Describe a skill that was difficult for you to learn IELTS Cue Card

In the IELTS Speaking: describe a skill that was difficult for you to learn, try to give your experiences, including the difficulties faced while learning.

You should say
When did you learn it?
Why did you learn it?
How did you learn it?
How did you feel when you learned it?

You will be given one or two minutes to prepare your speech in the IELTS Speaking cue card. 

Describe a skill that was difficult for you to learn IELTS cue card: Model answers and follow up questions

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Here, you must go through three model answers and follow up questions related to describe a skill that was difficult for you to learn.

Model Answer 1:

Introduction:
Skill is the ability to do something effectively. It can be learnt or inherent within an individual. Since a skill is learnt, it can be unlearned. It’s a step-by-step process, involving lots of patience and perseverance. As I am a passionate-driven individual, I am learning a new skill. But I find it difficult. 

When did you learn it?

• During the pandemic lockdown, like everyone I was held up at home, doing nothing. But I decided to learn something new which I was looking forward to.
• One day I was discussing with my cousin the musical instruments like guitar, piano, etc.
• He told me that there are various online classes available to learn any musical instrument.
• The fee structure and timings are flexible, not like old days. 
• Immediately I decided to buy a guitar and registered for an online course. 

Why did you learn it?

• I wanted to learn guitar because it’s handy, easy to carry, and it looks amazing. 
• When I was studying in college, I was surprised to see many students playing one or the other musical instrument like drums, trumpet, violin, etc.
• When I see someone with a guitar on the road or in a movie, my mind always pops up and says - when will you learn guitar?
• Apart from that, learning any musical instrument will improve memory and change the mood instantly.

How did you learn it?

• I joined an online class. The first few classes were direct interactions with the trainer. And rest of the classes were only through WhatsApp.
• I will get the lessons, videos and instructions on WhatsApp. After completing that lesson, I need to send my version to him for review.
• If the trainer is satisfied with my performance, he will move on to the next lesson. If not, he will identify the mistakes and tell me to redo them.
• Meanwhile, if I have any doubts, I need to send him a WhatsApp message. He will read it and clarify my doubts. 
• Since I can play on my timings, I find this online class easy and flexible.
• The only drawback is that I can’t practice for more than an hour as my fingers will start to hurt.

How did you feel when you learned it?

When I started my lessons, I felt excited and completed my lessons faster than others. Later on, I lost that excitement and started doing my classes whenever I felt like doing so. Overall, I am happy with my learning. Though it was difficult for me to learn, I enjoy learning it.  

Model Answer 2:

Introduction:
During my childhood days, I was fond of learning about boxing and wanted to become a professional boxer. Since boxing is a serious sport, I can’t afford to make lethargic decisions. Before getting into boxing, I made up my mind to overcome my fear and accept the pain. Even though many boxers are facing physical problems after retirement, the will to win and competitiveness are the motivating factors that galvanised me to jump in.

When did you learn it?

• I started my training when I turned 24 years of age. I was in college, studying for my master's degree. 
• The fee and the boxing materials were expensive.
• After consulting, I enrolled myself in a professional boxing academy near my place.

Why did you learn it?

• I learned boxing because I was inspired by Mr. Mike Tyson. 
• He is the youngest heavyweight champion of the world and won many other titles during his period.
• I saw his training and knockout matches, which influenced me a lot.
• Seriously, his training is one-of-a-kind. Even his great opponents like Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield have admitted it.
• After watching his series of fights and training montages, an inner urge told me to join boxing.
• However, my parents were not okay with this whole boxing thing. They were scared and hesitant to let me in.

How did you learn it?

• I started my training when I was in college, studying for my master's degree.
• Every morning I had to get up at 5 am and run for 3 km. 
• Then I had to do skipping and other regular exercises for 2 hours. It is eventually to improve my stamina.
• Once they are done, I would be asked to wear boxing gloves and do sparring sessions with other boxers.
• When a tournament comes up, I would dedicate nearly six hours a day to training hard and becoming a champion.

How did you feel when you learned it?

