Sample IELTS Writing Task 2: Schools should not force students to learn a foreign language

"Learning a foreign language" is a topic that frequently appears in the IELTS exam. If you encounter the IELTS Writing Task 2 prompt "Schools should not force students to learn a foreign language", how would you handle it? Let's explore the vocabulary, outline, and a high-quality band 7+ sample essay with PREP!

I. The task and outline for IELTS Writing Task 2 Schools should not force students to learn a foreign language

Before exploring the IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essay on "Schools should not force students to learn a foreign language", let's quickly go through the full prompt and a detailed outline with PREP!

1. Task

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Since some children do not seem to have natural abilities to learn a language, schools should not force students to learn a foreign language. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

2. Outline

Let's take a quick look at the detailed outline for the IELTS Writing Task 2 prompt "Schools should not force students to learn a foreign language" below.

II. Sample IELTS Writing Task 2: Schools should not force students to learn a foreign language

After understanding the prompt and outline for the IELTS Writing Task 2 topic "Schools should not force students to learn a foreign language", let's quickly review the high-quality sample essay with PREP!

Language learning in schools has been an ongoing discussion in society. On one side of the debate, people argue that educational institutions should not compel students to learn a foreign language, especially those who do not possess a natural proficiency. I agree with this sentiment, despite some claims that language learning should be compulsory at school.

On the one hand, a policy of mandatory language learning at school may be reasonable. Firstly, it can set schoolchildren up for success in the future. Specifically, proficiency in an additional language expands a child’s cognitive abilities, increasing their adaptability, creativity and problem-solving skills. It could, therefore, open many doors for them to improve their career prospects or develop intellectually. Secondly, a school which has implemented the aforementioned scheme can enhance its prestige. By dispensing a linguistically diverse curriculum, such a school can attract students from wealthy backgrounds, or allow itself to receive better funding. At the very least, it could offer additional languages as electives, which the learners could choose to do or opt out of pursuing.

There is an argument against mandatory language education in schools, however. Linguistic talent, just like an affinity for arts or sports, varies between individuals, so forcing a student who lacks this ability to study a foreign language would cause them to struggle academically. This burden may lead to a sense of failure and inferiority, thereby hampering their overall academic progress. Even more so, this could also diminish the interest of a child in learning, eventually leading to negative implications. In addition, having to provide foreign language lessons to many students who are neither talented nor interested in them is likely a waste of resources, straining public schools’ budgets. Unless the education sector receives more government funding, mandating such a policy at school will be difficult.

In conclusion, while acknowledging the various benefits of language learning, I disagree with compulsory foreign language education at school. Educational institutions ought not to impose, but rather encourage and facilitate language acquisition in a way that creates a voluntary, enjoyable and meaningful experience for all students.

Vocabulary used in the IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essay on "Schools should not force students to learn a foreign language":

• Compel (v.): to force

• Proficiency (n.): mastery

• Sentiment (n.): opinion

• Compulsory/mandatory (adj.): required

• Cognitive (adj.): related to mental processes

• Adaptability (n.): ability to adapt

• Prestige (n.): status

• Dispense sth (v.): to provide something

• Elective (n.): optional subject

• Affinity (n.): natural talent

• Struggle (v.): to have difficulty

• Inferiority (n.): feeling of being inferior

• Hamper sth (v.): to hinder something

• Diminish sth (v.): to reduce something

• Strain sth (v.): to put pressure on something

• Impose (v): to force

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Hopefully, after reading this article, you now have a clear understanding of the specific prompt, a detailed outline, and the best sample IELTS Writing Task 2 essay on "Schools should not force students to learn a foreign language". Keep following PREP to regularly update your valuable English knowledge!