Describe a difficult skill you learned.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

When did you learn it?
Why and how did you learn it?
How did you feel after learning it?

25 unique answers with expert feedback

How did learning the tabla impact your personal identity?

Learning the tabla significantly impacted my identity. It connected me to my Sikh roots, leading me to grow my hair and wear a turban. This transformation not only gave me a unique identity but also boosted my confidence in various aspects of my life.

What challenges did you face while learning the tabla?

The main challenges were mastering the intricate finger techniques and maintaining consistent practice. There were times when I felt frustrated, especially during competitions, but my passion for music and support from my teacher kept me motivated.

How do you think learning a skill like tabla can benefit others?

Learning a skill like tabla can enhance creativity, discipline, and cultural appreciation. It fosters a sense of community and belonging, especially in cultural events, and can also boost self-esteem and confidence, as it did for me.

Band 6-7

00:00

the skill of video editing which mesmerizes most of the viewers and makes most of the content you look through the social media platforms good and engaging I started learning this skill in 9th grade in the age of 10-12 years I was very fond of AMVs which were basically videos of a particular movie or a program and audio is added or the song is added and the clips are made and edit is made of that video I was very inspired by them the people who put the work through it was a feeling which I could never ever forget when I first heard my own firstly edited video it was not that good but it was not that bad either after hearing that video I was too determined to learn that skill and after learning a perfect thing for 3 years I am pretty sure that I can say that I am very glad and somewhat of a cool guy when you look through the other's perspective and I like that but I just want to say that editing a skill is very essential in the today's world as many of the influences and creators are needing video editors who pay a lot of salary to them Thank you

Follow up questions

What challenges did you face while learning video editing?

Initially, I struggled with understanding the software and techniques. It was hard to get the timing right for cuts and transitions. I also found it challenging to be creative and think of unique ideas for my edits. However, with practice and patience, I gradually overcame these obstacles.

How has video editing impacted your life or career?

Video editing has opened up many opportunities for me. It has allowed me to express my creativity and has even led to freelance work. I've been able to collaborate with content creators, which has enhanced my skills and provided a source of income. It's a valuable skill in today's digital age.

What advice would you give to someone starting to learn video editing?

I would advise them to start with simple projects and gradually take on more complex ones. It's important to practice regularly and not be afraid to experiment. Watching tutorials and learning from others can also be incredibly helpful. Most importantly, they should enjoy the process and have fun with it.

Band 6-7

00:00

One of the hardest and most difficult skill which I learned during my Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering during my college era in my engineering course when I was doing B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering at UIT Kurukshetra University. During learning that program, learning that skill, my skill is Soilworks and NCIS software. Basically this type of software is used to design automotive parts which is necessary for designing different types of automotive parts, automotive structures, automobiles and electric buses etc. I have learned because this is necessary for growing your career in any automotive field or in any civil construction manufacturing parts field. So I think this software is very necessary and if you learn this skill then you can have expertise of designing different types of hardest manufacturing product because learning this type or if you able the facilities of learning the designing of manufacturing parts, this type of skills is very necessary. So I think if you learn Soilworks and NCIS software or AutoCAD you can increase the idea of jobs and if you can learn this then you can increase or strengthen your skills through it. That's it.

Follow up questions

What challenges did you face while learning Soilworks and NCIS software?

I faced several challenges, including understanding the complex interface of the software and mastering the various tools available. Additionally, applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios was difficult at first, but with practice and guidance from instructors, I gradually improved.

How has learning this skill impacted your career prospects?

Learning Soilworks and NCIS has significantly enhanced my career prospects. It has made me more competitive in the job market, as many employers look for candidates with expertise in these software tools. I feel more confident applying for positions in the automotive and civil engineering sectors.

Do you think learning difficult skills is essential for personal development?

Absolutely! Learning difficult skills not only boosts your professional qualifications but also enhances personal growth. It teaches perseverance, problem-solving, and adaptability, which are valuable traits in any field. Overcoming challenges in learning can lead to greater self-confidence.

