The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your ability to communicate effectively in English. Part 2 of this test, the “Individual Long Turn,” often presents you with a cue card asking you to describe something. One common theme is the “Describe a skill you would like to learn” question. Mastering this question type requires understanding its nuances and employing effective strategies.
Understanding the Task
The IELTS examiner isn’t just interested in your chosen skill; they want to evaluate your vocabulary, grammar, fluency, coherence, and pronunciation. This question delves into your aspirations, your reasons for wanting to learn the skill, and your plans to achieve it.
Crafting a Compelling Response
Here’s a breakdown of how to structure your answer, along with examples and tips:
1. Introduction (What skill and why?)
Start by clearly stating the skill you’d like to learn and offer a concise reason for your choice.
Example:
“If I had the opportunity, I’d love to learn computer coding. The digital world is constantly evolving, and having this skill would be incredibly useful in my career and personal life.”
2. Elaboration (Why is it important to you?)
Expand on your reason, providing specific examples of how this skill would benefit you.
Example:
“Being able to code would allow me to develop websites and apps, which has always been a dream of mine. Furthermore, it would make me more competitive in the job market and empower me to solve problems more efficiently.”
3. Challenges (What might be difficult?)
Acknowledge potential challenges in acquiring this skill. This demonstrates self-awareness and adds depth to your response.
Example:
“I understand that learning to code can be challenging, especially since I don’t have a strong background in programming. The technical aspects might seem daunting at first, and staying motivated could be a hurdle.”
4. Plan of Action (How will you learn?)
Outline a realistic plan for learning the skill. Be specific about resources, methods, or timeframes.
Example:
“To overcome these challenges, I plan to enroll in an online coding course offered by a reputable platform like Coursera. I’ll also dedicate a specific amount of time each day to practice and seek help from online communities when needed.”
5. Conclusion (Reiterate your enthusiasm)
Conclude by reiterating your enthusiasm for learning this skill and briefly mention the positive impact it will have.
Example:
“Overall, I’m genuinely excited about the prospect of learning to code. It’s a challenging yet rewarding endeavor that will undoubtedly enrich my life both personally and professionally.”
Sample Answer from a Recent IELTS Exam
Cue Card: Describe a skill you would like to learn. You should say:
- What the skill is
- Why you want to learn it
- How you would learn it
- And explain how you would feel after learning this new skill.
Candidate Response:
“One skill I’ve always wanted to acquire is playing a musical instrument, specifically the piano. I’ve always been captivated by the beautiful melodies that can be created, and I believe being able to play would be an incredible form of self-expression. Learning the piano would also enhance my understanding and appreciation of music as a whole.
Naturally, I anticipate some challenges. Coordinating my hands to play different notes simultaneously seems quite difficult, and I’m aware that it requires dedication and consistent practice. However, I’m determined to find a qualified piano teacher in my city who can guide me through the process. Additionally, I plan to use online resources and apps to supplement my learning and practice regularly at home.
I can only imagine the sense of accomplishment I’ll feel once I’m able to play a complete piece of music. It would be incredibly rewarding to see my hard work pay off and be able to share my newfound talent with friends and family.”
Tips for Success
- Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with the structure and use the provided minute to brainstorm ideas.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Use a variety of adjectives and descriptive language to showcase your language skills.
- Be Specific: Provide concrete examples and details to support your points.
- Don’t Memorize: While it’s good to have ideas prepared, avoid sounding scripted. Focus on fluency and natural conversation.
- Manage Your Time: Aim to speak for the full two minutes allocated.
By understanding the question’s intent, structuring your response effectively, and incorporating these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to confidently tackle the “Describe a skill you would like to learn” question in your IELTS Speaking test.