International trade deals and their impact on currency value have become increasingly relevant topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. As global economic interdependence grows, examiners are more likely to include questions related to this subject. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see similar prompts in future IELTS exams. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past tests:
Some people think that governments should invest in preserving minority languages, while others believe this money should be spent on promoting international languages instead. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to discuss two contrasting viewpoints on government language investment and provide their own opinion. The topic indirectly relates to international trade and currency value, as language policies can influence a country’s global economic interactions.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In an increasingly globalized world, the debate over whether governments should allocate resources to preserve minority languages or promote international ones has gained significance. While both approaches have their merits, I believe a balanced strategy that supports both linguistic diversity and global communication is crucial for a nation’s cultural and economic well-being.
Proponents of preserving minority languages argue that these tongues are integral to cultural identity and heritage. By investing in their preservation, governments can safeguard unique traditions, knowledge systems, and ways of thinking that might otherwise be lost. This cultural richness can contribute to a nation’s soft power and potentially enhance its attractiveness for tourism and cultural exchanges, indirectly benefiting its economy and currency value. Furthermore, linguistic diversity can foster cognitive flexibility and creativity within a population, potentially driving innovation and economic growth.
On the other hand, advocates for promoting international languages emphasize the practical benefits of global communication. Investing in widespread proficiency in languages like English, Mandarin, or Spanish can significantly boost a country’s competitiveness in international trade and diplomacy. This enhanced global connectivity can lead to increased foreign investment, expanded export opportunities, and improved negotiating power in trade deals, all of which can positively impact currency value. Additionally, a workforce proficient in international languages is more attractive to multinational corporations, potentially leading to job creation and economic growth.
In my opinion, governments should strive for a nuanced approach that balances both objectives. While it is crucial to preserve minority languages to maintain cultural diversity and identity, it is equally important to equip citizens with the linguistic tools needed to participate effectively in the global economy. This balanced strategy could involve allocating resources to both language preservation programs and international language education initiatives.
One potential solution is to implement bilingual education systems that teach both minority languages and international languages. This approach would allow communities to maintain their linguistic heritage while also gaining proficiency in languages that facilitate global trade and communication. Additionally, governments could invest in digital technologies and platforms that support both the documentation and learning of minority languages, as well as provide accessible resources for international language acquisition.
In conclusion, while the preservation of minority languages and the promotion of international languages may seem at odds, a thoughtful and balanced approach can serve both cultural and economic interests. By nurturing linguistic diversity alongside global communication skills, nations can strengthen their cultural identity while also enhancing their position in international trade and potentially bolstering their currency value.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether governments should spend money on preserving minority languages or promoting international languages is a complex one. Both sides have good points, and I will discuss them before giving my own opinion.
Those who support preserving minority languages say it’s important for cultural reasons. Every language is unique and contains special knowledge and ways of thinking. If we lose these languages, we lose part of our human history and diversity. Also, people who speak minority languages might feel more respected and included if their language is supported by the government. This could make the country more stable and united.
On the other hand, people who think governments should focus on international languages have practical reasons. In today’s world, being able to speak languages like English or Mandarin can help people get better jobs and do business with other countries. This can be good for the economy and might help make the country’s money worth more. Also, if more people in a country can speak international languages, it might attract more foreign companies and tourists.
In my opinion, I think governments should try to do both things, but maybe focus a bit more on international languages. While it’s important to respect and preserve minority languages, I believe that in our connected world, being able to communicate globally is very important for a country’s success. However, I don’t think we should completely ignore minority languages.
One possible solution could be to teach both types of languages in schools. For example, students could learn their local minority language as well as an international language like English. This way, people can keep their cultural identity while also gaining skills for the global job market.
To conclude, while preserving minority languages is culturally valuable, I believe that promoting international languages is slightly more important for a country’s economic growth and global position. A balanced approach that leans towards international languages while still supporting minority languages could be the best way forward.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
The topic of whether governments should spend money on keeping minority languages alive or teaching international languages is interesting. There are good reasons for both sides, and I will talk about them and give my thoughts.
People who want to save minority languages think it’s important for culture. Every language is special and has its own ideas and history. If these languages disappear, we lose something important. Also, people who speak these languages might feel better if the government helps them.
But other people think it’s better to teach international languages. They say that speaking languages like English or Chinese can help people get good jobs and do business with other countries. This can be good for making money and might make the country richer.
I think both ideas are good, but maybe teaching international languages is a bit more important. In today’s world, being able to talk to people from other countries is very helpful. But I also think we shouldn’t forget about minority languages completely.
Maybe schools could teach both kinds of languages. Students could learn their local language and also a big international language like English. This way, they can keep their culture but also be ready for jobs in other countries.
In the end, I believe that teaching international languages is probably more helpful for a country’s money and business. But we should still try to keep minority languages alive too, just not spend as much money on them.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response. Presents a clear position throughout.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Logically organizes information and ideas with clear progression. Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a wide range of vocabulary naturally and flexibly. Rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’.
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Arranges information and ideas coherently and there is a clear overall progression. Uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical.
- Lexical Resource: Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. Makes some errors in word choice, but this does not impede communication.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Makes some errors in grammar and punctuation but they rarely reduce communication.
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression. Makes inadequate, inaccurate or over-use of cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task. May make noticeable errors in spelling and/or word formation that may cause some difficulty for the reader.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses only a limited range of structures. Attempts complex sentences but these tend to be less accurate than simple sentences. May make frequent grammatical errors and punctuation may be faulty.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- globalized (adjective) – /ˈɡləʊbəlaɪzd/ – characterized by worldwide integration and interdependence
- linguistic diversity (noun phrase) – /lɪŋˈɡwɪstɪk daɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of languages spoken in a specific region or in the world as a whole
- cognitive flexibility (noun phrase) – /ˈkɒɡnətɪv ˌfleksəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to adapt and shift thoughts or attention in response to different stimuli
- proficiency (noun) – /prəˈfɪʃənsi/ – a high degree of skill or expertise
- nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
- bilingual (adjective) – /baɪˈlɪŋɡwəl/ – able to speak two languages fluently
- interdependence (noun) – /ˌɪntədɪˈpendəns/ – the dependence of two or more people or things on each other
- cultural identity (noun phrase) – /ˈkʌltʃərəl aɪˈdentəti/ – the identity of a group or culture, or of an individual as far as influenced by their belonging to a group or culture
In conclusion, mastering IELTS Writing Task 2 requires a deep understanding of various topics, including the impact of international trade deals on currency value. By studying these sample essays and analyzing their strengths, you can improve your writing skills and prepare for similar questions in future IELTS exams. Remember to practice writing your own essays on this topic and related subjects to enhance your performance. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.