IELTS SPEAKING SAMPLE - Describe a skill that you learned as a teenager

Writing Speaking

Describe a skill that you learned as a teenager

2024-07-27

PART 2

You should say: What the skill is When and how you learned it Who you learned it from And explain why you learned it

Band 6.5	Band 7.5
Certainly! As a teenager, I learned a crucial skill—swimming, particularly focusing on survival techniques. Growing up near a lake in the countryside, my dad took it upon himself to teach me how to swim when I was around 7 or 8.	If my memories serve me right, As a teenager, I picked up a crucial skill—swimming, with a focus on survival techniques. Growing up in the countryside near a lake, around the age of 7 or 8, my dad took it upon himself to teach me how to swim.
At that young age, my dad, who was an experienced swimmer, became my personal swimming instructor. We would go to the nearby lake, and that's where my swimming journey started. It began with the basics—getting comfortable with breathing underwater. Then, my dad patiently taught me various swimming strokes, ensuring I mastered not only the art of swimming but also essential survival techniques, considering our close proximity to the water.	Around the tender age of 7 or 8, my dad, being the experienced swimmer he was, took on the role of my personal swimming instructor. We would head to the nearby lake, and that's where my swimming journey began. It all started with the basics—getting comfortable with breathing underwater. From there, my dad patiently guided me through various swimming strokes, teaching me the nuances of each one. He made sure I mastered not just the art of swimming but also the essential survival techniques, given our close proximity to the water.
Learning to swim served a dual purpose. Firstly, it was crucial for basic survival, given the nearby lake and the potential risk of accidental falls into the water. Equipping myself with the ability to swim became a fundamental safety measure for emergencies. Additionally, my dad highlighted the importance of swimming as a life skill, stressing its role in ensuring safety and protection around water.	The reason behind learning this skill was two-fold. First and foremost, it was essential for basic survival, considering the proximity to a lake and the potential risk of accidental falls into the water. Equipping myself with the ability to swim became a fundamental safety measure for emergencies. What’s more, my dad stressed the importance of swimming as a life skill, emphasizing its role in ensuring safety and protection around water.
In short, those swimming lessons with my dad were more than just safety training; they became special memories. Learning to swim was a cool experience and a nice time with my dad during my younger years.	In short, those swimming lessons weren't just about safety; they turned into cherished memories. Learning to swim became more than a survival skill; it became a bonding experience with my dad, creating lasting memories of my teenage years.

PART 3

Band 6.5	Band 7.5
Where do children learn skills in your country? Sure! In Vietnam, kids learn from different places. Schools teach academic and social skills, and parents share values and practical life skills. Everyday experiences, like being part of a community or attending cultural events, also help shape a child's skills.	In Vietnam, kids learn skills from a mix of sources. Schools are a significant contributor, providing academic and social skills. Parents play a crucial role, instilling values and practical life skills. Everyday life, from community interactions to cultural events, also plays a part in shaping a child's skill set.
What are the differences between learning skills on your own and from others? Learning on your own is like going on an adventure by yourself; you need to stay focused and motivated. Learning from others is like getting advice and tips from people who have been there before. While self-learning is good, learning from others can be more organized.	Learning skills on your own is like a solo adventure; it requires self-discipline and motivation. On the flip side, learning from others offers guidance, insights, and possibly shortcuts based on their experiences. While self-learning is empowering, learning from others provides a more structured and sometimes efficient path.
What important skills should a child learn? What about teenagers? For kids, it's important to learn how to communicate and work in a team. Basic skills like managing time and solving problems are also really useful. As teenagers, they can learn more about critical thinking and handling money, getting ready for when they're grown-ups.	For children, foundational skills like communication and teamwork are crucial. Also, basic life skills such as time management and problem-solving set a strong base. Teenagers, on the other hand, can benefit from honing skills like critical thinking and financial literacy, preparing them for the complexities of adulthood.
Who should teach teenagers skills? Teaching teenagers is a team effort. Teachers share what they know about subjects, and parents help with values, life skills, and understanding emotions. Working together helps teenagers learn a bit of everything for their future.	Teaching teenagers is a collaborative effort. Teachers impart academic and practical knowledge, while parents contribute values, life skills, and emotional intelligence. It's this partnership that equips teenagers with a well-rounded skill set for their future.