Describe an important thing you learned (not at school or university).

You should say:

• What it is
• When you learned it
• How you learned it
• And explain why it was important

One important thing I learned outside of school was how to manage my time effectively. I learned this about two years ago when I started working part-time while studying. At first, I struggled to balance my job, studies, and personal life. I often felt stressed because I didn’t have enough time for everything. I learned this skill by trial and error. For example, I started making a daily schedule, listing all my tasks and assigning time slots to each. I also learned to prioritize the most important tasks and say no to things that weren’t urgent. My boss at work gave me some advice, and I read a few articles online about time management. This lesson was very important because it helped me become more organized and less stressed. Before, I used to procrastinate a lot, but now I finish tasks on time and even have free time for hobbies. It also improved my grades because I could study more efficiently. Overall, learning to manage my time has made my life much easier and happier.

When answering the IELTS Speaking Part 2 question, 'Describe an important thing you learned (not at school or university),' here's how to structure your response naturally. First, introduce what you learned—maybe a skill, life lesson, or something practical. Then, mention when you learned it, like during a trip, at work, or from a family member. Next, explain how you learned it—was it through experience, someone teaching you, or trial and error? Finally, dive into why it's important—how it changed your life, helped you grow, or solved a problem. Keep it simple and personal, like telling a story to a friend. Focus on fluency, use linking words (like 'first,' 'then,' 'because'), and don't worry about perfect grammar—just be clear and natural. Remember, the examiner wants to hear your voice, not a memorized answer!

Part 3 Example Question

1. What can children learn from parents? What about grandparents?

2. Is it necessary for adults to learn new things?

3. Do you think some children are well-behaved because they are influenced by their parents?