As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered countless students grappling with the “Will you learn other languages in the future?” question in the IELTS Speaking test. This seemingly simple question often throws test-takers off guard, leading to generic responses and missed opportunities to showcase their language skills.
Understanding the Significance
This question isn’t just about your language learning aspirations; it assesses your ability to:
- Project into the future: Demonstrating your ability to think ahead and articulate your plans.
- Discuss reasons and motivations: Providing clear and logical explanations for your choices.
- Use a range of vocabulary: Employing diverse language related to languages, learning, and aspirations.
- Maintain fluency and coherence: Speaking naturally and connecting your ideas smoothly.
Crafting Your Response
Here’s how to formulate a compelling and nuanced answer:
1. Acknowledge the Question
Start by acknowledging the question directly, showing the examiner you’ve understood and are addressing it head-on. You can use phrases like:
- “That’s an interesting question!”
- “I’ve actually thought about that before.”
- “Well, in the future…”
2. Express Your Intentions
Clearly state whether you plan to learn other languages. You can say:
- Positive: “Yes, I definitely see myself learning another language in the future.”
- Neutral: “I’m open to the possibility, but it depends on several factors.”
- Negative: “While I find languages fascinating, I don’t have any immediate plans to learn another one.”
3. Provide Solid Reasons
This is where you showcase your ability to elaborate and justify your stance. Here are some potential reasons for learning another language:
- Career advancement: “Being multilingual is increasingly valuable in today’s global job market.”
- Travel and cultural immersion: “I’d love to travel to [country] and experience the culture firsthand.”
- Personal enrichment: “Learning a new language keeps your mind sharp and opens up new perspectives.”
- Connecting with others: “I have friends/family who speak [language], and I want to communicate with them better.”
4. Be Specific and Realistic
Vague answers like “It would be nice” won’t impress the examiner. Be specific about:
- The language: “I’m particularly drawn to Spanish due to its beautiful sound and rich culture.”
- Your learning approach: “I plan to take online courses and practice speaking with native speakers.”
- Your timeframe: “Realistically, I hope to achieve conversational fluency within the next few years.”
Example Response
“Yes, I’m quite keen on learning another language in the future. Given my passion for travel, I’ve always been fascinated by Japanese culture. I believe that learning Japanese would allow me to connect with locals on a deeper level during my travels and fully appreciate the nuances of their customs and traditions. I plan to start with online courses and language exchange apps to build a solid foundation.”
Tips for Success
- Use a range of vocabulary: Showcase your knowledge of words related to languages, learning methods, and motivations.
- Provide concrete examples: Illustrate your points with personal anecdotes or specific scenarios.
- Practice your answer: Rehearse your response to ensure fluency and confidence during the exam.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can confidently answer the “future language learning” question and impress the examiner with your well-structured, insightful response. Remember, the key is to be genuine, specific, and showcase your ability to communicate effectively in English.