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
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coherence cohesion
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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

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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.

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Essentional vocabulary list for IELTS Writing 7+

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Topic Vocabulary:
  • cognitive abilities
  • pronunciation
  • self-conscious
  • cultural awareness
  • global society
  • proficiency levels
  • competitive job market
  • foundational skills
  • qualified teachers
  • recreational activities
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