Essays: for and against

Study Sheet

Planning your essay (1)

From brainstorming to writing

See how Ellie brainstormed and planned her essay.

The world would be a better place if we all spoke the same language. Do you agree?
language influences the way you think
Easier to move/migrate
Easier to make
foreign friends

Easier to travel to
different countries

Study shows bilingual people change

how they think when they change
the language they speak in.

Travelling

no language barrier

Bilingual

boost tourist
industries?

no variety in language
= no variety in thought ?

but no need for

guides and translators

The world would be a better place

loss of jobs?

if we all spoke the same language.

Business

Do you agree?

School

no translator costs
cheaper

culture?

fewer misunderstandings
more business
opportunities

less segregation
easier to organise
less bullying?

Language Importance
culture
tribal/oral history?
native Americans

history
tradition

Incas

all of these are rooted/

linked to language
lose language = lose history ?

Essay plan
Intro : Internet, cheap travel - so important question
Paragraph 1 : Easier communication
-> fewer misunderstandings in business transactions and in travel
Paragraph 2 : Bilingual
-> culture and history tied up with language: lose language = lose history
Paragraph 3 : Culture and history
-> language influences the way you think. One language = one way at thinking
Conclusion : No. It would not be a better place.

2015 Clarity Language Consultants Ltd. Licensed for use by subscribers to Practical Writing.

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Essays: for and against

Planning your essay (1)

Study Sheet

The world would be a better place if we all spoke the same language. Do you agree?

Written by: Ellie

As the world becomes more interconnected with the growth of the Internet and cheaper
travel, it is important to examine the concept of a universal language. There are benefits in
terms of travel and business, but a common language threatens a loss of culture and
identity.
Firstly, a common language would mean there are no language barriers. Travelling to
different countries would be easier and more convenient. In business there would be less
danger of misunderstandings. Furthermore, in situations of conflict where there are soldiers
from different countries, it would be easier for them to work together if they all spoke one
language.
However, this would mean the loss of all other languages as they become unnecessary.
Language is tied to culture. Through speaking a language, one is showing cultural history
and identity. Moreover, the way language changes reflects both the history of a society and
the current culture. Loss of a language means the loss of an important part of a culture.
Additionally, there is evidence that shows that language is linked to how people think.
People who speak multiple languages alter their thought process when they change
language. The entire world speaking one language would mean people thinking in the same
way, threatening future development and invention.
In conclusion, although a universal language might make the world easier in terms of
cooperation, it would not be a better place. It would mean the loss of culture, identity and
ways of thinking. In the long term, these losses are greater than the benefits.

2015 Clarity Language Consultants Ltd. Licensed for use by subscribers to Practical Writing.

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