IELTS Writing Task 2
Sample Answer
Band 7+
25. Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Sample Answer 1
The question of whether it is more advantageous for students to begin learning a foreign language in elementary school as opposed to secondary school is the subject of debate. This essay will investigate both viewpoints and offer my opinion on the subject.
Proponents of early language learning argue that beginning in elementary education provides numerous benefits. Children have an increased capacity for language acquisition, and early exposure to a foreign language can result in improved pronunciation and fluency. In addition, acquiring a foreign language at a young age improves cognitive development, enhances problem-solving skills, and fosters cultural awareness and empathy.
IELTS Speaking
Part-1 Practice
However, opponents contend that introducing a foreign language too early could overwhelm children and hinder their progress in other essential subjects. Prior to learning a foreign language, they believe it is more necessary for children to establish a solid foundation in their native language and develop essential literacy and numeracy skills. They suggest that language learning in secondary school, when children's cognitive and linguistic abilities are more developed, may yield superior results.
In my opinion, both approaches have advantages. Early language instruction can provide a strong foundation and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for languages. It enables children to develop a natural and intuitive comprehension of diverse cultures and languages. Nonetheless, it is essential to establish a balance and ensure that language learning at the elementary level is age-appropriate, interactive, and enjoyable, without placing undue academic pressure on young students.
In addition, language instruction should continue throughout secondary education to build on the foundation established in elementary school. This ensures continuity and enables students to enhance their language skills as they advance academically.
Both early language acquisition and secondary school language programmes are advantageous. It is essential to consider the developmental readiness of children and to provide a balanced approach that combines early exposure to foreign languages with opportunities for ongoing language learning throughout their education.
Important Vocabulary and Phrase
Early language learning - beginning to learn a foreign language in elementary school.
Increased capacity for language acquisition - children have a better ability to learn languages at a young age.
Improved pronunciation and fluency - starting early can lead to better language skills.
Cognitive development - learning a foreign language can enhance cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills.
Cultural awareness and empathy - understanding different languages and cultures fosters empathy and appreciation for diversity.
Enhanced career opportunities - proficiency in multiple languages can open up career prospects in an increasingly globalized world.
Educational advantage - learning foreign languages at a young age can provide academic benefits in various subjects.
Fun and engaging learning experiences - interactive language lessons can make the learning process enjoyable for children.
IELTS Speaking
Part-1 Practice
25. Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Sample Answer 2
Band 7
Without a doubt, the last 50 years have seen more changes in people's perception of learning a foreign language. International languages indeed play an important role in the growth of a nation. Having a sense of acquiring a foreign language at primary school instead of secondary school is contentious, since there are compelling reasons both for and against.
Indeed, learning a second language at primary school has numerous upsides. One of them is that children become experts, which means that when children prefer to speak more than one language, they become more confident, which is unarguably beneficial to their physical and mental growth. In order to become fluent speakers, they surely learn the foreign language at primary school. The second positive is that children become broad-minded, as they speak different languages, they easily adopt uphill tasks in their lives, which makes a person more realistic.
This will help strengthen the brain muscles and activate them in such a way that the brain's capacity and probability of doing the task will increase. Studies have proven that people who speak several languages are more intelligent than those who do not follow the same methodology.
Besides this, learning a foreign language at secondary school has numerous drawbacks. The first is that children face difficulties while studying because they have to focus on different subjects as well. So, acquiring an international language might inspire them to become productive members of society. The second positive is that at secondary school, students are busy with their schoolwork and practical work. Thus, they do not pay attention to learning different languages, which is unquestionably detrimental to their overall development.
To conclude, it seems to me that learning a foreign language at an early age is essential to becoming a wealthy member of society, with the advantage of acquiring better linguistic skills.
304 Words
25. Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Sample Answer 3
Band 6.5
There is no doubting that the need for the English language to become a good academician and to stay up-to-date in a civilised society is paramount today. Nowadays, in many countries, English has become the first language for learners, as there are umpteen advantages.
Indeed, learning a foreign language at an early age has several benefits. The first one is that the minds of primary-school students are very sharp and active, resulting in them adapting to all the languages easily, unlike teenagers. The second is that the psychological level of children's thinking and learning is very high. For instance, according to a survey conducted by the 'Hindustan Times', the IQ level of children below ten is four times more creative than students above ten. Moreover, if children learn the English language from their childhood, they will rarely face any problems regarding pronunciation, listening, and writing like the elderly do.
Despite having many upsides, there are many downsides, too. Firstly, such types of learning interrupt the psychological development of primary school students, which causes mental illness. Every student has their own interest in choosing and learning subjects. If the English language becomes compulsory at primary schools, many students may take it as a burden. Secondly, such types of learning make studying boring, especially for non-academic performers. Therefore, sportsmen, musicians, or artists do not concentrate on their specific fields properly, which has adverse effects on their performances.
In conclusion, having seen strong and effective views on both sides of the argument, it seems to me that its advantages outweigh the disadvantages due to active and sharp memory at an early age.
269 Words