Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
A skill that takes a long time to learn- Cue Card # 638
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe a skill that you believe takes a long time to learn.
You should say:
- what the skill is
- how useful that skill is in our daily life
- why it takes a long time to learn
and explain how you can learn that skill.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
Trying to learn a new skill can be rewarding as well as frustrating, depending on what kind of skill it is, and what we want to use it for. While we can learn some of the skills easily within a short period of time, we can’t say the same for the others which can take a considerably longer period of time to learn. Please allow me to talk about such a skill that can surely test our patience to the max. I am talking about how to learn using a computer at home, a skill that certainly can prove out to be useful in our daily lives.
I think that many of us know how we feel when we are asked to write a certain letter or application for our work or study on our computer, and we just don’t know how to even launch the writing software. We also know how frustrated we get when we can’t even do some simple math on an Excel sheet, let alone troubleshooting the PC, turning on a webcam for the purpose of doing a video chat with a close friend who is living in a different country or making a PowerPoint presentation. But, unfortunately, getting frustrated doesn’t exactly solve our problems; learning and mastering the skill does.
Learning how to use a computer can be a time-consuming matter since it involves a lot of things; starting from how to find the right computer application on a desktop to typing on a computer keyboard to understanding the issues of a blue screen and internet connectivity problems, learning them requires a great level of attention and enthusiasm. Besides, there are so many other things that can go wrong with a computer which even an expert struggles to understand sometimes.
Anyway, we can try to learn how to use a computer in the best way from our friends/family members who know about computers. But, if you are not really that much into “divulging your weaknesses’ to others, then it is better to buy a good book that explains things in easy terms for your understanding.
However, sometimes, neither a good book nor our friends/family members are enough, in spite of their best efforts and support, to turn us into skilled computer users. And, should that be the case, we may want to join a computer training centre that specialises in teaching not only the computer basics but also the more advanced stuff. It might take a while to learn a particular computer software, but becoming a skilled and advanced computer user takes years.
Model Answer 2:
Well, some skills are easy to learn and do not take much time, but there are other sorts of skills that could test our patience for a long time. Today, for this topic, I will talk about one such skill that I believe takes a really long time to learn.
In my opinion, learning to play a musical instrument, more specifically the piano, takes a considerable amount of time. I think that the ability to play the piano proficiently is not only a source of personal enjoyment but also holds numerous practical applications in our daily lives.
The piano is a versatile instrument that can be used in various settings, including solo performances, ensemble playing, and accompaniment for other musicians. Whether it's playing for leisure, entertaining guests, or even composing music, proficiency in playing the piano opens up a world of opportunities for creative expression and artistic fulfilment - I believe.
I think that learning to play the piano requires a significant investment of time. Mastering the technical aspects of playing, such as hand coordination, finger dexterity, and sight-reading, requires consistent practice and repetition. Additionally, developing a strong understanding of music theory, including scales, chords, and harmony, is essential for interpreting musical pieces accurately and expressing oneself artistically. Furthermore, honing one's musicality and interpretive skills to convey emotions and the intended mood of a piece demands a deep understanding of musical nuances and styles, which comes with years of dedicated practice and study.
To learn to play the piano effectively, I think I must adopt a disciplined practice routine, seek guidance from experienced instructors or mentors, and continually challenge myself to learn new techniques and repertoire. Regular practice sessions, supplemented by targeted exercises and repertoire study, would be essential for gradual improvement and skill development. Moreover, I might leverage resources such as instructional books, online tutorials, and educational videos if I ever start learning it.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to describe a skill that you think takes a long time to master. You need to mention what the skill is, how it is beneficial in everyday life, why it usually requires extended time and effort to learn, and how one can go about acquiring this skill. A good answer would describe the level of complexity involved, the learning curve, and the ways a person can improve through practice, discipline, and sometimes formal education. Here are a few ideas to help you structure your response and come up with your own answer:
1. Playing a musical instrument like the piano:
Learning to play the piano involves mastering both hand coordination and reading music notation. It is useful for relaxation, creativity, and cognitive development. It takes a long time to learn because of the need for consistent practice and technical mastery. To learn it, one usually needs a teacher, daily practice, and access to a piano or keyboard.
2. Becoming fluent in a foreign language:
Mastering a new language like French or Japanese can take years, especially to sound natural and understand cultural nuances. It is highly useful for travelling, studying abroad, or working internationally. It takes time due to grammar complexity, pronunciation, and vocabulary. One can learn through language apps, courses, and immersion.
