Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a second language you have learned - Cue Card # 781
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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 second language you have learned.
You should say:
- what language it is
- how you learned it
- how fluent you are in this language
and explain how this language is useful to you now.
[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:
Of all the skills, I think, learning a second language is probably the most vital one in this interconnected world. And if I had realised this when I was still a student, I probably could have learned a few more languages in addition to just the Italian language. But, still, I am so glad that I have learned at least one foreign language.
Learning the Italian language was never easy for me. But, then, I suppose that learning any kind of new skill is never easy unless, of course, someone is really smart and talented. Needless to say, I am neither exceptionally smart nor very talented. On top of that, I am already holding a job where I have to remain very busy most of the time. So, given these constraints and tough situations, it was indeed a challenge for me to learn a second language, and that too within a year.
Anyway, to learn this language, first I started to read a book that contained the most popular Italian words and phrases, along with a few basic grammar properties. But, I was going nowhere with that book that didn’t really explain anything about what words or phrases are best to use under what situation. So, I decided to enrol at a foreign language institute that offered a diploma certificate in the Italian language. And it is in this language institute that I started to become more and more familiar with the Italian language since it didn’t only use proper grammar textbooks on the Italian language, but also videos, movies, lectures and lessons, wherever it best fit their needs.
Now, because of these things, I am not only able to understand and speak a significant chunk of the Italian language, but also express them in writing.
Finally, I would like to add that learning this second language has boosted my confidence, so much so that I feel like I can learn anything now. Besides, it also has allowed me to understand and appreciate the Italian culture and civilisation, which once ruled entire Europe from Rome, in a more objective manner.
Model Answer 2:
English is the second language that I have learned. I would say I am not a proficient user of this language, and I am still learning, but I am sure learning this language has been very useful so far.
I started learning English when I was in primary school, and continued studying it through my middle and high school years. I was fortunate enough to have English classes in school, and I also took private lessons with a tutor. I think my interests in reading English novels and watching Hollywood movies have also helped me learn this language better.
As for my proficiency level in English, I would say that I am somewhat fluent in the language. I can speak, read, write, and understand it with relative ease. In fact, I use English on a daily basis in my personal and professional life. I have also taken an international English language exam a year ago and achieved a high score on it.
Learning English has been incredibly useful to me in many ways. It has opened up a world of opportunities for me, as it is widely spoken around the world and is often considered the language of business and diplomacy. I have been able to communicate with people from different countries and cultures, which has enriched my life and broadened my perspective. Additionally, being proficient in English has helped me in my academic and professional pursuits, as many resources and materials are available only in English. Overall, I am very grateful for the opportunity to have learned English and the doors that it has opened for me.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Learning a second language can be a rewarding experience, opening up new opportunities for communication, travel, and career growth. Here are some ideas for describing a second language you may have learned:
1. Arabic:
I learned Arabic during my time in college, where I took it as part of my degree program. I started by studying the alphabet and basic grammar, and later progressed to reading newspapers and conversing with native speakers. Although I am not yet fluent, I can communicate well in everyday situations, especially in formal Arabic. Learning Arabic has been useful for me because it allowed me to travel to Arabic-speaking countries with greater ease, and it also helped me gain a deeper understanding of the rich history and culture of the Middle East.
2. English:
English is the second language I learned, and I started studying it in school at an early age. I also improved my skills through media, books, and online courses. Over the years, I have become fluent in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. English is extremely useful to me now, as it is the international language of business, science, and technology. I use it daily in my career and while communicating with people from all over the world.
3. French:
I learned French during my high school years and later improved my skills through a language exchange program. I attended classes that focused on grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. My fluency in French is moderate; I can have conversations with native speakers and read books in French, but I still struggle with complex discussions. French is useful to me because it opens up travel opportunities in French-speaking countries and gives me access to French culture, literature, and art.
4. German:
I started learning German in university as part of my language studies program. Initially, I struggled with the complex grammar rules and long words, but with consistent practice, I became more confident in speaking and understanding it. I am now conversational in German, although I am still working on improving my fluency. German is useful to me because it is widely spoken in Europe, particularly in business contexts, and it helps me connect with German-speaking colleagues and clients.
5. Hindi:
Hindi is my second language, and I learned it because it is spoken widely in India, where my family has roots. I learned it through my relatives and by watching Hindi films and listening to music. I am fluent in Hindi and can understand both formal and informal conversations easily. Hindi is extremely useful to me because it helps me connect with my extended family, travel in Hindi-speaking regions, and understand India’s diverse cultural heritage.
