IELTS Speaking Part 2: describe a skill you learned (sample answer)
A Band 7 sample answer for the IELTS cue card 'Describe a skill you learned', with a one-minute plan and follow-up Part 3 ideas.
By English Grader study guides · AI-assisted educational content · Official sources linked below
The short answer
Use your one minute to note what, when, how and why it matters—then tell it as a short story.
The cue card
Describe a skill you learned. You should say what it is, when and how you learned it, how difficult it was, and explain why it is useful.
Related guide: Plan in one minute
Band 7 extract
Clear order and natural detail.
Record your version →Sample
I'd like to talk about learning to swim, which I finally did at twenty-two. I'd always been nervous in water, so I signed up for evening lessons. The first few weeks were tough, but my instructor broke everything into small steps. Now I swim twice a week, and it's become my favourite way to de-stress.
Likely Part 3 questions
Prepare to discuss skills more generally.
- Should schools teach practical skills?
- Is it easier for children or adults to learn new skills?
- Will technology replace some skills?
Related guide: Give longer Part 3 answers
Practise
Time yourself for two minutes and get feedback.
Get cue card feedback →Put this into practice
Record a two-minute answer to a skill cue card and get feedback on fluency and coherence.
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Official sources and further reading
Practice examples and study routines are illustrative advice, not official band-scored answers or predictions of exam questions.