The topic “Describe An Interesting Skill You Learned Recently” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. It allows candidates to showcase their ability to narrate personal experiences while demonstrating a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its versatility and relevance to everyday life.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about skills and learning. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you enjoy learning new skills?
- What kind of skills do you think are important in today’s world?
- How do you usually learn new skills?
Let’s focus on answering the first question:
Examiner: Do you enjoy learning new skills?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy learning new skills. It’s always exciting to try something new and see how I improve over time. Recently, I’ve been learning how to cook different types of cuisine, which has been both challenging and rewarding.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I find the process of acquiring new skills to be incredibly stimulating and fulfilling. There’s something profoundly satisfying about pushing beyond my comfort zone and expanding my capabilities. For instance, I recently took up digital photography, which has not only enhanced my artistic expression but also sharpened my eye for detail in everyday life.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a cue card based on the main topic:
Describe an interesting skill you learned recently
You should say:
- What the skill is
- How you learned it
- Why you decided to learn it
- And explain why you find this skill interesting
Band 6-7 Answer:
The interesting skill I learned recently is cooking Italian cuisine. I’ve always enjoyed Italian food, but I never knew how to make it myself. I decided to learn because I wanted to be able to prepare delicious meals for my family and friends.
I learned this skill by watching online cooking tutorials and practicing in my kitchen. I started with simple pasta dishes and gradually moved on to more complex recipes like risotto and tiramisu. It took some time and patience, but I eventually got better at it.
What I find interesting about this skill is how it combines creativity with precision. You need to follow recipes carefully, but there’s also room to experiment with flavors and presentation. It’s also fascinating to learn about the history and culture behind different Italian dishes.
Learning to cook Italian food has been a rewarding experience. It’s improved my overall cooking abilities and given me a new hobby to enjoy. Plus, it’s always great to see people’s reactions when they taste my homemade Italian dishes!
Band 8-9 Answer:
The captivating skill I’ve recently acquired is the art of urban sketching. This dynamic form of artistic expression involves rapidly capturing cityscapes and street scenes in a sketchbook while on location.
I embarked on this creative journey after stumbling upon some breathtaking urban sketches on social media. Intrigued by the prospect of documenting my surroundings in a unique and personal way, I decided to give it a try. To hone this skill, I enrolled in an online course led by a renowned urban sketcher, which provided me with a solid foundation in perspective drawing, composition, and various sketching techniques. Additionally, I joined a local urban sketching group, which organizes weekly outdoor sketching sessions, allowing me to practice consistently and learn from fellow enthusiasts.
What makes urban sketching particularly fascinating to me is its ability to transform mundane everyday scenes into captivating works of art. It challenges me to observe my environment more keenly, noticing details I might otherwise overlook. Moreover, the spontaneity and immediacy of sketching on location infuse each drawing with a sense of energy and authenticity that’s hard to replicate in a studio setting.
This skill has not only enhanced my artistic abilities but also altered my perception of the world around me. It’s become a meditative practice that allows me to be fully present in the moment, appreciating the beauty in ordinary urban landscapes. Furthermore, my sketchbook has become a unique visual diary, preserving memories of places I’ve visited in a way that photographs simply can’t match.
Urban sketching: Capturing cityscapes in a sketchbook
Examiner: How has learning this skill impacted your daily life?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Learning urban sketching has definitely changed how I see my surroundings. I find myself noticing interesting buildings and scenes more often now. It’s also given me a new hobby to enjoy during my free time, especially when I’m traveling or just exploring my own city.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The acquisition of this skill has had a profound impact on my daily life. It has fundamentally altered my perception of my environment, transforming mundane commutes into opportunities for artistic exploration. I now find myself constantly analyzing the interplay of light and shadow, the rhythm of architectural forms, and the flow of people through urban spaces. This heightened awareness has not only enriched my artistic practice but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the nuances of urban design and city planning.
Moreover, urban sketching has become a powerful tool for mindfulness, allowing me to disconnect from digital distractions and immerse myself fully in the present moment. It’s remarkably therapeutic, serving as a form of moving meditation that alleviates stress and enhances my overall well-being.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: In what ways do you think learning new skills can benefit society as a whole?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think learning new skills can benefit society in several ways. First, it can help people become more employable, which is good for the economy. It can also lead to new inventions and innovations that improve our quality of life. Additionally, when people learn new skills, they often share their knowledge with others, which spreads knowledge throughout society.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The acquisition of new skills can have a profound and far-reaching impact on society as a whole. On a macroeconomic level, a highly skilled workforce is essential for driving innovation and maintaining competitiveness in the global marketplace. As individuals expand their skill sets, they become more adaptable to technological advancements and shifting job markets, which in turn enhances overall economic resilience.
Moreover, the process of learning itself fosters cognitive flexibility and problem-solving abilities, which are invaluable assets in addressing complex societal challenges. When people from diverse backgrounds acquire varied skills, it promotes cross-pollination of ideas and interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving, potentially leading to groundbreaking solutions in fields such as healthcare, environmental conservation, and social justice.
On a more interpersonal level, the pursuit of new skills often cultivates empathy and cultural understanding. For instance, learning a new language not only facilitates communication but also provides insight into different worldviews and cultural perspectives. This broadened outlook can contribute to a more tolerant and cohesive society.
Lastly, the collective enhancement of skills within a community can lead to increased self-sufficiency and resilience. When individuals possess a diverse array of practical and creative skills, communities become better equipped to address local challenges and reduce dependency on external resources, ultimately fostering a sense of empowerment and social cohesion.
Diverse community members learning new skills together
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Acquire /əˈkwaɪər/ (verb): to gain or obtain something
Example: “I’ve recently acquired the skill of speed reading.” -
Embark on /ɪmˈbɑːrk ɒn/ (phrasal verb): to start or begin a new project or journey
Example: “I decided to embark on a journey of self-improvement.” -
Hone /həʊn/ (verb): to refine or perfect a skill
Example: “I spent months honing my public speaking skills.” -
Captivating /ˈkæptɪveɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): very attractive or interesting
Example: “The art of calligraphy is captivating in its elegance and precision.” -
Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ (noun phrase): a very significant or deep effect
Example: “Learning a new language had a profound impact on my worldview.” -
Cognitive flexibility /ˈkɒɡnətɪv ˌfleksəˈbɪləti/ (noun phrase): the ability to adapt thinking or attention in response to changing goals or environmental stimuli
Example: “Puzzle-solving games can improve cognitive flexibility.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a skill you’ve learned:
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Elaborate with details: Don’t just mention the skill; describe the learning process, challenges faced, and specific aspects that interest you.
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced and topic-specific vocabulary naturally into your responses.
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Demonstrate critical thinking: Reflect on how the skill has impacted you personally or how it relates to broader societal issues.
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Maintain fluency: Practice speaking at length about your experiences to build confidence and reduce hesitations.
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Show enthusiasm: Your genuine interest in the skill you’re describing can positively influence the examiner’s perception of your communication abilities.
Remember, regular practice with a variety of topics will help you feel more comfortable and perform better during the actual test.
