IELTS VocabMaster

Describe a person who is good at learning and speaking new languages.

Describe a person who is good at learning and speaking new languages. You should say: - who this person is - how you know this person - what languages this person speaks - and explain why this person is good at learning languages

Part 2 model answer

The person who comes to mind is my cousin, Farhana. She's about two years older than me, and we grew up together, since our families live in the same building. Among all my relatives, she's definitely the language expert.

Apart from Bangla, which is her mother tongue, she speaks fluent English, and she can also communicate quite comfortably in Hindi, Korean, and Arabic. What's surprising is that she never went abroad or attended any expensive language institute. She learned most of these languages on her own.

Her English is excellent mainly because she has been reading English novels and watching English films since she was a child. She learned Hindi naturally by watching Indian films and TV shows. Korean was a bit of an accident. A few years ago, she became a huge fan of Korean dramas, and instead of just reading subtitles, she started noting down common phrases. Later, she took a free online course and practised by chatting with Korean language partners on an app. As for Arabic, she learned it gradually through religious studies and later took evening classes.

I think she's good at learning languages for a few reasons. First, she's genuinely curious and enjoys discovering new cultures, so learning never feels like a burden for her. Second, she's not afraid of making mistakes. She just keeps speaking, even when she's not sure if it's correct. And third, she's very consistent, practising a little every single day. Honestly, she inspires me a lot, especially now that I'm preparing for IELTS. Whenever I feel stuck, I ask her for tips, and she always encourages me to keep going.

Part 3 discussion

Why do people learn foreign languages?

People learn foreign languages for many reasons, such as studying abroad, getting better jobs, or travelling. Some learn because they're interested in another culture, like Korean or Japanese pop culture. For many people in Bangladesh, learning English is essential for higher education and career growth. Knowing another language also helps people connect with others from around the world.

Is it easier for children to learn languages than adults?

Generally, yes. Children can pick up pronunciation and grammar more naturally, almost like learning their mother tongue. They're also less shy about making mistakes. Adults, however, have better learning strategies and can understand grammar rules more logically. So adults can still learn languages successfully, but it usually requires more conscious effort.

What is the best way to learn a new language?

I think the best way is to combine study with real-life practice. Learning grammar and vocabulary is important, but speaking with native speakers or language partners is what really builds confidence. Watching films, listening to music, and reading in that language also help a lot. Most importantly, consistent daily practice makes the biggest difference.

Will translation apps make learning languages unnecessary?

I don't think so. Translation apps are very useful for quick communication, like asking for directions while travelling. But they can't fully capture emotions, humour, or cultural meaning. Also, relying on an app during a serious conversation or job interview isn't practical. So learning a language will always be valuable, especially for deeper communication.

Why is English so widely learned around the world?

English has become the global language of business, science, technology, and the internet. Most international organisations and universities use it as their main language. Many popular films, songs, and online content are also in English. As a result, learning English opens up countless opportunities for education, work, and travel.