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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.

[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]

Describe a time when you spoke with someone in a foreign language. 

You should say:

• when it was
• whom you talked to
• what language you used

and describe how you felt about it.

[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]

Model Answer 1:
To me, being able to speak or communicate in a foreign language is a very intriguing subject. Anyway, I happen to know only one more foreign language, in addition to English, and today, I'd like to share my experience of using this language for the first time with a foreigner.

The foreign language I am talking about is Japanese, which I used to learn as a young university student about 4 years ago. The reason, of course, behind learning this language was that I wished to go to Japan after finishing my graduation and get higher education. But then I had to change my plan because my parents didn’t agree with it. So, with that change of plan, my motivation for learning the Japanese language also faded away. But little did I know back then that one day, I would need to speak in this very language in my hometown!

Well, to tell exactly what had happened: I saw a few Japanese tourists doing some grocery shopping at a supermarket where I was also present. At one point, one of them approached me and asked if he could use my phone to call his friends who were staying at the same hotel as them. Suddenly, I asked them if they were Japanese in their own language. In response, he seemed quite excited, apparently because I was talking in Japanese. I also got excited and told him to use my phone as long as he needed to in Japanese. The conversation lasted for one more minute, and it was brief. However, I remember it to this date.

Well, I felt very excited and emotional when I got the chance to use the Japanese language for the first time to talk to Japanese citizens. In fact, I thought that all of those valuable efforts and time of mine, after all, in learning that foreign language didn’t go in vain. However, I also regretted that I didn’t learn the language even more so that I could feel more confident about my Japanese language skills.

Sample Answer 2:
Oh my, I've a feeling this is going to be a slightly embarrassing anecdote, but we all have to start somewhere experimenting with using another language ‘for real’ for the first time! Even though I blush at the memory, on balance it was also a lesson in how most people are a lot more forgiving than you might think, as long as you ‘show willing’ and at least make an effort to communicate in a friendly and sincere way!

So, the situation was that I went to Vietnam for a while for work. I thought it would be a wonderful idea to learn Vietnamese. However, I found out very quickly that learning Vietnamese was considerably more challenging than I’d anticipated. However, where I was working, very few people spoke any English, and I felt it was very rude of me not to make an effort to communicate in Vietnamese, however poorly. My arrival coincided with the Vietnamese New Year, and I did learn to shout out with enthusiasm a poorly pronounced version of ‘chúc mừng năm mới’ as I interacted with local people around that time.

Where I was living, there weren’t any real cooking facilities, so I had to go out to eat all the time at local places. I am a vegetarian, which was more uncommon than I expected in this part of Vietnam, so I set myself the task of learning to order a basic vegetarian noodle dish and an accompanying mango smoothie, along with a white iced coffee. I wanted to do so with courtesy and say ‘hello’ and ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to the staff at whatever eatery I ended up in. A kind colleague where I was working helped me by telling me what the phrases were; and how to pronounce them correctly. 

So it was, one day, I took myself off to a new restaurant, and carefully used my prepared speech to order a meal. The Vietnamese waitress was absolutely lovely. I could tell she was struggling a bit to understand what I was saying, but after a few attempts, she laughed in recognition. She was really delighted that I could speak Vietnamese. Of course, I couldn’t really, but she told me (in very good English) that most overseas visitors didn’t make any effort at all to use her language, so terrible as my attempt was (my words not hers), she was happy to help and rewarded my efforts with a huge smile of appreciation. I got the meal I wanted (including my delicious mango smoothie and iced coffee afterwards) and I felt like I’d made a significant breakthrough. In the many weeks I was there, I don’t think I ever really progressed all that much, but I do have increased respect for anyone who can acquire even the most basic competence in another language, let alone become fluent in communicating.

So how did I feel? Well, a bit self-conscious because I wasn’t very good, but I also felt pleased with myself for at least having tried. And, I suppose in literal terms, I succeeded too, as I did get the meal I wanted!

[Written by - Lucy Marris (2016):  Careers Adviser (UK), TEFL teacher (Vietnam)]

Sample Answer 3:
I clearly remember an experience about two years ago when I had the opportunity to speak in a foreign language during an international conference. It was a professional event held virtually, and participants joined from different countries. Since English was the official medium of communication, I had to interact with people in this language throughout the sessions.

Among the many people I interacted with, one conversation stood out. I had a detailed discussion with a researcher from Spain who was presenting his work in my field of interest. Although his English was not perfect, he was eager to communicate, and I felt the responsibility to make the conversation smooth and effective.

