You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
It is very clear now that English should be the primary foreign language taught in all schools around the world. Learning a different foreign language before English is, in today’s world, a waste of time.
Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Why English Should Be the Primary Foreign Language: A Band 9 Essay Strategy
Before we dive into Band 9 sample essays, let’s set the stage for your success. If you're in a hurry, feel free to scroll down and explore the essays right away. The essay question explores whether English should be the primary foreign language taught in schools, with the argument that prioritizing another language first is a waste of time.
When tackling this essay, your strategy should focus on presenting one or two well-developed points instead of listing multiple ideas that lack depth. IELTS examiners prioritize quality over quantity, so it’s crucial to articulate your ideas clearly and back them with relevant examples. If you’re unsure which position to take, go with the one you can argue best, regardless of its real-world implications. For instance, you could explore the global utility of English in education, business, and travel or analyze the cultural benefits of diversifying language education. Remember, your examples don’t have to be real—fictional but relevant examples are just as effective. Above all, your essay must meet the Band Descriptors: address the task fully, structure your ideas logically, showcase advanced vocabulary, and use diverse grammatical structures accurately.
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Sample Essay 1
In today’s interconnected world, the argument that English should be the primary foreign language taught in schools is compelling. Its global significance in communication, business, and academia makes it indispensable. This essay strongly agrees with the statement, arguing that prioritizing English equips students with practical skills for modern life and explaining why its universal nature outweighs the benefits of other languages.
English’s role as a global lingua franca underpins its importance as the primary foreign language. It is the dominant language in international business, science, and technology, offering unparalleled opportunities for those proficient in it. For instance, multinational corporations prioritize employees who can communicate effectively in English, regardless of the country they operate in. Moreover, English is often the medium of instruction in higher education institutions worldwide, ensuring that students fluent in English can access a broader range of academic and professional opportunities. By prioritizing English, schools prepare students for real-world challenges, enabling them to compete in an increasingly globalized job market.
Another critical reason English should take precedence in education is its ability to connect people across borders. As the most widely spoken second language, English serves as a universal tool for communication in travel, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. For example, tourists often rely on English when visiting foreign countries, regardless of the native language spoken. Additionally, media and entertainment industries extensively use English, offering learners access to a vast pool of knowledge and cultural experiences. While other languages enrich cultural diversity, the practicality of English as a bridge between diverse communities cannot be overlooked.
In conclusion, the unparalleled practicality of English as a global lingua franca and its ability to connect individuals across cultures strongly justify its position as the primary foreign language in schools. Prioritizing English equips students with critical skills for academic, professional, and personal growth in today’s interconnected world.
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Sample Essay 2
The debate over whether English should be the primary foreign language taught in schools remains significant in today’s world. This essay strongly supports the idea, arguing that English is vital for fostering international collaboration and innovation, and that its linguistic structure makes it accessible and practical for learners. These aspects highlight its unique advantages over other foreign languages.
A key reason to prioritize English in schools is its central role in promoting global collaboration and driving innovation. English is the dominant language in international organizations such as the United Nations and World Health Organization, facilitating crucial dialogues on global issues like climate change and public health. Furthermore, English is the primary language of scientific research and publications, enabling researchers worldwide to share and build upon each other’s work. For example, a groundbreaking study in renewable energy conducted in Japan can be instantly accessed and understood by scientists in Germany or Brazil, accelerating the pace of innovation. This interconnectedness underscores why mastering English is essential in the modern world.
Another compelling factor is that English’s relatively simple linguistic structure makes it more accessible for learners compared to many other languages. Unlike languages with complex grammatical rules or intricate scripts, such as Russian or Mandarin, English features a straightforward alphabet and sentence structure. This simplicity allows students to achieve basic proficiency relatively quickly, which is particularly important in educational systems with limited resources. For instance, a student in a rural school in Kenya can acquire a functional command of English faster than other foreign languages, enabling them to participate in global conversations sooner.
In conclusion, English’s ability to foster global collaboration and innovation, coupled with its accessible linguistic structure, justifies its position as the primary foreign language in schools. These unique advantages equip students with tools for personal and collective growth, reinforcing English's critical importance in today’s interconnected world.
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