Indigenous languages play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and identity. This topic has appeared frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams over the past few years, and its relevance is likely to continue in future tests. Let’s examine a real IELTS question on this subject and analyze sample essays for different band scores.

Some people think that it is important to preserve endangered languages, while others believe that it would be better to let them die out naturally. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to:

1. Discuss arguments for preserving endangered languages
2. Present reasons why some believe these languages should be allowed to die out
3. Provide a personal opinion on the issue

Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring example.

Band 8-9 Sample Essay

The preservation of endangered languages is a topic of significant debate in today’s globalized world. While some argue for their protection, others believe these languages should be allowed to fade away naturally. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on this complex issue.

Those in favor of preserving endangered languages often emphasize their cultural and historical significance. Languages are not merely tools for communication; they embody unique worldviews, traditions, and knowledge systems that have been developed over centuries. The loss of a language can lead to the erasure of invaluable cultural heritage and indigenous wisdom. Moreover, linguistic diversity contributes to our understanding of human cognition and the various ways in which people perceive and interact with the world around them.

On the other hand, proponents of allowing endangered languages to die out naturally argue that this process is an inevitable consequence of globalization and progress. They contend that the dominance of widely-spoken languages like English, Mandarin, or Spanish facilitates international communication and economic opportunities. From this perspective, the resources devoted to preserving minority languages could be better allocated to more pressing social and economic issues.

In my opinion, while I acknowledge the pragmatic arguments for linguistic homogenization, I believe that the preservation of endangered languages is crucial for maintaining cultural diversity and human heritage. The loss of these languages would deprive future generations of valuable knowledge and unique ways of understanding the world. However, I also recognize that preservation efforts should be balanced with practical considerations.

A possible solution could involve integrating endangered languages into educational curricula alongside dominant languages, thereby allowing individuals to benefit from both linguistic heritage and global communication. Additionally, leveraging technology for language documentation and revitalization efforts could help preserve these languages for future study and potential revival.

In conclusion, while there are arguments on both sides, I believe that the cultural and intellectual value of endangered languages outweighs the short-term convenience of linguistic uniformity. By adopting a balanced approach that respects both heritage and practicality, we can work towards a future that celebrates linguistic diversity while embracing global progress.

(Word count: 345)

Indigenous language preservation in a classroom setting

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.

3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Examples include “globalized world,” “indigenous wisdom,” “linguistic diversity,” and “linguistic homogenization.”

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly. Complex sentences are used effectively to convey ideas.

5. Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.

Band 6-7 Sample Essay

The question of whether to preserve endangered languages or let them die out naturally is a complex issue. There are arguments on both sides, and this essay will discuss these views before giving my own opinion.

People who support preserving endangered languages believe that they are important for cultural reasons. Each language represents a unique way of seeing the world and contains knowledge passed down through generations. If a language disappears, we lose access to this knowledge and the culture it represents. For example, some indigenous languages have special words for plants or animals that are not found in other languages, showing a deep understanding of the local environment.

On the other hand, those who think endangered languages should be allowed to die out argue that it’s a natural process. As the world becomes more connected, it makes sense for people to speak common languages like English or Chinese. This can help with international communication and business opportunities. They also say that trying to save every endangered language is expensive and impractical.

In my opinion, while I understand the practical arguments for letting languages die out, I believe it’s important to try to preserve them. Languages are not just tools for communication, but also carriers of culture and history. Losing a language means losing a part of human heritage.

However, I think we need to be realistic about how we approach language preservation. We can’t force people to speak languages they don’t find useful in their daily lives. Instead, we should focus on documenting endangered languages and encouraging their use in cultural contexts. This could involve recording stories and songs, creating language learning materials, and supporting community efforts to keep their languages alive.

In conclusion, while there are arguments for both preserving endangered languages and letting them die out, I believe the cultural value of these languages makes them worth protecting. By taking a balanced approach, we can work to preserve linguistic diversity while also recognizing the realities of our globalized world.

(Word count: 329)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates good control of language but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the linking between ideas is sometimes less smooth.

3. Lexical Resource: A good range of vocabulary is used, but it’s less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, but lacks the flexibility seen in the Band 8-9 essay.

5. Development of Ideas: Main points are supported, but the examples and explanations are less detailed and nuanced.

Digital preservation of indigenous languages using technology

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Indigenous (adjective) /ɪnˈdɪdʒənəs/ – originating or occurring naturally in a particular place
2. Endangered (adjective) /ɪnˈdeɪndʒərd/ – at risk of extinction
3. Preservation (noun) /ˌprezərˈveɪʃən/ – the act of maintaining something in its original state
4. Linguistic diversity (noun phrase) /lɪŋˈɡwɪstɪk daɪˈvɜːrsəti/ – the variety of languages spoken in a specific area
5. Cultural heritage (noun phrase) /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society
6. Globalization (noun) /ˌɡloʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – the process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence
7. Revitalization (noun) /ˌriːvaɪtəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – the act of giving new life or vigor to something
8. Homogenization (noun) /həˌmɒdʒənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – the process of making things uniform or similar
9. Indigenous wisdom (noun phrase) /ɪnˈdɪdʒənəs ˈwɪzdəm/ – traditional knowledge and practices of native peoples
10. Linguistic heritage (noun phrase) /lɪŋˈɡwɪstɪk ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – the languages and linguistic practices passed down through generations

Conclusion

The preservation of indigenous languages is a complex and nuanced topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. To excel in writing about this subject, it’s crucial to consider multiple perspectives, provide concrete examples, and articulate a clear personal opinion.

For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or a related one, such as:

• The role of technology in preserving endangered languages
• The impact of globalization on linguistic diversity
• The importance of mother tongue education in multilingual societies

Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and develop your ideas with relevant examples. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion.