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

Language is a vital tool for humans to share ideas, feelings, and thoughts. This is a common theme in IELTS Speaking, and because it covers a broad range of subtopics, examiners may ask a variety of questions. Solid preparation is essential to handle surprising questions confidently.

Prepare ideas and vocabulary related to smaller topics such as your motivation for learning languages, effective learning methods, or popular world languages. IDP will help strengthen your vocabulary and provide sample answers so you feel fully prepared for the exam.

Question: What languages do you speak?

My first language is Vietnamese, and I can communicate in English at a conversational level. When I speak English, I tend to be direct, while in Vietnamese people often speak indirectly.

High‑scoring vocabulary:

• mother tongue / first language

• at a conversational level

• get straight to the point

• beat around the bush

Question: Do you think learning languages is important?

Yes, I believe learning a language can enrich your life. It helps you connect with people from different backgrounds, enhances job prospects, and gives you a competitive edge globally. Language learning also improves memory and critical thinking skills.

High‑scoring vocabulary:

• enrich (verb)

• job prospects (noun)

• competitive edge (noun)

• critical thinking (noun)

Question: How did you learn the languages you know?

I think practising with native speakers is the most effective way to improve both listening and speaking skills. I also read in my free time and keep a journal in English.

High‑scoring vocabulary:

• native speaker

• simultaneously

• be fluent in

• keep a journal

Cue card: Describe a language you would like to learn (not English)

Use this outline:

• Name the language and country

• Challenges in learning it

• Reasons why you want to learn it

Sample Answer:

Learning another language adds skills and benefits both your personal growth and mental development. Being bilingual or multilingual broadens your perspective and provides access to other cultures. Spanish is high on my must‑learn list because of its global use and rich culture.

Spanish is one of the most spoken languages worldwide and one of the six official languages at the UN. In countries across Latin America and in the US, over 50 million people speak Spanish as a first or second language. Knowing Spanish would widen my horizon, deepen my appreciation for Hispanic culture, and enhance my travel experience.

Many say Spanish is among the easiest languages to learn due to its phonetic pronunciation and similar vocabulary to English. Yet, without full commitment and self‑discipline, fluency remains a dream. To reach my goal, I plan to find a study partner and support each other along the way.

High‑scoring vocabulary:

• adds up

• offers enormous benefits

• personal growth

• expands your knowledge

• provides easy access to

• widen your horizon

• sense of appreciation

• bump into

• easier said than done

• full commitment

• self‑discipline

• far‑fetched

• demotivated

Alternate Prompt: Describe reasons you learn foreign languages

Over the last decades, many global companies have expanded into Vietnam, making English a prerequisite for jobs in multinational firms. That’s why I majored in English at university.

I am passionate about exploring different cultures and believe that learning a language is learning a culture. I also studied Korean because I admired DBSK, a Korean band. Ironically, when I became fluent in Korean, they turned out to be singing Japanese songs.

High‑scoring vocabulary:

• for the better part of

• a tidal wave of

• precondition

• land a job

• gain insights into

• idolize

• desperate to

• ironically

• proficient in

Question: Do you want to become a foreign language teacher? Why?

I have considered teaching, but not full time. In my country, formal teaching requires academic qualifications and experience. As I lack formal pedagogical training and credentials, I would lack confidence in classroom situations. Also, teaching effectively demands a high level of language proficiency for credibility.

High‑scoring vocabulary:

• cross my mind

• visualize

• legitimate

• credentials

• convey knowledge

• improvise

• pedagogical

• proficiency

Question: Why is there strong demand for language skills?

The world is highly interconnected, and cross‑border communication is critical in strengthening economic and political ties. Language skills are valuable assets when travelling and communicating. Being bilingual or multilingual allows you to explore the world more freely and enrich travel experiences.

High‑scoring vocabulary:

• interconnected

• cross‑border

• asset

• bilingual

• multilingual

• roam

Question: What is the difference between talking over the phone and face‑to‑face conversation?

Phone conversations are convenient, but face‑to‑face communication is more efficient and nuanced. On the phone, only words and intonation convey meaning, limiting the emotional range. In person, you can use eye contact, facial expressions, and body gestures, making misunderstandings less likely.

High‑scoring vocabulary:

• in‑person conversation

• eye contact

• facial expression

• body gesture

Common World Languages

Afrikaans, Arabic, Belarusian, Bulgarian, Cantonese, Chinese, Danish, English, Finnish, German, Japanese, Russian, Vietnamese

Example: Can you speak Mandarin or Cantonese?

People Related to Language

Language Proficiency Adjectives

Benefits of Language Skills

Additional Terms

lingua franca, minority language, mother tongue, dialect, linguistic diversity, foreign language, local dialect

Examples:

• English is becoming a universal lingua franca.

• Local dialects enrich linguistic diversity.

Idioms

• It’s all Greek to me – something completely incomprehensible

• Beat around the bush – avoid saying something directly

• At a loss for words – speechless from surprise

• Talk a mile a minute – speak very quickly

• Watch your language – choose words carefully

• Mince one’s words – speak bluntly and directly

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide equips you with relevant vocabulary and structures for the Language topic in IELTS Speaking. Practice these patterns and sample answers to boost your confidence and reach your target band score.

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