Language – IELTS Speaking Part 1, 2, 3 Topic & Model Answers

Prity Mallick

10 min read

Updated On Oct 28, 2024

The article provides IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions about personal experiences, Part 2 cue card tasks, and Part 3 follow-up questions on language learning. It also includes useful vocabulary to enhance your IELTS Speaking responses.

Speaking Part 1
Speaking Part 2
Speaking Part 3
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Many people are interested to learn different languages, some for their own knowledge, some for the professional benefit and others for gaining information on the culture and history related to it. So it is easy for them to communicate. But for those who are not interested in languages, to make your preparation easy for IELTS Speaking, given below are some Part 1, 2 & 3 questions for practice.

Given below are the actual IELTS Speaking Part 1 stuff based on Language speaking topic questions and answers, followed by Speaking Part 2 and 3 on the same topics. When speaking, your tone will clarify and convey meaning.

Speaking Part 1

1 Do you like learning languages?

Absolutely, I am always keen on mastering some new languages such as English, French. You know, if I am bilingual or multilingual, I can roam around other parts of the world with great ease and my whole journey will be transformed miraculously.

2 What languages do you speak?

Well, my mother tongue is Bengali. I’ve always wanted to learn Portuguese which is predominantly spoken in some parts of the world, but I don’t have enough time yet.

3 Do you learn any foreign language?

I’m actually studying two languages at the moment and find it so challenging, yet intriguing that everyone should try at least once. Since English is not my mother tongue, it’s the very first foreign language I’ve attempted to learn because of its widespread use and numerous benefits that come along with it. It’s the most spoken language for non-native speakers around the globe and is one of the most critical criteria companies look for when recruiting an employee, or at least that’s a reality in my country.

4 Do you think learning languages is important?

Absolutely. Learning languages, especially English, allows us to be able to communicate with others. It also helps us study more effectively since we can search for almost everything on the Internet in English.

5 How did you learn the languages that you know?

I think the most effective way to learn a language is to practice more with a native speaker. By doing this, you can improve both listening and oral skills simultaneously, you will be fluent in this language. Besides, I also do general readings in my spare time and keep a journal in English.

6 Can you learn more than one language at a time?

I haven’t thought of it, but yes, I am quite confident that I can manage to learn at once. I reckon that the most difficult thing to acquire 2 languages is to manage my time efficiently. Therefore, it’s more than worth it to plan out exactly how I am going to divide my time between the two languages I tackle.

7 Do you want to become a foreign language teacher in the future? Why?

That thought has crossed my mind once or twice but I’ve never visualized myself as a full-time teacher. A part-time job, yes. A professional one, not likely. Being a legitimate teacher in my country requires certain academic degrees and credentials to be able to convey knowledge and improvise in class. In my case, I’ve never attended any special training in teaching or have any pedagogical skills; therefore, I don’t have much confidence in handling difficult situations in class. Besides, you have to reach a high level of language proficiency to make sure that whatever you say is trustworthy and credible.

8 Do you think that English is difficult to learn?

In my opinion, every single language is difficult to learn, and English is not an exception. I mean, it might be easy to learn grammar and vocabulary, but it takes quite a long time to practice using the language fluently.

9 Do you think foreigner should learn your country’s language when they arrive there?

I think it’s obviously in their best interest to pick up a few basic words or phrases in a local language. Firstly, it is an interesting experience to try to communicate with the locals in their mother tongue. You may not get the words right, but that’s where the fun lies. Hence, people will find you more approachable and charismatic because of your efforts and sense of humour. Besides, since language is an integral part of any culture, you can develop a cultural sensitivity while studying their very means of communication.

Speaking Part 2

You will have exactly one minute to prepare and speak on a specific topic like the ‘Describe the first time you used a foreign language to communicate' for IELTS Speaking Part 2. Check out the sample answer for this topic and learn how to answer similar IELTS Cue Card topics.

Describe the first time you used a foreign language to communicate.

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.

Talk about an instance when you spoke with someone in a foreign language for the first time.

You should say :

when it was
with whom you spoke
what language you used
and say how you felt about it.

Sample Answer

I have been learning English for a long time, but I haven’t had many chances to practice speaking It, not to mention to talk to native speakers. To the best of my recollection, the first time I used it for communication was on New Year's Eve two years ago.

At that time, I was hanging out with my friends, talking about some new year’s resolutions when a foreigner came up to me all of a sudden, asking for the direction to a minimart nearby. Honestly, he had such a strong accent that I couldn’t make out what he wanted to say. I had to ask him to repeat several times before acquiring all of the information he needed. Then, I showed him the way to the nearest minimart to buy some necessities. Honestly, I was not confident in my English speaking skill, so I had to make the most of my nonverbal skills such as body language, gesture, etc to make sure that he could get all information he asked for. Fortunately, he could take in what I said and expressed his simple yet sincere gratitude before heading for the minimart.

That occasion helps strengthen my belief that English plays an important role in our life, even we don’t live in an English speaking country. English is spoken globally, and we have to use it if we want to stay connected to people in another country and search for information. Therefore, I think that I should polish up my English so that I can have a good command of this international language to be able to talk confidently with foreigners, regardless of the topic of conversation.

Vocabulary For Cue Card

Check out some IELTS Vocabulary to use while answering the cue card, 'Describe the first time you used a foreign language to communicate' and make sure to impress your IELTS examiner.