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Band 6-7

00:00

I would like to share with you the time when I learned swimming. It was a relatively much difficult skill for me to learn because I was afraid of water as a child. I had almost drowned when I was around 7 years old and from then my fear for water had remained stuck with me over the years. So it was quite difficult for me to go inside a swimming pool or even just sit beside a sea or a river. But I finally decided to overcome these fears when I was in my 10th grade. Actually after the 10th grade in the vacations, I decided to overcome this fear. I went on a small walk with my friend and then he took me to a swimming centre nearby where he worked as an instructor and he insisted me to join this centre and eventually I agreed to his demands and joined this swimming coaching. I was quite afraid to go inside the water for first few days but I was convinced by my friend and the other instructors over there to try going inside the water. And to my surprise, I learned how to swim within 2 weeks and now it is something that I am really confident about. It gives me a sense of confidence that I can overcome any fears that I am facing and it makes me eager to try and learn new types of things in my life. It gives me the confidence to face various challenges.

Follow up questions

How did you feel when you first entered the water?

Initially, I felt a rush of anxiety and fear. My heart raced, and I was very hesitant to even dip my toes in. However, with encouragement from my friend and the instructors, I slowly built up the courage to fully immerse myself in the water.

What techniques helped you overcome your fear of water?

The instructors used various techniques, such as gradual exposure to water, breathing exercises, and positive reinforcement. They taught me to float and practice basic strokes, which helped me gain confidence and feel more comfortable in the water.

How has learning to swim impacted your life?

Learning to swim has significantly boosted my confidence. It has taught me that I can face my fears and overcome them. This experience has encouraged me to take on new challenges in life, knowing that I can succeed if I put in the effort and determination.

Band 6-7

00:00

There are a plethora of things that I would learn in my future. I also have learned a difficult skill that is a digital marketing course. The course is related to website authorization and its building. Moreover, I learned SEO, SMO and other techniques in that course. I learnt it from a place that is near my college. My colleagues and one of my friends recommended to me to learn that course as it has a great scope in future as well. Furthermore, I felt really over the moon when I fulfilled that course. Once I was done with the course, I got various offers and opportunities from different companies. It was a difficult course and it was not easy to do but when I got the certificate and when I was given an appreciation medal as well, I just can't express my happiness at that time.

Follow up questions

What motivated you to choose digital marketing as a skill to learn?

I was motivated to learn digital marketing because of its growing importance in today's job market. My friends highlighted its relevance and the potential career opportunities it offers. I wanted to equip myself with skills that would make me competitive and help me succeed in my future career.

Can you describe a challenge you faced while learning this skill?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was understanding the technical aspects of SEO and website building. It was overwhelming at first, but I overcame it by dedicating extra time to practice and seeking help from my instructors and peers. This persistence ultimately paid off.

How do you think this skill will benefit you in the future?

I believe that digital marketing skills will be invaluable in my future career, as almost every business needs an online presence. With the rise of e-commerce and digital communication, having expertise in this area will open many doors for me and allow me to contribute effectively to any organization.

Show all 25 answers

Cue 1:When did you learn it?

Mention the specific time frame when you started learning the skill.
Provide context about your life situation during that time.

Example

I learned this skill about two years ago when I was in my final year of college. It was a challenging period as I was also preparing for my exams.

Cue 2:Why and how did you learn it?

Explain the motivation behind learning this skill, such as personal interest or necessity.
Describe the methods or resources you used to learn the skill, like classes, online tutorials, or practice.

Example

I decided to learn graphic design because I wanted to create my own projects and improve my employability. I enrolled in an online course and spent hours practicing using software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

Cue 3:How did you feel after learning it?

Share your emotions and thoughts after mastering the skill.
Reflect on how this skill has impacted your life or confidence.

Example

After I finally grasped the concepts of graphic design, I felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment. It boosted my confidence, and I even started freelancing, which has been a rewarding experience.

Conclusion

Summarize the overall impact of learning this skill on your personal or professional life.
Mention any future plans related to this skill or similar skills you wish to learn.

Example

In conclusion, learning graphic design has not only enhanced my creativity but also opened up new career opportunities. I plan to continue improving my skills and possibly explore other areas like web design in the future.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Lack of Specific Examples

Failing to provide specific examples can make your answer vague and unconvincing. It's important to illustrate your experience with clear details.

Tip

Use personal anecdotes or specific situations to highlight your learning process and feelings about the skill.

2: Overly Simple Language

Using overly simple language can make your response sound basic and uninteresting. Aim for a richer vocabulary to express your thoughts.

Tip

Practice using varied vocabulary and complex sentences to enhance your descriptions and make your answer more engaging.

Ignoring Emotional Impact

Neglecting to discuss how you felt after learning the skill can make your answer less relatable. Emotions add depth to your response.

Tip

Reflect on your feelings and share them to connect with the examiner, making your answer more personal and impactful.

IELTS Cue Cards asked last week

Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS

Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

Answer

I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.