Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe something you do or did to learn another language - Cue Card # 759
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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 something you do (or did) to learn another language/ a second language.
You should say:
- what language it is
- what you do (or did)
- how you feel (or felt) about it
and explain how it helps (or helped) you learn the 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, other than one’s native language, is always a challenging matter. But, it surely can be done if one is willing to invest his or her time and take the appropriate steps, just like I did when I learned the Japanese language a few years ago.
Now, I didn’t really care much about learning the Japanese language until I started attending my university. Prior to starting my university years, of course, I did learn about the English language, but that’s because it was a part of our school curriculum, and I just didn’t have any other option but to learn it. In other words, I needed to learn the English language because I needed to graduate from high school.
But, when it came to learning the Japanese language, I went for it, purely because I had become extremely fascinated with Japanese culture and customs, especially after watching some family drama on some of our national television channels.
In fact, I became so interested in learning that language that I actually started to video record those Japanese drama serials one episode after another for the purpose of watching them again later on. But, a little later, I realised that just watching drama serials wasn’t good enough to learn Japanese characters and their associated pronunciations since the Japanese language uses three different kinds of scripts. So, I went ahead and bought a good, but expensive, Japanese language book with English translation, of course. It was then with the help of this Japanese language book and Japanese TV serials, I began to understand many of the expressions and important phrases of the Japanese language.
Anyway, even though I haven’t quite managed to master the Japanese language completely, it still feels really good that I already know a bit more than just managing to have some basic conversation in that language, and that too without attending a language school or anything like that. I also felt that we all should learn at least one foreign language to appreciate the other cultures and customs of this world.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
Embarking on the journey of learning a second language can be both challenging and rewarding. In my case, the language of choice was Spanish, and my approach was a combination of structured lessons and immersive experiences. I am so glad to be able to talk about my experience of learning a second language for this topic.
What language it is:
The language I delved into was Spanish, attracted by its global relevance and the prospect of connecting with a large number of people who can also communicate in this language.
What you do (or did):
To enhance my language learning, I enrolled in formal classes that provided a foundational understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Additionally, I sought immersive experiences by engaging with native speakers, watching Spanish films, and listening to Spanish music.
How you feel (or felt) about it:
The journey was both exciting and occasionally frustrating. There were moments of elation when I successfully communicated in Spanish and instances of confusion when the language nuances seemed elusive. However, the gradual progress and the ability to connect with Spanish speakers on a deeper level made the entire process immensely satisfying. Learning a second language became not just a skill but a gateway to understanding and appreciating a different culture, and that, to me, made the effort entirely worthwhile.
And explain how it helps (or helped) you learn the language:
Formal lessons equipped me with a structured understanding of the language, including its grammatical nuances and essential vocabulary. However, it was the immersive experiences that truly brought the language to life. Conversing with native speakers allowed me to apply what I'd learned in class to real-world situations, enhancing both my spoken and listening skills. Watching films and listening to music helped me grasp colloquial expressions and varied accents.
Model Answer 3:
Thank you very much for this interesting topic. It gives me a chance to talk about my efforts to learn a second language. Well, the language I've been focusing on learning is "Italian". My motivation for this is quite clear: I'm planning to pursue my postgraduate studies in Italy, and while many programs are offered in English, I really want to immerse myself in the Italian culture and daily life.
The primary tool I've been using to learn Italian is Duolingo, which is a language learning application that breaks down the learning process into bite-sized, gamified lessons. I try to dedicate at least 30 to 45 minutes each day to the app. My routine usually involves going through a new lesson, which introduces new vocabulary and grammatical concepts. What I particularly find helpful is the way Duolingo incorporates different learning styles. It uses visual aids, audio pronunciations by native speakers, and interactive exercises like matching words, translating sentences, and even speaking short phrases into the microphone.
Initially, I felt a mix of excitement and a little bit of overwhelm. Italian grammar can be quite different from my native language, and memorising new vocabulary requires consistent effort. However, as I've progressed through the lessons and started to understand more, my feeling has shifted to one of increasing confidence and enjoyment.
I believe this approach is genuinely helping me learn Italian in several ways. Firstly, Duolingo provides a structured and progressive learning path, ensuring I cover the fundamentals of vocabulary and grammar systematically. The gamified nature of the app keeps me motivated and makes the learning process less monotonous. The audio pronunciations are crucial for developing correct pronunciation from the outset. Furthermore, the spaced repetition feature is vital for long-term retention. By supplementing this with real-world exposure through music and videos, I'm starting to train my ear to the natural rhythm and flow of the language.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Learning a second language can be a rewarding challenge, requiring dedication, practice, and different approaches. There are many methods to help master a new language, each with its own benefits. Here are some ideas to help you describe something you did or are doing to learn another language:
1. Taking formal language classes:
I am currently learning Spanish, and one of the key methods I’ve used to improve is attending formal language classes at a local language institute. The classes are held twice a week, and I get to practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in a structured environment. I felt a bit overwhelmed at first because the grammar and verb conjugations were complex, but with the guidance of a patient teacher and classmates, I’ve improved significantly. This method helped me build a strong foundation in the language and gain confidence to speak it in real-life situations.
2. Immersion through travel:
When I started learning French, I decided to immerse myself in the language by travelling to France for a few months. Living in a French-speaking environment forced me to communicate in French every day, whether in shops, restaurants, or with locals. Initially, it was challenging to understand native speakers, but over time, I became more comfortable with the language. This method helped me learn the language much faster because I was surrounded by it constantly, allowing me to pick up expressions and nuances that are hard to learn from books.
