IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 217 - Children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school
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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 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?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant example from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [Advantages outweigh disadvantages]
The ideal age for children to start learning a foreign language is a topic of intense debate, with some advocating for primary school as the optimal time. This essay will examine both the benefits and disadvantages of introducing foreign language learning at the primary school level rather than the secondary level. Personally, I believe that the benefits of this approach outweigh any potential drawbacks.
One significant disadvantage of starting foreign language learning at primary school instead of secondary school is the potential added burden on young learners. Some argue that children might already have a heavy academic workload in their early years of schooling, and adding foreign language learning could lead to stress and exhaustion. For instance, young students may struggle to manage their time effectively, leading to burnout and negatively impacting their overall learning experience.
On the other hand, introducing foreign language learning at the primary school rather than the high school level has numerous advantages. Younger minds are generally more receptive to language acquisition, and early exposure can foster natural language development and better cognitive development. Research has shown that children who start learning a foreign language early tend to develop better pronunciation and fluency while also showing superior learning capabilities. For example, a study conducted by Harvard University found that children who began learning a foreign language in primary school exhibited greater language proficiency compared to those who started in secondary school and their grades in other subjects were significantly better than their counterparts.
In my opinion, the benefits of starting foreign language learning at primary school instead of high school significantly outweigh the potential drawbacks. Young learners possess remarkable cognitive flexibility and adaptability, making language acquisition a smoother process.
In conclusion, while there might be concerns about the added workload for young students, the advantages of introducing foreign language learning at the primary school level are substantial. I firmly believe that starting foreign language learning at primary school rather than secondary school is a beneficial approach to enhancing children's linguistic abilities and promoting overall development.
Model Answer 2: [Advantages outweigh disadvantages]
Many experts claim that it is more advantageous for children to start learning a second language at primary school rather than secondary school. I believe that the advantages of learning a foreign language during the elementary school years outweigh the drawbacks because although this might cause some cognitive overload, this early exposure to a new language also has significant advantages and promotes cultural awareness.
The main disadvantage of learning a foreign language at the primary school level is that youngsters may reach a point of cognitive overload. They just start developing mastery of their native language, so introducing a new language at this early stage could potentially overwhelm their cognitive ability and impede progress in both languages. Let me illustrate this point with an example. A seven-year-old child who has just started developing proficiency in his first language may struggle to learn the vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar of a second language simultaneously. The dual cognitive demand would overwhelm the child’s present language acquisition ability, thus hampering progress in both his native and the new language.
However, youngsters reap many benefits from this approach. That is to say that they can form neural connections at a fast pace, which makes learning a second language easier for them. As the brain develops, it becomes relatively specialized and reinforces the neural connections that are regularly used. For this reason, a child who learns a foreign language at a very early age can acquire native-like fluency. In one study of 10,000 children, for example, researchers found that those who started learning Spanish as a second language at elementary school were more fluent than those who began at secondary school. In addition to this, early exposure to a foreign language develops cultural awareness, fostering camaraderie and appreciation.
To conclude, although early exposure to a foreign language could overwhelm some younger learners’ cognitive ability, I believe that it is more advantageous to the children as they can learn the language at a rapid pace and build cultural awareness.
Model Answer 3: [Disadvantages outweigh advantages]
The timing of introducing foreign language learning to children is a subject of ongoing debate, with some advocating for its initiation during primary school rather than secondary level. This essay will critically examine both the advantages and disadvantages of starting foreign language learning at the primary school level and argue that the potential drawbacks outweigh the benefits.
A significant advantage of early foreign language learning is the promotion of cultural awareness and global understanding among young learners. Learning a new language exposes children to different cultures, customs, and traditions, fostering a sense of curiosity and open-mindedness. For instance, research has shown that students who study foreign languages from an early age tend to develop a greater appreciation for cultural diversity and are more receptive to collaborating with individuals from different backgrounds.
