Describe A Skill That Was Difficult For You To Learn IELTS Cue Card

IELTS cue cards assist test takers in improving their speaking abilities by providing a topic to discuss as well as prompts to guide their response. IELTS scores are important for academic and professional opportunities because they demonstrate English proficiency and open doors to new experiences.

The introduction in IELTS Speaking Part 2 is followed by a cue card task that requires one minute of preparation and two minutes of speaking. The follow-up questions are designed to elicit a more detailed response from you. It is critical to effectively manage your time to complete all aspects of the task.

Here are some suggested cue card questions for the topic "Describe a skill that was difficult for you to learn":

When did you learn it?

What was the most difficult skill for you to learn?

What was your reaction to learning this skill?

What steps did you take to improve your performance?

Did you seek assistance from others or did you learn on your own?

What difference has learning this skill made in your life?

Describe A Skill That Was Difficult For You To Learn IELTS Cue Card- Sample 1

Introduction: I'm going to talk about a skill that I struggled to learn i.e., playing a musical instrument. When I was 15, I began learning to play the guitar, and it was one of the most difficult skills I've ever attempted to master.

When did you learn it:I started learning guitar in high school because my friends and I wanted to form a band. I started learning the guitar because I wanted to join the band as a guitarist.

What was the most difficult skill for you to learn:The first challenge was learning how to hold the guitar properly. The most difficult was coordinating my left and right-hand movements. My fingers needed a lot of practice to form chords correctly and smoothly transition between them.

What was your reaction to learning this skill:I was excited to learn to play the guitar at first, but I quickly became frustrated by how difficult it was. I had to remind myself that learning a new skill requires patience and practice.

What steps did you take to improve your performance:To learn different styles and techniques, I took guitar lessons from a teacher, practiced regularly, and listened to a lot of music. I also watched online tutorials and sought advice from other musicians.

Did you seek assistance from others or did you learn on your own:I took guitar lessons from an instructor, practiced consistently, and listened to a lot of music to learn different styles and methods. I also watched instructional videos on the internet and sought advice from other musicians.

What difference has learning this skill made in your life:Learning to play the guitar has had a profound effect on my life. Through music, I've found a creative outlet, made new friends, and developed a new skill. It has helped me improve my confidence.

Describe A Skill That Was Difficult For You To Learn IELTS Cue Card- Sample 2

Introduction: I'd like to discuss a skill that was difficult for me to learn: basketball. I began playing basketball in middle school, and it was one of the most difficult skills I have ever attempted to master.

When did you learn it:Michael Jordan was my inspiration. By watching him I started playing basketball in middle school. I had always been interested in basketball and decided to join the school team. 

What was the most difficult skill for you to learn:Shooting the ball into the net was the most difficult skill for me. I used to initially struggle a lot to find the right angle. With practice, I could shoot the ball into the basket accurately.

What was your reaction to learning this skill:I was initially disappointed because I couldn't shoot the ball properly. I kept on practicing and never gave up. That is why to master basketball I  invest a lot of time into practice.

What steps did you take to improve your performance:I began practicing every day. As a result, my shooting got better.  I used to focus on technique and form. I also solicited feedback from my coaches and teammates and implemented their suggestions.

Did you seek assistance from others or did you learn on your own:My basketball coach and teammates helped me improve my shooting by giving me tips and techniques. I also watched online tutorials and videos to learn about various shooting techniques. My greatest source for learning was Michael Jordon’s matches.

What difference has learning this skill made in your life:Learning to play basketball has had a profound effect on my life. Through the sport, I've gained confidence in my abilities, made new friends, and gained a new appreciation for teamwork and perseverance. It has also taught me that with hard work and practice, I can overcome any obstacle in my life.

Describe A Skill That Was Difficult For You To Learn IELTS Cue Card-Follow up Questions

Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking Test includes follow-up questions about the skill described in the cue card. The examiner has the authority to ask follow-up questions.  These questions are designed to assess the candidate's ability to express their thoughts and opinions clearly and fluently. Following a description of a difficult skill learned, the following general follow-up questions can be asked:

Q1.What made you want to learn this skill?

A1.In my case, I was motivated to learn basketball because I wanted to improve as an athlete and physically challenge myself. Others may be driven by personal or professional objectives.

Q2.How did you overcome the difficulties you encountered while learning this skill?

A2.I overcame the difficulties by seeking advice from coaches and experienced players, watching tutorial videos, and consistently practicing. Others may have employed alternative strategies, such as taking classes or seeking feedback from mentors.

Q3.What other skills have you acquired, and how do they compare to this difficult one?

A3.In addition to basketball, I've learned how to cook and speak in public. While not as physically demanding as basketball, they did present their own set of challenges. Cooking, for example, demanded precision and patience, whereas public speaking demanded confidence and effective communication skills.