Some people believe that children should start learning a foreign language at primary school rather than secondary school. Do you think the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Model Answer
The argument over whether foreign languages should be introduced at primary school or secondary school has been ongoing for years. While some individuals argue that early language learning might overwhelm young students, I firmly believe that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.
One of the strongest arguments for introducing a foreign language early is children’s natural ability to learn. At a young age, the brain is more receptive to new sounds and patterns. According to a Cambridge University study, students who begin learning a foreign language before the age of ten are 30% more likely to achieve near-native fluency than those who start later. Primary school learners can grasp pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar intuitively, which lays a solid foundation for future proficiency.
Early language education also fosters cognitive development and cultural awareness. Children who study a second language tend to perform better in problem-solving tasks and exhibit improved memory retention. They also become more open-minded by understanding different cultures, which is crucial in a globalised world. Moreover, when language learning is integrated through songs, games, and stories, it becomes enjoyable rather than burdensome.
Opponents may argue that early language exposure might confuse children who are still learning their native language. However, research consistently shows that bilingual children often develop stronger linguistic skills overall. With appropriate teaching methods, children can balance both languages without difficulty.
In conclusion, the benefits of learning a foreign language at primary school—such as greater fluency, cognitive advantages, and cultural understanding—clearly outweigh the potential drawbacks. Starting early gives children a significant advantage that lasts well into adulthood.
Model Answer
The argument over whether foreign languages should be introduced at primary school or secondary school has been ongoing for years. While some individuals argue that early language learning might overwhelm young students, I firmly believe that the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.
One of the strongest arguments for introducing a foreign language early is children’s natural ability to learn. At a young age, the brain is more receptive to new sounds and patterns. According to a Cambridge University study, students who begin learning a foreign language before the age of ten are 30% more likely to achieve near-native fluency than those who start later. Primary school learners can grasp pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar intuitively, which lays a solid foundation for future proficiency.
Early language education also fosters cognitive development and cultural awareness. Children who study a second language tend to perform better in problem-solving tasks and exhibit improved memory retention. They also become more open-minded by understanding different cultures, which is crucial in a globalised world. Moreover, when language learning is integrated through songs, games, and stories, it becomes enjoyable rather than burdensome.
Opponents may argue that early language exposure might confuse children who are still learning their native language. However, research consistently shows that bilingual children often develop stronger linguistic skills overall. With appropriate teaching methods, children can balance both languages without difficulty.
In conclusion, the benefits of learning a foreign language at primary school—such as greater fluency, cognitive advantages, and cultural understanding—clearly outweigh the potential drawbacks. Starting early gives children a significant advantage that lasts well into adulthood.