Describe a second language you have learned

IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card 546 with Model Answer:

Describe a second language you have learned.

You should say:

• what language it is
• how you have learned it
• how long it took you to learn it

and explain how learning this language has helped you.

[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.]

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Model Answer:

Introduction:
Learning a second language can be a challenging yet rewarding experience, and I believe that a second language skill helps us in many different ways. It opens doors to new cultures, helps in personal and professional growth, and enhances communication skills. In my case, the second language that I have learned is French. And I would like to share my experience of learning this language for this topic.

What language it is:
French is a romance language and is widely spoken in France, Canada, Switzerland, and many African countries. It is the official language of the United Nations, the European Union, and the International Red Cross.

How you have learned it:
I started learning French in high school. It was a mandatory subject, and we had to attend French classes for three years. In the beginning, I found it quite challenging to understand the grammar rules, vocabulary, and pronunciation. However, as I started practising more, I began to enjoy the language and felt motivated to learn more.

How long it took you to learn it:
It took me around three years to learn the basics of the French language. After that, I continued to learn it as a hobby and have been practising it by reading books, watching French movies, and having conversations with French-speaking people.

And explain how learning this language has helped you: 

Learning French has been a great asset for me. Firstly, it has improved my communication skills, especially when travelling to French-speaking countries. It has enabled me to connect with locals, understand their culture, and make new friends. Secondly, it has helped me in my career, as I work in an international company that has many French-speaking clients. Finally, learning French has given me a sense of achievement, and it has motivated me to learn other languages in the future.