On the contrary, one major disadvantage of introducing foreign language learning at the primary school level is the risk of putting heavy pressure on young learners. At such a tender age, children may already be grappling with foundational subjects and social adjustments, and the addition of a foreign language curriculum could impose excessive pressure on them. The early introduction of a new language might hinder their progress in core subjects and lead to burnout. Another significant disadvantage is the potential for shallow language learning outcomes. Young learners might not possess the cognitive maturity required to grasp complex grammar rules and nuances of foreign languages fully. As a result, they might only acquire superficial knowledge, leading to difficulties in achieving fluency and practical usage of the language. For instance, research has indicated that children who start learning a foreign language at a later stage tend to exhibit more sophisticated language proficiency, indicating that early exposure may not necessarily lead to better outcomes.
Considering the risks of overwhelming young learners and the potential for shallow language learning, it is evident that introducing foreign language instruction at the primary school level has more disadvantages than advantages.
In conclusion, while some argue in favour of starting foreign language learning during primary school, the potential drawbacks of overwhelming young learners and the risk of shallow language acquisition suggest that this approach may not be the most effective. Therefore, we should wait for a few more years before we introduce a second language to our children in primary schools.
Sample Answer 4: [Advantages outweigh demerits]
In this interconnected world where communication plays a pivotal role in success, the proper age for learning a foreign language has become a controversial issue with some linguists advocating for teaching children a second language in primary schools rather than in secondary schools. This essay will delve into both the benefits and demerits of teaching children a foreign language in primary school and opine that it has more advantages than hindrances.
A big demerit of teaching learners a foreign language in elementary schools is that it affects their learning of their mother tongue. When they have to learn two or more languages, one their native tongue and one or more dominant global languages, they often end up prioritising foreign language learning over their first language. This is evident among the many English medium students in many developing countries who have excellent skills in English and French but not so much of the language spoken in their country.
On the contrary, one major advantage of teaching a foreign language to primary schoolgoers is that they learn the language naturally, and become more adept at using it than those who learn it later. This is because cognitive development at this stage happens faster and young children can learn the language with ease. A survey among two thousand university students conducted by the University of Metropolis has shown that learners who were exposed to a foreign language at elementary school have more mastery of it than those who were not. Moreover, those who learn a second language at a very early age, start developing an appreciation for other cultures and traditions. This helps them become more tolerant individuals and ready to embrace changes.
All in all, it is evident that the advantages of learning a foreign language overshadow the potential drawbacks this approach may have. Therefore, it is expected that elementary pupils would be exposed to a second language to reap the maximum benefits.
[ Written by - Reza ]
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay question:
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?
Essay type:
Advantages & Disadvantages Essay.
The main question of this essay:
Do the advantages of introducing a foreign language at primary school level outweigh its disadvantages?
Advantages of learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school:
1. Improved language proficiency:
Young children have a greater ability to absorb languages due to their developing brains, making it easier to achieve fluency. For example, children who start learning French or Spanish at a young age often become proficient speakers by adolescence.
2. Enhanced cognitive skills:
Learning a second language at a young age can significantly improve cognitive skills such as problem-solving, memory retention, and critical thinking. For example, bilingual children often perform better academically in various subjects due to enhanced brain development.
3. Increased cultural awareness:
Early exposure to foreign languages introduces children to diverse cultures and promotes tolerance, empathy, and global understanding from an early age. As an example, children learning Spanish in primary schools become familiar with Hispanic culture, fostering openness and appreciation of cultural diversity.
4. Better pronunciation and accent:
Younger learners have a superior ability to mimic sounds and pronunciation accurately compared to older students. For instance, primary-aged children can quickly adopt native-like accents due to their greater linguistic flexibility.
5. Enhanced career opportunities:
Early language acquisition equips children with valuable skills that can boost future job prospects in a globalised economy. For example, multilingual employees often have advantages in international careers and job markets.
6. Builds confidence and communication skills:
Learning foreign languages at an early age encourages confidence in communication and self-expression. For example, children who speak more than one language often display greater self-assurance in social interactions.
Disadvantages of learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school:
1. Increased academic pressure:
Adding an extra subject may overload young students who already face a challenging curriculum. For instance, children may become overwhelmed if foreign language lessons are added to a schedule already packed with core subjects.
2. Limited resources and trained teachers:
Not all primary schools have qualified language teachers or adequate resources, reducing the effectiveness of language learning. For example, schools in rural areas might struggle to find experienced foreign language teachers, leading to inconsistent language instruction.
