Cue Card

Describe the time when you first spoke in a foreign language

You should say:

• Where you were
• Who you talked to
• What you talked about
• And explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. At what age should children start learning a foreign language?
2. Which skill is more important, speaking or writing?
3. Does a person need to learn other languages if they’re good at English?
4. Do you think minority languages will disappear?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'll never forget the rush of adrenaline I felt when I first spoke in Spanish to a native speaker. I was on a solo trip to Barcelona, and after weeks of struggling to communicate in broken English, I finally mustered up the courage to approach a local café owner and order my morning coffee in Spanish. 'Un café, por favor,' I said, trying to sound confident, but my hands were shaking and my heart was racing. The owner looked at me with a mix of surprise and amusement, and replied, '¡hola! ¿Quieres azúcar?' I hesitated for a moment, but then responded with'sí, por favor.' It was a simple exchange, but it was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I felt like I had unlocked a new level of connection with the people and culture around me.

From that moment on, I made it a point to speak in Spanish as much as possible. I practiced with locals, watched Spanish TV shows, and even tried to think in Spanish. It wasn't always easy, but it was exhilarating. I started to notice the little things, like how the sound of the language changed depending on the region, or how certain words had different connotations. It was like discovering a new world, and I was hooked.

Looking back, I realize that speaking in a foreign language for the first time was a turning point for me. It opened up new possibilities and allowed me to connect with people on a deeper level. It also taught me the value of taking risks and stepping outside my comfort zone. And even though I still make mistakes and struggle to find the right words, I know that the effort is worth it. Because when we speak in a foreign language, we're not just communicating – we're bridging cultures and building connections that transcend borders.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

muster up the courage

to find the confidence or strength to do something difficult or scary

I mustered up the courage to ask for a raise.

She mustered up the courage to travel alone.

a weight had been lifted off my shoulders

a feeling of relief or freedom from a burden or worry

I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders when I finally paid off my debt.

She felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders when she quit her stressful job.

Sample Part 3 Answers

At what age should children start learning a foreign language? I think children should start learning a foreign language as early as possible, ideally from birth. The reason is that young children have an incredible ability to absorb and mimic the sounds, rhythms, and grammar of a language without even realizing it. Research has shown that babies as young as six months old can distinguish between different languages, and by the time they're two or three, they're already starting to develop their own language skills. By introducing a foreign language early on, parents can give their kids a huge head start in developing a lifelong skill that will open doors to new cultures, friendships, and opportunities. Plus, it's just so much fun to watch kids learn and explore a new language – it's like watching them discover a whole new world!

Which skill is more important, speaking or writing? For me, speaking is definitely the more important skill when it comes to learning a foreign language. Don't get me wrong, writing is crucial too, but speaking is what really allows you to connect with people and communicate effectively. When you can speak a language, you can express yourself, ask questions, and understand the nuances of a culture in a way that writing just can't match. Plus, speaking is often the key to unlocking the writing skills – once you can speak a language, writing becomes much easier. I've seen so many language learners get stuck on writing and grammar rules, but when they focus on speaking, everything else falls into place. It's like the old saying goes: 'you can't write what you can't say'.

Does a person need to learn other languages if they’re good at English? Absolutely, even if someone is good at English, learning other languages is still incredibly valuable. For one, English may be a global language, but it's not the only language, and there are so many amazing cultures and perspectives out there that can only be fully appreciated through their native languages. Plus, in today's interconnected world, knowing multiple languages can give you a huge edge in the job market, whether it's for business, travel, or international relations. But beyond the practical benefits, learning a new language is also a way to challenge yourself, broaden your horizons, and develop a new appreciation for the complexities of human communication. And let's not forget – even if English is widely spoken, there are still so many people around the world who don't speak it, and being able to communicate with them in their own language can be a game-changer.

Do you think minority languages will disappear? Unfortunately, I do think that many minority languages are at risk of disappearing, and it's a tragedy. Language is such a fundamental part of a culture's identity, and when a language disappears, a whole way of life and tradition goes with it. But it's not all doom and gloom – there are so many amazing efforts underway to preserve and promote minority languages, from language documentation projects to community-led language revitalization initiatives. And with the rise of digital technologies, it's easier than ever for people to connect with and learn about minority languages. Still, it's a constant battle against the forces of globalization and cultural homogenization, and we need to keep supporting and celebrating linguistic diversity in all its forms. Every language is a treasure, and we can't afford to lose any of them.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

absorb and mimic

to take in and copy the sounds, rhythms, and grammar of a language

young children have an incredible ability to absorb and mimic the sounds, rhythms, and grammar of a language

distinguish between

to recognize and tell the difference between two or more things

babies as young as six months old can distinguish between different languages

develop a lifelong skill

to acquire a skill that will last a lifetime

by introducing a foreign language early on, parents can give their kids a huge head start in developing a lifelong skill

open doors

to provide opportunities or possibilities

learning a foreign language can open doors to new cultures, friendships, and opportunities

get stuck

to be unable to make progress or move forward

I've seen so many language learners get stuck on writing and grammar rules

broaden your horizons

to expand one's knowledge, experience, or understanding

learning a new language is also a way to challenge yourself, broaden your horizons, and develop a new appreciation for the complexities of human communication

be a game-changer

to have a significant and positive impact

being able to communicate with them in their own language can be a game-changer

at risk of disappearing

in danger of being lost or destroyed

many minority languages are at risk of disappearing

cultural homogenization

the process of different cultures becoming more similar

it's a constant battle against the forces of globalization and cultural homogenization