Learning a foreign language offers an insight into how people from other   cultures think and see the world. The teaching of a foreign language should be   compulsory at all primary schools.

　　To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

　　Model Answer:

　　Language is linked to the identity of a nation, and speakers of a common   language share many things, but does this give governments the right to restrict   the way a language is used or taught?

　　It can be argued that a nation maintains its culture through its language,   and so there is a need to restrict the use of foreign words and changes in   pronunciation. However, in reality this approach is fruitless, because language   is a living thing and it is impossible to stop it from changing. This policy has   been tried in some countries, but it never works. People, especially young   people, will use the language that they hear around them, and which separates   them from others; stopping the use of certain words will only make them appear   more attractive.

　　As for spelling, we all know that the English system is irregular and, I   believe, it would benefit from simplification so that children and other   learners do not waste time learning to read and write. On the other hand, some   people may feel, perhaps rightly, that it is important to keep the original   spelling of words as a link with the past and this view is also held by speakers   of languages which do not use the Roman alphabet.

　　While it is important for people who speak a minority language to be able   to learn and use that language, it is practical for education to be in a common   language. This creates national pride and links people within the society.   Realistically, schools are the best place for this to start.

　　Ultimately, there is a role for governments to play in the area of language   planning, particularly in education, but at no time should governments impose   regulations which restrict people's linguistic freedom.