JAM English - Speak English in Just a Minute
Sign in

IELTS Speaking Part 2 · Hobbies & activities

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

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

You should say:

  • what the skill is
  • how you plan to learn it
  • who you think could help you learn it

and explain why learning this skill would be meaningful or useful to you.

How to plan your answer

Use your 1 minute to jot down key words for each point, not full sentences.

  1. 1

    what the skill is

    I want to pick up digital photography and photo editing techniques.

  2. 2

    how you plan to learn it

    Enroll in an online course and practice shooting local scenery weekly.

  3. 3

    who you think could help you learn it

    A photographer friend whose work I admire can guide my progress.

  4. 4

    and explain why learning this skill would be meaningful or useful to you.

    It will enhance my creativity and preserve special family memories for life.

Sample answer

about 237 words · 2 minutes

If I had the chance to pick up a new skill in the near future, I would definitely choose digital photography along with basic photo editing. I've always had an eye for visual art, but I've never really mastered the technical aspects of taking truly professional photos. To learn this effectively, my plan is twofold. First, I intend to enroll in a comprehensive online course that covers fundamental concepts like aperture, shutter speed, and composition techniques. Along with the theory, I want to commit to a weekly routine where I go out to local parks or urban areas to practice taking shots in different lighting conditions. In terms of getting assistance, I am fortunate to have a close friend who works as a freelance photographer. He has years of experience in the field, so I hope to shadow him on a few outdoor shoots. I am sure he could give me constructive feedback on my portfolio and teach me a few insider tricks for editing software. Learning photography would be immensely meaningful to me for a couple of reasons. On a personal level, it would allow me to capture precious family moments and travel experiences far better than a simple smartphone snap can. Additionally, it provides a wonderful creative outlet that encourages me to slow down and observe the beauty in everyday life. All in all, mastering this skill would enrich my life both artistically and emotionally.

A teaching example, not a script to memorise. Say it in your own words.

Useful phrases

  • pick up a new skill

    I hope to pick up a new skill during the upcoming holiday.

  • have an eye for

    She has an eye for detail, which makes her a great designer.

  • constructive feedback

    Receiving constructive feedback helped me improve my presentation skills.

  • a creative outlet

    Painting serves as a great creative outlet after a stressful work week.

  • slow down and observe

    Taking long walks allows me to slow down and observe nature.

Common mistakes

I want to learn how to swim because swim is very good.

I want to learn how to swim because swimming is very beneficial.

Use gerunds or nouns correctly instead of repeating the base verb form.

I will learn it since two years.

I plan to learn it within two years.

Avoid mixing time prepositions when discussing future intentions.

My friend will teach me every things about photography.

My friend will teach me everything about photography.

Everything is an uncountable singular pronoun, so do not make it plural.

Tips for a higher band

  • Use topic-specific vocabulary naturally, such as composition and lighting conditions, to boost your Lexical Resource score.
  • Connect your points using varied discourse markers like In terms of and Additionally rather than repetitive transition words.
  • Maintain a steady natural speaking pace with appropriate pauses between thoughts to demonstrate fluency and confidence.

Part 3 follow-up questions

After Part 2 the examiner may ask deeper questions on the same theme.

  • What skills do you think are most important for young people to learn today?
  • Do you think schools focus enough on teaching practical life skills to students?
  • How has technology changed the way people learn new skills compared to the past?

Now try this cue card

1 minute to prepare, up to 2 minutes to speak, then a band estimate and tips for each criterion.

Practise this cue card

Practice estimate, not an official IELTS score.

Practise this cue card
Describe a new skill you would like to learn in the future (IELTS Cue Card & Sample Answer)