IELTS Speaking examiners often ask candidates to describe a time when they tried to learn something on their own. This topic allows test-takers to showcase their ability to discuss personal experiences, learning strategies, and self-motivation. It’s a common theme that has appeared in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask questions like:
- Do you enjoy learning new things?
- What was the last thing you learned by yourself?
- How do you prefer to learn: alone or with others?
Here’s a sample answer for the second question:
“The last thing I learned by myself was how to create digital illustrations using graphic design software. I’ve always been interested in art, so I decided to explore this new medium. I started by watching online tutorials and practicing regularly. It was challenging at first, but I found it incredibly rewarding to see my skills improve over time.”
Describe an activity you do in your free time that involves self-learning can also be a great way to demonstrate your enthusiasm for independent study.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe A Time When You Tried To Learn Something On Your Own.
You should say:
- What you tried to learn
- Why you decided to learn it
- How you went about learning it
- And explain how successful you were in learning it
Sample Answers
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to talk about the time I tried to learn Spanish on my own. I decided to learn it because I was planning a trip to Spain and wanted to communicate with locals. I started by downloading a language learning app and studying for 30 minutes every day. I also watched Spanish movies with subtitles to improve my listening skills. After three months of consistent practice, I was able to have basic conversations in Spanish during my trip. While I wasn’t fluent, I felt proud of what I had achieved through self-study.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to share my experience of teaching myself data analysis using Python. As a marketing professional, I recognized the growing importance of data-driven decision-making in my field. To stay competitive and enhance my skill set, I embarked on this self-learning journey.
My approach was multifaceted and systematic. I began by enrolling in a free online course from a renowned university, which provided a solid foundation in Python basics. Simultaneously, I acquired several highly-recommended textbooks on data analysis to supplement my learning. To apply theory to practice, I set up a GitHub repository where I committed to pushing code daily, working on progressively complex projects.
The learning curve was steep, but I remained persistent. I joined online coding communities and actively participated in forums, both seeking help and offering assistance to others. This not only reinforced my learning but also exposed me to diverse problem-solving approaches. Additionally, I leveraged real-world datasets from my work, which made the learning process more relevant and engaging.
After six months of dedicated effort, I successfully developed a predictive model that significantly improved our customer segmentation strategy at work. This tangible outcome not only validated my learning but also directly contributed to my professional growth. While I acknowledge that there’s always more to learn in this rapidly evolving field, I’m immensely satisfied with the proficiency I’ve gained through self-study and its positive impact on my career.”
Self-learning data analysis using Python
Follow-up Questions
- What challenges did you face during your self-learning experience?
- How did this experience change your approach to learning new skills?
Band 6-7 Answer:
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“The main challenge I faced was staying motivated when progress seemed slow. There were times when I felt like giving up, but I pushed through by reminding myself of my goals.”
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“This experience taught me the importance of consistency and patience in learning. I now break down big goals into smaller, manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
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“The primary challenge I encountered was navigating the vast amount of information available. Discerning which resources were most relevant and reliable required careful evaluation. Additionally, maintaining a balance between depth and breadth of learning was crucial. I overcame these obstacles by setting clear learning objectives and regularly reassessing my progress.”
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“This self-learning journey has profoundly transformed my approach to acquiring new skills. It has instilled in me a growth mindset, emphasizing the value of persistent effort over innate ability. I’ve become more adept at structuring my learning process, incorporating diverse resources, and actively seeking feedback. Moreover, I now view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Do you think self-learning is becoming more important in today’s world?”
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I believe self-learning is becoming increasingly important. With the rapid changes in technology and job markets, people need to constantly update their skills. Self-learning allows us to adapt quickly and stay competitive in our careers. It’s also more flexible than traditional education, which is helpful for those with busy schedules.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely, the significance of self-learning in today’s world cannot be overstated. We’re living in an era of unprecedented technological advancement and economic volatility, which necessitates continuous skill development and adaptation. Self-learning empowers individuals to take charge of their personal and professional growth, enabling them to pivot swiftly in response to market demands.
Moreover, the democratization of knowledge through online platforms has revolutionized access to education. This shift has made self-directed learning not just viable but often preferable for many. It allows for a customized learning experience, catering to individual learning styles and paces, which can be more effective than one-size-fits-all traditional education models.
Furthermore, self-learning cultivates critical meta-skills such as self-discipline, time management, and information literacy. These skills are increasingly valued in the workplace and are essential for thriving in the gig economy and remote work environments. In essence, self-learning is not just about acquiring specific knowledge, but about developing the capacity for lifelong learning – a crucial attribute in our rapidly evolving world.”
Online learning platforms for self-study
Examiner: “How can educational institutions better prepare students for self-learning?”
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Schools can help students develop self-learning skills by giving them more independent projects. They could also teach students how to find reliable information online and how to manage their time effectively. Introducing students to various learning resources like online courses and educational apps would be beneficial too.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Educational institutions can play a pivotal role in fostering self-learning capabilities among students through a multifaceted approach. Firstly, they should shift from a content-centric to a skills-centric curriculum, emphasizing critical thinking, information literacy, and metacognition. This would equip students with the tools to navigate the vast sea of information available and to reflect on their own learning processes.
Secondly, implementing project-based learning and flipped classroom models can encourage students to take ownership of their learning journey. These approaches require students to engage in independent research, problem-solving, and self-paced study, mirroring real-world learning scenarios.
Furthermore, integrating technology and digital literacy into the core curriculum is crucial. This includes teaching students how to effectively use online learning platforms, evaluate the credibility of digital resources, and leverage productivity tools for self-management.
Lastly, institutions should focus on cultivating a growth mindset among students. By reframing challenges as opportunities for growth and normalizing the process of learning from failures, schools can instill the resilience and curiosity necessary for lifelong, self-directed learning. This cultural shift within educational institutions would be instrumental in preparing students for a future where adaptability and self-learning are paramount.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Embark on a journey /ɪmˈbɑːrk ɒn ə ˈdʒɜːni/ (phrasal verb): To start or begin a course of action or a new venture.
Example: “I embarked on a journey of self-discovery through meditation.” -
Multifaceted /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
Example: “Learning a new language is a multifaceted process involving grammar, vocabulary, and cultural understanding.” -
Leverage /ˈlevərɪdʒ/ (verb): To use something to maximum advantage.
Example: “I leveraged my network to find opportunities for practicing my new skills.” -
Persistent /pəˈsɪstənt/ (adjective): Continuing firmly or obstinately in an opinion or course of action despite difficulty or opposition.
Example: “His persistent effort in studying every day led to significant improvement in his language skills.” -
Tangible outcome /ˈtændʒəbl ˈaʊtkʌm/ (noun phrase): A result that can be clearly seen or measured.
Example: “The tangible outcome of my self-study was being able to read scientific papers in German.”
Describe a time when you had to solve a problem on your own can also be an excellent opportunity to showcase your self-learning abilities and problem-solving skills.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing self-learning experiences:
- Be specific: Provide concrete details about what you learned, how you learned it, and the outcomes.
- Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to learning and personal development.
- Showcase your reflection: Demonstrate your ability to analyze your learning process and its impact on you.
- Structure your answer: Organize your thoughts logically, especially in Part 2, to ensure a coherent and comprehensive response.
- Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses or hesitations.
Remember, the key to success lies in regular practice and self-reflection. Consider recording yourself answering sample questions to identify areas for improvement.
Describe a hobby you would like to start can be another excellent topic to practice, as it often involves discussing self-learning aspirations.