3. Coding or computer programming:
Learning to code well takes years of practice and problem-solving. It’s very useful for careers in tech and even automating daily tasks. It takes a long time because of the logic, syntax, and constant learning due to new technologies. You can learn coding via online platforms, formal education, and building real-world projects.
4. Public speaking:
Being a confident public speaker requires controlling nerves, structuring content, and engaging audiences. It’s useful for professional presentations, leadership roles, and influencing people. Many find it hard and time-consuming due to fear and the need for practice. Joining a speaking club or practising in front of friends helps improve this skill.
5. Cooking gourmet or traditional meals:
Mastering the art of cooking complex meals, especially traditional ones, takes time and patience. It’s a life skill that improves health, saves money, and brings joy. The difficulty lies in technique, timing, and creativity. You can learn by watching tutorials, attending cooking classes, and practising regularly.
6. Mastering photography:
Professional photography isn’t just about clicking pictures; it involves lighting, composition, camera settings, and post-editing. It’s useful for personal projects, careers, and documentation. It takes a long time to learn due to the technical aspects and artistic vision. Learning resources include online courses and hands-on experience.
7. Learning to drive heavy or commercial vehicles:
Driving a heavy vehicle like a truck or bus requires far more attention and skill than a private car. It’s a practical skill useful for transportation and logistics careers. It takes time due to legal requirements, safety training, and hands-on driving hours. Formal training from certified schools is usually needed.
8. Painting or fine art:
Creating detailed or realistic artwork requires creativity, technique, and deep understanding of colours and materials. It’s useful for self-expression, therapy, or a creative profession. It takes a long time to master the brushwork, perspective, and style. Art classes, mentorship, and practice help in learning.
9. Practising yoga or martial arts:
Both yoga and martial arts require physical stamina, mental discipline, and technique. These are helpful for physical fitness, self-defence, and mental well-being. They take years to master because they involve gradual improvement of the body and mind. They are best learned through expert instruction and regular practice.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a skill that takes a long time to master, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey its complexity, utility, the dedication required, and the learning process. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the challenges and rewards of acquiring such a skill, making your response both informative and inspiring. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Mastery: – Comprehensive knowledge or skill in a subject or accomplishment.
Example: Achieving mastery in playing a musical instrument requires years of dedication.
Proficiency: – A high degree of competence or skill; expertise.
Example: Developing true proficiency in a foreign language demands consistent practice.
Aptitude: – A natural ability to do something.
Example: While some have a natural aptitude, consistent effort is still key.
Cognitive skill: – Mental skills that enable us to perform mental tasks, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and remembering.
Example: Strategic thinking is a complex cognitive skill that evolves over time.
Motor skill: – A function that involves the precise movement of muscles with the intent to perform a specific act.
Example: Delicate surgical procedures rely heavily on fine motor skills.
Intricate: – Very complicated or detailed.
Example: Learning the intricate details of quantum mechanics is a monumental task.
Nuance: – A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound.
Example: Understanding the cultural nuances of a new language is incredibly challenging.
Dedication: – The quality of being committed to a task or purpose.
Example: It's a skill that truly tests one's dedication and perseverance.
Perseverance: – Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
Example: Without immense perseverance, it's easy to give up on such a demanding skill.
Discipline: – The practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behaviour, using punishment to correct disobedience.
Example: Self-discipline is essential for the continuous practice required.
Deliberate practice: – A highly structured and focused method of practice aimed at improving performance in a specific skill.
Example: Real progress comes from deliberate practice, not just repetition.
Trial and error: – The process of experimenting with various methods of doing something until one finds the most successful.
Example: Learning complex coding often involves a lot of trial and error.
Mentorship: – The guidance provided by a mentor, especially an experienced person in a company or educational institution.
Example: Finding good mentorship can significantly accelerate the learning curve.
Long-term commitment: – A dedication to something over an extended period.
Example: It requires a long-term commitment, often spanning several years.
Steep learning curve: – The rate of a person's progress in learning a new skill.
Example: The initial phase has a very steep learning curve, which can be discouraging.
Transferable skill: – A skill that can be used in a variety of jobs and career paths.
Example: While difficult, the analytical thinking developed is a highly transferable skill.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a skill that takes a long time to learn", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a skill that was difficult for you to learn.
2) Describe something you want to learn in the future.
3) Describe a skill you have that you can teach others.
4) Describe an important skill that you have learned.
5) Describe something you suggested that young learners should learn.
6) Describe a practical skill that you have learned.
7) Describe an extracurricular activity that you are interested in.
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