Describe one of your friends who learned something without a teacher: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Who he/she is
What he/she learned
Why he/she learned this
And explain whether it would be easier to learn from a teacher

11 unique answers with expert feedback

What challenges did Ravi face while learning the guitar?

Ravi faced challenges like finger placement and strumming patterns initially. He found it difficult to coordinate his fingers and keep up with the rhythm. However, his persistence helped him overcome these obstacles as he practiced daily and learned from his mistakes.

How did Ravi's self-learning inspire you?

Seeing Ravi's dedication and success motivated me to pursue my own interests independently. It showed me that with focus and determination, I could learn new skills without needing formal instruction. His journey encouraged me to explore hobbies like painting and cooking on my own.

What skills do you think are important for self-learning?

I believe self-discipline, patience, and a willingness to make mistakes are crucial for self-learning. One must be able to stay focused and motivated, even when progress seems slow. Additionally, having the ability to seek out resources and learn from them is essential for success.

Band 6-7

00:00

I had a friend at the gym, she had learnt procreate on her iPad and she used to make decent amount of money freelancing on procreate. So I think that's pretty much the friend in my circle who learnt something without a teacher. But that situation applies mainly on me because I have strong affinity toward people who learn some skills without a teacher because that's what I do myself on a day to day basis. Like I have a competitive swimmer but I have never had a coach. Apart from that, I had learnt 3D software, renderings and all other things which I currently use for freelancing and earn decent money. So I think the quality of a person, that pursuit of learning something by just scrambling with all the makeshift material available at the moment is something I am highly attracted by.

Follow up questions

What skills do you think are best learned without a teacher?

I believe skills that require creativity, like digital art or music, can be effectively learned without formal instruction. These skills often thrive on personal expression and experimentation, allowing individuals to explore their unique styles and techniques.

How do you motivate yourself to learn new skills independently?

I set personal goals and create a structured plan for my learning. I also find inspiration from online communities and resources. Engaging with others who share similar interests helps keep me motivated and accountable in my self-directed learning journey.

What challenges do you face when learning without a teacher?

One major challenge is the lack of immediate feedback, which can lead to mistakes that go uncorrected. Additionally, it can be difficult to stay disciplined and organized without a structured environment, so I often have to find ways to keep myself focused and on track.

Band 6-7

00:00

I had like to talk about one of my close friend Rahul, who learned graphic design entirely on his own without any formal teacher or coaching. I have known him since our school days and he always been expectationally curious and self-motivated to begin with Rahul development in graphic design during lockdown period when he had ample free time instead of wasting time on social media, he decided to acquire productive skills. Consequently, he started exploring online tutorials, watching YouTube videos and reading blogs. He is my close friend and he developed his skill by watching online tutorials and regularly over time become highly skilled in using design software like Photoshop, Illustrator and now he even work as freelancer graphic designer. He decided to learn graphic design primarily because he want to utilize free time, productivity and develop valuable skill. Moreover, he always been passionate about creativity and digital technology, so graphic design naturally applied to him. Additionally, he realized that this skill could open up lucrative career opportunities such as freelancing and working with online clients. Consequently, his strong interest in desire of self-improvement and motivation, learn it without any teacher. Additionally, with when I feel very amazing, immensely proud and accomplished about mastering graphic design on his own. Initially, he experienced a sense of satisfaction.

Follow up questions

What challenges did Rahul face while learning graphic design on his own?

Rahul faced several challenges, including understanding complex design concepts and mastering software tools. Initially, he struggled with self-discipline and staying motivated without a structured environment. However, he overcame these hurdles by setting personal goals and maintaining a consistent practice schedule.

How has Rahul's self-taught skill impacted his career opportunities?

Rahul's self-taught graphic design skills have significantly enhanced his career prospects. He has been able to take on freelance projects, build a portfolio, and connect with clients online. This experience has not only provided him with financial independence but also boosted his confidence in his creative abilities.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to learn a skill without a teacher?

