IELTS Speaking Test Part 2
Describe a thing you did to learn another language
You should say
- What language you learned?
- What you did?
- How it helped you learn the language?
- And how you felt about it?
Indians are known to be polyglots. There are 18 different languages that are spoken in India.
And if we count the dialects then the number would be quite higher.
But this is a country that is just like a continent. Each state is just like a small European country.
I come from Gujarat and Gujarati is our mother-tongue.
But we Gujarati people are globe-trotters, and we are everywhere.
You may go to a country, say, Poland, and you will surely find a small Gujarati community there.
We Gujarati people easily adapt to new cultures and learn their languages.
Some 10 years ago, I went to Mauritius as a representative of my bank.
There the lingua franca was French, not English.
My work was like that of a public relations officer, and it was mandatory for me to learn French to communicate better with my clients.
Fortunately, I found a French teacher who was of Indian origin.
His name was Prakash Patel. Mr. Patel was born and brought up in Mauritius, and he did his B.A. in French Literature from King George University of Mauritius.
Everyday, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. we had our French classes. My colleague Shashikant Desai was also taking the lessons from him.
This lasted for at least a month, and by then I had learned some basics of that language.
But our teacher Mr. Patel could not continue the sessions as he had to go to his ancestral village in India for his grandfather’s funeral.
We arranged another teacher named John Simpson. He was also a good teacher, and thus, we continued our learning.
I want to admit that the initial days were quite challenging. But then we started enjoying it, as our tutor Mr. Simpson would regularly take us to movie theaters to watch French cinema.
And this was quite helpful to learn the pronunciation of French words.
Today, I still remember those days with joyful delight. Mr. Patel is no longer with us, he died in a car accident last year.
But his memories are always with us, and I am proud to have learned French from a teacher like him.
IELTS Speaking Test Part 3
What difficulties do people face while learning a new language?
The first difficulty we face is the lack of availability of good language teachers.
I live in Ahmedabad, and if I am interested in learning French then it would be a difficult task to find an authentic French tutor.
Online learning is good, but I prefer in-person classes.
Apart from this, I think there is less time available for learning something after a hectic work-schedule for a banker like me.
Do you think language learning is important? Why?
Of course, it is quite important.
When we learn a new language, you not just learn its vocabulary or its grammar rules.
You also learn about the culture of the people who speak that language.
You learn Russian language and instantly you are carried away to Russian landscape when you read Russian literature. You learn about the daily struggles of Russian peasants living in small villages.
Which is better, to study alone or to study in a group? Why?
It is a subjective matter. (or.. It varies from person to person).
I personally believe in studying alone. This way I can focus more on the subject.
But I would prefer group study when it is a language that we are learning. Through group discussion we can learn a language faster.
What’s the best way to learn a new language?
To be honest, befriending a native speaker is the best way to learn a new language.
If I go to France, and I make friends with a French guy or a girl , then he/she will be quite helpful to me in learning French.
A language is a medium of communication. And we can improve our communication skills through having a friend who is quite fluent in that language.
IELTS Writing Task 2 (Essay)
Restricting air travel is the only way to prevent air pollution?
Do you agree?
Intro (Sample Answer)
Air pollution is the prime reason for global warming. Aircraft (plural of aircraft ) are responsible for an increasing proportion of air pollutant emissions, both at local and global level. In my opinion, restricting air travel might help to reduce air pollution to some extent, but it is not the only solution to keep air pollution in check.
Disagree
Airport operations are important in economy, tourism, imports, and business.
They are responsible for an increasing proportion of air pollutant emissions, both at local and global levels.
However, aircraft engines generally combust fuel efficiently , and jet engines have very low carbon emissions
air transport occurs at higher altitude, and so , less harm to environment
large amount of pollution is due to surface traffic
main causes are industrial pollution, stubble burning in farms
motor vehicles use hydrocarbon fuels – cause ten times more pollution than the aviation industry
Therefore, it is not just the aviation industry which alone should bear the brunt of criticism by environmentalists for causing global warming.
Other sectors such as surface transport sector , industries , and even individuals who still prefer petrol-driven vehicles should be held responsible collectively for the deterioration of air quality index in major cities.
Many people believe that fast food companies should not be allowed to advertise while others believe that all companies should have the right to advertise.
What is your opinion?
Intro (Sample Answer)
Commercials run by fast food companies make unfounded claims such as their products are nutritious and good for health. This makes an increased consumption of unhealthy foods. Some people are in favor of completely banning this type of advertisements while others argue that the companies are free to advertise their products regardless their adverse effects on consumers. In my opinion, restricting any kind of advertisement is not a solution to this problem, instead healthy foods and active lifestyle should be encouraged among people.
Disagree
Television would collapse without the advertisements for food and the cures for its consequences.
The money to run television channels comes from consumer goods companies, the majority of them are fast-food companies.
No television network would be ready to forgo the advertising revenue from fast-food companies.
It is up to the consumer to select a good product.
He should not make decision based on misleading TV commercials.
It is unfair to blame broadcasters who simply want to increase revenue through promoting a product
TV is a visual medium so short-videos that promote healthy life-style should also be telecast by TV channels. This will counterbalance the harmful impact of fast-food commercials.
In many western countries there is an increasing number of couples choosing to have no children.
What are the advantage and disadvantages to couples having no children?
Intro (Sample Answer)
Many couples these days are choosing to opt out of parenthood, and their numbers are rising with more and more newlyweds deciding to go childfree. This trend has sparked off a debate on the advantages and disadvantages of not embracing the parenthood by couples, which will be discussed in this essay.
Advantages
– it is a sign of transition from traditional values to expressive individualism
– children are considered a net sink of personal resources
– children disrupt private life and couples can’t focus on their career
– couples don’t have to sacrifice time and freedom of movement in raising children
– can live a peaceful life that is career oriented
Disadvantages
– loneliness people feel when they are old
– especially when they are afflicted with some debilitating conditions
– nothing is more helpful than care provided by one’s own children, not even a welfare state
– miss out on the joy of parenthood