C1IELTS-style · Band 7.0–8.0Speaking30 min

IELTS Speaking: Bilingualism and the Bilingual Brain

Bilingualism and the bilingual brain

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IELTS Speaking Part 3 • C1 Level

Bilingualism & The Bilingual Brain

Target: 7.0-7.5

💡 How to Use This Lesson

For Teachers:

Guide learners through Module 1 in 10 minutes to review key vocabulary, collocations, and high-scoring sentence patterns.

Use Module 2 for 20 minutes of interactive speaking practice and check AI automated feedback across all four criteria.

For Learners:

Complete the vocabulary fill-ins, collocation matching, and grammar pattern examples in Module 1 first.

Next, record your answers to the six IELTS Part 3 questions in Module 2, then expand each model answer to review key phrases.

Module 1

Vocabulary & Sentence Build-up

Strengthen your vocabulary, master collocations, and practice high-level sentence structures before speaking.

1️⃣ Vocabulary Review

Complete the sentences using the target vocabulary word that best fits the context.

1. High levels of language ____ enable speakers to switch between tongues effortlessly.

Hint: Degree of skill or competence.

2. People living in a strictly ____ society often find it challenging to learn a second language later in life.

Hint: Speaking or using only one language.

3. Achieving complete ____ of a foreign language requires years of consistent practice and immersion.

Hint: Full command or complete skill.

4. Bilingual individuals often develop stronger selective ____, allowing them to ignore irrelevant distractions.

Hint: The mental process of concentrating on specific information.

5. Growing up in a household with ____ language input helps infants distinguish distinct phonetic patterns early on.

Hint: Meaning double or consisting of two parts.

2️⃣ Collocation Matching

Match each common unit collocation to its correct definition.

1. dual language

____ a. official registration for educational courses ____ b. two linguistic systems used together ____ c. a diverse combination of different elements

2. cognitive ageing

____ a. the gradual decline in brain function over time ____ b. the ability to focus on one thing while ignoring distractions ____ c. a superior level of skill in a target tongue

3. high proficiency

____ a. two linguistic systems used together ____ b. official registration for educational courses ____ c. a superior level of skill in a target tongue

4. school enrolment

____ a. a diverse combination of different elements ____ b. official registration for educational courses ____ c. the gradual decline in brain function over time

5. selective attention

____ a. the ability to focus on one thing while ignoring distractions ____ b. a superior level of skill in a target tongue ____ c. two linguistic systems used together

6. eclectic mixture

____ a. official registration for educational courses ____ b. the gradual decline in brain function over time ____ c. a diverse combination of different elements

3️⃣ Useful C1 Sentence Patterns

Study these 4 high-scoring sentence structures to expand your answers in Part 3.

Pattern 1

"I know a few people, most of whom..."

"I know a few people, most of whom grew up speaking two languages at home."

Why this works: Links what you know personally to a wider trend.

Pattern 2

"There are two ways to look at it, both of which..."

"There are two ways to look at it, both of which sound fair to me."

Why this works: Shows that you can weigh both sides.

Pattern 3

"While some people believe ..., others argue that ..."

"While some people believe early language learning is essential, others argue that adult learners are more disciplined."

Why this works: Shows two different opinions in one sentence.

Pattern 4

"What strikes me most about ... is that ..."

"What strikes me most about bilingualism is that it changes how we perceive different cultures."

Why this works: Puts the focus on your main point.

4️⃣ Fun Facts: Test Your Knowledge

Guess the correct census data regarding bilingualism before seeing the answer.

🇨🇦 Canada (2021 Census)

What percentage of people in Canada could hold a conversation in both English and French in 2021?

____ 8.0% ____ 18.0% ____ 48.0%
Show the answer
📊 Fact Check: In 2021, 18.0% of people in Canada could hold a conversation in both English and French (Statistics Canada, 2021 Census).

⚜️ Quebec (2021 Census)

What percentage of people in Quebec could hold a conversation in both English and French in 2021?

____ 26.4% ____ 46.4% ____ 66.4%
Show the answer
📊 Fact Check: In 2021, 46.4% of people in Quebec could hold a conversation in both English and French (Statistics Canada, 2021 Census).
Module 2

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Practice

Record your oral responses to these six Part 3 questions. Receive instant AI feedback across all 4 criteria.

1

Should every child in your country start learning a second language in the first year of school?