• When I gained momentum in boxing, I started feeling disciplined about my thoughts and actions. 
• I became more confident and never afraid of getting hurt by somebody.
• After some time, I became mature and started suggesting solutions to others’ personal problems.
• That was unexpected to me but I loved doing it.
• Thus, I was delighted to be a boxer even though it was difficult for me to learn.

Model Answer 3:

Introduction:
10 years ago, I was learning how to swim, but it was difficult for me to learn. Swimming is a great sport and a life skill to acquire. For beginners, practising learning may look easy, but it’s not. It needs a lot of patience and dedication. It oozes out your stress and keeps your mind calm. It naturally gave me more appetite than others. 

When did you learn it?

I started learning to swim at the age of 18. I kept insisting my parents enrol me in a swimming class and started training from the basics. During that time, I passed out of college and looked forward to following my instincts, and that’s how I ended up swimming.

Why did you learn it?

• I learned swimming because I like being in the water. 
• However, I didn’t get inspired by great athletes like Micheal Phelps. 
• Swimming is healthy and improves all parts of the body. It gave me focus on studies, work and whatever I do.
• Above all, swimming would guarantee a good physic through regular practice.

How did you learn it?

• First, I enrolled in the government’s Sports Development Academy, which has various features. 
• My class timing was 6am to 9 am and 6pm to 9 pm. I used to go to both classes.
• After changing clothes, I would do some stretches and regular exercises before getting into the water.
• I had to swim 10 rounds from one side to the other to warm up. Since it’s a big swimming pool, it took a while for me to finish the first 10 rounds.
• Then I had to practice freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, etc.

How did you feel when you learned it?

• I got goosebumps when I dived into the chlorinated water for the first time.
• I blacked out and came to normal immediately.
• After a couple of practice sessions, I could balance my body and gained a little bit of confidence.
• Later, I became an expert in freestyle, which nobody could beat me in my academy. It was overwhelming at one point.

IELTS Speaking Test Part 3: Follow up Questions

For the cue card - ‘describe a skill that was difficult for you to learn’ the examiner will ask follow-up questions in the IELTS Speaking Test part 3. They are as follows:

1. What skills do students need to master?
Since each student is unique, they may not require the same set of skills to survive in this competitive environment. Some may need creative skills; others may need logical thinking skills. Based on their interest and abilities, skills may vary. However, they must have at least reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.

2. Is it hard for students to learn new skills?
As a student, learning a new skill is not that hard. Since students are young at age, they can acquire a skill easily and retain it for a long time. All they need to do is show interest and dedication. Moreover, children are physically active, so they pick up any sport at an early age. Parents who want their child to learn new skills must teach them at an early age. After a short period of time, it comes naturally to them. 

3. Is it hard for old people to learn new skills?
Yes. Old people may find it hard to learn new skills. Since they can’t invest themselves physically and mentally for long hours, they will take some time to learn a new skill. However, there are some old people who learn new skills easily through practice and consistency. 

4. Is a good teacher very important for students' learning experience? Why?
Absolutely! A good teacher can make any student learn better because they will pragmatically teach them. They know how to grab students' attention and teach the concepts interestingly. Apart from that, a good teacher will teach them discipline and responsibility. Since discipline is vital in learning a new skill, a good teacher will know exactly how to inculcate it.

5. What is necessary to learn and improve a skill?
When we want to acquire a new skill, we should have focus, discipline and motivation. Since learning a new skill is a long-term process, it involves patience too. People must understand these factors when they are planning to learn a new skill. 

IELTS Speaking cue card topics:

Check out other speaking cue cards below.

• Describe a time you moved to a new home/school 
• Describe an old person you know and respect
• Describe a time when you changed your opinion IELTS Cue Card
• Describe a course that impressed you a lot IELTS Cue Card
• Describe your favourite movie
• Describe a bag you want to own
• Describe a time when you felt bored
• Describe a leisure activity near or on the sea

Conclusion

The IELTS Speaking test cue card - ‘describe a skill that was difficult for you to learn’ is one of the frequently-asked questions. So try to use new vocabulary that makes you stand out from other candidates.