IELTS Speaking Part 1 – Language

IELTS Speaking Part 1 (Language)

Topic: Language
Difficulty:  Medium

---

IELTS Speaking Part 1 – Language

• How are languages taught and learned in your school?
• How do you learn a foreign language?
• What languages would you like to learn in the future?
• What languages can you speak?
• What kinds of difficulties would you have if you want to learn a new language?

---

1. How are languages taught and learned in your school?

Aya (High School Student)
In my school, English is a main subject. We study grammar, vocabulary, and reading in the classroom, mostly from textbooks. The teacher explains grammar rules, and then we do exercises to practice them. Sometimes, we have listening activities, but it’s hard because they speak very fast. Speaking practice is not very common, so I feel a bit nervous when I have to speak. We also have English tests, so I focus on learning for the tests.

Minho (University Student)
In my university, English courses are focused on real-life communication, not just grammar. We have classes that encourage speaking and listening skills through group discussions and presentations. For exams, we do study grammar, but the main goal is to communicate well. Some classes also use case studies, especially in business, to help us learn in a practical way. This approach helps a lot when I speak with international students on campus.

Linh (Office Worker)
When I was a student, we learned English through a mix of grammar, reading, and vocabulary. However, my actual learning came from practice, especially at work. We mostly focused on written skills in school, but now, I wish we had done more speaking and listening exercises. Nowadays, language teaching has improved, and students have better resources, like apps and online classes, which make it easier to practice.

Mr. Wong (Retired English Teacher)
In my years of teaching, I focused on building a balanced foundation for my students. We taught vocabulary and grammar but emphasized speaking, listening, and cultural understanding. I believe real immersion helps the most, so I encouraged my students to practice English beyond the classroom by watching films, reading books, and engaging in conversations. Teaching has evolved to focus more on real communication, which is excellent for students.

---

2. How do you learn a foreign language?

Aya (High School Student)
I learn English mostly by memorizing words and grammar from my textbooks. I also watch English shows with Japanese subtitles, so I can understand. But it’s difficult to speak because I get nervous. I like to repeat sentences I hear to practice pronunciation, but I still need more practice with real conversations. I sometimes listen to English songs, too, which helps a bit with listening.

Minho (University Student)
For me, learning English means using it in daily situations. I read articles, watch English movies without subtitles, and practice speaking with friends. Studying with classmates from other countries also helps a lot. I try to think in English to improve, but I still need to work on grammar. Using English in real situations, like during my part-time job, is very useful for learning.

Linh (Office Worker)
I believe in learning a language by using it, so I try to practice English at work with my international clients. When I studied English, I focused on vocabulary and grammar, but now, I prioritize listening and speaking. I watch English videos on marketing and read articles in English to improve. I also write in English regularly to keep my skills sharp.

Mr. Wong (Retired English Teacher)
Learning a new language requires dedication and patience. When I first studied English, I focused on reading and writing, but as I taught, I realized that speaking and listening are crucial. I encourage my students to immerse themselves as much as possible. Practicing with native speakers, watching films, and even thinking in the language helps solidify the learning. Consistency is key.

---

3. What languages would you like to learn in the future?

Aya (High School Student)
In the future, I would like to learn Korean because I enjoy watching K-dramas and listening to K-pop. Korean culture interests me, and learning the language would help me understand the shows better. I also think learning more English would be useful for traveling and my future job.

Minho (University Student)
I’m interested in learning Spanish. It’s widely spoken, and in business, it can be helpful. Many international companies have clients who speak Spanish, so I think it would be a good choice. I’d also like to improve my English to a higher level so I can work internationally in the future.

Linh (Office Worker)
I would like to learn French. I find French culture interesting, especially in art and cuisine, and it’s spoken in many countries. Since I work in marketing, learning a new language could help me connect with more clients. Of course, I also want to keep improving my English to a professional level.

Mr. Wong (Retired English Teacher)
If I were to learn another language, it would be French. I have always admired its rich literature and history, and it’s a beautiful language to speak. Though I am retired, it would be a pleasant challenge to study a new language, keeping my mind active and broadening my understanding of other cultures.

---

4. What languages can you speak?

Aya (High School Student)
I speak Japanese fluently, of course, and I’m learning English. My English is not very strong, but I can understand basic words and phrases. I don’t know any other languages yet, but I want to learn more in the future.

Minho (University Student)
I speak Korean, and my English is at a conversational level. I’ve been studying English for many years, so I feel comfortable with it now, even though I still have some things to learn. I don’t speak other languages, but I’d like to learn more.

Linh (Office Worker)
I am fluent in Vietnamese and speak English quite well. I’ve studied English for many years and use it daily in my job. I can also understand a little bit of basic French, but I’m not fluent. Learning English has been very useful in my career.

Mr. Wong (Retired English Teacher)
I don’t want to brag but I am fluent in both Mandarin and English. First, I taught English for many years and have lived in an English-speaking country, so I feel comfortable with both languages. I have a little knowledge of Cantonese as well, but I am not fully fluent in it.

---

5. What kinds of difficulties would you have if you wanted to learn a new language?

Aya (High School Student)
Learning a new language is hard for me because I feel nervous when I speak. I often worry about making mistakes, so I tend to hesitate. Also, remembering vocabulary is difficult. I try to memorize words, but I often forget them. Pronunciation is another problem since I’m not used to the sounds in English or other languages.

Minho (University Student)
One of my main challenges would be the time commitment. As a university student, I already have a busy schedule, so finding time to practice a new language would be tough. Also, grammar rules and vocabulary can be confusing when learning a new language, especially if it’s very different from Korean or English.

Linh (Office Worker)
For me, pronunciation would be a challenge. In Vietnamese, we don’t have many of the sounds that English or French has, so adapting to a new sound system would take time. Also, as I’m working, finding time to study regularly can be challenging. Learning grammar rules and vocabulary could be time-consuming but manageable with practice.

Mr. Wong (Retired English Teacher)
At this stage in life, my biggest challenge would be maintaining the discipline to study daily. Learning requires practice, and as I’m no longer in a structured environment, staying motivated might be difficult. Also, pronunciation could pose a challenge if the language has sounds unfamiliar to me, but I believe patience would help with that.

---

Check other collections here.

Check my personal website here