Describe a skill that you learned when you were a teenager.

You should say:

• What the skill is
• When and how you learned it
• Who you learned it from
• And explain why you learned it 

When I was a teenager, I learned how to cook simple meals. This skill became very useful for me, especially when I started living away from home. I learned it when I was about 15 years old. At that time, my parents were both working long hours, and I often came home to an empty house. One day, I decided to try making dinner for myself instead of waiting for them. I started with easy dishes like scrambled eggs and pasta. My mom noticed my interest and began teaching me more recipes on weekends. She showed me how to chop vegetables, cook rice, and make basic sauces. I also watched cooking videos online to learn new techniques. The main reason I wanted to learn cooking was to be more independent. I didn’t want to rely on takeaways or instant noodles all the time. Plus, it felt great to surprise my family with a homemade meal. Now, cooking is one of my favorite hobbies, and I still use the skills I learned back then every day.

When answering the IELTS Speaking Part 2 question about a skill you learned as a teenager, here's a simple way to structure your response. First, introduce the skill clearly, like cooking or playing guitar, and say when you learned it (e.g., at 15). Then, explain how you learned it—maybe through practice, classes, or by watching someone. Mention who taught you, like a family member, teacher, or friend. Finally, share why you wanted to learn it—maybe it was fun, useful, or helped you grow. Keep your answer smooth and natural, like telling a story. Focus on details to make it interesting, and don’t forget to use past tense since it’s about the past. Practice speaking slowly and clearly to sound confident!

Part 3 Example Question

1. What are the differences between learning skills on your own and from others?

2. Do you think teachers are still necessary considering that there are many resources online?

3. Where do children learn skills in your country?

4. What important skills should children learn?