Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Language You’ve Learned

Learning a new language is a common experience that many IELTS candidates can relate to. The topic “Describe A Language You Have Learned” is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. This article will provide you with valuable insights and tips to help you excel in this topic and boost your IELTS Speaking score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about languages. Here are a few examples:

1. Do you speak any foreign languages?
2. What languages are you interested in learning?
3. How do you usually learn a new language?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you speak any foreign languages?

Candidate (Band 6-7): Yes, I do. I’ve been learning English for about 10 years now. It’s the main foreign language I speak, and I use it quite often for work and studies.

Candidate (Band 8-9): Absolutely! I’m fluent in English, which I’ve been studying for over a decade. Additionally, I have a working knowledge of Spanish and I’m currently dabbling in Mandarin Chinese. I find that each language offers a unique perspective on culture and communication.

Describe a practical skill you learned is another common topic in IELTS Speaking that you might want to explore for more practice.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe a language you have learned

You should say:
- What the language is
- When you started learning it
- Why you decided to learn it
- And explain how you felt about learning this language

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

The language I’d like to talk about is French. I started learning French about three years ago when I was in my second year of university. I decided to learn it because I’ve always been fascinated by French culture, especially their cuisine and art. Also, I thought it would be beneficial for my future career in international business.

When I first started learning French, I found it quite challenging, especially the pronunciation. The nasal sounds and silent letters were particularly tricky for me. However, as I progressed, I began to enjoy the learning process more. I took classes at a language school and also used some online resources to practice.

One thing I really like about French is how elegant it sounds. Even simple phrases seem to have a certain charm when spoken in French. Over time, I’ve grown to appreciate the nuances of the language and the way it reflects French culture.

Overall, learning French has been a rewarding experience for me. It’s opened up new opportunities, like being able to read French literature in its original form and communicate with French-speaking clients at work. While I’m not fluent yet, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made and I’m motivated to continue improving my skills.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

The language I’d like to elaborate on is Japanese, which I embarked on learning approximately five years ago. My fascination with Japanese culture, particularly its rich history of animation and technological innovations, was the primary catalyst for this linguistic journey. Additionally, I recognized the potential career advantages of mastering Japanese, given Japan’s significant role in the global economy.

Initially, I found Japanese to be an incredibly daunting language to tackle. The complex writing system, comprising kanji, hiragana, and katakana, presented a formidable challenge. Moreover, the vastly different grammatical structure compared to English required a complete paradigm shift in my approach to language learning.

Despite these initial hurdles, I was captivated by the logical nature of Japanese grammar and the poetic beauty of its expressions. I immersed myself in various learning methods, from traditional classroom settings to language exchange programs with native speakers. I also leveraged technology, using apps and online resources to supplement my studies.

As I progressed, I experienced a profound sense of achievement with each milestone. Being able to read my first manga without translations or having a flowing conversation with a Japanese colleague were moments of immense satisfaction. The process of learning Japanese has not only enhanced my linguistic abilities but also broadened my cultural perspectives.

In retrospect, learning Japanese has been an intellectually stimulating and emotionally rewarding experience. It has opened doors to new friendships, cultural insights, and professional opportunities that I never anticipated. While I continue to refine my skills, I’m grateful for the cognitive benefits and the unique worldview that this linguistic journey has afforded me.

IELTS Speaking: Describing Japanese language learning experience

Follow-up questions:

1. How has learning this language impacted your life?
2. What challenges did you face while learning this language?

Sample answers (Band 6-7):

1. Learning Japanese has had a significant impact on my life. It’s allowed me to enjoy Japanese movies and anime without subtitles, which is really cool. It’s also helped me make some Japanese friends and understand their culture better.

2. The biggest challenge was definitely the writing system. Learning thousands of kanji characters was really tough and time-consuming. The grammar was also quite different from English, so it took a while to get used to it.

Sample answers (Band 8-9):

1. The impact of learning Japanese on my life has been profound and multifaceted. Professionally, it has opened up new career opportunities, particularly in companies with strong ties to Japan. On a personal level, it has enriched my cultural understanding, allowing me to appreciate Japanese literature, cinema, and art forms like haiku in their original context. Moreover, it has honed my cognitive skills, improving my memory and ability to think from different cultural perspectives.

