IELTS Writing Task 2 essay with model answer

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic

Learning English at school is often seen as more important than learning local languages. If these are not taught, many are at risk of dying out. In your opinion, is it important for everyone to learn English? Should we try to ensure the survival of local languages and, if so, how?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer:

English, as a language of communication, is highly sought after by parents, teachers and students alike. Unfortunately, it is often the case that regional or local languages are often overlooked. Pupils almost always have a preference for English over local languages. This puts the local languages at risk of dying out. If there is virtually no one interested in learning a particular language then it is highly possible that the language in question might as well cease to exist some day. 

I am of the opinion that in this globalised world, it is important to learn English. This is because English is a widely recognised international language that is not only the language of international commerce but of academics, too. However, it is equally important to preserve the local languages too. When a language dies out or goes extinct, it is not just its lexicon and grammatical rules that die out; the cultural peculiarities and ethos that a language often possesses die out as well. A vast amount of literature that was probably written in that particular language becomes incomprehensible to a majority and thus rendered useless. The folklores, lineages and genealogy associated with the culture cease to exist which is often the case with those regional languages which had oral traditions.  

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While preserving a language is not a trivial task, we can make a start by promoting the regional language through organising cultural events, making it a medium of formal instructions at schools, holding literary competitions and arranging incentives to use the local/regional language. Instilling a sense of pride in the heart of denizens about the regional language would go a long way too in preventing the local languages from dying out.  

In conclusion, albeit, learning English is critical for anyone who wants to pursue a career or trade across national borders, local languages are equally essential to keep us rooted to our culture and traditions. In my opinion, a  nations should make special efforts to prevent regional languages from dying out.    

Total Words: 300

Task Achievement: 9

Coherence & Cohesion: 9

Lexical resources: 9

Grammar: 9

Overall Score: Band 9

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