IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe an important thing you learned (not at school or college)
Describe an important thing you learned (not at school or college)
You should say:
What it was
When you learned it
How you learned it
And explain why it was important
SUGGESTED IDEAS
What it was:
- Cooking a new dish
- Fixing a car or a household appliance
- Learning a new language or skill
- Starting a new hobby or activity
- Managing personal finances
When you learned it:
- During a vacation or travel experience
- While spending time with family or friends
- Through trial and error or self-study
- With the help of a mentor or expert
How you learned it:
- Reading books or online tutorials
- Watching instructional videos or attending workshops
- Practicing and experimenting on your own
- Receiving guidance and feedback from others
And explain why it was important:
- Improved self-confidence and self-sufficiency
- Enhanced personal or professional development
- Opened up new opportunities or interests
- Improved quality of life or relationships
USEFUL VOCABULARY:
- Acquire, grasp, master, understand, comprehend
- Self-taught, self-directed, hands-on, experiential
- Mentor, expert, teacher, coach, guide
- Challenge, trial and error, experimentation, discovery
- Practical, applicable, relevant, valuable, useful
USEFUL PHRASES:
- “One of the most important things I learned was…”
- “I learned this through a personal experience when…”
- “It took me some time to understand this concept, but eventually I…”
- “I was fortunate to have a mentor who taught me…”
- “This knowledge/skill has been invaluable to me because…”
- “I now feel more confident and self-sufficient because of this experience.”
SAMPLE ANSWER
One of the most important things I learned outside of school or college was managing personal finances. I acquired this knowledge during a vacation experience when I found myself in a situation where I needed to be more responsible with my money.
During that vacation, I realized that I had been spending recklessly without considering my budget or financial goals. It was a wake-up call for me to take control of my finances and make wiser decisions.
To learn how to manage my personal finances effectively, I turned to books and online tutorials that provided practical advice on budgeting, saving, and investing. I also sought guidance from financial experts through their articles and videos, learning about different strategies and approaches.
Through trial and error, I started implementing the techniques I learned. I created a budgeting system, tracked my expenses, and set savings goals. I also explored different investment options and educated myself on the basics of financial planning.
Learning how to manage personal finances was important for several reasons. Firstly, it improved my self-confidence and self-sufficiency. I no longer felt overwhelmed or uncertain about my financial decisions. Instead, I became more empowered and in control of my financial future.
Additionally, this knowledge enhanced my personal and professional development. It allowed me to make better financial choices and avoid unnecessary debt or financial stress. It also provided a foundation for long-term financial security and stability.
Furthermore, understanding personal finance opened up new opportunities and interests for me. It helped me explore the world of investing, entrepreneurship, and wealth creation. It ignited a passion for financial literacy and inspired me to share this knowledge with others, helping them improve their financial well-being as well.
Overall, learning how to manage personal finances was a valuable and practical skill that significantly improved the quality of my life. It taught me discipline, responsibility, and the importance of planning for the future. I now feel more confident and self-sufficient in my financial decision-making, and I am grateful for the impact it has had on my personal growth and overall financial well-being.