We communicated entirely in English, which is not my first language. Initially, I was slightly nervous, as using a foreign language in a professional environment can be daunting. However, I quickly gained confidence as I realised that he was also making an effort. Our mutual willingness to communicate helped us overcome minor language barriers and ensured a meaningful exchange of ideas.

This experience was eye-opening. I felt proud that I could express my thoughts clearly and respond intelligently despite English not being my mother tongue. At the same time, it gave me a sense of achievement and motivation to keep improving my language skills. More importantly, it reminded me that language is not just about grammar or vocabulary; it is about connecting people across cultures and building understanding.

Model Answer 4:
Thank you for this wonderful topic. I still remember an incident from my trip to India last year when I had to use a foreign language. It was both amusing and memorable, and it really tested my confidence in speaking Hindi, which is not my native language. I am glad to be able to share this event with you. 

I was exploring a bustling street market in Jaipur, famous for its colourful textiles, jewellery, and mouthwatering snacks. The atmosphere was vibrant, and vendors were calling out to attract customers, the smell of spices lingered in the air, and people were bargaining left and right. I spotted a stall selling hand-embroidered scarves, and I immediately wanted to buy one as a souvenir.

The vendor, however, didn’t speak English very well. So, without much choice, I gathered my courage and started speaking in Hindi. At first, my words came out a bit clumsy, and I mixed up masculine and feminine forms, which made the vendor chuckle politely. But as the conversation continued, I grew more comfortable. I asked him about the price, bargained a little, and even joked in Hindi that he was charging me “tourist prices.” Surprisingly, he laughed and said I was bargaining like a local. That gave me a real confidence boost.

In the end, I managed to buy two scarves at a fair price, and more importantly, I walked away feeling proud of myself. Using Hindi in a real situation gave me a sense of achievement. It also reminded me that languages are about connection. That small conversation turned a simple purchase into a cultural experience that I’ll never forget.

Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:

This topic asks you to describe a time when you spoke with someone in a foreign language. To give a great answer, you should mention when it happened, whom you talked to, which language you used, and describe how you felt about the experience. Here are ten first-person ideas to help you develop your own response:

1. Ordering lunch in French at a Paris café:
During a short trip last spring, I ordered a meal in French at a small café near Montmartre. I spoke with the waiter and managed to ask for recommendations, confirm ingredients, and request the bill without switching to English. Using phrases I’d practised felt exhilarating; my pronunciation wasn’t perfect, but the waiter smiled and responded patiently. I walked out proud and motivated to keep learning because those few minutes turned textbook lessons into real communication.

2. Helping a lost traveller in my city using Spanish:
One humid afternoon downtown, a tourist stopped me for directions in hesitant English, and I realised Spanish would help more. I switched languages, clarified bus numbers, and even wrote down a landmark to watch for. The relief on their face was obvious, and we both laughed at my imperfect grammar. I felt useful and oddly connected to someone I’d never met, all because we found a shared linguistic bridge.

3. A job interview segment conducted in English:
During a panel interview, the hiring manager announced that part of the discussion would be in English to test communication skills. I introduced myself, summarised projects, and asked clarifying questions, consciously slowing down to stay clear. There were moments I searched for the right phrase, but I kept eye contact and paraphrased when needed. Walking out, I felt a mix of nerves and satisfaction - my fluency had held up under pressure.

4. Negotiating a hostel booking in Thai over the phone:
While backpacking, I called a hostel in Chiang Mai to confirm a late check-in and request a quieter room. My Thai was basic, so I relied on polite particles and simple sentence structures, repeating key details like arrival time and room type. The receptionist appreciated the effort and confirmed everything clearly. Hanging up, I felt accomplished because I’d handled a practical problem without defaulting to English.

5. Asking for medical advice in German at a pharmacy:
On a work trip to Berlin, I developed a sore throat and visited a local Apotheke. I explained symptoms in German, asked about dosage, and checked for interactions with coffee (a non-negotiable for me). The pharmacist responded kindly, correcting a word or two, and recommended lozenges. I left grateful and reassured - health conversations in another language are intimidating, but careful listening got me exactly what I needed.