2. The challenges I encountered were numerous and varied. Beyond the complexities of the writing system, I struggled with the nuances of honorific language, which reflects Japan’s hierarchical social structure. Mastering the subtle differences in politeness levels and knowing when to use them appropriately was a significant hurdle. Additionally, the vast differences in sentence structure and the concept of implied subjects tested my ability to think in a completely different linguistic framework.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think it’s important for people to learn foreign languages in today’s globalized world?

Candidate (Band 6-7): Yes, I think it’s very important. In today’s world, we often need to communicate with people from different countries for work or study. Knowing a foreign language can help us do this better. It also helps us understand other cultures, which is important in a globalized world.

Candidate (Band 8-9): Absolutely, I believe it’s crucial. In our increasingly interconnected world, multilingualism offers numerous advantages. Professionally, it enhances one’s competitiveness in the global job market and facilitates international business dealings. Culturally, it promotes understanding and empathy, breaking down barriers between different societies. Moreover, research has shown that learning multiple languages can improve cognitive functions, enhancing problem-solving skills and even potentially delaying the onset of dementia. In essence, linguistic diversity is not just a skill, but a gateway to broader perspectives and opportunities in our globalized society.

Examiner: How do you think technology has changed language learning?

Candidate (Band 6-7): Technology has made learning languages much easier. We can use apps on our phones to learn anytime, anywhere. There are also online courses and language exchange websites. These tools make learning more convenient and often more fun than traditional methods.

Candidate (Band 8-9): Technology has revolutionized language learning in myriad ways. Firstly, it has democratized access to language resources, making high-quality materials available to anyone with an internet connection. AI-powered language learning apps can now provide personalized learning experiences, adapting to individual learning styles and paces. Virtual reality is beginning to offer immersive environments for language practice, simulating real-life scenarios. Moreover, technology has facilitated global connectivity, allowing learners to engage with native speakers through language exchange platforms, thereby enhancing authentic language exposure and cultural understanding. However, it’s worth noting that while technology offers tremendous advantages, it should complement rather than replace human interaction in language learning.

Describe a time when you had to learn from a mistake is another interesting topic that can help you practice for the IELTS Speaking test.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Linguistic journey /lɪŋˈɡwɪstɪk ˈdʒɜːni/ (noun phrase): The process of learning a language.
   Example: “My linguistic journey with French has been both challenging and rewarding.”

2. To dabble in /ˈdæbəl ɪn/ (phrasal verb): To take part in an activity in a casual or superficial way.
   Example: “I’ve been dabbling in Italian lately, learning a few phrases here and there.”

3. Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun phrase): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
   Example: “Learning Japanese required a paradigm shift in my understanding of grammar.”

4. To immerse oneself /ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself/ (verb phrase): To involve oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest.
   Example: “To improve my Spanish, I decided to immerse myself in the language by living in Madrid for a year.”

5. Cognitive benefits /ˈkɒɡnətɪv ˈbenɪfɪts/ (noun phrase): Advantages related to the process of acquiring knowledge and understanding.
   Example: “The cognitive benefits of bilingualism include improved memory and problem-solving skills.”

Key vocabulary for IELTS Speaking: Language Learning

Examiner’s Advice

To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a language you’ve learned:

1. Use a range of vocabulary related to language learning. Include specific terms and avoid repetition.

2. Showcase your grammatical range by using a mix of simple and complex structures.

3. Speak fluently and coherently. Practice your answer to reduce hesitations and improve your flow of ideas.

4. Provide specific examples and personal experiences to support your points.

5. Demonstrate critical thinking in Part 3 by considering different perspectives on language learning and its impact.

Remember, practice is key. Regularly rehearse speaking about various topics, including describing a place in your city that you frequently visit, to improve your overall speaking skills.

By following these guidelines and incorporating the provided vocabulary and sample answers, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss language learning in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!