IELTS Speaking Part 1 – Language

1. What languages can you speak?

I’m a native speaker of both Cantonese and Mandarin. I use Cantonese when communicating with my family, but at school, we’re required to converse in Mandarin. I started learning English at a young age and now, I’m pursuing a major in Russian language. I’ve achieved a considerable level of proficiency in Russian as well.

2. What languages would you like to learn in the future?

Given my major in Russian, I have intentions to broaden my linguistic horizons by delving into Ukrainian and Bulgarian. This choice is facilitated by the fact that around 80% of their languages share roots with Russian, making the transition relatively seamless compared to starting from scratch.

3. How do you learn a foreign language?

Initially, my approach involves immersing myself in the language. When I began learning Russian, I surrounded myself with Russian books and videos to familiarize myself with the sounds and patterns. Following that, I delve into acquiring basic vocabulary and gradually move on to exploring their literature. This process helps me acclimate to the language more effectively.

4. How are languages taught and learned in your school?

Drawing from my own personal experience, I’ve found some dissatisfaction with certain language learning methods. Many of these methods follow a traditional classroom approach that primarily emphasizes syntax and vocabulary. However, they often lack ample opportunities for practical application, such as engaging in daily conversations to enhance speaking and real-world language use.