Cue Card

Describe someone who speaks a foreign language well

You should say:

• Who this person is
• Which language they speak
• Why he or she learned this language
• And explain why you think they speak this foreign language well.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Is learning a foreign language important?
2. What benefits can a foreign language bring to one’s career?
3. Do you think English will be the world’s main language in the future?
4. When learning a foreign language, which is easier: speaking or writing?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I've always been fascinated by people who can effortlessly switch between languages. You know someone who can hold a conversation in Spanish, then seamlessly transition to French, and finish the sentence in perfect English. It's like they have a superpower. Their brain is like a linguistic computer, processing and producing words in multiple languages with ease.

When someone speaks a foreign language well, it's not just about the words they use, it's about the confidence they exude. They own the language, and the language doesn't own them. They're not just speaking, they're communicating, conveying their thoughts and emotions with precision and nuance.

It's not just about grammar and vocabulary; it's about the rhythm, the intonation, the cultural references. They understand the subtleties of each language, the unwritten rules that only a native speaker would know. They're not just speaking a language, they're embodying a culture.

Imagine being able to express yourself in multiple languages, to connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. It's like having a key to unlock new worlds, new perspectives, new relationships. When someone speaks a foreign language well, they're not just speaking a language, they're bridging gaps.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

linguistic computer

A person who can process and produce words in multiple languages with ease

She's a linguistic computer, speaking fluent Spanish, French, and English.

own the language

To have complete control and confidence in speaking a language

He owns the language, speaking with precision and nuance.

embodiment of a culture

To fully understand and represent a culture through language

She's an embodiment of French culture, from her accent to her idioms.

bridging gaps

To connect people from different backgrounds and cultures through language

He's bridging gaps between communities with his language skills.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Is learning a foreign language important? I think learning a foreign language is crucial in today's globalized world. With the rise of international business, travel, and communication, being able to speak a foreign language can open doors to new opportunities and experiences. Not only can it enhance your career prospects, but it also allows you to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds, fostering greater understanding and empathy. For instance, imagine being able to converse with a local during your travels, understanding their customs and way of life, and forming meaningful connections. It's an incredible skill that can enrich your personal and professional life in countless ways.

What benefits can a foreign language bring to one’s career? Speaking a foreign language can be a game-changer in the job market. It can give you a competitive edge, especially in industries like international business, diplomacy, and tourism. For example, if you're fluent in Spanish, you can work with clients or partners in Latin America, or even relocate to a Spanish-speaking country for work. Moreover, many multinational companies operate globally, and being able to communicate in multiple languages can make you a more valuable asset to the team. It's not just about the job opportunities, though – it's also about the skills you develop, like problem-solving, adaptability, and creativity, which are highly prized by employers.

Do you think English will be the world’s main language in the future? While English is currently the dominant language in international communication, I don't think it will be the only main language in the future. As globalization continues, other languages like Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish are gaining prominence. In fact, many countries are placing greater emphasis on teaching their native languages, and there's a growing demand for language instruction. Additionally, with the rise of emerging markets and economic powers, languages like Portuguese, Russian, and Hindi are becoming increasingly important. So, while English will likely remain a widely spoken language, I think we'll see a more diverse linguistic landscape in the future.

When learning a foreign language, which is easier: speaking or writing? In my opinion, speaking is often easier to learn than writing when it comes to a foreign language. When you're speaking, you can pick up on context clues, like body language and tone of voice, which can help you understand and communicate more effectively. Plus, speaking is often more forgiving – if you make a mistake, you can recover quickly and move on. Writing, on the other hand, requires more precision and attention to detail. You need to worry about grammar, spelling, and syntax, which can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. That being said, writing can be a great way to practice and reinforce your language skills, and it's often a more permanent record of your progress.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

game-changer

something that has a significant impact or effect

Speaking a foreign language can be a game-changer in the job market.

open doors

to create new opportunities or possibilities

Learning a foreign language can open doors to new experiences and connections.

foster greater understanding

to promote or encourage something, in this case, understanding between people

Learning a foreign language can foster greater understanding between people from different cultures.

competitive edge

an advantage or benefit that sets someone apart from others

Speaking a foreign language can give you a competitive edge in the job market.

prized by employers

highly valued or desired by employers

Skills like problem-solving and adaptability are highly prized by employers.

dominant language

the most widely used or influential language

English is currently the dominant language in international communication.

emerging markets

countries or regions that are experiencing rapid economic growth and development

Many emerging markets are placing greater emphasis on teaching their native languages.

context clues

hints or indications that help you understand something

When speaking, you can pick up on context clues like body language and tone of voice.

pick up on

to notice or understand something

When speaking, you can pick up on context clues like body language and tone of voice.