The topic of preserving endangered languages is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and current global issues, this subject has a high probability of appearing in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that it is important to preserve endangered languages, while others think that it is not necessary to preserve them. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for preserving endangered languages
- Present reasons why some believe it’s unnecessary to preserve them
- Provide a personal opinion on the issue
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, followed by detailed analyses.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In an increasingly globalized world, the debate over preserving endangered languages has gained significant attention. While some argue for their protection, others see it as unnecessary. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of language preservation argue that languages are intrinsically linked to cultural identity and heritage. Each language encapsulates unique ways of perceiving the world, and its loss could mean the extinction of invaluable cultural knowledge and traditions. Moreover, linguistic diversity contributes to the richness of human experience and can provide insights into cognitive processes and historical migrations.
On the other hand, those against preservation argue that language evolution is a natural process, and resources spent on preserving dying languages could be better allocated elsewhere. They contend that in a world driven by economic forces, focusing on widely-spoken languages is more practical for social mobility and international communication. Additionally, they argue that artificial preservation efforts may be futile against the tide of globalization.
In my opinion, while I acknowledge the practical arguments against preservation, I believe the cultural and scientific value of endangered languages outweighs these concerns. Languages are not merely tools for communication but repositories of human knowledge and experience. Their preservation contributes to our understanding of human cognition, history, and cultural diversity. Furthermore, with advances in technology, the cost of preservation has significantly decreased, making it a more feasible endeavor.
In conclusion, although there are practical arguments against preserving endangered languages, their immense cultural and scientific value makes their protection a worthy cause. Balancing this preservation with the realities of globalization should be our aim, ensuring that we don’t lose these linguistic treasures while adapting to an interconnected world.
(Word count: 277)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The topic of preserving endangered languages is a controversial one. Some people think it’s important to keep these languages alive, while others believe it’s not necessary. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support preserving endangered languages say that languages are an important part of culture. They argue that when a language dies, we lose part of human history and knowledge. For example, some indigenous languages have special words for plants that might be useful for medicine. Also, they say that having many languages makes the world more interesting and diverse.
On the other hand, people who think it’s not necessary to preserve endangered languages argue that it’s natural for languages to change and die out. They say that in today’s global world, it’s more important to speak common languages like English or Chinese. They also point out that trying to save languages takes a lot of money and effort, which could be used for other things like education or healthcare.
In my opinion, I think preserving endangered languages is important, but we need to be practical about it. We should try to record and document these languages, even if we can’t keep them all in daily use. This way, we can keep the knowledge and culture they contain without spending too much money or forcing people to speak languages they don’t want to use.
To conclude, while there are good arguments on both sides, I believe that endangered languages are worth preserving for their cultural and historical value. However, we should find a balance between preservation and the practical needs of modern life.
(Word count: 267)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Some people think it’s important to save endangered languages, but others don’t think it’s necessary. I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.
People who want to save endangered languages say it’s important for culture. They think that when a language dies, we lose important things about that culture. For example, some old languages have special words for nature that we might not have in English. Also, they say having many languages is good for the world.
But other people say it’s not important to save these languages. They think it’s normal for languages to die out over time. They say it’s better to focus on big languages like English because it helps people get jobs and talk to more people around the world. They also say saving languages costs a lot of money.
I think saving endangered languages is good, but it’s hard to do. We should try to write down these languages and record how they sound. This way, we can remember them even if people stop speaking them. But we shouldn’t force people to speak languages they don’t want to use.
In conclusion, I believe saving endangered languages is important for culture, but we need to be realistic about how we do it. We should find a way to remember these languages without spending too much money or making it too difficult for people.
(Word count: 223)
Analysis of Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis:
This essay demonstrates excellent language use and addresses all parts of the task fully. Key strengths include:
- Coherent structure: Clear introduction, balanced body paragraphs, and a well-rounded conclusion.
- Sophisticated vocabulary: Use of words like “intrinsically,” “encapsulates,” and “repositories.”
- Complex sentence structures: For example, “While I acknowledge the practical arguments against preservation, I believe the cultural and scientific value of endangered languages outweighs these concerns.”
- Clear opinion: The writer’s stance is evident and well-supported.
- Relevant examples: The essay provides specific reasons for both viewpoints.
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis:
This essay shows good control of language and addresses all parts of the task. Notable features include:
- Clear organization: The essay has a logical structure with distinct paragraphs for each viewpoint.
- Adequate vocabulary: Uses appropriate words like “controversial,” “indigenous,” and “diverse.”
- Mix of simple and complex sentences: Demonstrates some variety in sentence structure.
- Personal opinion: The writer’s view is clear, though less developed than in the higher band essay.
- Relevant ideas: The essay presents valid arguments for both sides.
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis:
This essay addresses the task but with less sophistication. Key points:
- Basic structure: The essay follows a simple but clear organization.
- Limited vocabulary: Uses mostly common words with some attempt at more advanced vocabulary.
- Simple sentence structures: Mostly uses basic sentence patterns with few complex structures.
- Opinion present: The writer’s view is stated but not well-developed.
- Relevant but simple ideas: The arguments are on-topic but lack depth and specific examples.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Endangered (adjective) /ɪnˈdeɪndʒərd/ – at risk of extinction
- Preservation (noun) /ˌprezərˈveɪʃən/ – the act of maintaining something in its original state
- Indigenous (adjective) /ɪnˈdɪdʒənəs/ – originating or occurring naturally in a particular place
- Globalization (noun) /ˌɡləʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – the process of international integration
- Linguistic diversity (noun phrase) /lɪŋˈɡwɪstɪk daɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of languages spoken in a specific region or in the world as a whole
- Cultural heritage (noun phrase) /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society
- Cognitive processes (noun phrase) /ˈkɒɡnətɪv ˈprəʊsesɪz/ – the mental actions or processes of acquiring knowledge and understanding
- Repository (noun) /rɪˈpɒzɪtəri/ – a place where things are stored and can be found
- Futile (adjective) /ˈfjuːtaɪl/ – incapable of producing any useful result; pointless
- Invaluable (adjective) /ɪnˈvæljuəbl/ – extremely useful; indispensable
In conclusion, the topic of preserving endangered languages is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of language in cultural identity
- Government responsibility in language preservation
- The impact of globalization on linguistic diversity
- The balance between preserving tradition and embracing modernity
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and provide well-developed arguments supported by relevant examples. We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.