Describe a skill that was difficult to learn: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What skill was it?
When, why, and how did you learn it?
How do you feel about it?

30 unique answers with expert feedback

What techniques did your teacher use to help you improve your public speaking skills?

My teacher used various techniques such as practicing in front of a mirror, recording my speeches, and providing constructive feedback. She also encouraged me to visualize the audience as supportive rather than judgmental, which helped reduce my anxiety.

How has overcoming your fear of public speaking impacted other areas of your life?

Overcoming my fear has boosted my confidence not just in public speaking but also in group discussions and presentations. I find it easier to express my ideas and participate actively in class, which has improved my overall academic performance.

Do you think public speaking is an essential skill in today's world? Why?

Yes, I believe public speaking is crucial today as it enhances communication skills and helps in networking. In professional settings, being able to present ideas clearly can lead to better job opportunities and career advancement.

Band 6-7

00:00

So, the skill that was difficult to learn was digital marketing skill, so I would like to start with a beginning when I recently completed my graduation and I was preparing for my CAD exam, I scored a less marks, however, I got a few calls from B.School but I didn't want to join that as it was not a top-notch college, however, I did try to learn a skill so that I can get a job for myself, so I have tried to do the R&D on what skills said I should learn, so I came across this digital marketing skill to get a job, so initially it was little hard for me as I am from a non-tech guy, but initially I cracked the skillset thing and I have placed in MNC, apart from that the soft skill that is required for this job is immensely important because without that you can't communicate with the client as my client was UK-based client, so I need to talk with them and also I should have a technical skill that was required, I was very over the moon when I learnt this skillset and I was able to communicate with my clients and also in this skill you should have a basic logical reasoning skillset and also apart from logical reasoning skill you should also have a good communication skill to interact with the client, I was over the moon, it's kind of once in a blue moon is that where people find it difficult or else the skillset is easy to learn but for me it was difficult as it was a technical thing as I am from non-tech guy.

Follow up questions

What specific challenges did you face while learning digital marketing?

I faced several challenges, including understanding technical terms, mastering tools like Google Analytics, and developing effective strategies. As someone from a non-tech background, it was tough to grasp concepts quickly, and I often felt overwhelmed by the amount of information available.

How did you overcome the difficulties in learning this skill?

I overcame the difficulties by dedicating time to online courses, joining study groups, and practicing through real projects. I also sought mentorship from experienced professionals in the field, which helped me gain practical insights and confidence in my abilities.

How has learning this skill impacted your career?

Learning digital marketing has significantly impacted my career by opening up job opportunities in a competitive market. It has allowed me to work with international clients, enhance my communication skills, and develop a strategic mindset, which has been invaluable in my professional growth.

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.

Absolutely! Learning difficult skills not only enhances your performance but also builds confidence and resilience. It teaches you the value of hard work and dedication, which are essential in any sport.

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Cue 1:What skill was it?

Clearly state the skill you found challenging to learn.
Provide a brief context about why this skill was important to you.

Example

The skill I found particularly difficult to learn was playing the guitar. I have always been passionate about music, and I wanted to play my favorite songs for my friends and family.

Cue 2:When, why, and how did you learn it?

Mention when you started learning this skill and the motivation behind it.
Describe the methods you used to learn, such as taking classes or self-study.

Example

I started learning the guitar about two years ago when I was in college. I wanted to impress my friends at a gathering, so I signed up for a local music class. Initially, I struggled with finger placements and strumming patterns, but I practiced daily and sought help from my instructor.

Cue 3:How do you feel about it?

Share your feelings about the learning process and the skill itself.
Reflect on how this skill has impacted your life or your confidence.

Example

Looking back, I feel proud of my perseverance. Although it was frustrating at times, learning the guitar has been incredibly rewarding. It has boosted my confidence and allowed me to connect with others through music.

Conclusion

Summarize the key points you made about the skill.
Express any future intentions regarding this skill or similar skills.

Example

In conclusion, learning to play the guitar was a challenging yet fulfilling experience. I plan to continue improving my skills and perhaps even perform at local events 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: Vague Descriptions

Avoid giving unclear or general answers. Being vague can make it difficult for the examiner to understand your experience and feelings about the skill.