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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 language you would like to learn.

You should say:

• what it is and how you plan to learn it
• where it is spoken
• how it will help you

and explain why you want to learn this language.

[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:

Learning a different language always helps, especially, if someone wants to improve his/her career and wants to learn about the culture and traditions of another country. However, here I want to talk about one particular language, which I'd really like to learn, called “Mandarin”.

Mandarin, the language of about 1.5 billion people all over the world, is mostly spoken by people in Southeast Asian countries, including mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Macau. It is also spoken by many Chinese expatriates who are living in the USA, Canada, Australia and many European countries.

Even though learning Mandarin can be quite a challenging task, especially for an English-speaking person like me, I think that I can still learn it easily if I stick to my plans. And, my plan includes practising alone with my textbooks that are written in Mandarin, and meeting a few Mandarin-speaking friends both online and offline. I also plan to enrol in a Mandarin learning school. I am also planning to see more Chinese movies in order to understand the different tones and pronunciation methods of the Mandarin language.

Besides, after already learning a few basic facts about Mandarin, such as how learning 1000 commonly used characters would help me recognise 90% of the characters in Chinese newspapers, and how straightforward Chinese grammar is, now I am more confident than ever that I can easily learn this complex language. Finally, I am also planning to memorise some basic and simple Chinese vocabulary in order to become fluent quickly.

Anyway, there are a couple of reasons why I want to learn this language. First, it would allow me to learn about the great culture of Chinese people in more detail, and in an objective manner. By the way, I also just love to learn about different countries and cultures in order to keep myself informed. Secondly, it would also allow me to avail myself of better career opportunities in the future, as more and more Chinese companies are becoming attractive places for working for professionals all over the world, including the USA.

Sample Answer 2:

Oh! This is a great topic, and thanks for the opportunity to let me talk about it. I would like to learn the Italian language soon, which I believe would help me to a great extent. I live in Sri Lanka, and I have recently been awarded a scholarship at an Italian university. So I have to travel to Italy soon.

I am planning to learn Italian from a recognised language teaching centre in my country. In fact, I am searching for such an institution where I can learn the language. Moreover, I will take some help from online resources to hone my skills in it.

The Italian language is also known as the lingua Italiana. Italian is a "Romance language" that is widely used in some parts of the world, including Italy, San Mario, Switzerland, Malta, and Albania. Besides, it is also spoken in the USA by Italian migrants. Since I am going to Italy, I need to have a good command of the language. I believe learning Italian would give me a competitive advantage once I am there.

It will also help me communicate with people, particularly with my classmates and teachers, at the university. Moreover, I will need to take a couple of courses in the Italian language, and if I do not know the language, I will not be able to do well in those subjects. Hence, knowing the language will be a huge advantage for me. On top of that, learning the language would help me understand many aspects of Italian culture and tradition.

Model Answer 3:

To be honest with you, I've always been intrigued by the German language and culture, so learning German has been on my bucket list for quite some time now. After looking at this topic, I instantly thought that I would share my desire to learn this language with you. So, thank you for the time and opportunity to let me talk about it. 

My plan to learn German involves a combination of self-study using online resources, language exchange programmes, and perhaps enrolling in a formal language course at some point.

German is primarily spoken in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and parts of Belgium and Luxembourg. Learning German will open up exciting opportunities for travel and cultural immersion in these countries. Additionally, it will allow me to connect with native German speakers, both professionally and personally.

I would like to learn this language primarily because I have a deep passion for learning this language and learning more about the rich German culture. Moreover, I believe that proficiency in German can also enhance my career prospects, especially in fields such as business, international relations, and academia. Many multinational companies operate in German-speaking countries, and knowing the language can give me a competitive edge in the job market.

Moreover, learning German appeals to me because of its rich literary tradition and contributions to philosophy, science, and the arts. Being able to read German literature, watch German films, and engage with German-speaking communities will provide me with a deeper understanding of European culture and history. I believe that mastering German will not only broaden my horizons but also enrich my life in numerous ways.

Sample Answer 4:

For some incomprehensible reasons, I have always felt a passion for learning the Chinese language. The idea of learning this language is rooted back in my teenage days when one of my aunts learned this language and often explained how the grammar and punctuation of this language work. I would like to thank you for the opportunity to let me talk about this topic.

Though I have always wanted to learn this language, I have never given any serious thought to actually doing it, until a year ago. The aunt I am talking about works as a mechanical engineer in Beijing, China, and came to visit us last year. I had a few conversations about her life in China, and at one time, we discussed the language she uses to communicate. She explained how learning a new language could help us widen our perceptions and help us understand a new culture. After she left our country, I saw an advertisement from one of our local universities. It was about a six-month course to learn a second or third language for university students.

