How to Ace the IELTS Speaking Task: Describing a Valuable Learning Experience Outside School

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and learning. One common topic is describing a time when you learned something valuable outside of school. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test.

IELTS Speaking Test

Understanding the Question

Before we dive into sample answers, let’s break down what this question is asking:

1. It’s about a specific time or event
2. The learning experience happened outside of a formal school setting
3. The knowledge or skill gained was valuable to you

This type of question allows you to showcase your ability to reflect on personal experiences and articulate them clearly in English.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, you might encounter questions related to learning experiences. Here are some possible questions:

1. Do you enjoy learning new things?
2. How do you prefer to learn: by reading, listening, or doing?
3. Can you tell me about a recent learning experience you had?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the third question:

Examiner: Can you tell me about a recent learning experience you had?

Candidate (Band 6-7): Recently, I learned how to cook a traditional dish from my grandmother. It was interesting because I had never really cooked before. I learned about different ingredients and cooking techniques.

Candidate (Band 8-9): Actually, I had a fascinating learning experience just last month. My grandmother taught me how to prepare a traditional family recipe that’s been passed down for generations. It was an eye-opening experience as I not only learned about the intricate cooking techniques involved but also gained insights into my cultural heritage. The process was surprisingly complex, involving a careful balance of spices and precise timing, which really challenged my preconceptions about cooking.

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s a sample cue card related to our main topic:

Describe A Time When You Learned Something Valuable Outside Of School.
You should say:

• What you learned
• When and where you learned it
• Who you learned it from
• And explain why you think it was valuable

Here’s a sample answer:

Band 6-7 Answer:

I want to talk about the time I learned how to manage my finances better. This happened about two years ago when I started my first job. I learned it from my colleague, John, who was very good with money.

John noticed that I was always short on cash by the end of the month, so he offered to help me. He taught me how to create a budget and track my expenses. He showed me how to use a spreadsheet to record all my income and spending.

I think this was valuable because it helped me save money and reduce stress. Before, I was always worried about running out of money. Now, I feel more in control of my finances. It’s a skill that I use every day and will continue to use throughout my life.

Learning this outside of school was great because it was very practical. John could show me real-life examples and help me apply the knowledge immediately to my own situation.

Band 8-9 Answer:

I’d like to share an experience where I acquired an invaluable life skill outside the traditional classroom setting. About two years ago, shortly after starting my first professional job, I had the fortune of learning astute financial management from a seasoned colleague, John.

John, who was renowned in our office for his fiscal acumen, noticed my recurring financial struggles towards the end of each month. He graciously offered to mentor me in personal finance management, an offer I eagerly accepted.

The learning process was both enlightening and transformative. John introduced me to the intricacies of budgeting and the importance of meticulous expense tracking. He guided me through the creation of a comprehensive spreadsheet to monitor my income and expenditures, emphasizing the significance of categorizing expenses and identifying areas for potential savings.

This knowledge has proven immensely valuable for several reasons. Firstly, it has dramatically improved my financial stability, alleviating the constant stress associated with monetary uncertainties. Secondly, it has empowered me with a sense of control over my financial future, allowing me to set and achieve long-term financial goals. Lastly, this skill has broad applicability, extending beyond personal finance to inform business decisions and even enhance my understanding of global economic trends.

The practical nature of this learning experience was particularly beneficial. Unlike theoretical classroom lessons, John’s tutelage was grounded in real-world scenarios, allowing for immediate application and visible results. This hands-on approach not only cemented the knowledge more effectively but also instilled confidence in my ability to manage financial matters independently.

In retrospect, this experience underscores the immense value of learning opportunities that exist outside formal educational settings, highlighting the importance of remaining open to acquiring new skills throughout one’s life journey.

Follow-up Questions

Examiner: How do you think learning experiences outside of school differ from those in school?

Band 6-7 Answer: I think learning outside of school is often more practical. You can apply what you learn immediately in real life. It’s also usually more flexible, as you can learn at your own pace.

Band 8-9 Answer: Learning experiences outside of school fundamentally differ from traditional classroom education in several key aspects. Firstly, they tend to be more experiential and hands-on, allowing for immediate practical application of knowledge. This real-world context often leads to deeper understanding and retention of the subject matter. Additionally, extra-curricular learning experiences are typically more self-directed and intrinsically motivated, fostering a sense of personal investment and genuine curiosity in the learner. They also tend to be more flexible and adaptable to individual learning styles and paces, which can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the learning process. Moreover, these experiences often transcend disciplinary boundaries, promoting a more holistic and integrated approach to knowledge acquisition, which is increasingly valuable in our interconnected world.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic.

Examiner: Do you think formal education is becoming less important with the rise of online learning and self-study resources?

Band 6-7 Answer: I think formal education is still important, but online learning and self-study are becoming more popular. They offer more flexibility and can be cheaper than traditional education. However, formal education provides structure and recognized qualifications, which are still valued by many employers.

Band 8-9 Answer: The increasing prevalence of online learning platforms and self-study resources has undoubtedly revolutionized the educational landscape. However, I believe it would be premature to conclude that formal education is becoming less important. Rather, we’re witnessing a shift in the educational paradigm.

Formal education continues to offer significant advantages. It provides a structured learning environment, peer interaction, and direct access to expert guidance, which are crucial for developing critical thinking skills and fostering academic rigor. Moreover, the social aspects of traditional education play a vital role in personal development and networking.

That being said, online learning and self-study resources have democratized access to knowledge, making education more accessible and affordable for many. They offer unprecedented flexibility, allowing learners to tailor their educational experience to their individual needs and circumstances.

I believe the future of education lies in a blended approach, combining the strengths of formal education with the flexibility and accessibility of online resources. This hybrid model could potentially enhance learning outcomes by catering to diverse learning styles and needs while maintaining the structure and credibility associated with traditional education.

Ultimately, the relative importance of formal education versus alternative learning methods will likely vary depending on the field of study and career path. In some industries, formal qualifications remain paramount, while in others, demonstrated skills and knowledge gained through any means are valued more highly.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to use a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can elevate your speaking:

1. Invaluable /ɪnˈvæljuəbl/ (adj): Extremely useful; indispensable.
   Example: The financial management skills I learned proved invaluable in my personal and professional life.

2. Acumen /ˈækjuːmən/ (n): The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions.
   Example: John’s financial acumen was widely respected in our office.

3. Astute /əˈstjuːt/ (adj): Having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people.
   Example: His astute observations about the market helped me make better investment decisions.

4. Meticulous /məˈtɪkjələs/ (adj): Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
   Example: The process required meticulous record-keeping of all expenses.

5. Transformative /trænsˈfɔːrmətɪv/ (adj): Causing a marked change in someone or something.
   Example: Learning to manage my finances was a transformative experience that changed my approach to money.

Remember to use these words naturally and in context. Overusing complex vocabulary without proper understanding can negatively impact your score.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing learning experiences outside of school:

1. Be specific: Provide concrete details about what you learned, how you learned it, and why it was valuable.

2. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary related to learning and personal development.

3. Demonstrate reflection: Show that you can think critically about your experiences and their impact on your life.

4. Structure your answer: Organize your thoughts logically, using discourse markers to connect ideas.

5. Practice: Regularly practice speaking about various topics, recording yourself and analyzing your performance.

By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you can improve your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and effectively in the IELTS Speaking test.

For more guidance on IELTS Speaking topics, you might find it helpful to explore related articles such as Describe a Person Who Has Taught You an Important Life Skill or Describe a Time When a Person Cooked a Special Meal for You. These resources can provide additional context and examples to enhance your speaking skills.