Describe a time when you first talked in a foreign language
Describe a time when you first talked in a foreign language. You should say:
- Where were you?
- Who were you with?
- What did you talk about?
- And explain how you felt about it.
💡 You have 1 minute to prepare and should speak for 1-2 minutes.
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Sample Answer
I would like to talk about the first time I spoke in a foreign language, which was English. This happened around four years ago when I was studying in high school.
Where I was? / Who I was with?
It took place in my school auditorium, during an inter-school debate competition. I was with my classmates and my debate partner, and there were teachers and students from other schools as the audience. The hall was full, which made me a bit nervous.
What I talked about?
The debate topic was “Technology in Education – Boon or Bane?” I had to present my arguments in English, and it was my very first experience of speaking continuously in front of a big crowd. I spoke about how technology helps students learn better through e-books, online classes, and digital tools. My teammate supported me with more examples, and together we completed our speech confidently.
How I felt about it?
At first, I felt very anxious because I was not sure about my pronunciation and grammar. But once I started speaking, I noticed that the audience was listening carefully and even appreciating my points. That gave me a lot of confidence. By the end, I felt really proud of myself because I had managed to speak in a foreign language without hesitation.
Conclusion
So, this was the first time I spoke in a foreign language. It turned out to be a memorable and motivating experience, and it encouraged me to improve my English skills further.
Follow-up Questions (Part 3)
At what age should children start learning a foreign language?
I think children should start learning a foreign language at a young age, maybe around 6 or 7 years old. At that stage, their mind is very sharp, and they can pick up new words, pronunciation, and grammar more easily.
Which skill is more important, speaking or writing?
In my opinion, speaking is more important because language is mainly for communication. If you can express yourself clearly while speaking, you can connect with people quickly. Writing is also useful, but in daily life, speaking helps more.
Does a person still need to learn another language if he is good in English?
Yes, I believe so. English is widely spoken, but learning another language can open up more opportunities, especially if someone wants to work or travel in a non-English-speaking country. It also helps you understand different cultures.
Do you think minority languages will disappear?
Unfortunately, yes, some minority languages may disappear because younger generations prefer global languages like English or Hindi. However, if governments and communities take steps to preserve them—like teaching them in schools or promoting them through media—they can still survive.
- • Use the 1-minute preparation time to make notes and organize your thoughts
- • Speak for the full 1-2 minutes - don't stop too early
- • Use past tense when describing experiences or events
- • Include specific details and examples to make your answer interesting
- • Practice transitions between different points in your answer
- • Stay calm if you can't think of a perfect example - any relevant story works
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