As soon as I learned that they offer a Chinese language course, I became interested. Though I have not started the course yet, I am determined to take it next summer. The Chinese language has many varieties, and I would specifically learn the standard Chinese language, which is mainly spoken in China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau. Standard Chinese is also called Mandarin, and has some variations based on where it is spoken.

As I have already stated, I would take a six-month language course at a local university, and hopefully, that would give me a good grip on the basics of the language. After that, I will surely take advantage of the online resources to further enhance my skills in the Chinese language. Besides, I will have some friends, hopefully, from the language course, who would be a good fit for me to practise the language even after the course is over. Furthermore, I will have video conferences with my aunt who now lives in China and practise Chinese whenever possible.

I will not learn this language for any particular reason or professional benefit. Rather, I would learn it from the sheer interest I feel in the language and Chinese culture. But, I believe that learning a foreign language always offers some hidden benefits. Though I am not sure, who knows, someday it might be proved to be a necessary skill!

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

This topic asks you to talk about a language you would like to learn, along with your motivation and learning strategies. You need to mention what the language is, where it is spoken, how you intend to learn it, how it could be useful, and the reasons why it interests you. Here are several detailed ideas to help you develop your own response:

1. Japanese – through online courses and anime:
I’ve always been fascinated by the Japanese language and culture. I plan to learn it by enrolling in an online course and watching anime with subtitles to improve my listening skills. Japanese is spoken widely in Japan and by communities around the world. It will help me in understanding Japanese media, connecting with native speakers, and possibly working with companies that have ties to Japan. I want to learn it because it has a beautiful writing system and a rich cultural background that interests me deeply.

2. Spanish – by taking evening classes:
Spanish is a language I’ve wanted to learn because of its global relevance and beautiful sound. I plan to attend evening classes at a local language institute. Spanish is spoken in many countries across Latin America and Europe. Learning it would make it easier for me to travel, interact with more people, and even open up job opportunities in international sectors. I’m also interested in Spanish music and literature, which is another reason for wanting to learn it.

3. French – with the help of language learning apps:
French is considered one of the most elegant languages, and I would love to learn it. I intend to use language learning apps that allow daily practice, especially focusing on grammar and vocabulary. French is widely spoken in Europe, parts of Africa, and Canada. It would benefit me in international business, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. I’ve always admired the French accent and cuisine, which makes the language even more appealing to me.

4. Mandarin – by watching educational YouTube channels:
Mandarin is one of the most spoken languages in the world, and I’m interested in learning it using YouTube lessons and language tutorials. It is spoken predominantly in China and other Chinese-speaking regions. Learning it would give me a competitive edge in the global job market and allow me to understand Chinese culture better. I want to learn it because I’m intrigued by the tones and the unique writing system, which is very different from my native language.

5. German – by joining a weekend language club:
German is known for its precision and structure, and I’d like to learn it through a weekend language exchange club. It’s widely spoken in Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland. Learning German would help me in higher education and research, as many scientific publications are in German. I want to learn it because I’m interested in engineering, and Germany’s contributions to this field are significant.

6. Korean – through K-dramas and online conversation groups:
Korean has caught my attention mainly due to its growing popularity through K-dramas and K-pop. I plan to learn it by watching shows with subtitles and joining online conversation groups to practice speaking. Korean is spoken primarily in South Korea and by Korean communities abroad. It will help me understand the culture and possibly work in industries connected to entertainment or tourism. I want to learn it because the sound of the language is pleasing, and I admire the cultural values expressed in Korean media.

7. Italian – by attending a short summer course:
Italian is a language I find very musical and expressive. I plan to join a short summer course offered by a cultural centre. Italian is mainly spoken in Italy and parts of Switzerland. Learning it would be useful for travel, art history studies, and connecting with people in the culinary and fashion industries. I want to learn it because of my interest in Italian art, architecture, and classical music.

8. Arabic – with the help of a private tutor:
Arabic is a language with deep historical and religious significance. I want to learn it by hiring a private tutor who can teach both formal Arabic and spoken dialects. It is spoken widely in the Middle East and North Africa. It would be beneficial for understanding cultural texts, religious literature, and for careers in international relations. I want to learn it because I’m drawn to its script and the philosophical richness of Arabic writing.

9. Russian – using audio lessons and mobile apps:
I’m interested in learning Russian due to its deep literary tradition and global influence. I plan to use audio lessons and mobile apps to learn the basics and gradually build up fluency. Russian is spoken across Russia and many countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. It can help me understand classic literature and possibly work with international organisations. I want to learn it because the Cyrillic script fascinates me, and I enjoy Russian novels and poetry.

