The question of whether countries should adopt a universal language for global communication is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared in various forms over the years, reflecting its relevance to our increasingly interconnected world. Based on past trends and the current global context, it’s likely that this subject will continue to be a popular choice for IELTS examiners in the future.
Let’s examine a specific question related to this theme that has been featured in recent IELTS tests:
Some people believe that it would be better for all countries to use English as their main language. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
Analysis of the Question
This question asks for your opinion on the adoption of English as a main language across all countries. It’s important to note that:
- The question is asking about English specifically, not just any universal language.
- It’s asking about using English as a “main” language, not necessarily replacing all other languages.
- You need to state your level of agreement or disagreement and explain your reasoning.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
IELTS Writing Task 2: English as a universal language
In today’s globalized world, the idea of adopting English as a main language for all countries is increasingly debated. While I acknowledge the potential benefits of such a move, I ultimately disagree with this view due to the significant cultural and practical implications it would entail.
On the one hand, there are undeniable advantages to having a common language for global communication. English, as the current lingua franca of international business, science, and diplomacy, is a natural candidate for this role. A universal adoption of English could facilitate easier communication between nations, promote global collaboration in various fields, and potentially reduce misunderstandings caused by language barriers. Moreover, it could simplify international travel and education, making it easier for people to study and work abroad.
However, the drawbacks of such a policy far outweigh its benefits. Firstly, language is intrinsically tied to culture and identity. Imposing English as a main language could lead to the erosion of linguistic diversity, which UNESCO recognizes as vital to human heritage. Many languages carry unique concepts and ways of thinking that might be lost if English were to dominate. Secondly, the implementation of such a policy would be logistically challenging and potentially discriminatory. Countries with fewer English speakers would be at a significant disadvantage, potentially exacerbating global inequalities.
Furthermore, the idea of a single dominant language goes against the principle of cultural diversity that enriches our global society. Each language offers a unique perspective on the world, and this diversity fosters creativity and innovation. Additionally, recent advancements in translation technology are making it increasingly possible to communicate across language barriers without the need for a universal language.
In conclusion, while the adoption of English as a main language worldwide might offer some practical benefits, the costs to cultural diversity and global equality would be too high. Instead, I believe we should focus on promoting multilingualism and developing better translation technologies to facilitate global communication while preserving linguistic diversity.
(Word count: 309)
Band 6-7 Essay
In the modern world, some people think it would be better if all countries used English as their main language. I partly agree with this idea because it has both advantages and disadvantages.
There are several benefits to using English as a main language globally. Firstly, it would make communication between different countries much easier. This could help in business, science, and politics. For example, international meetings would be simpler if everyone spoke the same language. Secondly, it might make traveling and studying abroad easier for many people. They wouldn’t need to learn a new language every time they visit a different country.
However, there are also some problems with this idea. The main issue is that language is closely connected to culture. If all countries started using English as their main language, many unique cultures and traditions might be lost. This would make the world less interesting and diverse. Another problem is that it would be very difficult for some countries to change their main language. It would take a lot of time and money to teach everyone English, and some people might resist this change.
In my opinion, while using English more widely can be helpful, it shouldn’t replace other languages completely. I think it’s better for people to learn English as a second language while keeping their own language for daily life. This way, countries can keep their cultural identity while also being able to communicate globally when needed.
To conclude, using English as a main language in all countries has both good and bad points. While it could make global communication easier, it might also harm cultural diversity. A balance between using English for international communication and preserving local languages might be the best solution.
(Word count: 276)
Band 5-6 Essay
Some people think all countries should use English as their main language. I think this idea has good and bad points.
Using English everywhere could be good because it makes talking to people from other countries easier. For example, when people travel or do business with other countries, they can understand each other better if everyone speaks English. Also, many books and websites are in English, so if everyone knows English, they can learn more things.
But there are also problems with this idea. Many countries have their own languages that are important to their culture. If they start using English all the time, they might forget their own language and lose part of their culture. This would be very sad. Also, it would be very hard to make everyone in the world learn English well. Many people, especially older people, might find it difficult to learn a new language.
I think it’s better if people learn English as a second language instead of making it the main language. This way, people can keep their own language and culture, but also talk to people from other countries when they need to. For example, in my country Vietnam, we can learn English in school but still use Vietnamese at home and with friends.
In conclusion, while using English everywhere might make some things easier, it could also cause problems. I think the best way is for people to learn English as well as keep their own language.
(Word count: 234)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
- Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with fully extended and well-supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphing is well-managed and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy.
Band 6-7 Essay
This essay shows the features of a mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
- Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some ideas may be inadequately developed or unclear.
- Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task, with some attempts at less common vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with some errors that do not impede communication.
Band 5-6 Essay
This essay exhibits the characteristics of a lower mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
- Task Response: The essay addresses the task only partially, with a position that is unclear or not always maintained.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The overall progression is evident but not always logical, with some repetition of ideas.
- Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, adequate for basic communication but lacking precision.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Sentence structures are simple with limited flexibility, and errors occur that may cause some difficulty for the reader.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Lingua franca (noun) /ˌlɪŋɡwə ˈfræŋkə/ – A language used for communication between groups of people who speak different languages
- Globalized (adjective) /ˈɡləʊbəlaɪzd/ – Characterized by or relating to the development of an increasingly integrated global economy
- Erosion (noun) /ɪˈrəʊʒn/ – The gradual destruction or diminution of something
- Discriminatory (adjective) /dɪˈskrɪmɪnətri/ – Making or showing an unfair or prejudicial distinction between different categories of people or things
- Multilingualism (noun) /ˌmʌltiˈlɪŋɡwəlɪzəm/ – The use of several languages or the ability to speak several languages
- Cultural diversity (noun phrase) /ˈkʌltʃərəl daɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The existence of a variety of cultural or ethnic groups within a society
- Linguistic diversity (noun phrase) /lɪŋˈɡwɪstɪk daɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of languages spoken in a specific geographic region or in the world as a whole
- Implementation (noun) /ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃn/ – The process of putting a decision or plan into effect
- Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – Make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse
- Preserve (verb) /prɪˈzɜːv/ – Maintain (something) in its original or existing state
Conclusion
The topic of adopting a universal language for global communication, particularly English, is a complex and nuanced issue that is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. When approaching this topic, it’s crucial to consider both the potential benefits and drawbacks, addressing aspects such as cultural preservation, practical implementation, and global equality.
For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or a related one, such as:
- “Some people believe that in the future, English will be the only language used worldwide. Do you think this will happen?”
- “Is it better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school or secondary school?”
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. You can post your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners.