IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
Describe a time or situation when you used a foreign language to communicate.
You should say:
- what the situation was
- where you were then
- who you communicated with
and explain why you used a foreign language to communicate on that occasion.
[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:
I never really underestimated the importance of learning a different language other than my native language, and the importance of it increased even more when I actually had to use a foreign language in a critical situation.
The critical situation I am talking about involved talking to an immigration officer at an airport when I visited Spain about five years ago to enjoy a vacation.
Up until that point, I never really thought that I would need to use a foreign language other than English at an airport, at least. But I was in for a surprise after arriving at one of the major international airports, when a makeshift immigration officer greeted me and started to ask me different kinds of questions in broken English. By the way, I didn’t realise that the gentleman was a makeshift immigration officer until I found out that I was waiting unusually long at the immigration checkpoint to get all my paperwork done. Besides, he also told me that he was filling in for a certain gentleman.
So, anyway, after I found out that the makeshift immigration officer was struggling to communicate with me in his broken English, I thought that it was probably the right time to be a little bold and use Spanish language for the first time in a formal setup, which I learned in high school. Seeing me speaking in his mother tongue, the immigration officer gentleman first looked a bit surprised and then excited with a very happy face, asking me how I learned his language and what possibly could have motivated me to learn a difficult language like Spanish. I tried to answer all of his questions in Spanish before leaving the airport happily.
Anyway, I chose to use a foreign language on this occasion, primarily because I wanted to see how good I was at communicating in the Spanish language. Besides, I also wanted to help the makeshift immigration officer ease up a little and feel comfortable when trying to communicate with me in English.
Model Answer 2:
This is a nice topic, and I would be more than happy to talk about a situation when I used a foreign language to communicate. Before going into the details, I would like to thank you for this topic. Here, I will describe a situation that took place during a trip I took to India seven years ago.
I was travelling through Delhi at the time, and I needed directions to a historical site. I had a map on my phone, but the streets were crowded, and the GPS kept jumping around, so I couldn’t trust it. I approached a local shopkeeper and tried asking for help in English, but he didn’t seem very comfortable with it. At that moment, I realised I had no choice but to use the little Hindi I knew.
Now, I’m originally from Canada, and my Hindi is extremely basic. In fact, it is the kind you learn from movies, songs, and a few enthusiastic friends. But I took a deep breath and said, “Bhaiya, yeh jagah kahan hai?” which means “Brother, where is this place?” He immediately smiled, probably because he didn’t expect a foreigner to attempt Hindi, and he started explaining the directions slowly. I understood about half of what he said, but I nodded confidently and repeated parts of it to make sure I got it right. A couple of people standing nearby also joined in, pointing toward the correct street. Their friendliness made the whole moment feel warm and surprisingly easy.
I used Hindi that day because English simply didn’t work. People felt more at ease when I switched to their language, even though my accent probably sounded terrible. I realised that speaking even a few words in someone’s mother tongue can open doors instantly. When I finally reached that historical site, I felt a tiny sense of triumph, both for finding the place and managing to communicate in a foreign language on my own.
Sample Answer 3:
Introduction:
The first time I ventured into using a foreign language for communication was an exhilarating experience that occurred during my solo trip to Tokyo, Japan. For this excellent topic, I would like to share this experience with you.
What the situation was:
I found myself in a bustling street market, captivated by the array of traditional Japanese goods. Eager to delve into the local culture, I approached a vendor to purchase a beautifully crafted souvenir for my family back home. However, to my surprise, the vendor spoke limited English, and my Japanese language skills were very basic at the time.
Where you were then:
This interaction took place in the heart of Asakusa, a vibrant district in Tokyo renowned for its historic temples, lively streets, and traditional markets. The cultural richness of the location amplified the significance of attempting to communicate in the local language.
Who you communicated with:
My communication partner was the elderly vendor, who seemed genuinely delighted by my interest in his merchandise. Despite the language barrier, his warmth and friendliness were evident. It was clear that attempting to speak Japanese, even if rudimentary, was a gesture appreciated in this cultural context.
And explain why you used a foreign language to communicate on that occasion:
I decided to use Japanese in that situation primarily to show respect for the local culture and engage more authentically with the people. It felt like an opportunity to step out of my linguistic comfort zone and embrace the essence of the place I was visiting. Additionally, I believed that attempting to communicate in the native language would foster a more genuine connection and enhance my travel experience.
Idea Generation for this Topic:
This topic requires you to describe a time or situation when you used a foreign language (not your native tongue) to communicate. To answer it, you should explain what the situation was, when it was, where you were at that moment, who you were talking to, why you needed to communicate with this person, and why using a foreign language was necessary. To make your answer a great one, try to include the challenges you faced, how confident or nervous you felt, and what you learned from the experience. Here are a few ideas to help you develop your own answer for this topic:
1. Asking for directions during a trip:
The situation was that I needed to ask for directions while travelling abroad for the first time. I was in a busy city centre and couldn’t read the street signs properly. I communicated with a local shopkeeper using basic phrases in the local language. I used the foreign language because no one around seemed to speak English, and it was the only way to reach my hotel safely.