3. Risk of confusion and academic burden:
Introducing a new language at an early age could confuse some children, particularly those struggling academically in their first language. For instance, students already facing challenges in basic literacy may find learning an additional language overwhelming.
4. Potential reduction in time for core subjects:
Devoting class time to language lessons may result in less time available for critical subjects such as mathematics, science, and reading. For example, dedicating hours to foreign language classes could negatively impact children's overall academic performance in fundamental subjects.
4. Limited long-term retention without practice:
Younger children might not effectively retain language skills without regular use or continuous practice. For instance, languages learned at a young age can easily be forgotten if not consistently reinforced through daily practice or further education.
5. Potential lack of motivation and interest:
Young learners might not fully appreciate or value learning another language, causing resistance and lack of motivation. For example, some children may become disengaged if they see language lessons as irrelevant or too challenging.
Sample Answer 5: [Drawbacks are more significant than its minor advantages]
Many language specialists suggest that teaching a foreign language at elementary school is more effective and beneficial for learners than introducing it at secondary school. In this essay, the drawbacks and benefits of this method will be analysed first and then expressed that it has more significant drawbacks than benefits.
A major advantage of introducing foreign language classes to primary school students is that it helps them become bilingual at an early age. Being bilingual at such a tender age improves their cognitive flexibility, problem-solving capacity, and academic performance. They tend to outperform monolingual learners in academic and extracurricular activities. To cite an example, most bilingual primary school students, according to statistics published by the Language Learners Research Institute in Spain, showcased better cognitive abilities and academic performance compared to their monolingual peers.
A significant drawback of teaching young elementary school learners a foreign language is that it puts extra burdens on young learners who are already dazzled with other academic subjects like mathematics, science, arts, literature and so on. This extra pressure may be a leading cause for them to develop apathy towards schools and learning as a whole. For instance, my seven years old sister liked school so much that she never wanted to miss it. Lately, she was coming up with every single excuse her young mind could fathom to avoid school. After some successful counselling sessions, it was revealed that she lost her interest to go to school because of academic pressure coupled with two language learning classes. This event has opened my eyes to how putting pressure on teaching extra languages can be negative for children when they are already overwhelmed with their academic work.
To conclude, learning foreign languages and being bilingual is important for learners. But when they are imposed on primary schoolgoers, they can apparently be more negative than useful.
[ by - Alima Imanbayeva ]
Sample Answer 6: [It has more noteworthy advantages than disadvantages]
Many specialists believe that students in primary schools should start learning a foreign language as it offers more advantages than learning it at the secondary school level. This essay will discuss both the advantages and demerits of this policy and argue that it offers more noteworthy advantages including children's cognitive development and better academic performance.
A major drawback of early foreign language learning is the risk of linguistic confusion and mixing, particularly if the curriculum includes multiple foreign languages. Young children may struggle to distinguish between the different languages they are exposed to, leading to confusion and incorrect language usage. This phenomenon, known as language interference, can hinder language development and result in less proficiency in any of the languages learned. For example, a study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that children who were exposed to multiple foreign languages in primary school showed more instances of language mixing and confusion, affecting their language skills in the long run.
On the contrary, one significant benefit of learning a foreign language in elementary school is that it develops young learners' motor skills and cognitive power. This, in turn, helps them become more skilled in academic studies and extracurricular activities. Several studies by Neuro Science USA have proved that learning a second or a third language activates various new parts of the brain making children smarter and more intelligent. As a result, it increases the grasping and learning power of a child which give them a competitive advantage over their monolingual peers. For example, in a study conducted by researchers at a primary school in Germany, a group of students was introduced to Spanish language lessons starting from the first grade, while another group began learning Spanish in the seventh grade. After a year of language instruction, the students who started learning Spanish in the first grade showed significant improvements in their cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving, memory retention, and critical thinking skills.
Looking at both advantages and disadvantages, we can conclude that the advantages of learning a foreign language at an early age far outweigh the disadvantages. Therefore, this practice must be followed by education authorities.
