Learning a new language can be an exciting and rewarding experience. In the IELTS Speaking test, you may be asked to describe a language you would like to speak fluently. This topic has appeared in past exams and is likely to come up again in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively answer this question and achieve a high score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about languages. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: “Do you speak any foreign languages?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do. Apart from English, which I’ve been learning for over a decade, I have a basic grasp of Spanish. I started learning it a couple of years ago out of personal interest and to broaden my cultural horizons. While I’m not fluent yet, I can hold simple conversations and understand quite a bit when I watch Spanish movies or TV shows.”
Describe a situation where you had to explain something complicated can be challenging, much like learning a new language. Both require patience, clear communication, and the ability to break down complex ideas into simpler terms.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:
Describe a language you would like to speak fluently
You should say:
- What the language is
- Why you want to learn it
- How you plan to learn it
- And explain how speaking this language fluently would benefit youSample answer (Band 6-7):
“The language I would love to speak fluently is Mandarin Chinese. I’ve always been fascinated by Chinese culture and history, and I believe learning the language would help me appreciate it even more.
I want to learn Mandarin because China is becoming increasingly important in the global economy. Being able to communicate in Chinese would definitely give me an edge in my future career, especially if I work in international business or diplomacy.
To learn Mandarin, I plan to take evening classes at a local language school. I’ll also use language learning apps and try to practice regularly with native speakers through language exchange websites. I think immersion is key, so I might even consider spending a few months in China to really improve my skills.
Speaking Mandarin fluently would benefit me in many ways. Firstly, it would open up new opportunities for my career. Many companies are looking for employees who can bridge the cultural and linguistic gap with China. Secondly, it would allow me to make new friends and connections with Chinese speakers around the world. Lastly, being bilingual in such different languages would really boost my cognitive abilities and keep my mind sharp as I age.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’ve set my sights on mastering Mandarin Chinese, a language that has captivated me for years due to its rich history and growing global significance. The tonal nature of Mandarin and its complex character system present an exhilarating challenge that I’m eager to tackle.
My motivation to learn Mandarin stems from both personal and professional aspirations. China’s burgeoning influence in global economics and politics makes Mandarin an invaluable asset in today’s interconnected world. Moreover, I’m enthralled by Chinese literature and philosophy, and I long to delve into these texts in their original form, unadulterated by translation.
To achieve fluency, I’ve devised a comprehensive strategy. I’ll immerse myself in the language through a combination of intensive coursework at a reputable language institute and daily practice using cutting-edge language learning apps. I also plan to engage with native speakers through language exchange programs and eventually undertake a prolonged stay in China to hone my skills in an authentic environment.
The benefits of attaining fluency in Mandarin would be manifold. Professionally, it would substantially enhance my marketability in the global job market, potentially opening doors to exciting opportunities in international business or diplomacy. On a personal level, it would enable me to forge meaningful connections with Mandarin speakers worldwide, broadening my cultural horizons. Furthermore, the cognitive benefits of bilingualism, particularly in languages as disparate as English and Mandarin, would sharpen my mental acuity and potentially even stave off cognitive decline in later years.”
Learning Mandarin Chinese
Follow-up questions:
Examiner: “How long do you think it would take you to become fluent in this language?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, achieving fluency in Mandarin is certainly a long-term commitment. Given its complexity, especially for English speakers, I estimate it could take anywhere from 3 to 5 years of dedicated study to reach a high level of fluency. This timeline assumes I’m able to study consistently and have regular opportunities to practice with native speakers. Of course, the journey to true mastery could take even longer, but I believe that within this timeframe, I could comfortably navigate most social and professional situations in Mandarin.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Attaining fluency in Mandarin is undoubtedly a formidable undertaking, particularly for native English speakers due to the stark linguistic differences. Based on research and anecdotal evidence, I anticipate it would require approximately 3,000 to 4,000 hours of focused study and immersion to achieve professional working proficiency. This could translate to about 3 to 5 years of intensive learning, assuming I can dedicate several hours daily to study and practice. However, true mastery, including nuanced comprehension of cultural idioms and the ability to eloquently express complex ideas, might necessitate an even longer period of sustained engagement with the language.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s an example:
Examiner: “Do you think it’s important for people to learn multiple languages? Why or why not?”
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“Yes, I believe learning multiple languages is very important in today’s globalized world. It helps people communicate better with people from different cultures and broadens their perspectives. In the job market, being multilingual can give you a competitive edge, especially in international companies. It also improves cognitive skills like problem-solving and multitasking. However, I understand that not everyone has the time or resources to learn multiple languages, so it’s not always possible for everyone.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that multilingualism is increasingly crucial in our interconnected world. Acquiring proficiency in multiple languages offers a myriad of benefits, both on personal and societal levels.
Firstly, it fosters cross-cultural understanding and empathy, which are essential in our diverse global community. By learning another language, we gain insight into different ways of thinking and expressing ideas, which can significantly enhance our ability to navigate complex international relationships.
Secondly, from a cognitive perspective, multilingualism has been shown to improve executive functions in the brain, such as attention control, inhibition, and task switching. This cognitive flexibility can translate into enhanced problem-solving skills and even delay the onset of age-related cognitive decline.
In the professional sphere, multilingual individuals often enjoy a distinct advantage. They can bridge communication gaps in multinational corporations, facilitate international negotiations, and access a broader range of job opportunities in an increasingly global job market.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that acquiring multiple languages requires significant time, effort, and often financial investment. While the benefits are clear, we must also consider the practicalities and individual circumstances that might make this challenging for some people. Nonetheless, I believe that even a basic understanding of another language can be immensely beneficial and should be encouraged whenever possible.”
Global communication through multiple languages
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Language acquisition /ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ ˌækwɪˈzɪʃən/ (noun): The process of learning a new language.
Example: “Language acquisition is often easier for children than adults.”Fluency /ˈfluːənsi/ (noun): The ability to speak a language easily and accurately.
Example: “Achieving fluency in Mandarin is my ultimate goal.”Immersion /ɪˈmɜːrʒn/ (noun): A method of learning a language by surrounding oneself with it constantly.
Example: “Total immersion in a Chinese-speaking environment would accelerate my learning.”Linguistic diversity /lɪŋˈɡwɪstɪk daɪˈvɜːrsəti/ (noun phrase): The variety of languages spoken in a specific area or globally.
Example: “Preserving linguistic diversity is crucial for maintaining cultural heritage.”Bilingual /baɪˈlɪŋɡwəl/ (adjective): Able to speak two languages fluently.
Example: “Being bilingual in English and Mandarin would greatly enhance my career prospects.”
Describe a special day you spent with your family could involve sharing stories in multiple languages if you have a multilingual family, highlighting the importance of language skills in personal relationships as well.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing languages:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary related to language learning and communication.
- Demonstrate your ability to discuss abstract concepts, such as the benefits of multilingualism.
- Provide specific examples from your own experiences or observations to support your points.
- Show your understanding of different language learning methods and their effectiveness.
- Practice speaking about various aspects of language learning to improve your fluency and confidence.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Focus on developing your ideas fully and expressing them clearly and confidently.
Describe a local business you support could be a great opportunity to discuss how language skills might benefit local businesses in an increasingly globalized economy, drawing parallels to the importance of language learning.
IELTS Speaking test preparation
By following these guidelines and incorporating relevant vocabulary and complex sentence structures, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss languages and your language learning goals in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember to practice regularly and seek opportunities to engage in conversations about languages to build your confidence and fluency.