A question about learning languages sounds especially natural in the exam, because you are learning English right now. You can, and should, be honest about the difficulties: a specific example (spelling, phrasal verbs, translating in your head) is much stronger than a general "it is difficult".
What the examiner asks on this topic
How many languages can you speak?
Why are you learning English?
Is English difficult to learn?
What other language would you like to learn?
How did you learn English at school?
Do people in your country learn foreign languages?
Model answers (aimed at band 7+)
How many languages can you speak?
Three, more or less. Uzbek is my native language, I grew up hearing Russian on TV and in the street, so I'm fluent in that too, and English is the one I'm still working on.
Is English difficult to learn?
In some ways. The grammar isn't too bad, but the spelling makes no sense at all, and phrasal verbs are a nightmare. The hardest part for me is speaking spontaneously, because I tend to translate everything in my head first.
What other language would you like to learn?
Probably Korean. A lot of my friends watch Korean dramas, and I've picked up a few phrases from them, but I'd like to learn it properly. It would also be useful for work, since there are quite a few Korean companies in Uzbekistan.
Do people in your country learn foreign languages?
Yes, more and more. English is seen as essential for good jobs and for studying abroad, and in Tashkent there seems to be a language centre on every corner. Many people also learn Russian, Turkish or Korean.
Useful words and phrases
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| native language | native language |
| grow up hearing | grow up hearing |
| be fluent in | be fluent in |
| still working on | still working on |
| make no sense | make no sense |
| speak spontaneously | speak spontaneously |
| pick up a few phrases | pick up a few phrases |
| on every corner | on every corner |
How to answer
- Do not just list languages: add your level and where you learned each one.
- Name the difficulty precisely: spelling, phrasal verbs, pronunciation, the habit of translating.
- For a future language: "I'd like to... It would also be useful for...".
- Do not overstate your level: honest phrases like "still working on" make a good impression.
Practise this topic now
The AI examiner asks you these questions, listens to your answers and shows your mistakes.
Everything about Part 1: the Part 1 guide. More topics: all articles.
Practise this topic now
The AI examiner asks you these questions, listens to your answers and shows your mistakes.
