Academic Writing - Model Answer (Task 2)

Every year several languages die out. Some people think that it 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?

Minority languages, particularly those spoken by indigenous people are becoming extinct and are being replaced by dominant ones such as English and Mandarin. Communication between nations has already become easier by the standardization of languages and by the fact that English is used as a global language.

A language is important for a community. It is what differentiates a people, shows their cultural roots, history and heritage. If their language dies out, the community that is held together by a common language will also disappear. It is a pity for a language that has deep roots and a long tradition to be erased in order to make life simpler for the majority who in many cases have imposed their language on others.

In a move towards globalization, there is an effort to unite the world through a single medium of communication. This certainly does make life more manageable. It removes barriers, translators, reduces cultural misunderstanding and gets things done faster. All business transactions would be speeded up and travelers would experience fewer problems when travelling abroad.

However, I feel that it is much better to have a multitude of languages. Every culture should have its own identity which is expressed through their language. It is exciting and challenging for people to learn a new language and the world would be a very monotonous and boring place to live in if we deprived people of their unique language. It is sad that languages are becoming extinct and governments need to try and preserve them in every way possible.

Question taken from Cambridge Practice Test, IELTS 9, p.102