Describe a Skill that You Learned in Your Childhood – IELTS Speaking Part 2 Sample Answers

Childhood is a time of learning and exploration, where we acquire valuable skills that shape our future. So, the child cue card, Describe a Skill that You Learned in Your Childhood, provides you an opportunity to share your experiences and describe a skill you learned in your childhood. 

In this blog, you will find three high-scoring sample answers for Part 2 topic, Describe a skill that you learnt in your childhood , useful vocabulary, and tips to help you confidently discuss this topic in your IELTS Speaking exam. Let’s get started!

Describe a Skill that You Learned in Your Childhood IELTS Speaking Part 2 Question & Sample Answers

In IELTS Speaking Part 2, you will have exactly one minute to prepare before speaking on the topic. So, explore the sample answers to describe a skill you learned in your childhood, that will help you structure your response effectively.

Before you start, take a look at the introduction to Speaking Part 2 below!

Describe a Skill that You Learned in Your Childhood - IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 1

• What skill it was

We pick up numerous skills and talents as we grow up. Although we do not use every skill we learn, some of these capabilities are valuable assets. One skill that I learned as a child is how to sew. This skill is quite an uncommon skill, especially among men. Nevertheless, it has proven beneficial since I learned it.

• Who taught you this skill

I learned how to sew from my grandmother, who used to stay with us until quite recently. My grandmother used to knit and sew almost every day. She was an expert and used to sew clothes and make beautiful quilts and pillowcases. Although I could never sew as good as my grandmother, I learned some basic sewing skills from her during my childhood.

• How you learned it

It did not take long for me to grasp the basics of this craft. However, sewing is a skill that one can master only through rigorous practice. After teaching me the fundamentals, my grandmother would ask me to sew something to test what I had learned. Then, she would examine me for weeks before teaching me something new. Sometimes the activities my grandmother made me do were boring, and other times they were interesting.

• And explain why you learned this skill.

Initially, I did not have any desire to learn sewing. But, since both my parents are working professionals, my grandmother used to look after me when my parents were not around. So, she taught me how to sew to pass the time. It has helped me several times, like mending broken buttons, fixing torn t-shirts, etc.

Describe a Skill that You Learned in Your Childhood - IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 2

• What skill it was

Childhood is always memorable to me. There are many things that I have learned from that period that benefit me until now.

To be honest, when I was small, I was quite weak. As I often got sick, my parents didn’t allow me to go out much, especially in extreme weather like summer or winter. Therefore, my parents sent me to a piano class in my neighborhood when I was 8.

• Who taught you this skill

My piano teacher was around my aunt’s age, thus, I enjoyed calling her “auntie”. She was kind and generous to me, though I didn’t pick up the lessons well enough. Luckily, she was very experienced and enthusiastic. Thus, she tried her best to teach me every single lesson. With those efforts, I finally found the piano lessons soothing and inspiring, beginning to play them better and better.

• How you learned it

Gradually, I began to fall in love with piano sounds and practiced them from time to time. After 2 years, I had made a great improvement in comparison with the first days. At the age of 12, I got an opportunity to join a piano contest for Secondary school students. Though I didn’t get any prize, it was a good reward for all of the efforts I had put on it. My teacher was really proud of me.

• And explain why you learned this skill.

Until now, after 10 years, the piano still accounts for an integral part of my life. It helps me to get over tough situations, even under great pressure. Playing the piano is a good way for me to relax and refresh my mind.

Describe a Skill that You Learned in Your Childhood - IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 3

• What skill it was?

One of the most valuable skills I learned as a child was swimming. I started learning this skill when I was around six years old, and it has remained an essential part of my life ever since.

• Who taught you this skill?

My father was the one who taught me how to swim. He was an excellent swimmer himself and believed that swimming was not just a recreational activity but also an important life-saving skill. During our summer vacations, he would take me to a nearby swimming pool, where he patiently guided me through the basics. At first, I was a bit afraid of deep water, but with his encouragement, I gradually gained confidence.

• How you learned it?

