Describe the time when you first talked in a foreign language: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Where you were
Who you were with
What you talked about
And explain how you felt about it

122 unique answers with expert feedback

How did you prepare for speaking in a foreign language during the campaign?

I prepared by practicing my speech multiple times, focusing on key vocabulary and phrases. I also sought feedback from friends who were fluent in English to improve my pronunciation and confidence before the actual event.

What challenges did you face while speaking in English?

The main challenges were my anxiety and fear of making mistakes. I worried about my grammar and vocabulary, which made me nervous. However, I learned to manage my anxiety by focusing on the message I wanted to convey rather than on my language skills.

How has your experience influenced your language learning since then?

This experience motivated me to continue improving my English. I started taking language classes, reading more English literature, and engaging in conversations with native speakers to enhance my fluency and confidence in using the language.

Band >7

00:00

The first time I talked in English was when I was around 5 or 6. I had just started my first grade and completed my kindergarten and I joined a new school which was completely English medium. My mother tongue was Telugu and Hindi and this was during school. It was my first year of school and the teacher had asked me which grade I was in and what was my name. At first I was shocked and I didn't understand what she was saying. I was kind of scared as well, confused even. And then I started understanding the words in my head and I spoke out loud. My name is Vaishnavi. I am from the first grade. The teacher smiled at me and that was my first experience talking in a foreign language. Growing up in my house, we always spoke Hindi or Telugu. I lived in a joint family and the major language we spoke was Telugu and learning English was quite a difficult task. But I seem to have overcome that. I seem to have overcome that challenge.

Follow up questions

How did you feel after successfully speaking in English for the first time?

After I spoke in English for the first time, I felt a mix of relief and pride. It was a significant moment for me, as I had overcome my initial fear and confusion. The teacher's smile made me feel accepted and encouraged, which boosted my confidence in using English.

What challenges did you face while learning English?

Learning English was challenging because it was completely different from Telugu and Hindi, which I spoke at home. I struggled with pronunciation and understanding the grammar rules. Additionally, being in a new environment made it difficult to adapt, but I gradually improved through practice.

How has your experience with English influenced your life today?

My experience with English has greatly influenced my life. It opened up many opportunities for education and communication. I became more confident in speaking with others and pursuing my studies in English, which has helped me in my career and personal growth.

Band 7

00:00

Let me share an experience of the first time I talked in a foreign language. I had to speak Spanish for a school competition wherein I had to go to Delhi with my friends and my teachers to participate in a competition where there were 64 candidates. We were all given a topic in which we had to talk for about a minute and the person with the most fluency would win. I was able to blast through the competition and when I reached the semi-finals where the stakes could not have been higher, I lost. That was the first time I felt devastated. I knew the stakes were the highest at that time and all my friends and teachers depended on me but yet I failed to win. Now that I remember about that time, I feel extremely happy that I was able to perform well in a language that I had barely known for two years and it also motivated me to learn that language further. Moreover, I have started watching Netflix series in that language and I have also started using Duolingo which is an app that helps me learn that Spanish. I believe that learning a language is extremely important for everybody and they should learn at least one other language than their native language.

Follow up questions

What motivated you to learn Spanish further after the competition?

After the competition, I realized how much I enjoyed speaking Spanish, despite the pressure. The experience motivated me to improve my skills, and I wanted to communicate better and understand the culture. Watching Netflix series in Spanish also made learning more enjoyable.

How do you think learning a foreign language benefits individuals?

Learning a foreign language opens up new opportunities for communication, travel, and cultural understanding. It enhances cognitive skills, boosts confidence, and can improve job prospects. Additionally, it allows individuals to connect with people from different backgrounds.

What challenges did you face while learning Spanish?

One of the main challenges was mastering the pronunciation and grammar, which can be quite different from my native language. Additionally, finding the time to practice consistently was difficult, but using apps like Duolingo helped me stay motivated and engaged.

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Band 7

00:00

A memorable occasion when I spoke in a foreign language happened last year during a trip to New Delhi. I was waiting a metro station when I noticed a French tourist who seemed quite lost and confused about the route. Since I had studied French for a couple of years, I decided to approach her and offer help. At first, I was a bit hesitant because I wasn't sure whether my French would be accurate enough but I reminded myself that fortune favors the bold. When I greeted her in French, her face light lit up immediately as if a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She explained that she was trying to reach the lotus temple but couldn't understand the signs or announcements.

