How to Answer the IELTS Speaking Question: “Describe a time when you used a foreign language”

The IELTS Speaking test aims to evaluate your English communication skills. To score high, you need to demonstrate fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. Common questions such as “Describe a time when you used a foreign language” often appear, making it important to be well-prepared. This article provides a comprehensive guide on answering these questions, complete with sample answers, to help you achieve the highest score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this part, the Examiner asks general questions about yourself. These might include:

1. Do you often use foreign languages?
2. Have you ever had to communicate in a foreign language while traveling?

Sample Question and Suggested Answer

Question: Do you often use foreign languages?

Answer: Yes, I frequently use English, especially at work, where my job requires me to interact with international clients. Moreover, I love traveling, and knowing English allows me to communicate easily in different countries.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a time when you used a foreign language.

You should say:

• When it was
• What language you used
• What you talked about
• And explain how you felt about it

Sample Answer

One memorable experience of using a foreign language was during my trip to Paris last year. My French was quite basic at the time, but I had to use it frequently. On one occasion, I visited a local bakery to buy some croissants. I used phrases like “Bonjour, je voudrais” (Good morning, I would like) and “merci beaucoup” (thank you very much) to place my order. Initially, I was a bit nervous, but the shopkeeper was very kind and encouraged me to speak more. This experience boosted my confidence and made me realize the importance of knowing another language. I felt a sense of achievement and pride in being able to communicate, even if my French wasn’t perfect.

Potential Follow-up Questions and Suggested Answers

Question: Did you find it difficult to communicate?

Answer: Yes, initially it was challenging. However, with patience and the willingness of the locals to help, I managed to communicate effectively.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner Questions and Suggested Answers

Question: How important is it to be able to speak a foreign language in today’s globalized world?

Answer: In today’s globalized world, speaking a foreign language is crucial as it not only enhances cultural understanding but also opens up opportunities for employment and travel. Being multilingual can make individuals more competitive in the job market, and it enriches personal experiences when interacting with people from diverse backgrounds.

Question: What are the benefits and drawbacks of learning a foreign language at an early age?

Answer: Learning a foreign language at an early age has several benefits, such as better pronunciation, improved cognitive abilities, and increased cultural awareness. However, it can also be overwhelming for some children and might require significant commitment from both the learners and their families.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high score, try to incorporate the following vocabulary and phrases into your answers:

1. Fluency and Coherence:

   • Boost my confidence
   • Sense of achievement
   • Willingness to help

2. Lexical Resource:

   • Multilingual (adjective): Able to speak several languages.
   • Crucial (adjective): Extremely important.
   • Cultural understanding (noun phrase): The knowledge and acceptance of the ways of another culture.

3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy:

   • Use complex sentences and correct tenses, such as “I managed to communicate effectively, even though I was initially nervous.”
   • Employ conditional sentences, like “If I hadn’t known any French, the situation would have been much more challenging.”

Tips for High Scores in IELTS Speaking

1. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps you become more fluent and confident.
2. Use a Range of Vocabulary: Show your lexical resource by using varied and precise words.
3. Structure Your Answers Clearly: Use connecting words to ensure your speech is coherent.
4. Record and Evaluate Yourself: Recording your responses can help identify areas for improvement.
5. Seek Feedback: Get feedback from teachers or peers to refine your answers.

By preparing thoroughly and incorporating these strategies, you can enhance your performance in the IELTS Speaking exam, particularly on topics like “Describe a time when you used a foreign language”. Remember, the key is to stay calm, be clear, and show your full range of language abilities.

IELTS Speaking Examiner Asking Questions

For more specific tips on how to tackle other frequently asked IELTS Speaking questions, you can check our article on “Does it rain much in Vietnam?”. This guide includes detailed advice and real test examples to further prepare you for your IELTS Speaking test.