IELTS Speaking: Bilingualism and the Bilingual Brain
Bilingualism and the bilingual brain
Answers and an explanation for each question appear once you add this activity to your own library.
Bilingualism & The Bilingual Brain
💡 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.
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
2. cognitive ageing
3. high proficiency
4. school enrolment
5. selective attention
6. eclectic mixture
3️⃣ Useful C1 Sentence Patterns
Study these 4 high-scoring sentence structures to expand your answers in Part 3.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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?
⚜️ Quebec (2021 Census)
What percentage of people in Quebec could hold a conversation in both English and French in 2021?
IELTS Speaking Part 3 Practice
Record your oral responses to these six Part 3 questions. Receive instant AI feedback across all 4 criteria.
Should every child in your country start learning a second language in the first year of school?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
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.
Is it better to learn a language at school or to live in a country where it is spoken?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
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.
Why do you think some people feel like a different person when they speak another language?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
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.
Should important public information always be printed in more than one language?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
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.
Would you want your own children to grow up speaking two languages at home?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
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.
Is it fair to ask new arrivals to learn the local language before they look for a job?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
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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