[ by - Kapil Batra ]
Sample Answer 7: [Benefits of it are far more substantial than drawbacks]
Some specialists in language studies think that if young children start learning a second language at primary schools, they will reap more benefits than those who attempt it in their secondary schools. This essay will analyse both its advantages and drawbacks of it, and assert that the advantages of this method are far more substantial than the disadvantages.
The primary disadvantage of teaching primary school children a foreign language is that it could perhaps be a distraction for young minds. Those children need to learn the number system, reading and writing, and not memorise strange grammatical and punctuation rules of a language they perhaps will never use in their life. This could be a huge waste of time and a distraction for learners from acquiring more important skills. For instance, more than 60% of learners of a foreign language in primary schools never master the language and hardly use it in their adult life. Thus the time spent teaching young children could be better utilised on more useful and practical subjects.
One tremendous advantage of early foreign language learning is the promotion of cultural awareness and global understanding among young learners. Learning a new language exposes children to different cultures, customs, and traditions, fostering a sense of curiosity and open-mindedness. By understanding and appreciating diverse perspectives, children are more likely to become global citizens who can engage effectively in an increasingly interconnected world. For instance, research has shown that students who study foreign languages from an early age tend to develop a greater appreciation for cultural diversity and are more receptive to collaborating with individuals from different backgrounds. Thus, by offering improved cognitive development and promoting cultural awareness, early foreign language learning at the primary school level can enrich the educational experience and provide valuable skills for young learners as they navigate an increasingly globalized world.
In conclusion, it is evident the benefits of teaching elementary children a foreign language far outweigh the drawbacks. Therefore, parents and teachers should take the initiative so that young learners get exposed to a foreign language as soon as they start primary school.
[ by - Omnia Touski ]
The adaptability and quick learning abilities of juveniles in primary schools are a big advantage of this practice. That is to say, children have a higher capability of learning new languages as compared to elders. Therefore, if they are introduced to an important second language like English in this state, they tend to master the language faster. For example, according to recent research conducted by UNICEF, the learning pace of children is 40% faster at an early age than when they are teenagers. Hence, it is certainly a welcoming effort to teach them a second language at an early age.
Putting extra pressure on young children to learn a new language could be considered a major disadvantage of this practice. Children in primary schools are already occupied with their academic syllabus. Therefore, teaching them a new language will inevitably put an additional burden on their studies. For instance, it can be clearly seen that children who bear the extra pressure of studying eventually get affected by health issues. Thus, we should not neglect the element of health hazards in any learning process.
To summarise, by analysing both advantages and demerits, it is clear that learning English at an early age is undeniably more favourable in terms of the adaptable and flexible nature of children. Therefore, the advantages of learning a second language in kindergarten outweigh its disadvantages.
Certain drawbacks cannot be overlooked if a child starts learning a foreign language at a very early stage. Firstly, they cannot understand the real implication of the language as they are not mature enough. Moreover, they sometimes do not take language learning seriously. As a result, the importance of that language will be reduced in their mind, which would cause many detrimental effects. Sometimes, children show a lack of interest towards foreign languages because of the increased workload in schools. As a consequence, they may develop a negative attitude towards learning, especially towards language learning.
There are several advantages of studying a foreign language in primary school. First and foremost, during this period, children are more flexible and they can grasp any language very easily. But, if they try to learn at their secondary level, they cannot follow the rules of other languages easily due to the greater influence of the mother language. Next, naturally, children are more curious and eager to learn new things at a tender age. Therefore, proficiency and fluency in new or unfamiliar language can be achieved at primary school which would help them enormously in the long run. Lastly, excellence in foreign languages is greatly beneficial for professional development as well as financial betterment. Since a long time is needed for acquiring deep knowledge in every language, every child has to start learning a second language as early as possible.
To conclude, despite certain disadvantages, a vast amount of benefits make it ideal for learners to learn a second language in primary schools rather than in secondary schools.
One advantage of learning a foreign language in elementary school is that it contributes to better communication skills for pupils. The elementary school period is considered the “golden period” for pupils since their brain cells grow remarkably during this time. Indonesian pupils, who learn English while they are in primary schools, for example, can speak English more fluently than those who do not get the same treatment at primary schools. It exemplifies that teachers and parents should emphasize teaching a foreign language to primary school-going children.
