Questions and sample answers
What languages do you speak?
Uzbek and Russian since childhood, and I am learning English. I can have everyday conversations in English, but I want to speak more fluently.
Why are you learning English?
For my studies and career. Most of the best resources and jobs in my field require English, and it also lets me communicate with people from other countries.
What is difficult about learning English?
Pronunciation and phrasal verbs. Some words are written one way but pronounced differently, and phrasal verbs have so many meanings.
How do you practise English?
I watch series with subtitles, read short articles and talk to a friend twice a week. Writing about my day also helps me use new words.
Do you think everyone should learn a foreign language?
Yes, because it opens doors to new cultures and jobs. It also trains your brain and makes travelling much more enjoyable.
Would you like to learn another language?
Japanese, maybe. I enjoy the culture, and I would like to understand anime and manga without translation.
Useful vocabulary
- fluent — able to speak smoothly
- pronunciation — the way words are said
- phrasal verb — a verb with a particle, like give up
- subtitles — text translations on screen
- native speaker — a person who learned the language as a child
- vocabulary — the words you know
- practise regularly — do something often to improve
Tips for this topic
- Give concrete methods you use.
- Mention a goal to show motivation.
- Use present continuous for “I am learning”.
Study guides
How Is IELTS Scored in Speaking and Writing? Criteria, Weighting and Rounding
The short answer first, then the Speaking and Writing criteria tables, how Task 1 and Task 2 combine and how the overall band is rounded.
IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors Explained in Plain English
The IELTS Speaking test is marked on four criteria. Here is what each one means at bands 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, with short examples you can compare with your own answers.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: How Many Minutes to Speak (With a Practice Timer)
How long Part 2 lasts (1 minute to prepare, 1–2 minutes to speak), a practice timer, a four-step structure and a model answer.