6. Making small talk in Japanese at a train station:
Waiting for a Shinkansen, I struck up a short conversation with an elderly gentleman about the schedule and nearby food options. My Japanese was limited, so I used honorifics carefully and leaned on context and gestures. He complimented my effort and taught me a local expression for “crowded.” The exchange was brief yet memorable; it reminded me that language learning isn’t just grammar - it’s shared politeness and curiosity.

7. Presenting a demo to international clients in English:
I led a virtual product demo for clients across Europe, answering technical questions and summarising next steps in clear English. When I blanked on a term, I described the concept and circled back with the precise word later. The meeting ended with positive feedback and a follow-up request. I felt professionally validated - fluency isn’t perfection, it’s keeping the conversation moving.

8. Bargaining at a weekend market in Mandarin:
In a bustling weekend bazaar, I tried negotiating the price of a handcrafted teapot in Mandarin. I used numbers, polite forms, and a little humour to reach a fair deal. The seller chuckled at my accent but appreciated the effort and offered a small discount. I walked away delighted, not just with the teapot but with the sense that language can turn a transaction into a friendly exchange.

9. Comforting a classmate in Arabic after an exam:
A classmate looked distressed about their performance, and I switched to Arabic - our shared second language - to check in. I kept sentences simple, listened more than I spoke, and offered to review notes together before the next test. The conversation softened the tension, and we arranged a study session. I felt the power of empathy amplified by language; even a limited vocabulary can carry genuine care.

10. Navigating immigration questions in Malay at an airport:
At Kuala Lumpur airport, an officer asked a few routine questions, and I chose to answer in Malay to speed things up. I stated my purpose of visit, hotel name, and return date, keeping my tone respectful and concise. The officer stamped my passport with a brief smile. That small success boosted my confidence for the rest of the trip and reminded me that preparation turns anxiety into ease.

Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:

When describing a time you spoke with someone in a foreign language, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey when it happened, who you spoke to, the language you used, and your feelings about the experience. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate your level of fluency, any difficulties you faced, and your sense of accomplishment, making your response both honest and impressive. Here are some relevant words and phrases:

Foreign language: – A language from another country that is not one's native language.
Example: I got to practice my foreign language skills on my last vacation.

Bilingual: – Speaking two languages fluently.
Example: The person I spoke with was bilingual, which made the conversation easier.

Fluent: – Able to express oneself easily and articulately.
Example: I was not fluent, but I could get my point across without too much difficulty.

Conversational: – Able to participate in informal conversation; not requiring advanced language skills.
Example: I only have a conversational level of the language, but it was enough to communicate.

Exchange: – An act of giving something and receiving something in return.
Example: It was a brief but friendly exchange with a local shopkeeper.

Articulate: – Having or showing the ability to speak fluently and coherently.
Example: The person I spoke to was very articulate, which helped me understand them better.

Misunderstanding: – A failure to understand something correctly; a disagreement.
Example: We had a brief misunderstanding due to the language barrier, but we figured it out.

Language barrier: – A figurative phrase for the difficulties of communication experienced by people who speak different languages.
Example: The language barrier made the conversation challenging, but also a rewarding experience.

Confident: – Feeling or showing confidence in oneself or one's abilities.
Example: I felt very confident about my ability to communicate after that conversation.

Nervous: – Easily agitated or alarmed; tending to be anxious.
Example: I was nervous at first, but the other person was very patient with me.

Sense of accomplishment: – A feeling of pride from having completed something successfully.
Example: I felt a huge sense of accomplishment after having a successful conversation in a different language.

Proud: – Feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one's own achievements.
Example: I was very proud of myself for pushing past my fear and speaking the language.

Relieved: – No longer feeling distressed or anxious; reassured.
Example: I was so relieved when I managed to express myself clearly.

Connection: – A relationship in which a person, thing, or idea is linked or associated with something else.
Example: Despite the language difference, we managed to make a human connection.

Rewarding: – Providing satisfaction; gratifying.
Example: The entire experience was very rewarding and motivated me to keep learning.

Grasped the meaning: – Understood the meaning of something.
Example: It felt great when the person grasped the meaning of what I was trying to say.

If you prepare for the topic "Describe a time when you spoke with someone in a foreign language", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:

1) Describe the first time you used a foreign language to communicate.
2) Describe a time when you talked to a foreign tourist who was visiting your country.
3) Describe a language you would like to learn.
4) Describe something you do (or did) to learn another language/ a second language.
5) Describe something you did that was new or exciting.

• IELTS Cue Card
• IELTS Speaking
• Candidate Task Card
• Speaking Part 2

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