanced views.
- When answering follow-up questions, try to expand on your initial responses and provide deeper insights.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and confidence in your delivery.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about learning new job skills in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember to personalize your responses and speak naturally to achieve the best possible score.