Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Foreigner Who Speaks Your Native Language Well

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about languages and communication. Here are some potential questions:

1. Do you enjoy learning foreign languages?
2. Have you ever met someone who speaks your native language very well?
3. How do you feel when foreigners try to speak your language?

Let’s focus on question 2. Here’s a sample answer:

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“Yes, I have. I once met an American exchange student at my university who spoke Vietnamese remarkably well. His pronunciation was impeccable, and he even used colloquial expressions that many locals use. It was truly impressive to hear him converse so fluently in Vietnamese, especially considering how challenging the language can be for non-native speakers.”

Foreigner speaking native language fluently

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe a foreigner who speaks your native language very well.
You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you met them
• What they do
• And explain why you think they speak your language so well

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about Sarah, an Australian girl I met during my university years. We first crossed paths at a language exchange event on campus. Sarah is currently working as an English teacher at an international school in my city.

What struck me most about Sarah was her impressive command of Vietnamese. She spoke with such ease and confidence that I initially thought she might have Vietnamese heritage. Her pronunciation was remarkably accurate, and she even used local slang effortlessly.

I believe Sarah speaks Vietnamese so well because she’s incredibly passionate about languages. She told me she started learning Vietnamese out of curiosity and fell in love with its tonal system. Sarah’s also very outgoing and sociable, which I think helps her practice the language frequently with native speakers. Moreover, she’s been living in Vietnam for several years now, which has undoubtedly contributed to her fluency.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to share my experience with Thomas, a German expatriate I encountered during a business conference in Hanoi. Our initial meeting was quite serendipitous, as we found ourselves seated next to each other during a panel discussion on cross-cultural communication.

Thomas is a seasoned diplomat who has been working at the German Embassy in Vietnam for the past five years. What immediately captivated my attention was his exceptional proficiency in Vietnamese. His speech was not only grammatically impeccable but also peppered with idiomatic expressions that even some native speakers struggle to use correctly.

I believe Thomas’s remarkable linguistic abilities stem from a combination of factors. Firstly, his innate aptitude for languages is evident in the way he effortlessly switches between German, English, and Vietnamese. Secondly, his diplomatic background has likely honed his skills in cultural adaptation and language acquisition. Moreover, Thomas mentioned his rigorous study routine, which includes daily conversations with locals and immersing himself in Vietnamese literature and media.

What truly sets Thomas apart is his deep appreciation for the nuances of Vietnamese culture. He doesn’t just speak the language; he embodies the cultural context behind it. This holistic approach to language learning has undoubtedly been the cornerstone of his success in mastering Vietnamese to such an impressive degree.”

Diplomat speaking Vietnamese fluently

Follow-up Questions:

1. How long do you think it takes to become fluent in a foreign language?
2. What challenges do foreigners face when learning your native language?

Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):

“The time it takes to achieve fluency in a foreign language can vary significantly depending on several factors. For languages that are linguistically distant from one’s mother tongue, such as an English speaker learning Mandarin or Arabic, it might take upwards of 2,200 hours of dedicated study and practice to reach a high level of proficiency. However, for languages more closely related to one’s native language, the journey to fluency could be considerably shorter.

That being said, true fluency goes beyond mere linguistic competence. It encompasses cultural understanding, idiomatic usage, and the ability to navigate subtle nuances in different contexts. This deeper level of mastery could take years of immersion and consistent practice.

Ultimately, the speed of language acquisition depends on factors such as individual aptitude, motivation, learning environment, and the intensity of study. Someone living in the country where the language is spoken and fully immersed in the culture might progress much faster than someone studying from afar. Additionally, modern language learning technologies and methodologies can significantly accelerate the process compared to traditional methods.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to language learning and cultural exchange. Here’s a sample question and answer:

Examiner: How do you think technology has changed the way people learn foreign languages?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“Technology has revolutionized language learning in numerous ways. Firstly, it has made language resources infinitely more accessible. Gone are the days when learners were limited to textbooks and classroom instruction. Now, with just a smartphone, one can access a wealth of authentic materials such as podcasts, news articles, and videos in the target language.

Moreover, language learning apps and platforms have introduced gamification elements that make the process more engaging and interactive. These apps often use spaced repetition algorithms to optimize vocabulary retention and provide instant feedback on pronunciation through speech recognition technology.

Another significant advancement is the rise of language exchange platforms and video conferencing tools. These allow learners to connect with native speakers from around the world, facilitating real-time conversation practice that was previously difficult to access without traveling abroad.

Artificial Intelligence is also playing an increasingly important role. AI-powered chatbots can now engage learners in conversations, adapting to their level and providing personalized feedback. This technology offers a low-pressure environment for learners to practice at their own pace.

However, it’s important to note that while technology has made language learning more accessible and efficient, it cannot entirely replace the value of human interaction and cultural immersion. The most effective approach likely combines technological tools with traditional methods and real-world practice.”

Language learning technology

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

Here are some advanced vocabulary items and phrases that can help boost your speaking score:

1. Linguistic proficiency (noun): High level of skill in a language
   Pronunciation: /lɪŋˈɡwɪstɪk prəˈfɪʃənsi/
   Example: “Her linguistic proficiency in Mandarin was evident from her flawless tones.”

2. Idiomatic expression (noun): A phrase whose meaning cannot be deduced from the individual words
   Pronunciation: /ˌɪdiəˈmætɪk ɪkˈsprɛʃən/
   Example: “He surprised me by using complex idiomatic expressions in his speech.”

3. Cultural nuance (noun): A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound in a cultural context
   Pronunciation: /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈnjuːɑːns/
   Example: “Understanding cultural nuances is crucial for true fluency in a language.”

4. To have an ear for languages (idiom): To have a natural ability to learn languages quickly
   Example: “She picked up Japanese so quickly; she really has an ear for languages.”

5. Immersive experience (noun): An experience that surrounds you and makes you feel like you are part of it
   Pronunciation: /ɪˈmɜːsɪv ɪkˈspɪəriəns/
   Example: “Living abroad provided him with an immersive experience that accelerated his language learning.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a foreigner who speaks your native language well:

1. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced and topic-specific words to demonstrate your lexical resource.

2. Provide detailed examples: When explaining why the person speaks your language well, give specific instances or anecdotes.

3. Discuss broader implications: In Part 3, try to connect the topic to wider themes such as cultural exchange or the benefits of multilingualism.

4. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic beforehand to ensure you can talk about it smoothly and confidently.

5. Show critical thinking: When discussing language learning methods or technology’s impact, present balanced arguments and personal insights.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clear pronunciation, natural intonation, and a well-structured response.