3. Using language learning apps:
I’ve been learning German for over a year now, and I’ve found using language learning apps like Duolingo and Babbel to be extremely helpful. I use them daily to practice vocabulary, sentence structure, and even speaking skills. I felt excited and motivated every time I achieved a new level or completed a lesson. These apps helped me learn in a fun and interactive way, allowing me to learn at my own pace and revisit lessons as often as I needed. It also helped me keep my skills sharp, even when I didn’t have the opportunity to practice with native speakers.
4. Language exchange with native speakers:
To improve my Italian, I took part in a language exchange program where I met with native Italian speakers to practice both speaking and listening. I met with a language partner weekly, where we spoke for half an hour in English and half an hour in Italian. At first, I felt a bit nervous about making mistakes, but my language partner was very encouraging. This exchange was incredibly beneficial because it gave me the opportunity to use the language in real conversations, which improved my fluency and helped me build confidence.
5. Watching movies and listening to music in the target language:
One of the methods I used to learn Japanese was by watching movies and listening to music in Japanese. I watched shows with subtitles and then tried to understand the dialogue without looking at the subtitles. I also started listening to Japanese pop songs and translated the lyrics to practice new vocabulary. At first, I found it difficult to understand the rapid pace of speech, but over time, I became more familiar with the sounds and phrases. This method helped me improve my listening comprehension and made learning more enjoyable and cultural.
6. Practising with flashcards:
To improve my vocabulary in Portuguese, I used flashcards, both physical and digital, to help me memorise new words and phrases. I reviewed the cards daily, practising both the words' meanings and their pronunciation. Although it was repetitive, I felt that it greatly enhanced my recall and reinforced the vocabulary I was learning. Flashcards allowed me to focus on specific words I struggled with, and over time, I noticed a significant improvement in my ability to recall and use the new words in conversations.
7. Reading books in the target language:
When I was learning Spanish, I made it a habit to read books written in Spanish. I started with simple children’s books and then gradually moved to more complex novels. Reading helped me improve my grammar and sentence structure, and I was able to learn new vocabulary in context. At first, I had to look up many words, but over time, I began to understand the meaning of words from the context, which made reading much more enjoyable. This method helped me greatly in improving my understanding of the language’s structure and idiomatic expressions.
8. Writing a journal in the target language:
To improve my French writing skills, I kept a journal where I wrote about my daily experiences in French. At first, I had to rely heavily on a dictionary, but over time, I became more confident in expressing my thoughts. This process helped me learn new vocabulary and improve my sentence construction. Writing daily helped me consolidate my learning and allowed me to identify areas where I needed further practice. It was a valuable tool in enhancing my writing fluency.
9. Joining language clubs or meetups:
I joined a French language club in my area to practice speaking and meet other learners. The group met once a week, and we would have conversations, play games, and discuss various topics in French. Initially, I felt nervous about speaking with others, but the supportive environment helped me feel more comfortable. This method helped me improve my speaking skills and increased my motivation to learn, as it provided a social aspect to language learning.
10. Private tutoring:
To improve my Chinese, I hired a tutor who specialised in teaching conversational Chinese. Having a tutor allowed me to get personalised attention and focus on areas where I was struggling. At first, I was hesitant because the tones in Chinese are difficult to master, but my tutor’s guidance helped me make noticeable progress. This method was effective because it gave me the opportunity to practice speaking regularly, receive constructive feedback, and receive a tailored learning plan that addressed my specific needs.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ cue card topic:
When describing something you do (or did) to learn another language, using vocabulary that highlights the methods you used, your feelings during the process, and the ways these actions aided your learning can create a clear and insightful response. Focusing on the specific techniques and their impact on your language acquisition will help explain your experience. Here are some useful words and phrases with example sentences:
Utilised language learning apps – Used applications designed to teach vocabulary and grammar.
Example: I utilised language learning apps like Duolingo and Memrise daily.
Enrolled in language courses – Signed up for structured classes to learn the language.
Example: I enrolled in intensive French language courses at the local institute.
Practised with native speakers – Engaged in conversations with people who speak the language fluently.
Example: I regularly practised speaking with native speakers through online language exchange platforms.
Expanded my vocabulary – Increased the number of words I knew in the language.
Example: Reading novels in German significantly expanded my vocabulary.
Improved my pronunciation – Worked on speaking the language more clearly and accurately.
Example: Listening to podcasts helped me improve my pronunciation.
Grasped the grammar rules – Understood the system and structure of the language.
Example: Studying grammar books helped me grasp the grammar rules of Japanese.
Felt a sense of accomplishment – Experienced satisfaction when making progress.
Example: I felt a great sense of accomplishment every time I understood a new concept.
Found it challenging at times – Experienced moments when learning felt difficult.
Example: I found it challenging at times, especially with the verb conjugations.
Stayed motivated by [reason] – Kept my enthusiasm for learning due to a particular factor.
Example: I stayed motivated by my goal of travelling to Italy.
Enhanced my listening comprehension – Improved my ability to understand spoken language.
Example: Watching films without subtitles greatly enhanced my listening comprehension.
Reinforced my understanding – Strengthened my knowledge through repetition and practice.
Example: Writing in a language journal reinforced my understanding of new vocabulary.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe something you do (or did) to learn another language/ a second language", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a second language you want to learn.
2) Describe something difficult you succeeded in doing.
3) Describe something you have planned to do but have not done yet.
4) Describe a mobile application that you often use.
5) Describe a website that helps you a lot in your work or studies.
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