Describe a Time When You Learned Something New

The IELTS Speaking Test assesses various aspects of your spoken English, including fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. A common topic that may appear is describing an experience when you learned something new. Such questions aim to evaluate your ability to recount experiences, articulate thoughts clearly, and use appropriate language.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the Examiner will ask general questions about yourself. Here are some potential questions and suggested answers:

Example Question and Answer

Question: Can you tell me about a hobby you enjoy?

Answer: One of my favorite hobbies is painting. I find it incredibly relaxing and a great way to express my creativity. It allows me to explore different techniques and color combinations, making each piece unique.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a time when you learned something new. You should say:

• What you learned
• How you learned it
• Why you decided to learn it
• And how you felt about it

Suggested Answer

One memorable time when I learned something new was when I decided to take up cooking. I had always been fascinated by the culinary arts but never really delved into it until last year. I enrolled in a cooking class at a local community center. The class was led by a professional chef who was extremely passionate about food and very encouraging.

During the course, I learned various basic cooking techniques, such as chopping vegetables efficiently, sautéing, and baking. Interestingly, what really kept me engaged was the chef’s ability to show us how to create complex and delicious dishes from simple ingredients. The practical sessions allowed me to apply what I had learned immediately.

The reason I decided to learn cooking was that I wanted to be able to prepare healthy meals for myself rather than relying on processed foods. Additionally, I thought it would be a wonderful way to entertain friends and family by inviting them over for home-cooked meals.

I felt a great sense of accomplishment every time I successfully prepared a dish. It was incredibly rewarding to see the pleased expressions on my friends’ faces when they tasted the food I had cooked. This experience not only improved my cooking skills but also boosted my confidence in trying out new recipes and experimenting with different cuisines.

Follow-up Questions

Question: Do you think learning new things is important?

Answer: Absolutely. Learning new things not only enriches our knowledge but also keeps our minds active and engaged. It can open up new opportunities and improve our quality of life.

Question: How can technology assist in learning new skills?

Answer: Technology plays a crucial role in modern education. Online platforms and video tutorials make it convenient to learn at one’s own pace. Apps and social media also allow for interactive and collaborative learning experiences.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the Examiner will engage you in a more abstract discussion related to the topic in Part 2.

Questions and Suggested Answers

Question: How can lifelong learning benefit an individual?

Answer: Lifelong learning is immensely beneficial as it helps individuals stay relevant in an ever-changing job market. It promotes personal growth and fulfillment, allowing people to pursue their passions and interests. It also fosters cognitive resilience, which can contribute to mental well-being.

Question: Do you think there are limits to learning new things as people age?

Answer: While it may take older individuals a bit longer to learn new things due to factors such as memory decline, there’s no age limit to learning. In fact, continuous learning can help keep the mind sharp and mitigate the effects of aging on cognitive functions. Programs tailored to different age groups can make learning accessible and enjoyable at any stage of life.

A person learning a new skill

Vocabulary and Structures to Boost Your Score

Here are some essential words and phrases that can help you achieve a higher band score:

Vocabulary

1. Accomplishment (n): /əˈkɒmplɪʃmənt/

   • Task or feat completed successfully.
   • “Receiving positive feedback on my presentations gave me a sense of accomplishment.”

2. Enrich (v): /ɪnˈrɪtʃ/

   • To improve or enhance the quality or value of something.
   • “Traveling to different countries can enrich your understanding of various cultures.”

3. Engaged (adj): /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒd/

   • Actively involved or interested in something.
   • “The students were fully engaged in the interactive workshop.”

4. Collaborative (adj): /kəˈlæbərətɪv/

   • Produced or conducted by two or more parties working together.
   • “The research project was a collaborative effort between two universities.”

5. Cognitive (adj): /ˈkɒɡnətɪv/

   • Relating to mental processes such as awareness, perception, reasoning, and judgment.
   • “Cognitive exercises can help maintain brain health and improve memory.”

Useful Structures

1. Passive construction to emphasize actions:

   • “The class was led by a professional chef.”

2. Complex sentences to show range and variety:

   • “I enrolled in a cooking class because I wanted to prepare healthy meals and entertain friends.”

3. Idiomatic expressions to enrich speech:

   • “Interestingly,” “absolutely,” “keeping our minds active”

For more idioms to incorporate into your speech, refer to Common IELTS Speaking Idioms.

Examiner’s Tips for High Scores

1. Fluency and Coherence: Keep your speech fluid. Avoid long pauses by practicing speaking regularly.

2. Lexical Resource: Use a diverse range of vocabulary and idiomatic expressions like those provided above.

3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Use varied sentence structures, including complex and compound sentences.

4. Pronunciation: Strive for clear, correct pronunciation of words. Record and listen to yourself to identify areas for improvement.

By focusing on these areas and incorporating the suggested vocabulary and phrases, you can demonstrate strong speaking skills and achieve a higher score in the IELTS Speaking Test.