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Describe a foreign language (other than English) that you would like to learn

Try the card on the exam timer first, then read the band-8 sample answer and the Part 3 questions that follow it.

Practice it like the exam

Part 2 · Candidate task card

Describe a foreign language (other than English) that you would like to learn.

You should say:

  • what the language is
  • how you would learn it
  • how you would practise it

and explain why you would like to learn this language.

Ready

1 minute to prepare, then 2 minutes to speak. It switches on its own.

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Band 8 sample answer

270 words · about 2 minutes at a natural pace · Phrases from the vocabulary list are highlighted.

A language I'd really like to learn is Spanish. I've always loved its sound, and it's spoken by hundreds of millions of people in so many countries that I feel it would be useful wherever I go.

If I started, I'd approach it in several ways. First, I would probably enrol in an evening course at a language school, as I think it's important to have a teacher who can explain the grammar and correct my pronunciation. At the same time, I'd use an app for daily vocabulary practice, even if only for ten minutes in the morning. I'd also try to immerse myself in the language, by watching Spanish series with subtitles, listening to songs and podcasts, and perhaps reading easy books. I believe that if you only study from a textbook, you'll never become fluent.

To practise, I'd look for a language exchange partner. There's a group in my city that meets every week in a café, and the members take turns speaking each other's languages. I could help a Spanish speaker with their English and, in return, get the chance to talk with a native speaker. Eventually, I'd love to spend a month in Spain or Mexico to test my progress.

There are a few reasons why I want to learn it. Firstly, I enjoy travelling, and speaking the local language makes a trip so much richer. Secondly, it would open doors professionally, as many international companies need Spanish speakers. And finally, I think learning a new language keeps the mind active, and I'd love to be able to understand the lyrics of the songs I enjoy.

What to notice

  • It takes the points on the card in order, so the examiner can follow it.
  • Each point gets a specific detail or a short story, which is what keeps a talk going for two minutes.
  • The "explain" line at the end gets the most time, because that is where you give an opinion and show your range of language.

We wrote this answer for practice; it does not come from IELTS. Take its structure and phrases and tell your own story, because examiners notice memorised answers.

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Useful vocabulary

PhraseMeaning
pick up a languagelearn a language gradually
become fluent inbe able to speak very well
a native speakersomeone who has spoken the language since birth
immerse yourself inbecome fully involved in
language exchangemeeting to practise each other's languages
open doorscreate new opportunities

Plan it in one minute

Choose what to talk about in the first ten seconds, then write two or three key words for each point. Full sentences take too long to write and to read back.

Who or what you could talk about

  • Spanish, French or German
  • Chinese or Japanese
  • Arabic or Turkish

How to spend the two minutes

  1. 25 swhat the language is
  2. 25 show you would learn it
  3. 25 show you would practise it
  4. 45 sand explain why you would like to learn this language.

Part 3 questions

In the exam these come straight after your talk, on the wider subject: Languages and communication. Answer each in 3–4 sentences, with your view, a reason and an example.

  1. Why do you think some people find it easier to learn languages than others?
  2. At what age should children start learning a foreign language?
  3. Do you think translation apps will make language learning unnecessary?
  4. What are the benefits of speaking more than one language?
  5. Should minority languages be protected?

Frequently asked questions

How do I talk about future plans in an IELTS cue card?

Say what you would like to do, why, and how you would go about it. Mix future forms: "I'm planning to", "I'd love to", "if I had the chance, I would". A plan you really have gives you more to say than an invented one.

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