I would advise them to stay curious and motivated, just like Rahul. They should utilize online resources such as tutorials and forums, set clear goals, and practice regularly. It's also important to seek feedback from peers and continuously challenge oneself to improve and explore new techniques.

Practice other cue cards

Describe a risk you took that you thought would lead to a terrible result but ended up with a positive result

View answers

Describe a piece of good advice that you gave to someone

View answers

Describe a difficult skill you learned.

View answers

Describe A Skill That You Learned In Your Childhood

View answers

Describe an ambition that you haven't achieved.

View answers

Describe A Resolution You Made In The New Year

View answers

Describe a time you taught something new to a younger person?

View answers

Describe A Time When You Needed To Search For Information

View answers

Describe Something You Do That Can Help You Concentrate On Work/Study

View answers

Describe a thing you did to learn another language?

View answers

Describe the type of home you'd like to reside in.

View answers

Describe a skill that was difficult to learn

View answers

Describe an important thing you learned (not at school or college)

View answers

Describe a book you recently read.

View answers

Describe a piece of advice you recently received.

View answers

Describe a plan that you had to change recently

View answers

Describe Something Healthy You Enjoy Doing

View answers

Describe an important decision made with the help of other people

View answers

Describe Something You Do To Keep Fit And Healthy

View answers

Describe Something That Helps You Concentrate

View answers

Describe a habit your friend has and you want to develop.

View answers

Describe an impressive talk/conversation you had that you remember well

View answers

Describe an article about health that you read.

View answers

Describe a goal you set that you tried your best to achieve

View answers

Describe a daily routine that you enjoy

View answers

Describe A Difficult Decision That You Made And Had A Good Result

View answers

Describe Something You Do Regularly That Helps You Work And Study Better

View answers

Describe A Volunteering Experience You Have Had

View answers

Describe A Time When You Helped Someone

View answers

Describe An Success You Are Proud Of

View answers

Describe a natural talent you want to improve.

View answers

Describe an exercise you know.

View answers

Describe something you taught to your friend/relative.

View answers

Talk about a time you learned a new skill.

View answers

Describe a time when you changed your opinion

View answers

Describe An Activity You Do To Keep Fit

View answers

Describe a difficult task that you completed at work/study that you felt proud of

View answers

Describe an event that ended in failure.

View answers

Describe A Positive Change In Your Life

View answers

Describe an achievement/success you are proud of

View answers

Describe a long-term goal you would like to achieve.

View answers

Describe an activity you enjoyed in your free time when you were young.

View answers

Band 6-7

00:00

Karthik is one of the closest friend of mine. We have known each other for over a decade now. He is an engineering student. But the important point about Karthik is that he is a passionate trader. He has been trading for over 3-4 years and the thing is he didn't learn it from anyone. He developed the passion of trading on his own. He learned that becoming financially independent would be very easy and it would take a little bit more effort but it's very doable if you earn more through business or trading. And he developed this skill on his own by self-studying or watching videos, by back-testing his own strategies, developing his own strategies and he has been doing it all alone for the past 3-4 years and he has invested a lot of money into it. He has invested a lot of time into it. But the important thing about Karthik is that he never complained about it and he has been doing it over the past 3 years every day and he has been journaling it and he is developing that skill over the years and I have seen he has developed a lot and he has become much better over the years. I don't think so it would be very easy for any person to do it without any guidance or any teacher. As far as I know, as I have seen the most successful traders in the past or anyone, they did have some guidance from teachers or seniors or anyone but Karthik has developed this skill on his own.

Follow up questions

What challenges did Karthik face while learning to trade on his own?

Karthik faced several challenges, such as understanding complex trading concepts and managing his emotions during trades. Without a teacher, he had to rely on his own research and experiences, which sometimes led to mistakes. However, he viewed these challenges as learning opportunities.

How does Karthik stay motivated to continue learning about trading?

Karthik stays motivated by setting personal goals and tracking his progress. He keeps a trading journal to reflect on his strategies and outcomes, which helps him see his improvement over time. Additionally, his passion for financial independence drives him to keep learning and adapting.

