IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.
IELTS Essay # 1111 - Reason for learning a foreign language
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people say that the only reason for learning a foreign language is in order to travel to or work in a foreign country. Others say that these are not the only reasons why someone should learn a foreign language.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1:
Language acquisition has long been a subject of debate, with some asserting that its sole purpose lies in facilitating travel or employment abroad, while others argue that it serves broader intellectual and cultural purposes. This essay will explore both perspectives and present my stance on the matter emphasizing that learning a foreign language brings multifaceted advantages beyond utilitarian aspects.
On the one hand, those who believe that proficiency in a foreign language should be solely for employment and travel opine that we should learn a second language to enhance our communication skills during travel or work in foreign countries. For instance, fluency in Spanish allows individuals to immerse themselves in the rich cultures of various Latin American countries, fostering meaningful connections with locals and gaining a deeper appreciation for their traditions. Moreover, being bilingual or multilingual opens up a plethora of job opportunities in international organizations, diplomacy, and tourism sectors, where language skills are highly valued.
On the other hand, others believe asserting that learning a foreign language is solely for practical purposes overlooks the intrinsic value of this endeavour. Mastering another language broadens one's horizons and nurtures a deeper understanding of diverse worldviews. For example, delving into the nuances of Japanese grammar and culture enables learners to appreciate the intricacies of traditional Japanese literature, such as haiku or tanka, and thereby fosters a profound cultural exchange. Furthermore, language acquisition bolsters cognitive functions, including memory retention and problem-solving skills. Studies have shown that bilingual individuals exhibit enhanced cognitive flexibility, as they are constantly switching between languages and adapting to different linguistic structures.
In conclusion, while learning a foreign language facilitates travel and career prospects, its scope transcends these utilitarian goals. Embracing linguistic diversity nurtures cultural appreciation, fosters cognitive development, and enriches personal experiences. Therefore, learning a foreign language is a multifaceted pursuit that opens doors to a world of opportunities, expands the horizons of understanding, and broadens our perspectives on global interconnectedness.
Sample Answer 2:
While some people believe that the sole reason we should learn a foreign language is to visit or work in a foreign country, many others opine that the benefits of learning a different language are not limited to job and travel. This essay delves into both points of view. My opinion is that learning a foreign language goes beyond travel, migration or job prospects.
On the one hand, proponents of learning a second language for travelling and working in a different country think that people need the skills of a foreign language only to be able to communicate with people who speak this language. Thus a large number of people learn foreign languages like English, French, German, Spanish, and Arabic to travel, migrate or find jobs in countries where people use these languages. From this regard, it seems quite logical that visiting a country or working there is the main, and sometimes the sole reason, people learn a second language. In my country, for example, most people learn English and Spanish while almost none learn Russian. Migration and job prospects are the reason that has established this trend, I believe.
On the contrary, those who believe in the multifaced benefits of learning a foreign language express that cognitive development occurs faster among children who learn a second language than those who do not. It is scientifically proven that children who learn more than one language in school become more skilled individuals in their adult life. Learning a second language is mandatory in many academic syllabi, and this helps learners develop their motor skills as well.
Moreover, people who have skills in more than one language are capable of reading more books, making new friends and understanding the lifestyles and cultural aspects of different nationalities. Since learning a foreign language helps us make new friends, everyone should learn at least one or two foreign languages to expand their social and professional network. Thus it is evident that learning a foreign language has many other benefits as well.
In conclusion, many people learn a foreign language to travel to or work in a developed country. But it is quite evident that there are far many advantages of learning a foreign language than just to working or migrating to a different country.
Some people say that the only reason for learning a foreign language is in order to travel to or work in a foreign country. Others say that these are not the only reasons why someone should learn a foreign language.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Sample Essay:
Opinions exist that trips to a foreign land for either travel or work is the main reason for learning a new language. Others, however, are against this viewpoint and they present many more significant reasons for gaining skills in a foreign language. In this essay, we will discuss both these perspectives whereas I firmly believe that although travel and work could be important reasons for learning a language, they cannot be the sole reasons.
When someone takes a venture to a new country, it becomes utterly essential to know the basics of the native language. It is because of the very simple reason that work, shopping, daily travel and communication becomes easier when someone knows the local language. Natives often mingle freely with people who speak their language. It also shows the effort and intention to be a part of that society or nation by the emigrant. For example, my aunt went to Canada a few years ago and she made a few Canadian friends within a couple of months, and her communication skills helped her tremendously to find a suitable job. The language skills also serve someone to ask for help when needed.
On the other hand, the study of a new language is essential to boost our cognitive development, improve our memory and enhance our multitasking ability. Learning a new language inspires creativity, encourages the students to learn, understand, and imbibe their culture and tradition in question. Learning something new is an achievement in itself which in turn boost confidence. For example, when we learn to study and speak another language, it gives us confidence, especially when we can use the language to complete a project or find a new work opportunity.
To conclude, considering the global economy’s closely-knitted nature, upskilling oneself by learning a new language opens the door to many more opportunities for self-development and enhances our connection with other cultures. So, migration or travel, though important, is not the most vital reason to learn a second language.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Learning a foreign language offers many benefits. Of course, work and travel are definitely good reasons to learn a foreign language, but those are not the only reasons to be bilingual or multilingual.
Learning a second or a third language helps the learner in so many ways. Studies have shown that bilingual or multilingual people are smarter than monolingual people. By simply learning a foreign language, we can increase our brain activity. This, in turn, will make us smarter and sharper. Studies have even shown that learning a foreign language can delay the onset of memory ailments like dementia.
Another advantage of learning a foreign language is that it allows us to learn more about the culture associated with that language. Language and culture are intrinsically linked. It is almost impossible to understand a foreign culture without learning their language first. By learning a foreign language, we also get to enjoy the literature and music in that language. Of course, translations are available but they will never beat the original. For example, the Russian language has numerous classical novels written in it. While these novels have been translated into many languages, one has to learn Russian to be able to read and enjoy the original writings.
Also, in this age of the internet, people who are fluent in a foreign language can find work as translators or interpreters within their country itself. They do not necessarily have to go abroad to use their knowledge of international languages.
To conclude, considering all the advantages it is not hard to see that travelling to a foreign country or working in a foreign country are not the only reasons to learn a foreign language. Rather, there are many other equally compelling reasons to learn a second or third language and in this age of globalization people get plenty of opportunities to use their foreign language skills within their country itself.
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