Describe a thing you did to learn another language?: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What was it?
How was it helpful?
How did you feel about it?

69 unique answers with expert feedback

What motivated you to learn French despite your struggles?

I was motivated by a desire to connect with French culture and travel to French-speaking countries. I also wanted to challenge myself and prove that I could overcome my previous failures in language learning.

How did you feel when you failed your language class?

Failing the class was disheartening, but it also served as a wake-up call. It pushed me to reassess my approach to learning and find new strategies that would work better for me.

What other methods did you use to improve your French skills?

In addition to using Duolingo, I watched French movies, listened to French music, and practiced speaking with native speakers. Immersing myself in the language helped reinforce what I learned through the app.

Band 7

00:00

One thing I did to learn another language was practicing German through language exchange apps and watching German TV shows. I've always been interested in learning German because it's widely spoken in Europe and is useful in the fields of engineering and technology. To improve my skills, I usually use language apps like Duolingo. This helped me practice conversation and understand how the language is used in everyday situations. Additionally, I watched German movies and series with subtitles, which helped me pick up vocabulary and get familiar with sentence structure and pronunciation. This method was very effective because it combined both structured learning and real-life practice. It improved my confidence, especially in speaking and listening. Certainly, there are different difficulties that I've faced, but I felt really motivated because every time I understood a new word or sentence, it felt like an achievement. It also made me more aware of German culture, which was fascinating.

Follow up questions

What challenges did you face while learning German?

I faced several challenges, such as mastering the grammar rules, which can be quite complex. Additionally, pronunciation was difficult at first, especially with certain sounds that don't exist in my native language. However, I tackled these challenges by practicing regularly and seeking help from native speakers.

How did watching German TV shows help you improve?

Watching German TV shows helped me improve my listening skills and understand colloquial expressions. It also exposed me to different accents and dialects, which are important for real-life conversations. Subtitles were particularly useful for connecting spoken language with written words.

What other methods do you think are effective for language learning?

In addition to language exchange apps and watching shows, I believe that reading books in the target language and engaging in conversation with native speakers are very effective. Immersing oneself in the culture through music and food can also enhance the learning experience.

Is this page helpful?

Band 7

00:00

I have recently started learning French and my mother tongue is Marathi. So what I do to simplify the learning process is I create code words or find similarities between Marathi or English. I am comfortable speaking English because I have been learning it since I was 4 years old. So I find similarities or words that sound very similar in either of the languages. I use them as code words or I create a storyline which is very random and it usually doesn't make any sense but it's easier to remember what I am learning in French. Learning French makes me feel very proud of myself for some reason and it feels very therapeutic and aesthetically pleasing for my brain. It makes me think that I am a different person, not a different side of myself but I am different from everyone else which is very important when you have low confidence which I do have. So it's sort of an achievement for me.

Follow up questions

What challenges have you faced while learning French?

One of the main challenges I've faced is the pronunciation of certain French words, which can be quite different from Marathi and English. Additionally, remembering the grammar rules has been tough, as they differ significantly from what I'm used to. However, I try to overcome these challenges by practicing regularly.

How do you practice speaking French outside of your studies?

I try to practice speaking French by conversing with friends who are also learning the language. I also use language exchange apps to connect with native French speakers. Sometimes, I watch French movies or listen to French music to immerse myself in the language and improve my speaking skills.

How has learning French impacted your confidence?

Learning French has significantly boosted my confidence. It makes me feel accomplished and proud of my ability to communicate in another language. This newfound confidence spills over into other areas of my life, helping me to engage more with others and feel more self-assured in social situations.

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Band 7

00:00

A new language apart from my mother tongue that I was always keen about learning was French. My school offered to teach us French when I was in 5th grade, so I took it up as my 3rd language apart from Hindi and English. I studied French from my 5th class until my 10th class. The teachers were really good. They taught us with the utmost patience and I really enjoyed studying and learning French. I was almost always a topper during my French exams in all of my classes. After completing my school, I also took up French during my graduation course that was another 4 years, so in total I have studied French for a total of 10 years. Recently I visited to France for a family vacation and I was really grateful that I took up French in my school and college as it really helped with the communication during our trip. It was so much easier to communicate with everyone around in France including the cab drivers, the hotel managers and other tourists also. I am extremely grateful that I took it up as a 3rd language. Even my family was very happy at the time of the vacation that I was so fluent in French that we didn't have any problem during any of our vacation days. Everything went pretty smoothly. Now I also want to learn another language while simultaneously improving my skills in French so that I do not lose touch with it. Another language that I would love to learn is German because the next trip that I am planning as a vacation is to Germany so I really believe that we should keep learning new languages as it helps to vacation around the world.

