Kinh nghiệm và kỹ năng từ những người lớn tuổi luôn là kho báu quý giá mà chúng ta có thể học hỏi. Trong IELTS Speaking Part 2, đề bài "Describe a useful skill that you learned from older people" yêu cầu bạn mô tả một kỹ năng hữu ích mà bạn đã học được từ một người lớn tuổi, cách bạn học nó và cảm nhận của bạn về kỹ năng đó.
Bạn sẽ làm thế nào khi gặp đề bài Describe a useful skill that you learned from older people trong phần thi IELTS Speaking part 2? Hãy cùng SOL luyện tập cách trả lời thông qua một số sample answers dưới đây nhé.

Describe a useful skill that you learned from older people
You should say:
What the skill is
Who you learned it from
How you learned it
And how you feel about it
Trong 1 phút chuẩn bị, bạn có thể suy nghĩ theo các bước sau:
Chọn một kỹ năng hữu ích: Nấu ăn, sửa chữa đồ dùng, quản lý thời gian, trồng cây...
Người dạy bạn kỹ năng đó: Ông bà, cha mẹ, giáo viên, một người lớn tuổi quen biết...
Cách học được kỹ năng này: Quan sát, thực hành, nhận lời khuyên...
Cảm nhận về kỹ năng đó: Hữu ích, ý nghĩa, giúp ích cho cuộc sống hàng ngày...
One useful skill that I learned from an older person is how to grow vegetables. I learned this from my grandfather, who has been passionate about gardening for as long as I can remember.
When I was a child, I used to spend my summer holidays at my grandparents’ house in the countryside. My grandfather had a small vegetable garden, and he taught me how to plant seeds, water the plants properly, and remove weeds. He also explained the importance of sunlight, soil quality, and natural fertilizers. At first, I wasn’t very interested, but when I saw the vegetables growing day by day, I started to enjoy the process.
I think this skill is really useful because it helps me appreciate nature and understand where our food comes from. Nowadays, many people buy vegetables from supermarkets without thinking about how they are grown. Learning this skill has made me more aware of healthy eating and sustainable living. Although I don’t have a garden of my own, I still enjoy growing small herbs at home, and every time I do, I remember my grandfather’s patience and wisdom.
One useful skill that I learned from an older person is cooking traditional Vietnamese dishes. I picked up this skill from my grandmother, who is an excellent cook and knows how to make all kinds of family recipes.
I started learning from her when I was around ten years old. At first, I would just watch her prepare meals, but over time, she let me help with small tasks like washing vegetables or stirring the soup. She taught me how to balance flavors in Vietnamese cuisine, such as adjusting the right amount of fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice. She also showed me the importance of patience in cooking, especially when making slow-cooked dishes like phở or braised pork.
I feel that this skill is incredibly valuable. Not only does it help me take care of myself when living away from home, but it also gives me a sense of connection to my family’s traditions. Every time I cook a dish that my grandmother taught me, I feel a sense of pride and nostalgia. I believe that cooking is not just a practical skill but also a way to preserve culture and bring people together.
A useful skill I learned from an older person is how to repair a bicycle. This is something that my father taught me when I was a teenager.
When I was in high school, I used to ride my bicycle to school every day. One day, my tire went flat, and I had no idea how to fix it. My dad then showed me step by step how to remove the wheel, patch up the tube, and pump air back into it. He also taught me how to oil the chain and check the brakes regularly. At first, I thought it was quite complicated, but after practicing a few times, I got the hang of it.
I think this is a really practical skill because it allows me to solve small problems on my own without relying on others. It has also made me more independent and confident when dealing with unexpected situations. Even though I don’t ride a bicycle as often as before, I still appreciate what my father taught me, and I believe that knowing how to fix things is always useful in life.
Dưới đây là một số từ vựng IELTS Speaking hữu ích mà bạn có thể sử dụng:
Authentic meals – Món ăn đích thực.
Follow instructions – Làm theo hướng dẫn.
Cultural heritage – Di sản văn hóa.
Express creativity – Thể hiện sự sáng tạo.
Manage money wisely – Quản lý tiền bạc một cách khôn ngoan.
Budget, save, and spend responsibly – Lập ngân sách, tiết kiệm và chi tiêu hợp lý.
Financial management – Quản lý tài chính.
Set financial goals – Đặt mục tiêu tài chính.
"I’d say that many elderly people in my country do experience loneliness. From what I’ve observed, this is often due to social isolation—many older adults live alone after their children move out for work or study. For instance, my neighbor, an elderly woman, often mentions how she misses the bustling household she once had. I’m inclined to believe that this is a widespread issue, especially in urban areas where families are more fragmented."