10. Sign language – through community workshops:
I’ve been thinking of learning sign language to better communicate with people who have hearing impairments. I plan to attend community workshops that teach the basics of signing and facial expressions. Sign language is used in different forms worldwide and is essential for inclusive communication. It would allow me to connect with a wider group of people and be more helpful in public or service roles. I want to learn it because I believe in accessibility and the power of communication beyond spoken words.

Vocabulary for this Candidate Task Card / Cue Card topic:

Learning a new language can be both exciting and challenging. To express your ideas clearly and impressively for this topic, it’s important to use vocabulary related to language acquisition, communication, culture, and motivation. Below is a list of useful and moderately advanced words and phrases that can help you talk fluently and accurately about the language you'd like to learn:

1. Multilingual: able to speak or use several languages

2. Language proficiency: the level of skill someone has in using a particular language

3. Fluent: able to speak a language easily and accurately

4. Mother tongue: the first language someone learns at home as a child

5. Cultural immersion: the process of learning a language by experiencing its culture directly

6. Native speaker: a person who has spoken a language since early childhood

7. Language barrier: difficulty in communication due to speaking different languages

8. Pronunciation: the way in which a word or language is spoken

9. Self-paced learning: learning at your own speed or convenience

10. Online language platform: a digital service used for learning languages (e.g., Duolingo, Babbel)

11. Linguistic challenge: a difficulty faced while learning a new language

12. Language exchange partner: someone who helps you practice a new language in return for help with your language

13. Grammar structure: the set of rules that govern how sentences are formed in a language

14. Polyglot: a person who knows and is able to use several languages

15. Second language acquisition: the process of learning a language other than one's native language

16. Bilingual environment: a setting where two languages are used regularly

17. Verbal communication skills: the ability to express ideas clearly through speaking

18. Authentic resources: real-life materials like news, films, and books in the target language

19. Accent reduction: the process of changing how you speak to sound more like a native speaker

20. Language fluency goal: a personal aim to become fluent in a new language

More Ideas to talk about this Cue Card topic:

Cue Card Topic: Describe a language you would like to learn.

1. Recently, I have been to India, and have become interested in learning the Hindi language. The majority of the people in India use this language, and it sounds interesting to me. Learning the language would also help me better understand Bollywood movies, which I like to watch sometimes.

2. The Arabic language is really delightful in my view, and I would like to learn it. I would like to learn Arabic as it would help me communicate with my Arab clients (I have an export-import business there) and expand my business. Besides, I believe that learning a second language offers numerous other benefits, including our understanding of a foreign culture and the history associated with this language. 

3. Malay is a great language, and it has around 10 dialects in Malaysia. I have a plan to learn the language as I am planning to migrate there with my family next year. It would be helpful for me to learn the language as most people use it in Malaysia.

4. I think the Spanish language has some special charms. This language is quite different from many other languages, and Spanish speakers are found all over the world. Therefore, I have a plan to learn the language from a local language club here in Mumbai.

5. My recent trip to Sri Lanka has amazed me, and I am mostly in love with the language of the country. They speak in a very special way, and their tone is unique. Sinhala and Tamil are the most prominent languages there, and I have decided to learn Sinhala.

6. My husband lives in Iran for his professional needs, and he wants to take me there soon. So, I need to learn the Persian language. In fact, Persian is one of the smartest and oldest languages, and I need to have a good command of it.

7. I don’t know why the Japanese language attracts me so much, but I think it is maybe because my ancestors are from Japan. So, I have set my mind to learn the language. Though it would be difficult for me to learn it, I will give it a try.

8. I have been granted a scholarship at a German university, and they have asked me to learn the German language properly. It is hard to find a suitable German language club for me here in Indonesia. But definitely, I will learn the language.

9. The number of French-speaking people is on the rise, and I have a plan to study in France in the future. So I think it would be better for me to know the language. I would like to learn the French language properly.

Your preparation for the cue card topic - "Describe a language you would like to learn" would help you talk about the following topics as well:

1.  Describe the second language you have learned in school.
2.  Describe something you would like to do in the future.
3.  Describe a skill you have learned recently.
4.  Describe something you want to do if you have some free time.
5.  Describe something you have always wanted to do but have not done yet.
6.  Describe an activity you are involved in.
7.  Describe something you have recently done.
8.  Describe an unusual activity you have recently taken up.
9.  Describe a language you will learn in the future.

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

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