Follow up questions

What challenges did you face while learning French?

Initially, I found the pronunciation and grammar quite challenging. However, with practice and the support of my teachers, I gradually overcame these difficulties. Regular speaking practice helped me gain confidence and improve my fluency.

How do you practice your language skills now?

I practice my French by watching French movies, reading books, and speaking with native speakers online. I also try to write short essays in French to keep my writing skills sharp. This helps me maintain my fluency and expand my vocabulary.

Why do you think learning languages is important?

Learning languages opens up opportunities for communication and cultural exchange. It enhances travel experiences, allows for deeper connections with people, and can be beneficial for career prospects. It also stimulates cognitive development and keeps the mind active.

Band 7

00:00

One thing I did to learn Korean was watching Korean dramas. I started watching them out of curiosity, but over time, I realized they were a great way to pick up the language. I would watch with subtitles, paying close attention to the pronunciation and common phrases. This helped me learn everyday expressions, cultural nuances, and even some informal slang. I also tried repeating the dialogues to improve my pronunciation. It was an enjoyable and effective way to learn as it combined entertainment with language practice. Watching Korean dramas not only improved my listening skills, but also motivated me to learn.

Follow up questions

What other methods have you used to learn Korean?

In addition to watching dramas, I also used language learning apps, attended language exchange meetups, and practiced speaking with native speakers. These methods complemented my learning from dramas and helped me gain more confidence in my speaking abilities.

How did watching dramas help you understand Korean culture?

Watching Korean dramas exposed me to various cultural aspects, such as traditions, social norms, and everyday life in Korea. I learned about family dynamics, friendship values, and even food culture, which deepened my understanding of the language and its context.

Do you think watching dramas is effective for everyone learning a language?

While watching dramas can be effective for many, it may not suit everyone. Some learners might prefer structured lessons or textbooks. However, for those who enjoy visual storytelling, it can be a fun and engaging way to learn and immerse themselves in the language.

Show all 69 answers

Cue 1:What was it?

Begin by clearly stating the specific activity you undertook to learn the language.
Provide context about why you chose this particular method, such as personal interest or necessity.

Example

I decided to join a local language exchange group where I could practice speaking Spanish with native speakers. I chose this because I wanted to improve my conversational skills and immerse myself in the language.

Cue 2:How was it helpful?

Explain the benefits you gained from this experience, such as improved vocabulary or confidence.
Mention any specific instances where you noticed progress in your language skills.

Example

This experience was incredibly helpful as it allowed me to practice speaking in a real-world setting. I noticed that my vocabulary expanded significantly, and I became more confident in holding conversations. For example, during one session, I was able to discuss my favorite movies in Spanish without hesitation.

Cue 3:How did you feel about it?

Share your emotions regarding the experience, including any challenges you faced.
Reflect on how this activity impacted your overall attitude towards learning the language.

Example

Initially, I felt nervous about speaking with native speakers, but as I attended more sessions, I began to enjoy the process. I felt a sense of accomplishment every time I successfully communicated, which motivated me to continue learning.

Conclusion

Summarize the key takeaways from your experience.
Express how this activity has influenced your future language learning goals.

Example

In conclusion, joining the language exchange group not only improved my Spanish skills but also ignited a passion for learning languages. I now plan to explore other languages and continue participating in similar groups to enhance my skills further.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer unclear and unengaging. Candidates often fail to provide specific details about their experiences, which can lead to a lack of depth in their response.

Tip

Use specific examples and details to illustrate your experience. Describe the methods you used and the context in which you learned the language.

2: Ignoring Emotional Impact

Neglecting to express how you felt about the experience can make your answer less relatable. Candidates often focus solely on facts and forget to share their personal feelings.

Tip

Include your emotions and thoughts during the learning process. Explain how the experience affected you personally and what it meant to you.

Lack of Structure

A disorganized response can confuse the listener. Candidates sometimes jump between points without a clear flow, making it hard to follow their story.

Tip

Organize your answer by following the cues clearly. Start with what you did, then explain how it helped you, and finally share your feelings about the experience.

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Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

Answer

I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.