Từ vựng hữu ích:
social isolation /ˈsəʊʃl ˌaɪsəˈleɪʃn/: sự cô lập xã hội
bustling household /ˈbʌslɪŋ ˈhaʊshəʊld/: gia đình nhộn nhịp
urban areas /ˈɜːbən ˈeəriəz/: khu vực thành thị
fragmented /fræɡˈmɛntɪd/: bị chia cắt
"While loneliness is a concern, I’d argue that not all elderly people feel this way. From my perspective, those who are actively engaged in community activities or have strong social networks tend to feel more fulfilled. Take, for example, my grandfather—he joins a local senior club and often participates in group exercises, which keeps him socially connected. I’m convinced that staying active and involved can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness."
Từ vựng hữu ích:
actively engaged /ˈæktɪvli ɪnˈɡeɪdʒd/: tham gia tích cực
social networks /ˈsəʊʃl ˈnɛtwɜːks/: mạng lưới xã hội
senior club /ˈsiːniə klʌb/: câu lạc bộ người cao tuổi
socially connected /ˈsəʊʃəli kəˈnɛktɪd/: kết nối xã hội
"I’d say that older people can benefit greatly from learning digital skills. From my experience, many elderly individuals are now using smartphones and computers to stay connected with their families. For instance, my grandmother recently learned how to use video calling apps like Zoom, which has made it easier for her to communicate with relatives abroad. I’m of the opinion that mastering these skills can help them feel more independent and included in today’s tech-driven world."
Từ vựng hữu ích:
digital skills /ˈdɪdʒɪtl skɪlz/: kỹ năng kỹ thuật số
video calling apps /ˈvɪdiəʊ ˈkɔːlɪŋ æps/: ứng dụng gọi video
independent /ˌɪndɪˈpɛndənt/: độc lập
included /ɪnˈkluːdɪd/: được bao gồm
tech-driven world /ˈtɛkˌdrɪvn wɜːld/: thế giới công nghệ
"Older people can also explore creative hobbies like painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument. From what I’ve seen, these activities not only provide a sense of accomplishment but also improve mental well-being. For example, my uncle took up gardening after retirement, and he finds it incredibly therapeutic. I’d argue that learning new skills at any age can bring joy and a sense of purpose."
Từ vựng hữu ích:
creative hobbies /kriˈeɪtɪv ˈhɒbiz/: sở thích sáng tạo
accomplishment /əˈkɒmplɪʃmənt/: thành tựu
mental well-being /ˈmɛntl ˈwɛlbiːɪŋ/: sức khỏe tinh thần
therapeutic /ˌθɛrəˈpjuːtɪk/: có tính trị liệu
purpose /ˈpɜːpəs/: mục đích
"Children can learn a great deal about cultural traditions and family history from their grandparents. From my perspective, grandparents often share stories and experiences that help children understand their roots and heritage. For instance, my grandmother taught me how to cook traditional dishes, which has become a cherished family ritual. I’m convinced that this kind of knowledge fosters a sense of identity and belonging."
Từ vựng hữu ích:
cultural traditions /ˈkʌltʃərəl trəˈdɪʃnz/: truyền thống văn hóa
family history /ˈfæməli ˈhɪstəri/: lịch sử gia đình
roots /ruːts/: cội nguồn
heritage /ˈhɛrɪtɪdʒ/: di sản
family ritual /ˈfæməli ˈrɪtʃuəl/: nghi thức gia đình
identity /aɪˈdɛntɪti/: bản sắc
belonging /bɪˈlɒŋɪŋ/: sự thuộc về
"Grandparents can also teach children important life values like respect, patience, and gratitude. From what I’ve observed, their wisdom and life experience make them excellent role models. Take, for example, my grandfather always emphasizes the importance of hard work and kindness, which has deeply influenced my own values. I’d argue that these lessons are invaluable for a child’s moral development."
Từ vựng hữu ích:
life values /laɪf ˈvæljuːz/: giá trị sống
respect /rɪˈspɛkt/: sự tôn trọng
patience /ˈpeɪʃns/: sự kiên nhẫn
gratitude /ˈɡrætɪtjuːd/: lòng biết ơn
wisdom /ˈwɪzdəm/: trí tuệ
life experience /laɪf ɪkˈspɪəriəns/: kinh nghiệm sống
hard work /hɑːd wɜːk/: sự chăm chỉ
kindness /ˈkaɪndnəs/: lòng tốt
moral development /ˈmɒrəl dɪˈvɛləpmənt/: phát triển đạo đức
"Young people can learn practical life skills from older generations, such as cooking, sewing, or home maintenance. From my experience, these skills are often passed down through hands-on learning. For example, my father taught me how to fix a leaky faucet, which has saved me a lot of trouble over the years. I’m of the opinion that these skills are essential for self-sufficiency and independence."
