IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1111 - Reason for learning a foreign language
- Details
- Last Updated: Sunday, 16 March 2025 11:42
- Written by IELTS Mentor
- Hits: 354743
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: [Opinion: travel and work are NOT the only reasons for learning a foreign language]
The purpose of learning a new language 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 emphasising 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.
Model Answer 2: [Opinion: the only reason for learning a foreign language is in order to travel to or work in a foreign country]
Learning foreign languages is increasingly popular worldwide, with some asserting that its sole purpose should be to facilitate international travel or overseas employment. Others, however, argue that there are a diverse range of reasons for learning a new language beyond these practical considerations. In my view, acquiring a foreign language is only essential for travel or work abroad because these contexts demand effective communication and cultural integration.
On the one hand, proponents of learning languages for various reasons highlight that it can offer numerous intellectual and cultural benefits. Learning another language is believed to enhance cognitive abilities such as memory, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Additionally, studying foreign languages can foster cultural appreciation and awareness, allowing individuals to gain insights into diverse traditions, literature, and philosophies. For instance, someone learning Japanese can delve deeply into Japan’s rich cultural heritage, gaining a greater appreciation for its literature and traditional arts.
On the other hand, others argue that the practical necessity of communication for travelling or employment in a foreign country is the most compelling reason for language acquisition. Effective interaction in a new country greatly depends on speaking its native language. For example, expatriates working in Germany quickly realise that proficiency in German significantly facilitates their daily interactions, professional growth, and social integration. Similarly, tourists with language skills have richer experiences, such as negotiating prices, navigating transportation systems, or interacting meaningfully with locals, thus enhancing their trips abroad. Without the capability to communicate effectively, essential interactions become cumbersome, reducing overall enjoyment or professional success.
In conclusion, I strongly believe that the main - and perhaps the only purpose - for learning foreign languages is to facilitate practical communication for those travelling or working internationally. This practical application directly impacts one's ability to integrate and succeed abroad, making it the primary and most significant reason for acquiring a foreign language.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay question:
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.
Essay type:
Discussion Essay
Main question of this essay:
Should learning a foreign language be limited only to travelling or working abroad, or are there other important reasons?
Reasons why learning a foreign language is ONLY necessary for travel or work abroad:
1. Practical communication:
Learning the local language greatly facilitates everyday communication in foreign countries, making travelling and professional interactions smoother. For example, knowing Spanish helps tourists and professionals navigate daily life efficiently in Spain and Latin America.
2. Career advancement:
Proficiency in another language increases employment opportunities and career prospects in multinational companies. For instance, proficiency in Mandarin is highly advantageous for those seeking business opportunities in China.
3. Cultural adaptation and integration:
Language skills enable better cultural integration and social interactions when living abroad, helping individuals build connections. For example, expatriates in France find it significantly easier to socialize and adapt by speaking French.
4. Enhances travel experience:
Understanding the language allows tourists to engage more deeply with locals and enhances the overall travel experience. For instance, travellers fluent in Italian can enjoy richer interactions when exploring Italy's cultural heritage sites.
5. Legal and administrative convenience:
Speaking the local language simplifies dealing with bureaucracy, such as visa applications or employment contracts. To illustrate, immigrants proficient in German can more easily handle administrative tasks in Germany.
Reasons why learning a foreign language has other important benefits:
1. Cognitive benefits:
Learning languages improves memory, problem-solving skills, and cognitive flexibility, offering lifelong mental health advantages. For instance, bilingual individuals have shown lower risks of dementia later in life.
2. Cultural appreciation and understanding:
Language study promotes a deeper appreciation of different cultures and fosters tolerance and global awareness. For example, studying Japanese can significantly enhance one’s understanding of Japanese traditions and social practices.
3. Educational opportunities:
Learning foreign languages opens doors to prestigious international educational programmes and scholarship opportunities. For example, fluency in English allows students worldwide to enrol in universities in the United Kingdom, USA, or Australia.
4. Enhancing personal growth and self-confidence:
Acquiring a new language boosts confidence, self-esteem, and personal development through mastering a challenging skill. For instance, successfully learning Arabic can significantly improve an individual’s self-confidence and self-worth.
5. Access to global information and entertainment:
Foreign language skills enable people to enjoy international literature, films, and media without relying on translations. To illustrate, people fluent in Korean can directly enjoy Korean dramas and cinema, appreciating nuances often lost in translation.
Sample Answer 3: [Opinion: learning a foreign language goes beyond travel, migration or job prospects]
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 reasons that have 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 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.
Report