IELTS Speaking Part 2: A New Skill — Band 6/7/8/9 Sample Answers (2026)
Related guides:
The Prompt (2026 Update)
Describe a new skill you have recently learned. Explain why you decided to learn this skill, and describe how you learned it.
You should say:
- What the skill is
- Why you wanted to learn it
- How you learned it
And explain whether you think this skill is useful in your future life.
Band 9 Sample Answer
Candidate A (Band 9)
"Well, I'd like to talk about learning how to code in Python. This is something I started about six months ago after I realized how important programming is becoming in various fields, not just technology. I work in marketing, and I saw that many companies are looking for professionals who can understand data analytics, which often requires some programming knowledge.
I decided to learn Python because it's known as a beginner-friendly language, and there are countless resources available online. I started with Codecademy's interactive courses, which helped me grasp the basics. Then I moved on to more complex projects, like building a simple website and analyzing datasets. I also joined a local coding meetup where I could ask questions and get feedback from more experienced programmers.
Learning Python has been incredibly useful. At work, I can now analyze our marketing data more effectively, which helps me make better decisions. Outside of work, it's given me a whole new way to solve problems and think logically. I definitely plan to continue developing this skill, perhaps even learning another programming language in the future."
Scoring Breakdown
- Fluency & Coherence: Speaks at length with only minimal hesitation. Uses cohesive devices effectively (e.g., "This is something I started...", "I decided to learn...", "I started with...").
- Lexical Resource: Uses a wide range of vocabulary precisely (e.g., "beginner-friendly", "interactive courses", "analyzing datasets").
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Produces error-free sentences with varied complex structures.
- Pronunciation: Natural rhythm with only minor inaccuracies that don't impede understanding.
Band 8 Sample Answer
Candidate B (Band 8)
"Okay, so the new skill I'd like to talk about is cooking. Now, I know this might sound simple, but I never really learned how to cook properly until last year. Before that, I mostly just heated up food or ordered takeout. But then I moved to a new city for work, and suddenly I didn't have all those convenient options nearby.
I realized I needed to learn how to cook if I wanted to eat well. My friend who lives nearby is really good at cooking, so she offered to teach me some basics. We started with simple things like making pasta and scrambled eggs. Then I got some cookbooks and tried making more complicated dishes. I also watch cooking shows on TV sometimes to pick up new techniques.
I think this skill is very useful. Not only does it save me money, but it's also healthier than eating out all the time. Plus, I think knowing how to cook is an important life skill that everyone should have. I'm still learning new recipes all the time, and I really enjoy it now."
Scoring Breakdown
- Fluency & Coherence: Speaks fluently with only occasional self-corrections. Logical sequence but with occasional minor repetition.
- Lexical Resource: Uses less sophisticated vocabulary than Band 9 but with reasonable precision (e.g., "properly learned", "convenient options", "pick up new techniques").
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some grammatical errors.
- Pronunciation: Generally clear but with some inaccuracies in stress and intonation.
Band 7 Sample Answer
Candidate C (Band 7)
"Um, so I think the new skill I learned is, like, playing guitar. I wanted to learn because my favorite musician plays guitar, and I thought it would be cool to be able to play his songs. I got a guitar from my parents for my birthday last year, and then I started watching YouTube videos to learn the basics.
I tried to practice every day, but sometimes it was hard to find the time. My friend who plays guitar also gave me some lessons. I can play a few simple songs now, but I'm still learning. I think it's useful because playing music is a good way to relax, and I think it's important to have hobbies that make you happy.
I don't know if I'll ever be really good at it, but I'm having fun trying. Maybe in the future I can learn more songs or even join a band or something."
Scoring Breakdown
- Fluency & Coherence: Speaks at length but with noticeable hesitation and repetition. Some ideas are unclear or poorly connected.
- Lexical Resource: Uses some less common vocabulary but with some inappropriate choices or wordings.
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Produces simple sentence forms with some grammatical errors affecting communication.
