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Describe a skill you would like to learn in the future

Try the card on the exam timer first, then read the band-8 sample answer and the Part 3 questions that follow it.

Practice it like the exam

Part 2 · Candidate task card

Describe a skill you would like to learn in the future.

You should say:

  • what the skill is
  • how you would learn it
  • how long it might take

and explain why you would like to learn this skill.

Ready

1 minute to prepare, then 2 minutes to speak. It switches on its own.

Recordings stay in this tab and are never uploaded.

Band 8 sample answer

260 words · about 2 minutes at a natural pace · Phrases from the vocabulary list are highlighted.

A skill that I would really like to learn is playing the piano. I've always loved the sound of it, ever since I was a child and heard my neighbour practising through the wall, but I never had the chance to take lessons, as my family couldn't afford an instrument at that time.

I'd like to learn it in a structured way. First, I'd buy or rent a basic electric piano, since they are relatively inexpensive and can be played quietly with headphones. Then I'd enrol in a beginners' course, preferably with a private teacher who could correct my posture and technique. In addition, I'd use online video tutorials and apps to practise in between lessons, and I'd aim to practise for at least thirty minutes every day, because regularity is more important than long sessions.

As for how long it might take, I think I could play simple songs within three months, and reach a level where I can perform a few pieces confidently within two years. Mastering it would probably take much longer, but that isn't my aim.

I want to learn this skill for a number of reasons. Firstly, I find music extremely relaxing, and I believe that playing it would help me deal with stress from my studies. Secondly, learning an instrument is good for the brain, improving memory and concentration. Thirdly, I'd love to be able to play for my family and friends at gatherings, just as I imagined as a child.

I plan to begin as soon as I finish my exams this summer.

What to notice

  • It takes the points on the card in order, so the examiner can follow it.
  • Each point gets a specific detail or a short story, which is what keeps a talk going for two minutes.
  • The "explain" line at the end gets the most time, because that is where you give an opinion and show your range of language.

We wrote this answer for practice; it does not come from IELTS. Take its structure and phrases and tell your own story, because examiners notice memorised answers.

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Useful vocabulary

PhraseMeaning
pick up a new skilllearn a skill gradually
get the hang oflearn how to do something
master a skillbecome highly proficient
a steep learning curvea difficult early learning period
hands-on practicelearning by doing
enrol in a courseofficially join a class

Plan it in one minute

Choose what to talk about in the first ten seconds, then write two or three key words for each point. Full sentences take too long to write and to read back.

Who or what you could talk about

  • Learning to play a musical instrument
  • Learning a programming language or video editing
  • Learning a practical skill like first aid or cooking

How to spend the two minutes

  1. 25 swhat the skill is
  2. 25 show you would learn it
  3. 25 show long it might take
  4. 45 sand explain why you would like to learn this skill.

Part 3 questions

In the exam these come straight after your talk, on the wider subject: Learning new skills. Answer each in 3–4 sentences, with your view, a reason and an example.

  1. What skills do young people need to learn for the future?
  2. Is it harder to learn new skills as an adult?
  3. Should people learn skills at school or on their own?
  4. How can technology help people learn new skills?
  5. Why do some people give up when learning something new?

Frequently asked questions

How do I answer an abstract IELTS cue card, like a rule or a decision?

Make it concrete straight away: name the rule, the advice or the decision, then tell the situation where it mattered to you. An abstract card answered with a real example is easier to talk about and easier to follow.

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