Follow up questions

How did you feel before speaking in French to the tourist?

I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. I was excited to use my French skills but also worried about making mistakes. However, I reminded myself that communication is more important than perfection.

What other languages have you learned, and how do they compare to French?

I've also learned Spanish and a bit of German. I find Spanish easier to speak because of its phonetic nature, while German has more complex grammar rules. French, with its nuances and pronunciation, is a bit challenging but beautiful.

Have you had any other experiences speaking foreign languages since then?

Yes, I had another opportunity to speak French when I met a French exchange student at my university. We practiced together, and it was a great way to improve my skills while making a new friend.

Band 7

00:00

I would like to talk about a time when I spoke a foreign language which was English. It happened around two years ago when I was traveling to Delhi. I met a tourist from the United States who was struggling to ask for direction to metro station. Because he didn't understand Hindi, I decided to help him by speaking in English. So at first, I was a bit nervous because English is not my mother tongue and I was worried that I might make grammatical mistakes. But however, once I started, I realized that he understood me quite well and that gave me confidence. So we had a very short conversation where I explained how to get to the metro and also recommended some local food. So the experience made me feel proud and happy because I could actually use a foreign language to communicate in real life and it also motivated me to improve my speaking skills further and I realized that learning a language is not just about passing exams but also connecting with people from different cultures.

Follow up questions

How did you prepare for speaking in English before your trip?

Before my trip, I practiced speaking English by engaging in conversations with friends and using language apps. I also watched English movies and listened to podcasts to improve my listening skills and vocabulary. This preparation helped me feel more confident when I had to speak with the tourist.

What challenges do you face when learning a foreign language?

One of the biggest challenges I face is overcoming the fear of making mistakes while speaking. Additionally, understanding different accents can be difficult. I also find it challenging to remember vocabulary and grammar rules, but I try to practice regularly to improve my skills.

How has this experience influenced your view on learning languages?

This experience made me realize that learning a language is about communication and connection rather than just grammar and vocabulary. It motivated me to continue learning and practicing, as I now see the practical benefits of being able to converse with people from different cultures.

Show all 122 answers

Cue 1:Where you were

Begin by describing the location where you first spoke in a foreign language, making it vivid and relatable.
Mention any specific details about the environment that made it memorable.

Example

I was at a language exchange event in my city, held at a local community center. The room was filled with people from different backgrounds, and there was a buzz of excitement in the air as everyone was eager to practice their language skills.

Cue 2:Who you were with

Introduce the person or people you were with during this experience.
Explain your relationship with them and why they were significant to this moment.

Example

I was paired with a native Spanish speaker named Carlos, who was also learning English. We were both nervous but excited to help each other improve our language skills.

Cue 3:What you talked about

Outline the main topics of conversation you had with the person.
Include any interesting or funny moments that occurred during your discussion.

Example

We talked about our favorite hobbies, food, and cultural differences. I remember laughing when Carlos tried to explain a traditional Spanish dish, and I struggled to pronounce it correctly.

Cue 4:And explain how you felt about it

Share your emotions during and after the conversation.
Reflect on how this experience impacted your confidence in speaking a foreign language.

Example

At first, I felt anxious and self-conscious about making mistakes. However, as we continued talking, I felt a sense of accomplishment and joy. It was liberating to express myself in a different language, and I left the event feeling more confident in my abilities.

Conclusion

Example

Overall, that experience was a turning point for me. It not only improved my language skills but also encouraged me to seek more opportunities to practice speaking in foreign languages. I realized that making mistakes is part of the learning process, and it made me more open to new experiences.

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: Avoid Vague Responses

Being vague can make your answer less engaging and informative. It may lead to a lack of detail that is crucial for a good score.

Tip

Provide specific details about the location, people, and conversation to create a vivid picture for the examiner.

2: Don't Overuse Simple Language

Relying too much on simple words can limit your expression and fail to showcase your language skills. This may affect your fluency score.

Tip

Incorporate a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.

Neglecting Emotional Impact

Failing to express how you felt can make your answer less personal and relatable. Emotions add depth to your response.

Tip

Share your feelings about the experience, such as excitement or nervousness, to connect better with the examiner.

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