GT Writing Task 2 (Essay Writing) Sample # 17
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Every year several languages die out. Some people think that this is not important because life will be easier if there are fewer languages in the world.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: (Agreement)
Due to the global dominance of some languages and geopolitical issues, the annual extinction of many languages with less number of speakers is accelerating. While some see it as a grave issue, others believe that it is a course of the natural process and we are better off with fewer languages. I personally agree that fewer global languages make communication more convenient, diminish the cultural barrier and enhance international trade facilities.
Those who oppose having a few dominating international languages and advocate saving every language in the world form their opinion on the basis that every language represents a unique culture. The death of a language means the end of the culture and tradition of people who use the language. This is a fatal blow to an era and the knowledge derived from the nation. For instance, Ainu in Japan and Yagan in Chile, two languages on the verge of extinction, not only designate two languages but also two unique cultural symbols.
However, at least one hundred languages around the world have only a handful of speakers and preserving them is highly improbable. A language lives as long as people speak this language and with the globalisation and mass-migration trend, saving languages from extirpation have become even tougher. A world with fewer languages and no cultural barriers is a better place to live in. Moreover, it enhances global trade and improves the political relations among nations. For instance, research conducted in early 2000, indicates that some Asian countries despite their common cultural aspects are divided by their languages. We cannot expect industrialisation, technological revolution and the world as a common platform if we have severe communication and cultural gaps among nations. For a prosperous future where people understand each other perfectly, we need only a handful of languages spoken by all.
To conclude, saving every single language in the world is neither possible nor practical. Let us dream of a world with fewer cultural and communication barriers with effective communication among all with fewer languages.
Model Answer 2: (Disagreement)
More than a few hundred languages around the world are dangling on the brink of extinction. We may lose more than just words if we allow them to die out, despite some academics’ opinion that the world would be a far better place to live in with fewer languages. I believe that languages have fundamentally different characteristics and represent a unique culture and fewer global languages will consequently wreck the diversity of cultures.
A group of people dream of a unified world with no cultural barrier and a common language spoken by all. They advocate the need for fewer languages, such as English, to bring nations together and to foster global trade and understanding. They, however, forget that a language is not just an accumulation of spoken words but the key to culture. Once a language is lost, the knowledge, literature and tradition expressed using it also get extinct.
A language evolves throughout the decades and embodies the culture, way of life, history and wisdom of a group of people. If cultural diversity does not persist, there would be no meaning in learning a new language and no thrill to travel to different parts of the world. A language is like Oxygen for the culture of an area and a conduit of human heritage. To preserve the rich and diverse culture of a region, the native language must be protected. Furthermore, the belief that fewer common languages would bring nations together is a risky hypothesis – according to a professor at Yale University.
To conclude, with fewer global languages we will suffer the loss of cultural legacy and the strength of cultural diversity. No one is denying having an international language for global communication, but not with the cost of global diversity and heritage.
Sample Answer 3: (Disagreement)
The phenomenon of language extinction, with several languages dying out each year, has generated discussions regarding its significance. While some argue that a reduction in the number of languages would make life easier, I strongly disagree with this opinion. Preserving linguistic diversity is crucial, in my opinion, as it carries immense cultural, social, and cognitive value.
Firstly, languages are carriers of unique cultural identities and heritage. Each language represents a distinct way of perceiving and understanding the world, reflecting the customs, traditions, and history of its speakers. When a language disappears, an irreplaceable piece of cultural diversity vanishes along with it. Language is an integral part of a community’s identity, and its preservation is essential for maintaining cultural richness and promoting inclusivity.
Moreover, languages play a pivotal role in fostering social cohesion and communication. Language is the primary means through which individuals interact, express themselves, and form connections. Multilingualism enables people to engage in cross-cultural dialogue, promoting understanding, empathy, and mutual respect. By preserving diverse languages, we ensure that every community has a voice and a platform to express its unique perspectives and experiences, enriching the global tapestry of human communication.
Additionally, different languages offer diverse ways of organizing and processing information, leading to enhanced cognitive skills and adaptability for people who know multiple languages. By preserving a wide array of languages, we create opportunities for individuals to access different linguistic systems and reap the cognitive benefits associated with multilingualism.
In conclusion, the view that life would be easier with fewer languages is misguided and disregards the profound importance of linguistic diversity. Languages are not merely communication tools; they embody cultural heritage, facilitate social cohesion, and enhance cognitive abilities. Preserving and celebrating linguistic diversity is crucial for fostering inclusivity, promoting cultural richness, and unlocking the cognitive potential of individuals.
Each year many languages are disappearing from the face of the planet and some people are not worried because they believe that life would be more comfortable and communication easier if only some major languages are in use throughout the world. I disagree with this statement and would like to explain further.
Firstly, all over the world, regional languages play a very huge role to express different cultures, tribes, thought processes, and people’s opinions. Moreover, it makes communication more effective, more meaningful to understand. In every part of the world, there are tones of sings, symbols which is used as a language. Besides, no one can deny the vital importance of languages used by a small number of people. For example, my family is Nepali and they settled in India a long time ago. Therefore, my mother tough is Nepali however, I communicate in Hindi with my society and friends.
Secondly, there will be so many negative outcomes if only a few languages are in use in the world. Every country, religion, and many parts of the globe have a great history which is written in ancient and local languages. Furthermore, without it, people will never know about their ancestor’s history. For instance, history about world wars, Taj Mahal in India, about dinosaurs to name a few; and in every field, languages plays a vital role to transfer knowledge to our next generation.
In conclusion, every language is essential for people to know better their life and history. So instead of promoting a few dominant languages, we should take efforts to save regional languages as well.
[Please could you check for me this essay?]
Essay Topic:
Every year several languages die out. Some people think that this is not important because life will be easier if there are fewer languages in the world.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Essay Answer:
Many people believe that the use of many different languages is not essential and having only one or two global languages would make our life easier. I completely agree with this view as fewer languages will reduce the communication barrier and interaction among people will be much more convenient in today’s centralised global world.
To begin with, with only a few global languages, most people will be able to communicate with each other, no matter where they are, and they can advance their career without worrying about any language barrier. Besides, one can study overseas and acquire new skills without any hassle if the medium of communication is similar to their home country. Learning would be much easier especially in the case of advanced studies such as Medicine or Engineering and someone would be able to easily understand any complex terms. For instance, having studied in the English language until my secondary education, I was able to cope with advanced levels while I was pursuing my studies in America but that was not the case for many of my friends.
With a few common languages, communications among nations and people will be much effective and their cultural differences would reduce to a great extent. With the reduction of cultural differences, it is expected that the conflict between them would also diminish.
To conclude, with only a couple of global languages, life would certainly be easier, communication much better and relationship among nations much friendlier. Considering all these, the world should have only a couple of languages.
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