IELTS 11

Test 3

Writing Task 2
Some people say that the only reason for learning a foreign language is in order to
travel to orwork in a foreign country. Others say that these are not the only reason
s why someoneshould learn a foreign language.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowled
ge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.

In recent days, globalization has successfully erased all the borders between countries.
People could travel to somewhere else freely or to work in the overseas. Therefore, for
some people, learning a new language is necessary as to catch up the era of globalization
and for their pleasure of work and travel.

Nowadays, learning a new language for the purpose of working in other countries seems to
become more and more popular. Indeed, more companies are expanding their business to
every corner of the world. It seems that today’s employers are always looking for some
multi-skilled employees. Nonetheless, they also want people who know more than their
mother tongue. In Hong Kong, quite a number of people have learnt Japanese. It is because
the business trade between Hong Kong and Japan is too frequent. If one could speak
Japanese, it will bring a lot more convenience during different business activities. In other
words, employees who know more than language will have more competence than other
colleagues. Nowadays, employers are not only looking for colleagues who are diligent or
having superb leadership skills but also those who know more than one language. Therefore,
it is without doubt that some people will learn a foreign language solely because of the
occupational purpose or for travelling needs.

However, to my mind, a new language shouldn’t be learnt just for travelling or working in a
foreign country. A foreign language should help the learner to broaden his mind. Learning a
new language or dialect should and will allow us to understand more about the world itself.
Also, it could be regarded as a way to learn more about that place’s literature and culture.
Needless to say, knowing another language will help is when it comes to studying different
races as language is always the representative of a country.

To sum up, I believe that learning a different language should not be only for satisfying our
material wants, like money, but also our vision being broadened. It is because language is
always the source of knowledge to a place’s history and society.