2. Ordering food at a restaurant:
I used a foreign language when I was trying to order food at a restaurant during a holiday. I was in a small town where menus were written only in the local language. I spoke with the waiter using simple sentences and pointing at items on the menu. I used the foreign language because I wanted to avoid confusion and make sure I ordered something I would actually enjoy.
3. Booking a taxi while travelling:
The situation happened when I needed to book a taxi late at night. I was outside a train station in another country and had difficulty finding a driver who understood English. I communicated with a taxi driver using basic expressions in his language. I used that foreign language because it was the fastest way to explain my destination and ensure a safe ride home.
4. Shopping in a local market:
I used a foreign language when bargaining for souvenirs in a traditional market. I was travelling with friends, and we wanted to buy handmade items. I spoke with a vendor who didn’t understand English. I used the foreign language because it helped me negotiate better and made the interaction friendlier.
5. Communicating with a medical staff member:
The situation occurred when I needed minor medical help during a trip. I was at a clinic after feeling unwell. I communicated with a nurse using basic vocabulary in her language. I used the foreign language because I needed to explain my symptoms clearly and receive proper assistance.
6. Attending a guided tour:
I used a foreign language during a guided tour at a museum. I was in a historical site where the guide mostly spoke the local language. I asked a few questions and listened carefully to understand the explanations. I used the foreign language because I wanted to learn more about the place without missing important details.
7. Meeting a friend’s family abroad:
The situation happened when I visited a friend in another country and met his family. I was at their home, sharing a meal. I communicated in their language because most of them didn’t speak English. I used it because I wanted to show respect and build a warm connection with them.
8. Joining a workshop or short course:
I used a foreign language when I attended a short cooking workshop during a cultural event. I was in a community centre where instructions were given only in the local language. I communicated with the instructor using small phrases and hand gestures. I used the foreign language because I wanted to participate fully and not miss the steps.
9. Helping another traveller:
The situation occurred when I helped a stranger who was also lost. I was at a train station abroad, and the traveller asked me for help in a foreign language I understood a little. I responded in the same language. I used it because it was the only language we both knew, and I genuinely wanted to assist them.
10. Communicating at a hotel reception:
I used a foreign language when checking into a small hotel during a vacation. I was at the reception trying to explain my booking details. I communicated with the receptionist using simple phrases in the local language. I used it because the hotel staff didn’t speak English, and I wanted to avoid any confusion about my stay.
11. Attending a cultural festival:
The situation happened when I joined a cultural festival while travelling. I was in a crowd where announcements and performances were mainly in the local language. I spoke with a volunteer to ask for directions and schedules. I used the foreign language because it allowed me to understand the event better and enjoy the festival more.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a time or situation when you used a foreign language to communicate, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey the situation, the people involved, your feelings about the experience, and the necessity of using that language. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the communication challenges and the sense of accomplishment, making your response both insightful and personal. Here are some relevant words and phrases to help you make your answer a great one. We hope you will find them useful.
Verbal communication: The use of sounds and language to relay a message.
Example: My verbal communication skills were tested when I had to ask for directions.
Bilingual: Speaking two languages fluently.
Example: It was a relief when I found a bilingual person who could help me translate.
Language barrier: A difficulty in communication between people who do not speak the same language.
Example: We were able to overcome the language barrier with a lot of patience and hand gestures.
Miscommunication: Failure to communicate adequately.
Example: There was a moment of miscommunication when the waiter didn’t understand my order.
Immersion: The action of being deeply involved in an environment or context.
Example: I was fully immersed in the culture, which forced me to use the local language.
Acquired: Developed or learned (a skill, habit, or quality) over a period of time.
Example: I used the small amount of French I had acquired in high school.
Phrasebook: A book for travelers that lists phrases in a foreign language.
Example: I constantly had to refer to my phrasebook to find the right words.
Interaction: Reciprocal action or influence.
Example: It was a wonderful interaction, and I felt proud of my ability to communicate.
Local dialect: A particular form of a language that is peculiar to a specific region or social group.
Example: I struggled a bit with the local dialect, which was very different from the standard language.
Sense of accomplishment: A feeling of pride after successfully completing a task.
Example: Successfully ordering my meal gave me a great sense of accomplishment.
Gesticulate: Use gestures, especially dramatic ones, instead of speaking or to emphasise one’s words.
Example: When words failed, we had to gesticulate a lot to make ourselves clear.
Conversational: Suitable for or characteristic of conversation.
Example: I was able to maintain a basic conversational level during the exchange.
Linguistics: The scientific study of language and its structure.
Example: This experience sparked my interest in linguistics and language learning methods.
If you prepare for the topic “Describe a time or situation when you used a foreign language to communicate”, you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a time when you talked to a foreigner in his or her language.
2) Describe a time when you had difficulty communicating with someone.
3) Describe a second language you have learned.
4) Describe a language you would like to learn.
5) Describe a subject you liked a lot in your school.