Some experts believe that it is better for children to begin learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
In today's world, there is a significant debate about whether
children
should start learning a foreign language
at primary school
or secondary school
. Some experts believe that beginning this
process at the elementary school
stage offers more benefits than drawbacks. I agree with this
perspective, as the cognitive, cultural, and academic advantages
of early language
learning outweigh the potential challenges.
Firstly
, starting foreign language
instruction in elementary school
provides many cognitive advantages
for children
. Research has indicated that young language
learners typically achieve higher proficiency and fluency over time. For example
, children
are more likely to develop native-like pronunciation if they start learning a language
early. Moreover
, by acquiring a second language
, children
also
gain the opportunity to explore diverse literature, media, and information globally, expanding their horizons and cultivating a deeper understanding of different cultures. For instance
, being exposed to various languages early in life can boost children
's intelligence and help them develop awareness of cultural diversity by comparing different cultures. Consequently
, starting to learn a foreign language
early can assist children
in forming a global outlook from a young age. Lastly
, integrating language
learning with other academic fields enriches their education and prepares them for success in future studies and careers. Hence
, students can apply their linguistic skills to read expert materials in areas such
as science, technology, and the arts. As a result
, proficiency in a second language
can open up more career opportunities in the global job market.
Despite the many benefits, it is essential to recognize the possible drawbacks, including the requirement for more resources and highly skilled teachers to effectively teach a foreign language
. Implementing a foreign language
program might require significant investment and curriculum adjustments. Besides
, adding a foreign language
to the primary school
curriculum could lead to an overloaded schedule for young children
. This
might reduce the time available for other essential subjects and extracurricular activities. Nevertheless
, the lifelong advantages
of early foreign language
learning greatly outweigh these disadvantages.
To sum up
, while
there are some challenges associated with implementing foreign language
instruction in primary schools, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Early language
learning provides cognitive, cultural, and academic advantages
that can significantly enhance a child's future opportunities. Therefore
, I firmly believe that starting foreign language
education at the elementary school
level is a highly advantageous strategy for fostering well-rounded and globally aware individuals.Submitted by lenam2k1 on
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task achievement
To achieve a higher score, consider adding more evaluation of opposing perspectives or potential counterarguments. This demonstrates a thorough understanding and evaluation of the topic.
coherence cohesion
Make sure your transitions are smooth and your ideas flow logically. This will enhance the readability of your essay.
task achievement
Your introduction clearly states the issue and your position, setting the stage for your argument.
coherence cohesion
Your essay has a well-defined structure with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
task achievement
The main points are well-supported with relevant examples, and the paragraphs are logically connected.
coherence cohesion
Your conclusion effectively summarizes the key points and reinforces your position on the topic.
Word Count
IELTS says that you should write a minimum of 250 words in writing task 2. If you go under word count you will lose marks in task response.
A very long essay will not give you a higher band score.
Aim for between 260 to 290 words in writing task 2. This will ensure a concise essay and will be realistic in terms of time management. You have only 40 minutes to write the essay and you need around 10 minutes of planning time, so you will not be able to write a long essay in 30 minutes.