Cue Card Sample
A language other than English you would like to learn - Cue Card # 635
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
Describe a language other than English that you would like to learn.
You should say:
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what the language is
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where it is spoken
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what you think would be difficult about learning it
and explain why you would like to learn it.
[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:
This is an absolutely marvellous topic and I am fortunate to have been given the chance to talk about a foreign language, other than English, that I would love to learn.
I believe that learning a second language not only benefits our cognitive development but also adds up our skills and helps us look at the world from a different perspective. Our skills in a foreign language offer enormous benefits for our personal growth and open up new possibilities. Additionally, multilingual ability expands our knowledge beyond borders and provides meaningful access to the understanding of other cultures.
So, I would love to learn Spanish, a spectacular language that stands high on my must-learn list due to its wide range of applications and beautiful and rich culture. I had been briefly introduced to this language in my childhood by one of my uncles but that was it, and I did not get any further opportunity to learn it. Now that I have the freedom to learn a new language, I will definitely give it a try.
Spanish is spoken in most of the countries in South and Central America and the US; with over 400 million global speakers of Spanish as their first language and millions more as a second language. It is the official language of 21 countries, including Spain. Besides, Spanish is the official or co-language in Spain, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Bolivia, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
I believe, knowing Spanish will be a great opportunity for me to learn about the cultural aspects and rich history associated with this language. It will develop my sense of appreciation for Hispanic culture as well as transform my travel experience. Who knows when I'd bump into some Spanish friends on my next travel!
I was told by my uncle and two other language teachers at school that Spanish is comparatively easier to learn for people who know English - thanks to its phonetic pronunciation and its similarity with English, in terms of vocabulary. However, I believe that without steady commitment and self-discipline, being able to speak Spanish would be a far-fetched idea. Therefore, in order to meet my goal and not to get demotivated along the way, I would have to find a teacher and one or two learning partners and we would fight this "tough war" together! Thanks to the development of the internet, I will definitely seek help from online resources too.
Model Answer 2:
I have always felt the necessity of learning a language, other than English, as it always helps to succeed professionally in a world which is very competitive and diverse. And I realized it a hard way after coming to work as a Doctor in Saudi Arabia as I had no other choice but to learn the Arabic language to do well in my profession.
I think, learning the Arabic language should be a priority for many professionals as it is spoken by almost 420 million people in the entire Middle East and the Arab world, including a significant part of the African continent, which makes it the 6th most spoken language in the world. However, after starting to learn the language, I immediately realized that learning Arabic was not easy for an Indian like me mainly because I never needed to undertake an Arabic class in my country.
Besides, Arabic mostly is a “pronunciation-based” language rather than an “alphabetic” language. In other words, if you don’t pronounce a word properly, the meaning of a word or a sentence changes completely. Besides, most people don’t use vowels when writing Arabic which makes it really difficult for a foreigner like me with no prior knowledge of the language. Then there are also issues of “diacritics” (marks, points or signs) without the proper use of which, the same word can have different meanings in Arabic. There are several other issues like this which make learning Arabic rather difficult.
Anyway, I would like to learn this language fluently mainly because it would allow me to understand my "patients", whom I treat, better and thus serve them more efficiently as a Doctor. Besides, learning the language of another country would allow me to interact and appropriately communicate with the locals by having a better understanding of what they appreciate and what they don’t appreciate culturally and traditionally. Finally, if I am able to converse in Arabic, the locals would possibly think of me as their own which would certainly make my life a bit easier and happier.
Model Answer 3:
Well, the language I've been drawn to learn, besides English, is French. French, renowned for its elegance and romance, is spoken in various parts of the world, primarily in France, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, and several African countries like Morocco, Algeria, and Senegal. I would like to thank you for the opportunity to let me talk about my wish to learn another language other than English.
One aspect that I anticipate would be challenging about learning French is mastering its complex pronunciation and accentuation. French phonetics differ significantly from English and my mother tongue, with subtle nuances that can be difficult to grasp initially. Additionally, the grammatical structure of French, including verb conjugations, gendered nouns, and intricate tenses, presents a formidable challenge for language learners.
Despite these challenges, I am deeply motivated to learn French for several reasons. Firstly, French is a widely spoken language with cultural significance spanning continents. By learning French, I aim to immerse myself in the rich cultural heritage of French-speaking regions, from exploring iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower in Paris to delving into the literary masterpieces of French authors like Victor Hugo and Marcel Proust. Moreover, French proficiency opens doors to diverse opportunities in academia, business, and diplomacy. As a global language, French is a key asset in international relations, offering pathways to careers in multinational organizations, diplomatic missions, and cultural exchange programs.
Furthermore, learning French is an enriching personal endeavour that fosters cognitive development and intercultural understanding. By embracing the challenge of learning a new language, I seek to expand my horizons, connect with people from diverse backgrounds, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for linguistic diversity.
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