IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write at least 250 words.
Many local languages today are dying out due to the rise of languages like English
Is this a positive or negative development?
Sample Answer:
Nowadays, with the rising of globalisation, many local languages are being threatened by the growing influence of languages such as English. This essay will argue that, despite some positive aspects, this development is predominantly negative for society.
On the one hand, this globalisation and the rise of languages such as English has had some positive effects. Firstly, it has promoted the spread of knowledge and ideas across the world. By having a language that is shared by many countries, it has enabled people to communicate more easily and effectively. This has enabled the sharing of information, with the emergence of the internet allowing people to access knowledge from all over the world. Furthermore, the increased use of English has enabled people to travel more freely, as it is often the language used in international business, as well as being the language of many tourist destinations.
On the other hand, however, the demise of local languages has been largely negative for society. Firstly, it has caused many cultural customs to be lost as the language used to express them is no longer in use. This can have a significant impact on the culture of a particular group of people, as their traditions and customs are a vital part of their identity. Additionally, it means that people are unable to access educational and employment opportunities, as many of these require fluency in English. This can cause a sense of exclusion for those who are unable to learn the language, leading to feelings of alienation and frustration.
In conclusion, although there are some positive aspects to the rise of English, the loss of local languages has had a largely negative effect on society. It has caused many cultural customs to be lost, whilst also denying people access to educational and employment opportunities. Therefore, steps must be taken to ensure that local languages are not forgotten and are preserved for future generations.