Describe a second language that you have learned IELTS Cue Card

IELTS CUE CARD TOPIC

Describe a second language that you have learned.
You should say:

what language it is
how you learned it
how fluent you are in this language

Sample Answer

CUE CARD 

So, a second language that I learned is a language that is mainly spoken in the Punjab region of India, and it is called Punjabi. I was born and brought up in Punjab itself. 

So, I had a good command over the speaking aspect of the language, but I needed to learn how to write and read these scriptures or the language. I did not because I did not opt for this core subject in my school, but later, in 8th standard, I learned that Punjabi is well required for further education. 

So, I opted for Punjabi, which is the 8th standard. Then, I learned how to write basic letters; from there, I now have a good command of the language. I can speak well. I can read and write it. 

Although my writing speed is a little less because I have, it’s been four or five years since I learned this language, and this was not the only thing I was doing. My writing speed is slow, but I completely understand the language. 

Follow-ups

How can knowing a second language benefit you personally and professionally? 

So, knowing a second language is beneficial for personal and professional reasons. Firstly, it will add a bullet point to your resume where you can expand the domain of your skills and give you more opportunities. 

And you might have a job where the language is spoken. And if I talk about it personally, it personally grows you, and it triggers specific centers in the brain. When those are stimulated, they increase your ability to understand and intellect. 

What challenges have you faced while learning a second language, and how did you overcome it?

So, I learned a second language in the eighth standard in my school, and I already knew how to speak the language because I belonged to that area. But I started writing letters, and my Punjabi teacher helped me. 

She taught me how to use correct grammar and sentence formation. So I could write in a couple of months, and in one year, I could read and write both. Although my writing speed is a little slow, I couldn’t make it. 

Can you describe a memorable experience while practicing or using your second language?

So whenever we went to the community to provide community health services as student nurses, we used to use the local language so that people could understand it better. And there are many people from Kerala at my college. 

So, our teachers organized this group formation, and five of us were in a group, of which four were from Kerala, and I was the only one from Punjab. 

So it was a fun experience because, for a month, I was coordinating with them, and I taught them basic Punjabi, and they enjoyed it. Later, they also made fun of the language, which was a part of financials, but they were interested in learning it. 

What strategies do you find most effective for improving your language skills?

Reading is one thing that a person should continue with in life. Whatever language they want to learn, they should watch web series and movies. Along with that, they can also read various books and novels that will help them. 

Is it essential for everyone to learn a second language? 

Everybody doesn’t have to learn a second language because language is a key to communication. Knowing one language is sufficient because nobody can learn all the languages, so people try to adjust to just one language. I talk about a second language. It is good if people learn a second language. It will benefit them, but it is not a necessity of life. 

How do you maintain and continue practising a second language once you have learned it? 

Once I have learned how to write and read the language, I speak it with people who already know it. That gave me insight into the language usually not provided in books. You get to know various idioms and slang used in that language, which is fascinating. 

Have you ever used your second language in a real-life situation?

Yes, I have used the second language many times in the community with my patients who are not able to understand Hindi or English. It has been great because I was able to converse equally. 

What advice would you give someone wanting to start learning a second language? 

One advice is to check your motivation or why you want to learn a second language. If it is just for social status or symbol, people cannot cope because learning a language is an extensive process. It would help if you had the dedication, time, and effort to do that. If the reason for learning a second language will keep you going, that is very helpful.