The IELTS Speaking test is your opportunity to demonstrate your fluency and accuracy in English. While it might seem like a simple question, “What is your mother tongue?” or variations like “What’s your native language?” or “What’s your first language?” are frequently asked and offer a valuable chance to showcase your linguistic capabilities. This article will delve into why this question is significant and provide you with strategies to deliver an impressive response.
The Significance of the “Mother Tongue” Question
Though seemingly straightforward, this question serves multiple purposes:
- Warming Up: It’s often used as an ice-breaker to ease you into the conversation.
- Assessing Fluency: Examiners listen for natural intonation and pronunciation.
- Cultural Insight: Your answer provides context to your language journey.
Answering with Confidence and Clarity
Here’s how to formulate a strong response:
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Direct and Concise: Begin with a clear statement:
- “My mother tongue is…”
- “My native language is…”
- “I was raised speaking…”
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Elaborate (Optional): Briefly expand on your answer to make it more engaging. You could mention:
- Regional variations: “My mother tongue is Vietnamese, but I speak the Southern dialect.”
- Bilingual upbringing: “I grew up in a bilingual household, so both English and Spanish are my mother tongues.”
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Connect to Learning English: Seamlessly transition into your experience with English:
- “I’ve been learning English since I was in primary school.”
- “I find English fascinating because…”
IELTS Speaking Test Example
Example Responses
Let’s look at some sample answers:
Example 1:
“My mother tongue is Mandarin Chinese. It’s the most spoken language globally, and I’m proud to be a native speaker. I’ve been learning English for about ten years now, and I enjoy it immensely.”
Example 2:
“I was raised speaking both Portuguese and Spanish as my parents are from different countries. I find it beneficial to be bilingual, and I started learning English when I was in secondary school.”
Tips for Success
- Practice Pronunciation: Ensure you can clearly and confidently pronounce the name of your language.
- Natural Delivery: Speak naturally, just as you would in a regular conversation.
- Be Truthful: There’s no need to invent a more ‘impressive’ mother tongue; honesty is always best.
Conclusion
“What is your mother tongue?” may seem trivial, but it’s a valuable opportunity to make a positive impression during your IELTS Speaking test. By following these tips and practicing your response, you can confidently demonstrate your language skills and cultural background. Remember, authenticity and clear communication are key to success in the IELTS Speaking module.
