Question

1 Some people believe that all children should learn a foreign language from the time they start school, while others believe it is better to wait until a child is at secondary school. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Answer 1

Some people believe that all children should learn a foreign language from the moment they start school, while others think that it is better to wait until the child enters secondary school. Let us consider both points of view and give our opinions.

On the one hand, it is suggested to start learning a foreign language at an early age. This can be beneficial because children are at a period when their brains are at their most malleable state. Learning a foreign language can help develop critical thinking, improve memory and the ability to concentrate. In addition, knowing a foreign language can be useful for future careers and travelling.

On the other hand, there are arguments in favour of starting to learn a foreign language only in secondary school. In this case, children already have more developed cognitive abilities and can learn complex grammatical constructions and vocabulary better. In addition, children can choose a language they like themselves and learn to study it more deeply than if the language was chosen for them.

In my opinion, it is better to start learning a foreign language at an early age. This will give children the opportunity to learn about other cultures earlier and develop their cognitive abilities. In addition, knowing a foreign language can be useful in personal and professional life. However, it is important that language learning does not become an excessive burden for children and that lessons are interesting and accessible to all.

Answer 2

Learning a foreign language is a topic that has sparked much debate among educators and parents. While some people argue that children should start learning a foreign language from the time they start school, others believe that it is better to wait until a child reaches secondary school. In this discussion, I will explore both views and provide my own opinion.

Proponents of teaching foreign languages to young children argue that early exposure to a new language has numerous benefits. They believe that young minds have a remarkable capacity for language acquisition and can easily absorb new vocabulary and grammar structures. Research suggests that children who learn a second language at an early age tend to have better cognitive skills, including enhanced problem-solving abilities and improved memory.

Furthermore, learning a foreign language from a young age can foster cultural understanding and appreciation. It exposes children to different cultures and helps them develop a global perspective. This early exposure can also lead to increased opportunities for communication and collaboration in an increasingly interconnected world.

On the other hand, those who advocate for delaying foreign language learning until secondary school argue that it allows children to focus on mastering their native language first. They believe that a strong foundation in the native language is crucial for academic success, as it forms the basis for reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. Waiting until secondary school also gives students more maturity and cognitive development, which can make language learning more effective.

Moreover, proponents of delaying foreign language learning argue that secondary school students have a better understanding of their own interests and can choose a language that aligns with their goals and aspirations. This targeted approach may lead to more motivation and engagement, resulting in better language proficiency in the long run.

In my opinion, there are merits to both arguments. Early exposure to a foreign language can provide children with valuable skills and cultural understanding, but it should be balanced with a focus on their native language development. I believe that incorporating foreign language learning in primary school, even if it is limited to basic vocabulary and cultural exposure, can be beneficial. This early introduction can lay the foundation for deeper language learning in secondary school, where students can choose a language based on their interests and career goals.

In conclusion, the debate over when children should start learning a foreign language continues to divide opinions. While some argue for early language learning to harness the natural language acquisition abilities of young children, others believe in delaying it until secondary school for a more targeted and mature approach. Ultimately, a balanced approach that combines early exposure and focused language learning in secondary school may be the most effective.