Describe a Time When You First Talked in a Foreign Language: IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers

Janice Thompson

4 min read

Updated On Feb 15, 2024

Sample Answer 1
Sample Answer 2

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This article contains the Describe a Time When You First Talked in a Foreign Language Cue Card Sample Answers.

During Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test, you will have exactly one minute to prepare and speak on a specific topic. This is the IELTS cue card task. You can learn how to communicate clearly and successfully by reviewing sample answers.

This IELTS cue card gives you an opportunity to share one of your memories of a time when you first talked in a foreign language.

Practise IELTS Speaking Part 2 by referencing the Cue Card Sample Answers below.

Before you start, take a look at the expert tips and tricks below!

Expand your Cue Cards vocabulary with the Most useful synonyms for commonly used adjectives in IELTS.

For more Cue Cards, click on IELTS Speaking Part 2 | Topics, Questions and Samples Answers.

Describe a Time When You First Talked in a Foreign Language

You should say:

what the situation was
where you were who you communicated with
and explain why you used a foreign language to communicate on this occasion

Sample Answer 1

Here is the sample for the IELTS Cue Card “Describe a Time When You First Talked in a Foreign Language”.

what the situation was

Generally, I am more comfortable speaking in my native language, and I use it when conversing with my family and local friends. However, I have an extensive group of friends from various countries. Mostly, I talk to my international friends in English. I have a few acquaintances who reside in France and they have been helping me with my French learning.

where you were who you communicated with

This really proved handy as I was able to converse with a Paris local in the French language. It happened last year – I had decided to enrol in a culinary and baking course. Upon researching, I realised most of the good culinary courses are in French.

and explain why you used a foreign language to communicate on this occasion

Again, I sought assistance from my French friends. I spoke to them and shared my interest and requested them to arrange a video call with the primary tutor of this course so that I could gain helpful information and plan my visit to France. The call was arranged for the next day. Unfortunately, the tutor had little experience with English so I resorted to communicating with him in French.

I was a bit anxious about the whole thing – would he be able to understand me? To my surprise, the conversation went smoothly, and I got all of my inquiries clarified with ease.

Want more Cue Cards to practise? Check out IELTS Speaking 2023 Cue Card Questions Latest Topics with Answers

Sample Answer 2

Click on the audio to listen to the sample answer above. Pay attention to the intonation and pronunciation of the words

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IELTS Material · Describe A Time When You First Talked In A Foreign Language

what the situation was

I have been learning English for a long time, but I haven’t had many chances to practice speaking English with native speakers. To the best of my recollection, the first time I used it was on Christmas Eve three years ago.

where you were

who you communicated with

At that time, I was hanging out with my friends. Suddenly, a foreigner came up to me and asked for directions to a supermarket. Honestly, he spoke too quickly for me to catch everything. But after he repeated his words, I finally understood and showed him the way to the nearest supermarket.

and explain why you used a foreign language to communicate on this occasion

I used body language a lot to explain the directions to him, since I didn’t speak English well then. After that, he said “Thank you” to me and headed for the supermarket. I realize that English plays an important role in our life, despite the fact that we don’t live in English-speaking countries. It is spoken globally and it’s becoming the dominant language. Therefore, I have been trying to practice speaking English daily, so that I can have a good command over the language, and I can confidently hold conversations with foreigners, no matter the topic of conversation.

Vocabulary

Here are the vocabularies for “Describe a Time When You First Talked in a Foreign Language” with examples:

To the best of my recollection: If I remember correctly.
Eg: I was not present at that meeting, to the best of my recollection.
Hanging out: Spending a lot of time in a particular place, but doing no special activity.
Eg: My friends and I enjoy hanging out at our local coffee shop, just chatting and enjoying a coffee.
Came up to: Approached.
Eg: The manager came up to me and shook my hand.
Catch everything: Hear or understand everything that he said.
Eg: At the train station it was too noisy to hear all the information clearly, and I was unable to catch everything.
Body language: The way that you show what you feel or think by moving your body.
Eg: Sometimes, our teacher uses body language, not words, to help to communicate an idea.
Headed for: Moved in a particular direction.
Eg: After the show finished, everyone headed for the exits.
Have a good command of: Have a good knowledge of something.
Eg: People who apply for this job must have a good command of English, in order to communicate with our American customers