To the best of one’s recollection: something in the past they can recall
Eg: Well, to the best of my recollection there was no change in the construction plan.
Resolution: a firm decision to do or not to do something.
Eg: One of my new year resolutions is to stay fit and healthy.
Come up to: approach someone
Eg: John came up to his mother to solve a math problem.
All of a sudden: Suddenly
Eg: All of a sudden, we heard the dogs barking.
Make out: understand, hear
Eg: She gestured something which her mother couldn’t make out.
Accent: a distinctive mode of pronunciation of a language, especially one associated with a particular nation, locality, or social class.
Eg: Mohan speaks with a strong southern accent.
Show sb the way to…: give sb direction to somewhere
Eg: I showed the old man the way to reach the yoga center.
Necessities: something necessary for daily life: water, food,…
Eg: The old age home has all the basic necessities required for the old people.
Make the most of: to use something as much as possible
Eg: We’ve only got one day in Delhi, so we’d better make the most of it.
Polish up: improve
Eg: Meera polished up her communication skills.
Regardless of: without being affected or influenced by anything else that happens or exists
Eg: John will take the job regardless of the low pay.

Speaking Part 3

In IELTS Speaking Part 3, you will be asked some questions related to the topic of the cue card you have been given in Part 2. So, some follow-up questions related to the topic, 'Describe the first time you used a foreign language to communicate' are given below with expert-curated sample answers.

1 What kind of quality should a language teacher have?

Not only a language teacher in particular but educators in other areas should have certain skills and knowledge to successfully inspire and instruct their students. First and foremost, of course, deep knowledge and great education matter. It’s often said that “a teacher is only as good as his knowledge is”. People may not need academic degrees or certificates in other jobs or industries, but in education and training, they are solid proof to verify your professional qualifications. Furthermore, communication skill also plays an essential role. If one is an articulate and persuasive speaker, he will be able to convey his lectures with better results. Last but not least, a good sense of humour may be of great help to grab students’ attention and interest.

2 Why do people want to learn a foreign language?

Studying a foreign language is not only a hobby but also a trend in modern society due to some undeniable advantages. Speaking more than one language can open up a world of employment opportunities for job seekers, especially if that language is widely used in a business context. You will be able to work for not only local but global corporates as well with decent salaries. In addition, being bilingual or multilingual will help extend your social network worldwide. You can establish deep connections and cross-cultural friendships with foreign co-workers or local people while travelling. Finally, your brain will benefit greatly from the learning activity itself. Research has shown that studying another language will alter your grey matter which helps to increase your brainpower.

3 Which language is likely to become dominant in the future?

It is indeed true that English has been adopted as the lingua franca in a wide range of countries and continues to be the most popular language. But there are chances that other languages like Hindi, Bengali, Urdu, and Indonesian will take over English and become dominant in the future business world.

4 Why do people learn more than one language?

People learn more than one language because we live in a multilingual world, where connections are very important. And with the world becoming increasingly globalized, knowing a second language can always give you an edge over others. It can increase your career prospects and provide an insight into other cultures. Overall, being bilingual can bring you several advantages.

5 Do you think that all children should learn foreign languages at school?

Yes, children should be taught foreign languages in school from an early age. Foreign languages help improve children’s ability to communicate, thereby improving their fluency and confidence in speaking. It will help them gain knowledge about foreign countries and increase their interests in their cultures.

6 Why are some people seemingly better at studying languages than others?

Some people are seemingly better at studying and learning languages than others because they may find it easier to understand. These people have good memory power, and they’re keen and persistent in learning a new language.

7 Why is language an important aspect of culture?

Language is one of the most important aspects of the culture as it is the means by which people across the globe communicate with one another, build relationships, and create a sense of community. Language influences our cultural identities and our social realities.

8 Why it is important to learn a foreign language?

Learning foreign languages will always benefit a person in one way or another such as improving employment prospects, helping in having more immersive experiences while traveling to a foreign country, increasing open-mindedness, and cultural awareness.

9 What are the advantages of learning multiple languages?

Learning multiple languages has several advantages. It improves brain functions and makes it easier to learn and understand new things. It isn’t only about increasing brain mass; it enhances memory as well. It is all about learning how to communicate and connect with others. Though, learning a language can be daunting at times, it’s an important way to connect with people across geographical boundaries.

Vocabulary For Speaking Part 3

Boost your IELTS band score by using the impressive vocabulary given below while answering the follow-up questions about the foreign language.

Instruct: to tell somebody to do something, especially in a formal or official way
Eg: My teacher instructed me to monitor the class while she was away.
Verify: To check that something is true or accurate
Eg: I verified the details mentioned on the application and submitted it.
Articulate: (of a person) good at expressing ideas or feelings clearly in words
Eg: Rose articulately gave her presentation which impressed everyone.
Grab one’s attention: to cause one to become interested in something
Eg: The sales and discounts in the Big Bazaar grabbed my mother’s attention.
Dominant: having power and influence over others.
Eg: In the ancient days, the British were dominant in India.
Prospects: the possibility or likelihood that something will happen
Eg: The prospects for a good harvest are high.
Persistent: Someone who is persistent continues doing something or tries to do something in a determined but often unreasonable way
Eg: She can be very persistent when she wants something.
Influence: to cause someone to change a behavior, belief, or opinion
Eg: His parents have influenced him a lot
Daunt: to make someone feel slightly frightened or worried about his or her ability to achieve something; to discourage
Eg: She’s not daunted by criticism.
Enhance: to improve the quality, amount, or strength of something
Eg: The homemade spices enhanced the flavor of Biryani.

Hope you find this lesson useful! Write down any new words or phrases, try to use these words in your answers & share them in the comments section below!