The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and life lessons. One common topic that frequently appears is describing an important lesson learned outside of school. This article will provide valuable insights and sample answers to help you excel in this part of the IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about learning and life experiences. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Question: Do you think it’s important to learn things outside of school?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I believe it’s quite important. Learning outside school can give us practical skills and real-world experience that we might not get in a classroom setting.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I firmly believe that learning outside of school is crucial for personal growth and development. While formal education provides a solid foundation, real-world experiences offer invaluable lessons that can’t be taught in a classroom. These experiences often enhance our problem-solving skills, broaden our perspectives, and prepare us for the challenges we may face in our personal and professional lives.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe An Important Lesson You Learned Outside Of School
You should say:

• What the lesson was
• How you learned it
• Why it was important
• And explain how this lesson has influenced you

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

The important lesson I learned outside of school was the value of perseverance. I learned this when I was trying to learn how to play the guitar. At first, it was really hard, and my fingers hurt a lot. I wanted to give up many times, but I kept practicing every day.

This lesson was important because it taught me that success doesn’t come easily. You have to work hard and keep trying, even when things are difficult. It has influenced me a lot. Now, whenever I face a challenge, I remember my guitar experience and keep pushing forward.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned outside the academic environment is the immense value of resilience and perseverance. This profound realization came to me during my journey of learning to play the guitar.

When I first began, the process was incredibly challenging. My fingers ached from pressing the strings, and the chords seemed impossible to master. There were countless moments when the temptation to abandon this pursuit was overwhelming. However, I made a conscious decision to persist, dedicating at least an hour each day to practice, regardless of how frustrated I felt.

The importance of this lesson cannot be overstated. It fundamentally shifted my perspective on success and achievement. I came to understand that genuine accomplishment rarely comes easily or quickly. Instead, it’s the result of consistent effort, unwavering determination, and the willingness to push through discomfort and setbacks.

This experience has had a profound impact on various aspects of my life. Whenever I encounter obstacles, whether in my personal endeavors or professional pursuits, I draw strength from this lesson. It has instilled in me a resilient mindset that enables me to approach challenges with confidence and determination. Moreover, it has taught me to appreciate the journey of growth rather than fixating solely on the end result.

In essence, this lesson in perseverance, learned through the simple act of learning an instrument, has become a cornerstone of my approach to life’s challenges. It continually reminds me that with patience, dedication, and consistent effort, I can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and achieve my goals.

A person practicing guitar with determination

Follow-up questions:

1. How do you think learning experiences differ inside and outside of school?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think learning in school is more structured, while outside it’s more practical. In school, we follow a curriculum, but outside we learn from real experiences.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The differences between learning inside and outside of school are quite substantial. In an academic setting, learning is typically structured and systematic, following a predetermined curriculum. This approach provides a solid theoretical foundation across various subjects. However, learning outside of school tends to be more experiential and self-directed. It often involves real-world application of knowledge, allowing for immediate feedback and practical understanding. Moreover, out-of-school learning experiences tend to be more diverse and unpredictable, which can foster adaptability and creative problem-solving skills that are invaluable in real-life situations.

2. Do you think schools should incorporate more real-life lessons into their curriculum?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think that would be very helpful. Schools could include more practical skills like managing finances or communication skills. This would help students be better prepared for adult life.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I believe there’s a compelling case for integrating more real-life lessons into school curricula. While traditional academic subjects are undoubtedly important, there’s an increasing need for education to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. By incorporating lessons on financial literacy, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and effective communication, schools can better equip students for the complexities of adult life. This approach could potentially lead to more well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also adept at navigating real-world challenges. It’s about striking a balance between academic rigor and practical life skills to create a more holistic educational experience.

Students engaged in practical learning activities

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Question: How do you think technology has changed the way we learn outside of school?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Technology has made learning outside school much easier. We can now access information anytime through our smartphones or computers. There are also many online courses and educational videos available. This means we can learn new things even when we’re not in a classroom.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Technology has revolutionized the landscape of informal learning in numerous ways. Firstly, it has democratized access to information, making a vast array of knowledge available at our fingertips. This unprecedented access allows individuals to pursue their interests and acquire new skills with remarkable ease.

Moreover, technology has facilitated personalized learning experiences. Through adaptive learning platforms and AI-driven educational tools, learners can now tailor their educational journey to suit their individual pace, style, and preferences. This personalization enhances engagement and efficiency in the learning process.

Additionally, technology has fostered global connectivity in education. Through online forums, social media, and collaborative platforms, learners can now engage with experts and peers worldwide, exchanging ideas and perspectives that enrich their understanding.

However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this technological revolution in learning also presents challenges. The abundance of information requires strong critical thinking skills to discern credible sources. Furthermore, the ease of access to information might sometimes lead to superficial learning, making it essential to cultivate deep understanding and application of knowledge.

In essence, while technology has undoubtedly expanded our learning opportunities outside traditional educational settings, it also necessitates a more discerning and disciplined approach to truly capitalize on these resources.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ɪmˈpækt/ (adj. + n.): A very significant or deep effect
   Example: “The experience had a profound impact on my outlook on life.”

2. Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (n.): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties
   Example: “Learning to play the guitar taught me the importance of resilience.”

3. Perseverance /ˌpɜːrsəˈvɪərəns/ (n.): Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success
   Example: “Success often comes to those who show great perseverance.”

4. Fundamental shift /ˌfʌndəˈmentl ʃɪft/ (adj. + n.): A basic, important change
   Example: “This experience led to a fundamental shift in my approach to challenges.”

5. Instill /ɪnˈstɪl/ (v.): Gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind
   Example: “The experience instilled in me a strong work ethic.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing lessons learned outside school:

1. Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
2. Provide specific examples to support your points, making your answers more engaging and credible.
3. Practice speaking about your experiences fluently and coherently. Time yourself to ensure you can speak for the required duration without hesitation.
4. Develop your ideas fully, explaining not just what happened but also how it affected you and why it was significant.
5. Show your ability to discuss abstract concepts, especially in Part 3, by considering different perspectives and implications of the topic.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural conversational tone while showcasing your vocabulary and grammatical range.

You can also learn about how to describe a subject in school that you found very engaging, which could complement your discussion on out-of-school learning experiences.