IELTS Speaking Cue Card: Describe a Person Who Taught You a New Skill
The IELTS Speaking Cue Card topic “Describe a person who taught you a new skill” is a common type of IELTS Speaking Part 2 practice topic. In this lesson, you will learn how to develop a natural answer using useful vocabulary, idioms, personal examples and a clear structure.
This sample answer focuses on learning cooking skills from a cousin. It includes useful expressions that can help IELTS students improve their vocabulary, fluency and confidence while practising speaking.
IELTS Speaking Cue Card Topic
Describe a person who taught you a new skill.
You should say:
- Who this person was
- What the skill was
- How you learned it
- And explain how you felt about this person
Useful Vocabulary and Idioms
Use the following vocabulary and idioms to develop your IELTS Speaking answer naturally.
| Vocabulary or Idiom | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Eager | Very willing to do or learn something |
| Plenty of | A lot of something |
| Step out of my comfort zone | To try something new or unfamiliar |
| Showed me the ropes | Taught me how to do something |
| Got the hang of it | Learned how to do something successfully |
| Stand me in good stead | Be useful or helpful in the future |
| Imitate | To copy someone's actions or behaviour |
8+ Band Sample Answer
To be honest, I'm always eager to learn new things because I believe new skills make us more confident and self-reliant. Here, I'd like to talk about my cousin, who taught me the art of cooking.
It happened during my last summer vacation when I had plenty of free time. Instead of wasting it, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and learn something practical that could help me in the long run.
Luckily, my cousin was staying with us, and she was exceptionally good at cooking. I used to call her the MasterChef of our family because she could prepare a wide variety of delicious dishes. So, I asked her to teach me some basic cooking skills, and she was more than happy to help.
At first, I was quite nervous because I was a complete beginner. I made several mistakes, like adding too much salt or overcooking the food. However, she was extremely patient with me. She showed me the ropes, explained everything step by step and encouraged me whenever I felt like giving up.
With regular hands-on practice, I gradually got the hang of it. Although there was a bit of a learning curve in the beginning, I eventually became comfortable in the kitchen. Now, I can prepare several meals on my own, which gives me a real sense of accomplishment.
The main reason I wanted to learn cooking was to become more independent. This skill will stand me in good stead in the future, especially if I move to another city for my studies or work. It can also help me eat healthier food and save money.
As for my feelings towards my cousin, I'm genuinely grateful to her. She was not only my teacher but also a constant source of encouragement. Overall, learning this skill made me more confident, independent and responsible, and I'll always appreciate her for teaching me something so useful.
Watch the IELTS Cue Card Video
Watch the video to practise the IELTS Speaking Cue Card answer, useful vocabulary and idioms.
Watch on YouTube: IELTS Speaking Cue Card – Describe a Person Who Taught You a New Skill
IELTS Speaking Follow-Up Questions and Answers
1. Why is self-discipline important while learning a new skill?
No doubt, self-discipline is extremely important because it helps people stay focused and consistent throughout the learning process. When people practise regularly, they are less likely to give up when things become difficult. It also helps them stay motivated and make steady progress.
2. What is the difference between learning from a teacher and learning by oneself?
I would say the main difference is guidance and independence. A teacher can identify weaknesses, provide personalised feedback and keep learners motivated, whereas self-learning allows people to learn at their own pace. However, self-learning requires more self-discipline because there is no one to keep them on track.
3. How do adults learn a new skill?
Well, adults can learn new skills in several ways. They can learn from teachers, experienced people or online courses and tutorials. Nowadays, many adults prefer online learning because it is flexible and allows them to practise whenever they have free time.
4. How can parents and teachers teach children new skills?
I believe both parents and teachers have an important role to play. Teachers can introduce skills through interactive activities, group tasks and practical projects, while parents can lead by example at home. Since children naturally observe and imitate adults, regular practice can help them develop useful skills.
5. Where can children learn new skills?
Honestly, learning is not limited to any particular place. Children can learn at home, at school or even from the environment around them. They can also pick up useful skills by observing their parents, teachers and friends. So, everyday life itself can be a great learning experience.
6. Why should children learn new skills?
Well, I think learning new skills is important because it contributes to children's overall development. It helps them become more confident, independent and responsible. More importantly, these skills can prepare them to deal with challenges and different situations as they grow older.
Tips for IELTS Speaking Part 2
- Understand all the points in the cue card before you begin speaking.
- Use personal examples to make your answer natural and meaningful.
- Include useful vocabulary and idioms where they fit naturally.
- Practise speaking for up to two minutes without long pauses.
- Focus on fluency, pronunciation, grammar and relevant vocabulary.
Conclusion
Learning a new skill can help people become more confident, independent and responsible. This IELTS Speaking Cue Card sample demonstrates how a personal experience, useful vocabulary and well-developed ideas can be combined to create a clear speaking response.
Keep practising IELTS Speaking Part 2 topics and expand your vocabulary through regular practice.
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