IELTS Speaking Part 1: Learning and skills

Questions and sample answers

1. 1. What is something new you have learned recently?

   I’ve recently learned to cook a few proper meals. I moved out last year, so it was either learn quickly or live on instant noodles.

2. 2. Do you prefer learning on your own or being taught by someone?

   It depends on the skill. For something practical like driving I need a teacher, but for most things I prefer teaching myself with online videos at my own pace.

3. 3. Is there a skill you would like to learn in the future?

   I’d really like to learn to swim properly. I can stay afloat, but I’ve never had lessons, and it seems like an important skill to have.

4. 4. Do you think it is harder to learn new things as an adult?

   In some ways, yes. Children pick things up quickly and aren’t afraid of mistakes, whereas adults have less time and tend to be more self-conscious.

Each sample is two to four sentences: the answer, a reason or example, then stop. Use them to hear the shape, not to memorise. Examiners are trained to spot a rehearsed answer, and it costs fluency marks.

Language this topic rewards

• pick something up: The natural phrasal verb for learning informally.
• at my own pace: Explains a preference for self-study.
• a steep learning curve: Describes something hard to learn at first.
• whereas: A clean contrast for the adults-and-children question.
• get the hang of it: Informal, natural, and well suited to Part 1.