Last Updated on October 6, 2025
A cue card for the question describe a skill that was difficult for you to learn can be found in this IELTS speaking blog. The three sections of the IELTS exam speaking test are the introduction, the cue card round, and the follow-up discussion round. You will have 11 to 15 minutes to present your ideas and communication abilities to the examiner.
We’ve included three model answers for this IELTS speaking cue card along with follow-up questions, related vocabulary, and a conclusion to help you prepare effectively for similar IELTS cue card topics and achieve a high band score.
IELTS Speaking Part 2 – IELTS Cue Card
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In IELTS Speaking Task 2 (Part 2), the examiner will provide a cue card with a topic and some prompts. Your task is to prepare your answer within 1 minute and speak continuously for 1–2 minutes.
The topic here is describe a skill that was difficult for you to learn, one of the most common IELTS Cue cards that test your storytelling, vocabulary, and fluency.
Cue Card Topic “Describe A Skill That Was Difficult For You To Learn”
You should say:
- What the skill is?
- When you learned it?
- Why it was difficult to learn?
- And explain how you felt after learning it?
Describe A Skill That Was Difficult For You To Learn – Model Answers
Below are three model answers for this IELTS speaking cue card topic. Each response includes detailed vocabulary and natural phrasing to help you build your own version confidently for the IELTS exam.
Model Answer 1 – Describe A Skill That Was Difficult For You To Learn: Driving Car
Introduction
Driving a car was one of the skills that I had a lot of difficulty learning.
What the skill is and when you learned it
I began to teach it when I was issued with a learner license, two years ago.
Why it was difficult
The reason is that it was difficult to coordinate the clutch, accelerator, and brake simultaneously. First, I stuttered the engine several times and even experienced anxiety when I was in traffic.
How you felt after learning it
I gained confidence after a couple of months of the practice. I felt independent and responsible when learning to drive.
Conclusion
One of the most challenging but satisfying skills to master was driving, so it is an ideal answer to the IELTS speaking cue card: describe a skill that was difficult for you to learn .
Model Answer 2 – Describe A Skill That Was Difficult For You To Learn IELTS Speaking Cue Card
Introduction
Public speaking is the other skill that I took a very long time to master.
What the skill is and when you learned it
I was taught it in college when I was required to present in front of large crowds.
Why it was difficult
This was hard and I could become nervous and forget my lines. I had tremendous problems with maintaining eye contact and stage fright.
How you felt after learning it
With time and practice, I felt more assertive and communicative. I even love talking at a crowd now.
Conclusion
Difficult but a good IELTS Cue Card topic example is because it assisted me in developing as an individual and as a professional.
Model Answer 3 – Describe A Skill That Was Difficult For You To Learn IELTS Speaking Cue Card
Introduction
Another thing that I had trouble learning was cooking.
What the skill is and when you learned it
I began to cook when I transferred to a different city to continue my studies.
Why it was difficult
This was difficult as I was unfamiliar with matching flavors or the proper measurements of ingredients. A disaster my first few tries were!
How you felt after learning it
Eventually, I learned via YouTube videos and practice. I am now able to prepare a variety of food and it brings me satisfaction.
Conclusion
I learned patience and being self-reliant in cooking, and it fitted perfectly in this IELTS speaking Cue Card topic.
IELTS Speaking Part 3 – Describe A Skill That Was Difficult For You To Learn Follow-up Questions
Here are some follow-up questions for describe a skill that was difficult for you to learn that might appear in IELTS Speaking Part 3. These will help you extend your answers naturally during the discussion round.
- Why do some people find it difficult to learn new skills?
They do not have time, motivation or appropriate guidance.
- What kind of skills are most important in today’s world?
Nowadays digital, communication, and problem-solving skills are necessary.
- Do you think it’s easier to learn new skills now than in the past?
Yes, due to the flexibility and accessibility of learning via technology and online courses.
- What skills should children learn at school?
They need to be taught academic and life skills such as teamwork, communication and time management.
- Is it important to be patient while learning something new?
Definitely, patience can aid in the perfect practice of hard skills.
Read more: Describe A Businessman You Admire
Related Vocabulary – Describe A Skill That Was Difficult For You
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Challenging | Difficult but interesting | Learning to drive was a challenging experience. |
| Persistence | Continuous effort despite obstacles | Persistence helped me overcome my fear of driving. |
| Accomplishment | A feeling of success after effort | Completing my first speech was a great accomplishment. |
| Determination | Firmness of purpose | I learned cooking through determination and practice. |
| Mastery | Complete control or knowledge | It took months to achieve mastery in public speaking. |
| Nerve-wracking | Causing stress or anxiety | Speaking in front of an audience was nerve-wracking. |
| Progressively | Gradually improving over time | I got better at driving progressively through daily practice. |
| Self-reliance | Ability to depend on oneself | Cooking improved my self-reliance. |
Conclusion
Preparing for the IELTS speaking cue card describe a skill that was difficult for you to learn helps you express challenges, achievements, and emotions fluently. Such IELTS cue card topics are commonly asked in the IELTS Exam, and mastering them builds confidence, vocabulary, and natural speech flow during the test.
Read more: Describe Something That Saves Your Time
FAQs
Cue cards in IELTS Speaking Part 2 are small task cards that contain a topic and a few prompts you must speak about for 1–2 minutes.
You can score 8.5 by maintaining fluency, accuracy, and vocabulary richness while confidently answering IELTS Speaking Cue Cards.
Yes, many IELTS Cue Card topics are repeated with minor changes in wording or focus areas.
Begin with a simple introduction, e.g., “One skill that was quite difficult for me to learn was driving.”
You can practice by recording your answers, timing your speech for 2 minutes, and revising common IELTS Cue Card topics regularly.
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