6. Chinese (Mandarin):
I began learning Mandarin Chinese during my studies abroad. It was a challenging language due to its tonal nature and complex writing system, but I took language classes and practised by interacting with native speakers. My fluency in Chinese is intermediate, and I can engage in simple conversations and read basic texts. Learning Chinese has been useful to me as it is one of the most widely spoken languages globally, and it has helped me communicate with Chinese business partners and understand Chinese culture.
7. Japanese:
I started learning Japanese in college because I was fascinated by the country’s culture and language. I took formal classes that focused on reading and speaking, and I also spent time practising with native speakers. I am conversational in Japanese, though I still find it challenging to write and read more advanced texts. Japanese is useful to me because it enhances my travel experience in Japan and helps me understand the nuances of Japanese culture, which is important in both personal and professional contexts.
8. Spanish:
I learned Spanish through a combination of school classes and self-study. I practised by speaking with native speakers and using language apps to reinforce what I learned. I am fluent in Spanish, and I can comfortably read, write, and hold conversations in it. Spanish is incredibly useful to me, as it is spoken in many countries across Latin America and Europe, and it allows me to connect with a large number of people globally, both in personal and professional contexts.
9. Italian:
I began learning Italian during my college years as part of a cultural studies program. I learned it through immersive experiences, such as travelling to Italy and practising with locals. My fluency is moderate; I can converse comfortably but still make mistakes in more complex sentences. Italian is useful to me because of my interest in Italian art, food, and culture, and it also helps when travelling to Italy, where many people speak Italian.
10. Portuguese:
I learned Portuguese as part of my language studies, drawn by my interest in Brazilian culture. I took classes and practised speaking with Brazilian friends. I am conversational in Portuguese, with good listening and speaking skills. Portuguese is useful to me because it allows me to communicate while travelling in Brazil and Portugal, and it also opens doors to understanding rich literary works and films from the Portuguese-speaking world.
Useful vocabulary section to enhance your response for this Cue Card topic:
When discussing a second language you've learned, employing precise vocabulary and idiomatic expressions can significantly elevate your response. Thoughtful word choices can vividly illustrate your learning journey and proficiency level, while well-used phrases can add nuance and fluency to your explanation of its current utility. Mastering this vocabulary will not only help you articulate your experiences more effectively but also impress the examiner, potentially leading to a higher score in your IELTS speaking test. Here are some relevant words and phrases to consider:
Immersive: – Providing or involving complete engagement in an environment or activity, especially a foreign language and culture.
Example: I found that an immersive environment was the most effective way for me to learn Spanish.
Diligently: – In a way that shows care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties.
Example: I diligently practised my French vocabulary every day.
Proficient: – Competent or skilled in doing or using something.
Example: While I wouldn't say I'm completely fluent, I am quite proficient in Italian.
Opened up new horizons: – Created new opportunities or possibilities.
Example: Learning Mandarin has opened up new horizons for my career.
Break down communication barriers: – Overcome obstacles that prevent effective communication between people of different languages or cultures.
Example: My Spanish skills help break down communication barriers when I travel in South America.
Gain a deeper cultural insight: – Develop a more profound understanding of the customs, values, and beliefs of a particular society.
Example: Studying Japanese has allowed me to gain a deeper cultural insight into Japan.
Enhance cognitive abilities: – Improve mental skills such as problem-solving, memory, and multitasking.
Example: Learning a new language is known to enhance cognitive abilities.
Widen my social circle: – Increase the number and variety of people I interact with socially.
Example: Knowing German has helped me widen my social circle considerably.
Navigate foreign environments with ease: – Move around and deal with situations in other countries comfortably and confidently.
Example: Being able to speak Portuguese allows me to navigate foreign environments with ease when I visit Brazil.
Keep my mind sharp: – Maintain good mental agility and alertness.
Example: Continuously practising the language helps to keep my mind sharp.
A valuable asset in my profession: – A useful quality or skill that is beneficial in my job.
Example: My fluency in French has become a valuable asset in my profession.
Connect with people on a deeper level: – Form more meaningful and understanding relationships with individuals.
Example: Speaking their language allows me to connect with people on a deeper level.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a second language you have learned", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a language you would like to learn.
2) Describe something you did to learn another language.
3) Describe a skill you would like to master.
4) Describe something you did that was new or exciting.
5) Describe a person who can speak a second language fluently.
6) Describe a language other than English you would like to learn.
7) Describe a situation when you used a foreign language to communicate with someone.
8) Describe something you have planned to do but have not done yet.
9) Describe something you would like to learn in the future.
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