The learning process was both exciting and challenging. Initially, I practiced in the shallow end of the pool, getting used to floating and kicking my legs. My father taught me basic strokes like the freestyle and backstroke, and later, I moved on to more advanced techniques like the breaststroke and butterfly stroke. Over time, I improved my stamina and coordination, which helped me become a stronger and more efficient swimmer.

• And explain why you learned this skill.

I learned this skill for multiple reasons. Firstly, my parents wanted me to be water-safe and feel confident in the water. Secondly, swimming is a fantastic full-body workout, and developing this skill at an early age helped me maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Lastly, swimming has always been a stress-relieving activity for me, and I continue to enjoy it as a hobby even today. Looking back, I feel incredibly grateful that I learned swimming as a child as it has given me a sense of independence, fitness, and confidence in water-based activities. 

Vocabulary You Can Use For IELTS Speaking Part 2 Questions on Describe a Skill that You Learned in Your Childhood

For a good speaking score, you need to use appropriate language, particularly when answering to describe a skill you learned in your childhood cue cards. Thus, check the list of words and expand your IELTS Speaking vocabulary.

Describe A Skill That You Learned In Your Childhood Follow Ups 

Given below are the sample answers to IELTS Speaking Part 3 questions related to the cue card, Describe a skill that you learnt in your childhood, with expert-curated sample answers and vocabulary that you can use in your own responses.

• How have the skills you learned in childhood added value to your life?

The skills I acquired during childhood have been invaluable assets in my personal and professional life. For example, picking up public speaking skills early on has greatly improved my communication abilities, making it easier to express myself in academic and professional settings. I believe childhood skills often lay the foundation for lifelong learning, problem-solving, and adaptability, which are essential in various aspects of life.

• Have you had the chance to pass on this skill to others, such as teaching it to younger family members or friends? If so, what was that experience like?

Yes, I have had the privilege of mentoring my younger cousins in swimming. Teaching them was a gratifying yet challenging experience because children often have a natural fear of water. I had to be patient and encouraging, ensuring they felt safe and comfortable while learning. Seeing their progress and confidence in the water was extremely rewarding. 

• Where do children learn skills in your country?

In my country, children learn skills through a variety of sources. Schools play a pivotal role, offering both academic and extracurricular activities like sports, music, and art. Parents also play a crucial role in nurturing practical skills at home, such as cooking, problem-solving, and basic life management. Additionally, many children take part in hobby classes, summer camps, and online courses, where they develop technical and creative skills like coding, painting, and public speaking. With the advancement of technology, e-learning platforms have also become a popular medium for skill development.

• What are the differences between children’s and adults’ learning skills?

To begin with, children are more receptive and flexible, allowing them to absorb information quickly, especially when learning languages, musical instruments, or sports. They also learn best through play, hands-on activities, and imitation. In contrast, adults often rely on structured learning methods, critical thinking, and prior experiences to acquire new skills. Also, adults are usually more self-disciplined and goal-oriented, which can help them learn complex skills with greater focus and motivation.

• Do you believe that children today have the same opportunities to learn practical skills like the one you learned in your childhood?

In my opinion, children today have more diverse opportunities to learn practical skills than I did in my childhood. With the rise of digital learning platforms, interactive apps, and specialized workshops, they have access to a broader range of skill-building experiences. Additionally, some traditional skills like sewing, gardening, and basic home repairs are becoming less common, as modern education focuses more on technology-driven skills. 

• What skills do you think teenagers should have?

Teenagers should develop a mix of practical, social, and intellectual skills to prepare them for adulthood. Some essential skills include financial literacy, critical thinking and problem-solving, effective communication, time management, emotional intelligence, basic cooking and self-care and digital literacy. These skills will empower them to handle real-world situations confidently and set them up for future success.

Vocabulary for Describe a Skill that You Learned in Your Childhood IELTS Follow-up Questions

Here are the IELTS vocabulary for Part 3 follow-up questions on ‘Describe a Skill that You Learned in Your Childhood’ with examples. Also learn and use some idioms for IELTS Speaking to make your answers more native-like.