What resources did Karthik use to teach himself trading?

Karthik utilized various resources such as online trading courses, YouTube videos, and trading forums. He also read books on trading strategies and market analysis. By combining these resources with practical experience, he was able to develop his own unique trading style.

Band 6-7

00:00

I have one friend called Sharad and he got a seat in IIT Agartala after completing his intermediate. He took ECE as his main subject and he pursued in IIT Agartala and then he totally changed from ECE to CSE to get more opportunities like he learned coding back and front and everything by his own to gain more knowledge so that he can get a good job in his life. To improve his professional skills he gone through YouTube videos and he sent many mails to so many educator apps to get free courses so that he can gain more knowledge from that. Moreover, he can gain knowledge from teachers either he chose videos to learn differently by teachers he can gain.

Follow up questions

What motivated Sharad to learn coding on his own?

Sharad was motivated by his desire to change his career path from ECE to CSE, as he wanted to enhance his job prospects. He recognized that coding skills were essential in the tech industry, and he was determined to gain knowledge independently to secure a good job.

How effective do you think online resources are for self-learning?

Online resources can be very effective for self-learning, as they provide access to a vast amount of information and diverse teaching styles. Platforms like YouTube and educational apps offer flexibility and allow learners to study at their own pace, which can be beneficial for many individuals.

What challenges do you think Sharad faced while learning without a teacher?

Sharad likely faced challenges such as staying motivated without direct supervision, finding reliable resources, and managing his time effectively. Self-learning requires discipline and the ability to troubleshoot problems independently, which can be difficult for some learners.

Show all 11 answers

Cue 1:Who he/she is

Introduce your friend by mentioning their name and a brief background.
Highlight a few characteristics that make them unique or interesting.

Example

One of my closest friends is Rohan. He is a passionate musician who has been playing the guitar since he was a teenager. Rohan is known for his creativity and dedication to music, often spending hours practicing and composing his own songs.

Cue 2:What he/she learned

Specify the skill or knowledge your friend acquired without formal instruction.
Mention any resources or methods they used to learn this skill.

Example

Rohan learned to play the guitar entirely on his own. He watched countless tutorial videos on YouTube and practiced daily. He also learned by listening to his favorite songs and trying to replicate them on his guitar.

Cue 3:Why he/she learned this

Explain Rohan's motivation for learning the guitar.
Discuss any personal or emotional reasons that drove him to pursue this skill.

Example

Rohan learned to play the guitar because he has always loved music and wanted to express himself creatively. He felt that music was a powerful way to connect with others and share his feelings, especially during tough times.

Cue 4:And explain whether it would be easier to learn from a teacher

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of learning from a teacher versus self-learning.
Share Rohan's perspective on whether he would have preferred a teacher.

Example

While Rohan managed to learn the guitar on his own, he often reflects on whether having a teacher would have made the process easier. He believes that a teacher could have provided structured lessons and immediate feedback, which might have accelerated his learning. However, he also appreciates the freedom of learning at his own pace and exploring his musical style.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, Rohan's journey of learning the guitar without a teacher showcases his determination and passion for music. While having a teacher could have offered some advantages, his self-taught experience allowed him to develop a unique style and a deep personal connection to his music.

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: Avoid Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer unclear. It's important to provide specific details about your friend and their learning experience to engage the listener.

Tip

Use clear examples and specific details about who your friend is and what they learned to make your answer more vivid.

2: Don't Rush Your Explanation

Rushing through your explanation can lead to incomplete answers. Take your time to cover all the cues thoroughly to demonstrate your speaking ability.

Tip

Pace yourself and ensure you address each cue clearly, explaining why your friend learned something without a teacher.

Neglecting Personal Connection

Failing to connect your friend's experience to personal feelings or motivations can make your answer less engaging. Personal stories resonate more with listeners.

Tip

Share your thoughts on why your friend chose to learn independently and how it impacted them personally to create a stronger connection.

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.