Cue Card Sample

A skill that takes a long time to learn- Cue Card # 638

IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.

Describe a skill that 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.

[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 works/schools 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 specializes 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.

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