IELTS SPEAKING CUE CARD
[PART 2]
A LANGUAGE YOU WANT TO
LEARN (not English)
Describe a language that you want to learn other than English
You should say:
- What it is
- Where you would learn it
- How would you learn it
And why you want to learn that language
A N S W E R
Actually one of my biggest dreams in life is to be a polyglot but unfortunately, I have never done so much to make that a reality recently. I believe this topic has reminded me today that I should start taking baby steps, at least, for the realization of that huge dream of mine. While I was thinking of it a minute ago, what came to mind was the Italian language. Honestly, learning that language has been a long-overdue plan for me. I have kept postponing it due to my hectic work schedule.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Polyglot [noun] – refers to a person who knows and speaks several languages
Baby step [noun] – an act that makes a small amount of progress to achieve something
Came to mind [phrase] – to enter in one’s mind; to remember or recollect
Long-overdue [adj.] – not done or happening when expected
Postpone [verb] – delay
Hectic [adj.] – very busy
Note: In the first paragraph, the way the speaker starts his answer makes him sound so natural, as he relates the topic to his dream that has not been realized. This is a creative way to start doing the monologue.
Anyway, I suppose learning that language may not be as complicated as other people think, especially if one has learned Spanish or has some ideas about the Spanish language, knowing that both languages share similar characteristics. Luckily, I can speak Spanish at a conversational level, so for sure it wouldn’t be a struggle for to me learn Italian. As a matter of fact, Spanish and Italian share very similar phonology and they do not differ much in grammar. So I’m confident that it won’t take ages for me to learn the basics of it.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
As a matter of fact [phrase] – in reality
Phonology [noun] – a branch of linguistics concerning the systematic organization of sounds
It’s been ages [expression] – to take a long time; to take forever
I had this desire to learn Italian even before since I’m a big fan of Italian cuisine. Not only that, but I also watch some Italian films every now and then, but of course, I rely on the English subtitles to understand, these two reasons were my primary motivation before but my work has been an obstacle. Well, getting this topic today has reminded me to start working on my dream. And to do that, I should start checking some online schools offering Italian lessons, I bet there are plenty of them, so I can start studying. Thanks to this topic, if not because of this, I would not be reminded of the dream that I’ve had which I’ve almost forgotten.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Cuisine [noun] – a style or method of cooking
I’m a big fan [expression] – another way to say ‘I’m very interested’ or ‘I love…’
Obstacle [noun] – hindrance; barrier
I bet [expression] – used to express certainty
Thanks to [phrase] – due to; as a result
Note: The speaker mentions his reasons as to why he has the desire to learn the language. By giving a reason or several reasons, you will be able to develop your story even longer. In the last line of the last paragraph, the speaker uses conditional tense, this is one way to get a higher mark in the criterion of Grammar.
PART 3
What’s the best way to learn a new language?
I believe the most effective way to learn a second language is through language immersion. Well, I am not talking about studying or living in a country where the language you are studying is spoken, people can still learn a new language without necessarily doing that. What I mean is that when you are learning a second language you have to utilize the language you are learning in your daily life, like the way you normally use your native language. In other words, you have to live with it.
For instance, when I traveled to the Philippines, I was more than surprised to know that English is not their mother tongue but the majority of them are eloquent in speaking the English language. Out of curiosity, I asked some random people how they could speak English so well and they told me that in schools their medium of instruction was English and they were always exposed to the language in their everyday lives such as through street signs, advertisements, job interviews, memos at work, and the like.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Mother tongue [noun] – a native language
Eloquent [adj.] – fluent
Out of curiosity [expression] – being curious that you want to know something
Take into consideration [phrase] – consider
Is it common to learn English in your country?
Here in Korea, I have to admit that it is not as famous yet as other non-English speaking countries, in which their people are making so much effort to learn English, however, I can say that we are getting there. In the past few years, our education system has been changing in order to meet the global education standard. Recently graders are now learning English which is much earlier than my generation since we started learning English during junior high school. I believe that our government’s dream to make Korean people speak English fluently will come to fruition within a decade or two.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Getting there [phrase] – to be likely to succeed
Grader [noun] – elementary student
Come to fruition [phrase] – to be successful
What are the challenges a person can have in learning a new language?
The very common problems a second language learner has are the lack of motivation, the difficulty in understanding the technicalities of the language such as grammar, and the absence of application of the language in everyday life. When there is no concrete reason or inspiration why one has to learn a language, the driving force to learn becomes weaker, as a result, one has to easily give up. Also, the complexities of grammar, word usage, or pronunciation make one confused which will lead to losing enthusiasm for learning. And lastly, if one has learned the language but never has the opportunity to apply makes his skills deteriorate.
These kinds of challenges make language learners’ efforts in learning go to waste and I strongly believe that before learning a new language one has to set a measurable or definite goal.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Driving force [noun] – someone or something that has the power to make things a reality
Complexity [noun] – difficulty; problem
Deteriorate [verb] – make worse
Go to waste [phrase] – to be useless
Tip: The speaker gives three reasons at once at the beginning of his answer and he explains them one by one after. This is a good way to express your ideas in an organized way.
Develop a story better in Part 2 for
the recent IELTS Speaking CUE
CARD about
Describe An Occasion When You Borrowed Something From Someone
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PART 3 Here!
Meaning of Words and Phrases Sources: Collins, Macmillan, Cambridge, Oxford
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