When preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, candidates often encounter topics related to personal experiences and learning. One such topic that frequently appears is describing a time when you learned a new skill from a friend. This article will guide you through answering this question effectively, providing sample responses for different band scores and offering valuable tips to enhance your performance.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner may ask you general questions about learning and skills. Here are some potential questions you might encounter:
- Do you enjoy learning new skills?
- What was the last skill you learned?
- How do you prefer to learn new things?
- Do you think it’s important to keep learning throughout life?
Let’s focus on answering the first question:
Question: 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, 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 profoundly satisfying about pushing beyond my comfort zone and mastering a new ability. For instance, I’ve recently taken up photography, and the journey of understanding composition, lighting, and post-processing techniques has been both intellectually engaging and creatively invigorating.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our main topic:
Describe a time when you learned a new skill from a friend
You should say:
- What the skill was
- How your friend taught you
- Why you wanted to learn this skill
- And explain how you felt about learning from your friend
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about the time I learned how to play chess from my friend Sarah. She’s been playing chess since childhood and is quite good at it. I’ve always been interested in strategy games, so when Sarah offered to teach me, I was excited to learn.
Sarah taught me over a series of weekends. We started with the basic movements of each piece, then moved on to simple strategies and common openings. She was patient and explained things clearly, often using real-game scenarios to illustrate her points.
I wanted to learn chess because I thought it would be a good way to improve my critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Plus, it seemed like a fun way to spend time with friends.
Learning from Sarah was a great experience. I felt comfortable asking questions, and her enthusiasm for the game was contagious. It was more enjoyable than learning from a book or online tutorial because we could discuss moves and strategies in real-time. By the end of our sessions, I felt a sense of accomplishment and was eager to play more often.”
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
“I’d be delighted to share an experience where I acquired a new skill from a friend. The skill in question was the art of calligraphy, which I learned from my dear friend Emma, an accomplished calligrapher with years of experience under her belt.
Emma’s teaching methodology was both systematic and immersive. We began with the fundamentals of nib control and ink flow, progressing to more intricate letter forms and compositions. What set her approach apart was her emphasis on the meditative aspect of calligraphy, encouraging me to focus on the rhythm of my strokes and the interplay of negative and positive space.
My motivation to learn calligraphy stemmed from a desire to infuse my personal correspondence with a touch of elegance and to explore a form of artistic expression that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. Moreover, I was intrigued by the mindfulness aspect of the practice, viewing it as a potential tool for stress relief and self-reflection.
The experience of learning from Emma was profoundly enriching. Her passion for the craft was palpable, and it ignited a similar enthusiasm in me. The one-on-one nature of our sessions allowed for immediate feedback and personalized guidance, which I found invaluable. There was a wonderful sense of camaraderie as we shared in the frustrations of difficult letterforms and celebrated the small victories of perfectly executed strokes.
What I found particularly rewarding was how this learning experience transcended the mere acquisition of a skill. It became a journey of self-discovery, teaching me the value of patience, precision, and perseverance. The process fostered a deeper appreciation for the nuances of communication and the power of visual aesthetics.
In retrospect, learning calligraphy from Emma not only equipped me with a beautiful skill but also strengthened our friendship, creating shared memories and a mutual appreciation for an ancient art form. This experience has reinforced my belief in the importance of lifelong learning and the unique value of acquiring skills through personal connections.”
Follow-up questions:
- How has learning this skill impacted your life?
- Would you recommend others to learn from friends rather than formal classes?
Band 6-7 Answer for Question 1:
“Learning chess has had a positive impact on my life. It’s improved my concentration and decision-making skills. I also enjoy playing with friends and family now, which is a great way to socialize and have fun.”
Band 8-9 Answer for Question 1:
“The impact of learning calligraphy has been multifaceted and profound. On a practical level, it has enhanced my ability to create personalized gifts and cards, adding a special touch to my interactions with loved ones. More significantly, it has cultivated a deeper sense of mindfulness in my daily life. The focus required for calligraphy has translated into improved concentration in other areas of my work and studies. Furthermore, it has opened up a new avenue for creative expression, allowing me to blend words and visual art in a unique way that I find deeply satisfying.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s an example:
Examiner: How do you think the way people learn new skills has changed in recent years?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think the way people learn new skills has changed a lot recently, mainly because of technology. Now, we can find tutorials and courses online for almost anything. This makes learning more accessible and convenient. People can learn at their own pace and from experts all over the world. However, I believe that traditional methods like learning from friends or in-person classes are still valuable, especially for skills that require hands-on practice.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The landscape of skill acquisition has undergone a paradigm shift in recent years, primarily driven by technological advancements and the democratization of information. The advent of massive open online courses (MOOCs), interactive learning platforms, and AI-powered personalized learning systems has revolutionized the way people approach skill development.
This digital transformation has broken down geographical barriers, allowing learners to access expertise from across the globe at their convenience. The asynchronous nature of many online learning models has also facilitated a more flexible approach to skill acquisition, catering to diverse learning styles and schedules.
Moreover, the rise of microlearning and bite-sized content has aligned well with the increasingly fast-paced nature of modern life, enabling people to acquire skills in more manageable, focused sessions. This trend towards modular learning has made continuous skill development more achievable for many.
However, it’s crucial to note that this technological shift hasn’t entirely supplanted traditional learning methods. In fact, we’re seeing an interesting hybridization of learning approaches. Many people are combining online resources with in-person mentorship or peer-to-peer learning, creating a more holistic and effective learning experience.
This evolution in skill acquisition methods has also heightened the importance of digital literacy and self-directed learning capabilities. As the onus of curating one’s learning journey increasingly falls on the individual, the ability to critically evaluate information sources and self-motivate has become paramount.
In essence, while technology has undoubtedly expanded the horizons of skill acquisition, the most effective learners are those who can judiciously blend digital resources with experiential and social learning opportunities, creating a synergistic approach to personal and professional development.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated words and phrases:
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Paradigm shift (noun) – /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ – A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: “The internet caused a paradigm shift in how we access information.” -
Democratization (noun) – /dɪˌmɒkrətaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – The action of making something accessible to everyone.
Example: “We’re witnessing the democratization of education through online platforms.” -
Asynchronous (adjective) – /eɪˈsɪŋkrənəs/ – Not existing or occurring at the same time.
Example: “Asynchronous learning allows students to progress at their own pace.” -
Holistic (adjective) – /həˈlɪstɪk/ – Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole.
Example: “A holistic approach to skill development considers both theoretical knowledge and practical application.” -
Synergistic (adjective) – /ˌsɪnəˈdʒɪstɪk/ – Relating to the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
Example: “The synergistic combination of online resources and in-person mentorship accelerated my learning process.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing learning a new skill from a friend:
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases relevant to learning and skill acquisition.
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Provide specific details: Offer concrete examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points.
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Demonstrate critical thinking: Reflect on the impact of the learning experience and its broader implications.
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Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to ensure smooth delivery without unnecessary pauses.
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Show enthusiasm: Convey genuine interest in the subject through your tone and expressions.
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Structure your response: Organize your thoughts logically, especially in Part 2, following the cue card prompts.
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Elaborate on answers: In Part 3, provide in-depth responses that showcase your ability to discuss abstract concepts.
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to a wide range of topics will help you feel more confident and perform better in the IELTS Speaking test.
Learn more about describing a traditional event or festival in IELTS Speaking, which can also involve learning new skills or cultural practices from others.