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 my desire to communicate with French speakers and to explore French culture. I realized that learning a new language could open up many opportunities for travel and personal growth, which pushed me to overcome my initial fears.

How did you feel after using the app to learn French?

Using the app made me feel more engaged and less intimidated by the language. The gamification aspect turned learning into a fun challenge, and I felt a sense of accomplishment with each milestone I achieved, which boosted my confidence significantly.

What other methods did you try to improve your language skills?

In addition to using Duolingo, I also practiced speaking with native speakers through language exchange meetups and watched French films with subtitles. These methods helped me improve my listening skills and pronunciation, making the learning process more immersive.

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?

One of the main challenges was the pronunciation, as some sounds in German are quite different from my native language. Additionally, understanding the grammar rules, especially the cases, was initially confusing. However, I tackled these challenges by practicing regularly and seeking help from native speakers.

How did watching German TV shows help your learning process?

Watching German TV shows was beneficial because it exposed me to natural conversations and colloquial expressions. It helped me understand the context in which certain phrases are used, and the subtitles allowed me to connect spoken words with their written forms, enhancing my vocabulary.

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

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

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 challenge I faced was the pronunciation of certain French words, which can be quite different from Marathi and English. Additionally, understanding the grammar rules was initially confusing, but I try to overcome these by practicing regularly and using language apps.

How do you practice speaking French outside of your studies?

I practice speaking French by engaging in conversations with native speakers online and joining language exchange groups. I also try to incorporate French into my daily life by labeling objects around my house with their French names and watching French movies.

How has learning French impacted your confidence?

Learning French has significantly boosted my confidence. It has given me a sense of achievement and made me feel more capable. Speaking a new language allows me to express myself differently and connect with others, which has helped me overcome some of my low confidence issues.

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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?

While learning French, I initially struggled with pronunciation and grammar rules. However, with practice and the support of my teachers, I gradually improved. The interactive lessons and speaking exercises helped me overcome these challenges.

How do you think learning a language benefits you personally?

Learning a language opens up new cultures and perspectives. It enhances my communication skills and boosts my confidence when traveling. Additionally, it allows me to connect with people from different backgrounds, enriching my personal and professional life.

What methods do you use to maintain your language skills?

To maintain my French skills, I practice speaking with friends, watch French movies, and read French books. I also use language learning apps to keep my vocabulary fresh. Engaging with the language regularly helps me stay fluent and prepared for future travels.

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 tried to learn languages?

In addition to watching dramas, I've also tried language exchange with native speakers, using language learning apps, and attending classes. Each method has its own benefits, but I find that combining different approaches keeps the learning process engaging and effective.

How do you think watching dramas helps with cultural understanding?

Watching dramas provides insights into cultural norms, values, and social interactions. It exposes me to everyday situations and expressions that are unique to Korean culture, helping me understand the context behind the language and making my learning more relevant.

Have you made any friends through your language learning journey?

Yes, I've met several friends through language exchange meetups and online forums. Sharing our experiences and practicing together has not only improved my language skills but also created lasting friendships, making the learning journey more enjoyable.

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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