Not having proper resources for learning an international language in elementary school is a major obstacle here. Teachers’ ability and the arrangement in school in teaching a new language could be two big issues as most teachers in primary schools are generalists and get used to dealing with more general subjects in school. Asking them to teach foreign languages properly in conveying knowledge could be fruitless. And therefore, when entering secondary schools, learners will have more scopes and facilities to master the skills of a foreign language.
In conclusion, learning a foreign language in primary schools has both advantages and disadvantages. However, it has more significant disadvantages than merits. Therefore, secondary schools could be a better time for that.
One drawback of this approach is that it creates high pressure on young children. The more classes they have, the more homework they need to do after school. Since those learners already have other skills to learn, when they are burdened with a new language, they start feeling downbeat about attending schools and studying. Many recent studies conducted by the Education Research Institute in China reveal that the primary reason many students do not enjoy going to classes is that they feel the pressure of studying. Since those young learners are already pressured with vital skills like mathematics, arts, literature and so on, they should not be given any extra pressure with a second language.
One benefit of teaching children a second language at the primary stage is that they can learn the language faster and naturally. This is because tender minds are more capable of learning new skills faster. Recent research published by an education centre indicates that children can master different languages as many as five. Some children in China can even start three different languages, such as English, French and German together when they are six years old. The skills of a foreign language are proven to give learners a competitive edge in their academic life. Since they can learn and master it better at an early stage in their life, it is better to introduce it as soon as possible.
In conclusion, in order to learn a foreign language like a native and to take advantage of being bilingual, it is better to start learning it at the primary school rather than the secondary school for children.
One drawback of teaching a new language in primary school is that it could be tiring and burdensome for young children. It increases the academic responsibility of a child who is supposed to learn important academic lessons in a stress-free environment. More time should be allocated to teaching those young learners subjects such as Science and Mathematics. These subjects are considered stepping stones to successful academic success.
On the other hand, a major advantage of picking up a foreign language in primary school enables the children to develop a better foundation in a foreign language. They are more likely to speak more confidently. It is proven that children who learn a new language tend to make fewer mistakes in writing an essay. They will also have the ability to express things more clearly as they have a better vocabulary than those who start late. In addition, they may come across foreign cultures when learning a foreign language. By knowing the culture of others, they may not experience cultural shock and can adapt well when staying in other countries to study. They become more knowledgeable and more open-minded which helps them to look at a specific issue from different perspectives.
In conclusion, the benefits of learning a foreign language in primary education apparently outweigh the drawbacks. I believe a person equipped with more languages is definitely needed in our society to make our country more prosperous and flourished in the decade to come.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Many specialists opine that young pupils should learn a second language at elementary school instead of secondary school. From my point of view, there are indeed more benefits to that than to start learning a foreign language in high schools.
The first obvious advantage for young children, compared to adults, when it comes to learning a second language is that they are more adept at absorbing new language rules and knowledge. So, this is perhaps the best time to start teaching them a second language. Moreover, research shows that learning a second language is always better for children to excel academically. Due to this, teaching them a foreign language early would invoke them to learn and do better in schools and later in their adult life. For instance, more than 70% of bilingual young students secure better grades in high school compared to their counterparts. This emphasises how important it is for students to start learning a second language as early as possible.
Moreover, secondary level students are likely required to concentrate more on academic subjects such as mathematic, economics, or science, more than a language. Thus, they would be less interested to learn a new language if they do not already have a better foundation of that language in primary school.
Admittedly, elementary school-goers deserve to spend time playing in the field and do non-academic activities more often which also improving their motor function. So forcing them to study another language, if they are not willing to do so, would be a disaster for their mental growth. In consideration of this argument, I do believe that we should not insert a foreign language course to them forcefully and intensively. Rather a few hours per week of classes for that and a fun way to learn a new language would be a much better idea.
In conclusion, teaching a new language to young students at the elementary level have many benefits which definitely outweigh the few negative aspects it has. So it is expected that schools and parents would let their children learn a second language sooner than later in life.
[Note: The alarm rang before I concluded it, what band score would I earn for this? Thanks.]
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