[Bài tập luyện nói]

🗣️ Show Model Answer (Spoken Style) Click to expand
Well, honestly, I'd say it's a brilliant idea to start early. Young kids pick up languages naturally through simple games and songs, so it doesn't feel like hard work at all. For instance, my nephew started learning English in kindergarten, and now he switches between languages without any trouble. Having said that, schools definitely need proper funding and enthusiastic teachers to make it work. If they just force little children to memorize endless grammar tables, it might backfire completely. So yeah, early exposure really gives kids a massive head start in life.

Why this works (key spoken phrases):

  • pick up languages naturally: learn without formal study.
  • make it work: make something succeed.
  • backfire completely: have the opposite result.
  • a massive head start: a big early advantage.
2

Is it better to learn a language at school or to live in a country where it is spoken?

[Bài tập luyện nói]

🗣️ Show Model Answer (Spoken Style) Click to expand
There are two ways to look at it, both of which have clear merits. Learning at school gives you a solid foundation in grammar and vocabulary, which helps avoid bad habits. However, moving abroad can be a much faster way to improve. When I stayed with a host family for a few weeks, I was forced out of my comfort zone every single day just to order food or ask for directions. You learn real conversational phrases that textbooks never teach you. So, while classroom study is helpful, living in the country helps your skills improve much faster.

Why this works (key spoken phrases):

  • both of which have clear merits: says that two sides are both good.
  • a solid foundation: a strong basic understanding.
  • out of my comfort zone: doing things that feel difficult or new.
3

Why do you think some people feel like a different person when they speak another language?

[Bài tập luyện nói]

🗣️ Show Model Answer (Spoken Style) Click to expand
I think a lot of it comes down to the culture tied to each language. Every language has its own rhythm, body language, and humor. For example, when I speak English with my foreign colleagues, I tend to be much more outspoken and informal than when I speak my native language. You kind of adopt a new persona because you're using different expressions and gestures. Also, since you're constantly translating your thoughts, your mind operates differently. So yeah, it's not surprising that people feel like a totally different person depending on the tongue they use.

Why this works (key spoken phrases):

  • comes down to: is mainly caused by.
  • much more outspoken: more direct and willing to say what you think.
  • adopt a new persona: take on a different character.
  • a totally different person: an entirely different personality.
4

Should important public information always be printed in more than one language?

[Bài tập luyện nói]

🗣️ Show Model Answer (Spoken Style) Click to expand
Personally, I'd lean towards yes, especially for critical safety signs and medical guidance. In emergency situations, people need to understand instructions instantly without any confusion. I remember visiting a hospital abroad where all the safety signs were translated into several languages, and it made everyone feel calm and safe, which mattered a lot. Of course, translating every single council flyer might be extremely expensive, so governments have to strike a sensible balance. But for essential health and safety notices, printing in more than one language is really essential in any diverse society.

Why this works (key spoken phrases):

  • without any confusion: with total clarity.
  • feel calm and safe: feel relaxed and protected.
  • strike a sensible balance: find a fair middle ground.
  • is really essential: is a basic requirement.
5

Would you want your own children to grow up speaking two languages at home?

[Bài tập luyện nói]

🗣️ Show Model Answer (Spoken Style) Click to expand
Oh, absolutely, no doubt about it! I'd love for my future kids to be raised bilingually. My friend grew up with a mother and a father who spoke different languages, and she spoke both fluently from early childhood. It gave her a real advantage later in life, both socially and professionally. I know it takes a lot of dedication from parents to keep two languages going at home without mixing them up, but I think it's worth the effort. It really opens up whole new worlds for a child, and that matters to me.

Why this works (key spoken phrases):

  • be raised bilingually: be brought up speaking two languages.
  • a real advantage: a clear benefit over others.
  • a lot of dedication: a lot of steady effort and time.
  • opens up whole new worlds: gives many new opportunities.
6

Is it fair to ask new arrivals to learn the local language before they look for a job?

[Bài tập luyện nói]

🗣️ Show Model Answer (Spoken Style) Click to expand
Well, I know a few people, most of whom struggled with this exact issue when moving abroad. On one hand, basic language skills are crucial for workplace safety and smooth communication. If a worker can't understand basic safety warnings, that could put people at risk. But on the other hand, requiring total fluency before allowing someone to work feels a bit unfair. Many migrants need an income right away to support their families. I think the best approach is to let people work while offering on-the-job training to help them get up to speed quickly.

Why this works (key spoken phrases):

  • smooth communication: easy interaction with others.
  • put people at risk: cause possible danger.
  • a bit unfair: somewhat unjust.
  • on-the-job training: teaching while people work.
  • get up to speed: reach the level you need.

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