Cue Card

Describe a language you want to learn (not English)

You should say:

• Which language it is
• How you would learn it
• Where you would learn it
• And why you want to learn the language

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What can people do to learn a second language?
2. Is it popular to learn English in your country?
3. What are the difficulties of learning a new language?
4. What’s the best way to learn a new language?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I've always been fascinated by the Japanese language. There's something about the way the characters flow together, like a work of art. I mean, have you ever seen a kanji character up close? It's like a tiny, intricate puzzle, with each stroke telling a story. I want to learn Japanese because I want to unlock the secrets behind those characters, to understand the nuances of a language that's both beautiful and complex.

I've tried learning Japanese before, but it's not easy. The grammar is totally different from what I'm used to, and the writing system is like nothing I've ever seen. But that's what draws me in. I want to be able to read a manga or watch an anime without subtitles, to understand the cultural references and nuances that get lost in translation. I want to be able to communicate with Japanese speakers, to connect with them on a deeper level.

I've heard that learning Japanese can be a lifelong journey, that it takes dedication and perseverance. But I'm up for the challenge. I want to immerse myself in the language, to surround myself with the sounds, sights, and rhythms of Japan. I want to learn about the culture, the history, and the people. I want to become a part of the language, to let it become a part of me.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

kanji

a system of Japanese writing using Chinese characters

The kanji character for 'love' is, which is made up of three strokes.

manga

Japanese comic books or graphic novels

I love reading manga in my free time, it's a great way to relax.

anime

Japanese animated television shows or films

My favorite anime is 'Attack on Titan', it's so intense!

Sample Part 3 Answers

What can people do to learn a second language? One thing that I think is really effective for learning a second language is to immerse yourself in it as much as possible. For me, that means listening to music, watching TV shows and movies, and even trying to find native speakers to practice with. I've found that the more I surround myself with the language, the more it starts to feel like second nature. For example, I've been trying to learn French, and I've started listening to French music every morning on my way to work. At first, it was just a bunch of sounds, but now I can pick out words and even sing along to some of the songs. It's amazing how much of a difference it's made in my ability to understand and speak the language.

Is it popular to learn English in your country? In my experience, learning English is super popular in many countries, including my own. I think that's because English has become such a global language, and being able to communicate in it can open up so many doors, whether it's for travel, business, or education. I've seen people of all ages and backgrounds trying to learn English, from kids in elementary school to adults looking to improve their career prospects. And it's not just about practicality – I think people are also drawn to the cultural aspect of learning English, whether it's through music, movies, or literature. For me, learning English has been a game-changer, and I've seen it have a huge impact on my friends and family as well.

What are the difficulties of learning a new language? One of the biggest difficulties I've faced while learning a new language is overcoming the fear of making mistakes. I think a lot of people get held back because they're afraid of sounding silly or being judged by native speakers. But the truth is, making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process, and it's often the best way to learn. For me, the key has been to focus on communication rather than perfection. Instead of worrying about using the exact right grammar or vocabulary, I try to focus on getting my point across and being understood. It's amazing how much more confident I've become as a result, and how much more I've been able to learn.

What’s the best way to learn a new language? In my opinion, the best way to learn a new language is to find a method that works for you and stick with it. For some people, that might mean taking a class or working with a tutor, while for others it might mean using language learning apps or watching YouTube videos. For me, the key has been to find a combination of methods that keep me engaged and motivated. I've been using a language learning app to practice my vocabulary and grammar, but I also try to practice speaking and listening with native speakers as much as possible. The most important thing is to find what works for you and make language learning a part of your daily routine.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

immerse yourself in it

to surround yourself with something, such as a language or culture, in order to learn or become familiar with it

I've been trying to immerse myself in the language by listening to music and watching TV shows.

open up doors

to create new opportunities or possibilities

Learning English has opened up doors for me in terms of career opportunities.

game-changer

something that has a significant and positive impact

Learning English has been a game-changer for me.

overcoming the fear

to get past or overcome a fear or anxiety

I've been working on overcoming my fear of making mistakes while speaking a new language.

find a combination of methods

to try different approaches or techniques to achieve a goal

I've found a combination of methods that work for me, including language learning apps and speaking with native speakers.