In this post, we will explore a popular topic from the recent exam cycle: describe a situation you remember when you had to use a foreign language to communicate. This specific cue card tests your ability to narrate a past event while demonstrating your command of vocabulary related to language, travel, and personal emotions, and we have provided a Band 9 model answer to help you succeed.

The Cue Card

Describe a situation you remember when you had to use a foreign language to communicate.
You should say:
• When and where it happened
• Who was involved
• What you did
And explain why it was significant or memorable.

Band 9 Sample Answer

I’d like to share a story from about three years ago when I was backpacking solo through the Kansai region of Japan. I had spent months trying to describe a foreign culture that you like in my journals, but nothing prepared me for the actual linguistic challenge of a rural train station. I was in a small town called Kameoka, and I’d managed to lose my Japan Rail Pass—which is basically a golden ticket for tourists. I was absolutely frantic because, without it, I’d be stranded and out of pocket by hundreds of dollars. I approached the station master, an elderly gentleman who looked quite stern in his pristine uniform. He didn’t speak a lick of English, and my Japanese was, frankly, rudimentary at best. I had to rely on a few survival phrases I’d picked up from a travel app and a lot of frantic gesticulating. I remember saying “Sumimasen” repeatedly and trying to mime the act of dropping a small card. I had to dig deep into my memory to find the word for “lost,” which is “nakushimashita.” When I finally uttered it, his face totally transformed from confusion to understanding. He gestured for me to wait, disappeared into a back office, and emerged a few minutes later clutching my pass with a triumphant grin. It was such a massive weight off my shoulders. This experience was incredibly significant because it was the first time I’d ever had to use a foreign language in a high-stakes, real-world situation. It taught me that communication isn’t just about perfect grammar; it’s about the human connection and the willingness to try. Even though I was struggling, the fact that I made an effort in his native tongue seemed to build a bridge between us, making the whole ordeal a highlight of my trip rather than a disaster.

Band 7 Sample Answer

I remember a time when I went to Spain on holiday with my family two years ago. We were in a small restaurant in Seville, and the menu was only in Spanish. My parents don’t speak any foreign languages, so I had to be the translator. I had studied Spanish in high school for a few years, but I was very nervous. I had to talk to the waiter to order our food and ask about some ingredients because my brother has an allergy. I used my basic vocabulary to explain that we wanted some traditional tapas but without any nuts. The waiter was very patient and spoke slowly so I could understand him. In the end, we had a great meal, and everything was correct. This was a memorable situation for me because it was the first time I realized that learning a language at school is actually useful in real life. It gave me a lot of confidence to keep practicing. I think it’s much better than just using a translation app on your phone because you can see the person’s reaction. It made our dinner much more special and I felt proud of myself for helping my family.

How the Band 9 Answer Scores Top Marks

Fluency and Coherence

The speaker maintains a natural flow throughout the entire two minutes without any noticeable effort to find words. The use of cohesive devices like “frankly,” “actually,” “incredibly significant,” and “even though” helps to link ideas logically. The narrative structure follows a clear path from the setting of the scene to the climax (losing the pass) and the resolution, which is a hallmark of high-level fluency. You can find more about structuring your answers in our general overview of the IELTS Speaking test.

Lexical Resource

The vocabulary used is both precise and sophisticated. Phrases like “backpacking solo,” “rudimentary at best,” “frantic gesticulating,” and “high-stakes situation” demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary. The speaker also uses idiomatic language naturally, such as “didn’t speak a lick of English” and “massive weight off my shoulders.” This variety shows the examiner that the candidate can express subtle nuances of meaning.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

The answer showcases a variety of complex structures. For example, the use of the past perfect continuous (“I had spent months trying to…”) and the third conditional implication (“without it, I’d be stranded”) adds depth. The speaker also uses relative clauses (“an elderly gentleman who looked quite stern”) and subordinate clauses to provide extra detail. Accuracy is high, with very few, if any, systematic errors.

Pronunciation

While we cannot hear the text, the choice of words suggests a speaker who understands word stress and intonation. Words like “transformed,” “rudimentary,” and “triumphant” require correct syllable stress to be understood. A Band 9 candidate would use intonation to convey the panic of losing the pass and the relief of finding it, making the story engaging for the examiner. For more help with this, check out our IELTS Speaking tips.

Vocabulary and Idioms to Use

Grammar Structures That Boost Your Band Score

• Past Perfect for Background: “I had already studied the basics before I arrived in the country.”
• Conditionals (Type 2/3): “If I hadn’t learned those few words, I would have been completely lost.”
• Cleft Sentences for Emphasis: “What I found most difficult was understanding the local slang.”
• Relative Clauses: “The woman who helped me was incredibly patient.”
• Modals of Deduction: “She must have realized I was struggling because she started using hand signals.”
• Passive Voice: “I was relieved when the problem was finally resolved.”
• Gerunds as Subjects: “Communicating in a foreign language can be quite daunting at first.”
• Used to / Would for Past Habits: “I would often go to the local market just to practice my speaking skills.”