Từ vựng hữu ích:
practical life skills /ˈpræktɪkl laɪf skɪlz/: kỹ năng sống thực tế
cooking /ˈkʊkɪŋ/: nấu ăn
sewing /ˈsəʊɪŋ/: may vá
home maintenance /həʊm ˈmeɪntənəns/: bảo trì nhà cửa
hands-on learning /ˌhændz ˈɒn ˈlɜːnɪŋ/: học qua thực hành
self-sufficiency /ˌsɛlf səˈfɪʃənsi/: tự lực
independence /ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns/: sự độc lập
"Older people can also teach young people social skills like conflict resolution and effective communication. From what I’ve seen, their experience in navigating relationships and workplaces makes them excellent mentors. Take, for instance, my aunt, who often shares advice on how to handle disagreements calmly and respectfully. I’d argue that these skills are crucial for building strong relationships and succeeding in professional settings."
Từ vựng hữu ích:
social skills /ˈsəʊʃl skɪlz/: kỹ năng xã hội
conflict resolution /ˈkɒnflɪkt ˌrɛzəˈluːʃn/: giải quyết xung đột
effective communication /ɪˈfɛktɪv kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃn/: giao tiếp hiệu quả
experience /ɪkˈspɪəriəns/: kinh nghiệm
strong relationships /strɒŋ rɪˈleɪʃnʃɪps/: mối quan hệ bền chặt
professional settings /prəˈfɛʃənl ˈsɛtɪŋz/: môi trường chuyên nghiệp
"Older people often need assistance with healthcare and daily activities. From my perspective, many elderly individuals struggle with chronic illnesses or mobility issues, which require regular medical attention and support. For example, my grandfather relies on a caregiver to help him with tasks like bathing and cooking. I’m convinced that access to affordable healthcare and elderly care services is essential for their well-being."
Từ vựng hữu ích:
healthcare /ˈhɛlθkeə/: chăm sóc sức khỏe
daily activities /ˈdeɪli ækˈtɪvɪtiz/: hoạt động hàng ngày
chronic illnesses /ˈkrɒnɪk ˈɪlnəsɪz/: bệnh mãn tính
mobility issues /məʊˈbɪlɪti ˈɪʃuːz/: vấn đề di chuyển
caregiver /ˈkeəˌɡɪvə/: người chăm sóc
affordable healthcare /əˈfɔːdəbl ˈhɛlθkeə/: chăm sóc sức khỏe giá cả phải chăng
elderly care services /ˈɛldəli keə ˈsɜːvɪsɪz/: dịch vụ chăm sóc người cao tuổi
"Beyond physical help, older people also need emotional support and companionship. From what I’ve observed, many elderly individuals feel lonely and isolated, especially if they live alone. For instance, regular visits from family members or participation in community activities can significantly improve their mental health. I’d argue that addressing their emotional needs is just as important as providing physical care."
Từ vựng hữu ích:
emotional support /ɪˈməʊʃənl səˈpɔːt/: hỗ trợ tinh thần
companionship /kəmˈpænjənʃɪp/: sự đồng hành
community activities /kəˈmjuːnɪti ækˈtɪvɪtiz/: hoạt động cộng đồng
mental health /ˈmɛntl hɛlθ/: sức khỏe tinh thần
"Children can learn moral values and ethical behavior from their parents. From my perspective, parents serve as the first role models, teaching children concepts like honesty, responsibility, and empathy. For example, my parents always emphasized the importance of telling the truth, which has shaped my own sense of integrity. I’m convinced that these lessons lay the foundation for a child’s character development."
Từ vựng hữu ích:
moral values /ˈmɒrəl ˈvæljuːz/: giá trị đạo đức
ethical behavior /ˈɛθɪkl bɪˈheɪvjə/: hành vi đạo đức
honesty /ˈɒnɪsti/: sự trung thực
responsibility /rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪlɪti/: trách nhiệm
empathy /ˈɛmpəθi/: sự đồng cảm
integrity /ɪnˈtɛɡrɪti/: sự chính trực
character development /ˈkærɪktə dɪˈvɛləpmənt/: phát triển nhân cách
"Parents can also teach children practical skills like financial management and time management. From what I’ve seen, these skills are crucial for navigating adulthood. Take, for instance, my mother taught me how to budget my allowance, which has helped me manage my finances effectively as an adult. I’d argue that these lessons are invaluable for a child’s future success."
Từ vựng hữu ích:
practical skills /ˈpræktɪkl skɪlz/: kỹ năng thực tế
financial management /faɪˈnænʃl ˈmænɪdʒmənt/: quản lý tài chính
time management /taɪm ˈmænɪdʒmənt/: quản lý thời gian
budget /ˈbʌdʒɪt/: lập ngân sách
future success /ˈfjuːtʃə səkˈsɛs/: thành công trong tương lai
Hy vọng những sample answers và từ vựng này sẽ giúp bạn chuẩn bị tốt cho phần thi IELTS Speaking Part 2 và part 3 sắp tới.
Chúc bạn đạt aim!
