IELTS VocabMaster

Describe a person who taught you a new skill.

Describe a person who taught you a new skill. You should say: - who this person is - what skill this person taught you - how this person taught you - and explain how you felt about learning this skill

Part 2 model answer

The person who immediately comes to mind is my elder cousin, Tanvir bhai. He's about six years older than me and works as a graphic designer at a small advertising agency in Dhaka.

The skill he taught me was graphic design, specifically how to create posters and social media designs using mobile apps. Since I don't have a computer, I always thought designing was impossible for me. But one day, when I was struggling to make a simple banner for my own project, he took my phone and said, "Let me show you something."

His way of teaching was very practical. Instead of giving me long explanations, he gave me small tasks, like designing a birthday card or a Facebook post, and then he would check my work and point out my mistakes. For example, he taught me how to choose colours that match, how to use fonts properly, and why leaving empty space actually makes a design look cleaner. Every weekend, we would sit together for an hour or so, and he would also send me video tutorials to practise during the week.

Honestly, learning this skill felt really rewarding. At first, my designs looked pretty awful, and I felt a bit frustrated. But Tanvir bhai was very patient and kept encouraging me. After a couple of months, I was able to make professional-looking designs for my own work, which saved me a lot of money. Now I even design watermarks and covers for my study materials myself. So I'm really grateful to him, because he didn't just teach me a skill, he showed me that limitations don't have to stop you.

Part 3 discussion

What skills do you think young people should learn?

I think digital skills are essential nowadays, like basic computer use, design, or coding, because almost every job requires them. Apart from that, communication skills, financial management, and problem-solving are equally important for success in real life.

Is it better to learn a skill from a teacher or by yourself?

Learning from a teacher is usually faster because they can correct your mistakes right away and guide you step by step. On the other hand, self-learning makes you more independent and creative. I think the best approach is a combination of both, especially with so many online resources available today.

Why do some people learn faster than others?

There are several reasons. Some people have a natural talent for certain things, while others have more motivation and practise more regularly. The learning environment also matters a lot. If someone has good guidance and enough resources, they'll obviously progress more quickly.

Do older people find it harder to learn new skills?

Generally, yes, especially when it comes to technology. Older people may take more time to adapt because they're used to doing things in a certain way. However, they often have more patience and life experience, so with proper support, they can definitely learn new things successfully.

Should schools teach practical life skills like cooking or managing money?

Absolutely. Schools focus too much on exams and memorisation, but many young people leave school without knowing how to budget, cook a simple meal, or manage their time. Teaching these skills would make students more independent and better prepared for adult life.