As an IELTS instructor with over two decades of experience, I often get asked about seemingly simple questions in the IELTS Speaking test that carry more weight than meets the eye. One such question is “What’s your mother tongue?”. While it appears straightforward, understanding its implications and crafting a well-structured response can significantly contribute to your overall speaking score.
Why Does the Examiner Ask About Your Mother Tongue?
This question is not merely about identifying your native language. It serves several purposes:
- Breaking the Ice: It’s a comfortable starting point, easing you into the conversation and helping you relax.
- Assessing Fluency and Pronunciation: The examiner wants to hear how naturally you speak about a familiar topic. They’ll pay attention to your pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm.
- Gauging Language Background: Your mother tongue provides context for your English language journey. It helps the examiner understand potential influences on your accent, vocabulary, and grammar.
Responding Effectively to “What’s Your Mother Tongue?”
Here’s how to answer this question thoughtfully:
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State Your Mother Tongue Clearly: Begin with a simple and direct answer. For example:
- “My mother tongue is Vietnamese.”
- “I’m a native Spanish speaker.”
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Elaborate Briefly (Optional): You can choose to add a sentence or two about your language background. This demonstrates your ability to elaborate and provide context. For instance:
- “My mother tongue is Vietnamese. It’s a tonal language, which can make learning English pronunciation a bit challenging, but also fascinating.”
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Focus on Fluency and Coherence: Remember, the examiner is primarily interested in your spoken English skills. Avoid long, scripted answers. Speak naturally and confidently, focusing on clear pronunciation and smooth transitions.
Example in an IELTS Speaking Test
Examiner: Now, let’s talk about languages. What’s your mother tongue?
Candidate: My mother tongue is Arabic. It’s a beautiful language with a rich history and literature. I’ve been learning English for several years now, and I find it both challenging and rewarding.
Tips for Success
- Practice Pronouncing Your Mother Tongue Clearly: Even native speakers sometimes stumble over the names of languages.
- Don’t Overthink It: This is an opportunity to relax and demonstrate your fluency. Avoid providing overly complex or technical explanations about your language.
- Be Prepared for Follow-Up Questions: The examiner might ask about language learning experiences, cultural influences, or your thoughts on multilingualism.
Conclusion
“What’s your mother tongue?” is a seemingly simple question in the IELTS Speaking test that offers an opportunity to make a positive first impression. By understanding its purpose and crafting a clear, concise, and confident response, you can demonstrate your fluency, pronunciation, and overall communication skills. Remember, confidence and natural communication are key to success in the IELTS Speaking test.