- Pronunciation: Some words are difficult to hear due to unclear pronunciation.
Band 6 Sample Answer
Candidate D (Band 6)
"So, new skill I learn is, I learn how to, uh, drive car. I think, uh, I learn because I need to go to work and public transport is not very good in my city. So I think is better to have car. My brother, he teach me how to drive. He say I am good student, but I think I need more practice.
I learn how to, um, change gear and, uh, park the car. I still have some problems with, uh, parallel parking, but I getting better. I think this skill is important because, you know, you need to drive to get around. Maybe in future I will pass my driving test and have my own car."
Scoring Breakdown
- Fluency & Coherence: Speaks with frequent hesitations and repetitions. Difficulty expressing ideas clearly.
- Lexical Resource: Uses limited vocabulary with many inappropriate choices.
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Produces simple sentence forms only with frequent grammatical errors.
- Pronunciation: Frequent mispronunciations that sometimes impede understanding.
Key Vocabulary for This Topic
- Acquired (verb): Gained knowledge or skill. *"She acquired proficiency in Spanish through immersive language classes."
- Proficiency (noun): High level of skill or ability. *"His proficiency in coding helped him land a high-paying job."
- Tutorial (noun): Instructional lesson. *"She followed an online tutorial to learn basic photography techniques."
- Practiced (verb): Repeatedly performed to improve skill. *"He practiced guitar for hours every day."
- Mastered (verb): Achieved full understanding or skill. *"After years of study, she finally mastered the complex mathematical formulas."
- Cohesive (adjective): Logically connected. *"The speaker's cohesive presentation made it easy to follow her argument."
- Articulate (adjective): Clearly expressed. *"His articulate speech impressed the interview panel."
- Enhance (verb): Improve or increase. *"Learning a new language can enhance your career prospects."
- Versatile (adjective): Able to adapt to many different functions or activities. *"Python is a versatile programming language used in many fields."
- Proficient (adjective): Competent or skilled. *"She became proficient in data analysis after taking several online courses."
- Resourceful (adjective): Able to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties. *"He was resourceful in finding free online tutorials to learn coding."
- Consistently (adverb): In a steady and continual way. *"Consistent practice is key to improving any skill."
- Demonstrate (verb): Clearly show or prove. *"She can demonstrate her proficiency in Spanish through conversation."
- Applied (verb): Used in a practical way. *"He applied his coding skills to build a website for his business."
- Comprehensive (adjective): Including all or nearly all elements. *"The course offers comprehensive training in digital marketing."
- Iterative (adjective): Repeated in cycles. *"The iterative process of practice and feedback helps improve skills."
- Adaptability (noun): Ability to adjust to new conditions. *"Learning new skills improves your adaptability in the workplace."
- Empowerment (noun): Authority or power given to someone. *"Knowing how to code can empower you in the tech industry."
- Strategically (adverb): In a planned or skillful manner. *"Learning a new skill strategically can boost your career."
- Pragmatic (adjective): Dealing with things sensibly and realistically. *"A pragmatic approach to learning focuses on practical skills."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incoherent Structure: Many test-takers jump between points without clear transitions. Always follow the prompt's structure: what, why, how, and future usefulness.
- Overly Simple Vocabulary: Using basic words repeatedly makes responses sound less fluent. Practice using synonyms and more sophisticated vocabulary.
- Grammatical Errors: Simple mistakes like subject-verb agreement or article usage can lower your score. Review common grammar rules before the test.
- Lack of Detail: Vague responses like "I learned to cook" without explaining what you cooked or how you learned it won't score well. Be specific.
- Poor Pronunciation: Mumbling or mispronouncing words can make your response hard to understand. Practice speaking clearly and work on difficult sounds.
Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol
Want to know how you'd score on this topic? Try English AIdol's AI scoring tool for instant feedback on your speaking responses. Upload your recording and get a detailed analysis based on IELTS criteria.