Part 3 Follow-up Questions

Is it important to learn a foreign language before traveling to another country?

Absolutely, I believe it’s paramount. While you don’t need to be fluent, having a grasp of basic etiquette and survival phrases shows a great deal of respect for the local culture. It’s not just about the utility of getting directions or ordering food; it’s about breaking down barriers. When you make an effort, locals are generally much more welcoming and helpful. Furthermore, it enriches the travel experience, allowing you to describe a foreign country through its own linguistic lens rather than just seeing it as a tourist. It transforms a simple trip into a deep cultural immersion.

Do you think technology will eventually replace the need to learn languages?

That’s a fascinating question. On one hand, real-time translation devices and AI are becoming incredibly sophisticated, which is great for basic transactions or emergencies. However, I don’t think technology can ever truly replace the soul of a language. Language is deeply intertwined with culture, humor, and emotion. A machine might translate the words, but it often misses the nuance and the shared human connection that comes from speaking directly to someone. Learning a language changes how you think and perceive the world, and no app can replicate that cognitive and emotional growth. So, while technology is a great tool, the intrinsic value of learning a language remains.

What are the main difficulties people face when learning a second language?

In my opinion, the biggest hurdle is often the fear of making mistakes. Many learners are so focused on perfect grammar that they become paralyzed and avoid speaking altogether. Beyond that, phonetics can be a real challenge; some sounds simply don’t exist in one’s native tongue, making pronunciation a steep learning curve. Then there’s the issue of idiomatic expressions. You can know all the words in a sentence but still have no idea what it means because of a cultural idiom. It requires a lot of persistence and exposure to overcome these obstacles, which is why many people give up before they reach proficiency.

How does language affect the way people think?

There is a theory called linguistic relativity which suggests that the structure of a language influences its speakers’ worldview. For instance, some languages have multiple words for things that other languages only have one word for, like “snow” or “blue.” This forces the speaker to pay more attention to specific details. Additionally, the way a language handles time or gender can subtly shape a person’s priorities or perceptions. When you learn a new language, you aren’t just learning new labels for the same things; you’re often learning a whole new way to categorize your experiences, which is incredibly eye-opening.

Should all children be required to learn a foreign language at school?

I am a firm believer that foreign language education should be a core part of the curriculum from a very young age. Children have a unique neuroplasticity that allows them to pick up accents and grammar much more naturally than adults. Beyond the linguistic benefits, it fosters global citizenship and empathy. It teaches kids that their way of speaking and living isn’t the only way. In our increasingly globalized world, being bilingual or multilingual is a massive professional advantage, but more importantly, it creates more open-minded and tolerant individuals who are better equipped to navigate a diverse world.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-reliance on “I don’t know”: Even if you haven’t had this exact experience, invent one. The examiner is testing your English, not your honesty.
• Ignoring the “Why”: Many candidates spend too much time on the “where” and “when” and forget to explain why the situation was memorable. This is where the Band 9 descriptive language lives.
• Speaking too fast: When nervous, students tend to rush. This ruins your intonation and makes it harder for the examiner to follow your story.
• Using repetitive vocabulary: Avoid saying “it was good” or “I was happy” repeatedly. Use synonyms like “rewarding,” “gratifying,” or “overjoyed.”
• Forgetting to use past tenses: Since this is a memory, you must consistently use past tenses. Mixing up past and present is a common Band 6 mistake.
• Focusing only on the language: Remember to describe the situation and the people involved to make the story more vivid and engaging.

Practice Tips for This Cue Card

• Record and Review: Record yourself speaking for two minutes on this topic. Listen back and identify where you hesitated or used “um” and “ah.”
• Focus on Transitions: Practice using phrases like “Looking back,” “To cut a long story short,” or “The most interesting part was…” to move between bullet points.
• Brainstorm Scenarios: Even if you haven’t traveled, think of a time you helped a tourist, used an app, or watched a movie without subtitles.
• Expand your Adjectives: Make a list of 10 adjectives to describe feelings (anxious, relieved, puzzled) and 10 to describe the experience (daunting, eye-opening, chaotic).
• Practice Part 3 Questions: Use the sample answers above as a guide to develop your own opinions on broader linguistic topics. You can find more topics in our Speaking Topics Jan–Apr 2026 list.

Mastering the ability to describe a situation you remember when you had to use a foreign language to communicate is a fantastic way to showcase your linguistic range. If you want to dive deeper into these techniques and get personalized feedback, consider enrolling in our IELTS English Speaking Course to reach your target band score.