Describe the Time When You First Talked in a Foreign Language – IELTS Cue Card

You should say:

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

Where you were

I was at the airport in Delhi, waiting for my flight. It was my first time travelling alone, and I had to ask for directions to the boarding gate.

Who you were with

I wasn’t with anyone I knew, but I was surrounded by foreign travellers. I had to speak to one of the airport staff members who didn’t understand my regional language.

What you talked about

I asked him politely, in English, about the location of my gate and whether I was in the right queue. Although my sentences were simple and not perfect, I was able to make myself understood. He replied back in English, giving me clear directions, and I managed to follow them without any problem.

How you felt about it

At first, I was nervous and afraid of making mistakes. My hands were slightly trembling, and I spoke very slowly. But when I realized the person understood me, I felt a wave of confidence. It was a small achievement, but it gave me the courage to keep learning and practising English. From that moment, I understood how valuable it is to know a foreign language.

Follow-up Questions and Answers

1. At what age should children start learning a foreign language?

Children should start as early as possible, preferably during primary school. At a young age, their brains are more flexible and they can pick up pronunciation and vocabulary quickly.

2. Which skill is more important, speaking or writing?

Both are important, but I think speaking is slightly more useful in everyday situations. Speaking allows people to communicate instantly, while writing is often needed for academic and professional purposes.

3. Does a person still need to learn other languages if he or she is good at English?

Yes, because every language carries its own culture, history, and opportunities. Even though English is widely spoken, knowing another language can help in building deeper relationships, exploring job markets, and understanding local traditions.

4. Do you think minority languages will disappear?

Unfortunately, many minority languages are at risk of disappearing because younger generations prefer global languages like English or Spanish. However, with government support, educational programs, and community efforts, these languages can be preserved.