The topic “Describe a time when you made a significant improvement in your skills” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. This topic allows candidates to showcase their ability to narrate personal experiences, reflect on their growth, and express their thoughts on self-improvement. Given its relevance to personal development and learning, it’s likely to remain a popular topic in future IELTS exams.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions related to skills and improvement. Here are some potential questions:
- Do you enjoy learning new skills?
- What kind of skills do you think are important in today’s world?
- How do you usually go about improving your skills?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you enjoy learning new skills?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I find the process of acquiring new skills incredibly rewarding. There’s something exhilarating about challenging myself and seeing tangible progress over time. Whether it’s picking up a new language or mastering a musical instrument, I believe that learning keeps our minds active and helps us grow as individuals. Plus, in today’s fast-paced world, being adaptable and continuously improving our skill set is crucial for both personal and professional development.”
This answer demonstrates enthusiasm, uses a range of vocabulary, and provides some reasoning, which are key factors in achieving a higher band score.
Part 2: Long Turn
Now, let’s move on to the main topic. Here’s a sample cue card:
Describe a time when you made a significant improvement in your skills
You should say:
- What skill you improved
- How you improved it
- Why you decided to improve this skill
- And explain how you felt about the improvement
Confident Public Speaker
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a time when I significantly improved my public speaking skills. This happened about two years ago when I joined a local Toastmasters club.
I decided to improve this skill because I often felt nervous and tongue-tied during presentations at work. I realized that being a good public speaker could really boost my career prospects.
To improve, I attended weekly Toastmasters meetings where I had to give speeches regularly. I also watched TED talks and practiced in front of a mirror. One of the most helpful things was getting feedback from other club members.
Over time, I noticed a big change. I felt more confident standing in front of an audience, and my speeches became more structured and engaging. I was really proud of my progress, and it felt great to overcome my fear of public speaking.
The improvement has had a positive impact on my work life too. Now, I can present my ideas more effectively in meetings, which has led to more recognition from my colleagues and superiors.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share an experience where I made a substantial improvement in my public speaking skills, a journey that began roughly two years ago when I took the plunge and joined a local Toastmasters club.
The impetus for this decision stemmed from my recurring struggles with nervousness and inarticulateness during work presentations. I had an epiphany that enhancing my public speaking abilities could be a game-changer for my career trajectory.
To tackle this challenge, I immersed myself in the Toastmasters program, attending weekly meetings where I was compelled to deliver speeches regularly. Additionally, I devoured countless TED talks, scrutinizing the speakers’ techniques, and spent hours honing my skills in front of a mirror. Perhaps the most invaluable aspect was the constructive feedback from fellow club members, which proved instrumental in my growth.
As time progressed, I observed a remarkable transformation. My confidence skyrocketed when addressing an audience, and my speeches became more coherent, engaging, and impactful. The sense of pride I felt in overcoming my trepidation towards public speaking was truly exhilarating.
This improvement has had a ripple effect on my professional life. I now articulate my ideas with greater clarity and persuasiveness in meetings, which has led to increased recognition from colleagues and superiors alike. This experience has reinforced my belief in the power of perseverance and continuous self-improvement.”
This higher band answer demonstrates a wider range of vocabulary, more complex sentence structures, and a more nuanced reflection on the experience.
Follow-up Questions:
- How long did it take you to see significant improvement?
- Did you face any challenges during the process of improving your skill?
Sample answer (Band 8-9) for question 1:
“The journey to noticeable improvement was gradual but steady. I’d say it took about six months of consistent effort before I saw substantial changes. Initially, progress was subtle – perhaps a slight increase in confidence or a marginal improvement in speech organization. However, around the six-month mark, I experienced a quantum leap in my abilities. Suddenly, I found myself effortlessly structuring my thoughts, engaging with the audience more naturally, and fielding questions with newfound ease. This watershed moment really drove home the value of persistent practice and the cumulative effect of small, consistent improvements over time.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think technology has changed the way people improve their skills?
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“Technology has really changed how people learn new skills. Now, we can access online courses and tutorials on almost any topic. This makes it easier for people to learn at their own pace and in their own time. Social media and YouTube are also great for finding tips and advice from experts. However, I think it’s important to balance online learning with practical experience.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has revolutionized the landscape of skill development in myriad ways. The proliferation of online learning platforms has democratized access to knowledge, allowing individuals to acquire expertise in virtually any field, irrespective of geographical constraints. Adaptive learning algorithms can now tailor educational content to individual learning styles, optimizing the learning process. Moreover, immersive technologies like VR and AR are pushing the boundaries of experiential learning, enabling people to practice skills in simulated environments. However, it’s crucial to note that while technology has undoubtedly enhanced accessibility and efficiency in skill acquisition, it shouldn’t entirely supplant hands-on experience and face-to-face mentorship, which remain invaluable for holistic skill development.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Substantial improvement (noun phrase) – /səbˈstænʃəl ɪmˈpruːvmənt/ – A significant or considerable enhancement
Example: “Her substantial improvement in language skills was evident in her fluent conversations.”To take the plunge (idiom) – /teɪk ðə plʌndʒ/ – To commit to a course of action
Example: “After months of hesitation, he finally took the plunge and started his own business.”Epiphany (noun) – /ɪˈpɪfəni/ – A moment of sudden and great revelation or realization
Example: “She had an epiphany about her career path during her travels.”Game-changer (noun) – /ˈɡeɪm tʃeɪndʒər/ – An event, idea, or procedure that effects a significant shift in the current way of doing or thinking about something
Example: “The invention of the smartphone was a game-changer in the field of communication.”To scrutinize (verb) – /ˈskruːtənaɪz/ – To examine or inspect closely and thoroughly
Example: “The committee scrutinized every detail of the proposal before making a decision.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking, particularly when describing improvements in skills:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary, including idioms and phrasal verbs, to express your ideas precisely.
- Employ complex sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
- Provide specific examples and personal experiences to support your points.
- Show reflection and analysis in your responses, particularly in Part 3.
- Practice speaking on various topics to improve fluency and confidence.
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to English in various contexts are key to improving your speaking skills. Consider joining English speaking clubs or finding a language exchange partner to gain more practice opportunities.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, you might find our article on describing a challenging situation you faced while learning something new helpful. It provides additional insights into narrating personal experiences effectively.