Scientists say that in the future humanity will speak the same language. Do you think this is a positive or negative social development?
Sample Response
On the matter of language learning, many linguists argue that one language will be used as an international language in the future. Although this development is sometimes believed to be a threat to global language diversity, there are reasonable grounds that it is of greater benefits to humanity, including the ease of international communication and the chance for each country to develop a strong intellectual labour force.
There is a common belief that the use of one language as a lingua franca may bring minority languages to the verge of extinction. There is, however, clear evidence why such a claim is an exaggeration. In reality, despite the role of English as a common language across most countries in the world, less common languages are being preserved well at present. This can be seen in the case of the Irish language, which was spoken by as little as 5% of the population of Ireland in the latter half of the 20 th century. This language is now increasingly popular in Ireland as a result of the efforts of the Irish government to promote its use in recent years. Another important point is that the popularity of one international language does not necessarily mean the waning usage of other languages. An excellent example of this is that English is being spoken as the second language in many countries where the mother tongues are still dominant in everyday communication.
On the other hand, the universality of one language is of great benefit to the development of the world. The primary reason is that in today’s context of globalisation and international integration, the use of one common language promotes mutual understanding between those who come from different geographical and cultural backgrounds. As a result, international trade may grow, which would benefit all nations that choose to engage in this process. Another significant reason is that when language barriers are removed, all learners may have access to a wealth of knowledge written exclusively in other languages, and they have the opportunity to become experts in a variety of areas. This may help every country to build a stronger intellectual workforce, which could act as the catalyst for long-term global development.
In summary, the use of one international language is not necessarily disadvantageous. There are clear advantages of having a universal language, such as the growth of international trade and the development of a stronger intellectual workforce in every country.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Sharpen the topic Original: On the matter of language learning Suggested revision: Regarding the future of language use Why it matters: This wording identifies the essay's actual focus more precisely.
- 2. Fix the construction Original: reasonable grounds that it is of greater benefits Suggested revision: reasonable grounds for believing that it is of greater benefit Why it matters: The noun phrase requires 'for believing,' and 'benefit' is singular in this construction.
- 3. Use concise wording Original: including the ease of international communication Suggested revision: including easier international communication Why it matters: The revision expresses the same benefit more directly.
- 4. Use the right linker Original: why Suggested revision: that Why it matters: A that-clause, rather than a why-clause, states what the evidence shows.
- 5. Avoid overstatement Original: across most countries in the world Suggested revision: in many countries around the world Why it matters: This phrasing makes the broad geographical claim more measured and natural.
- 6. Improve the phrasing Original: are being preserved well at present Suggested revision: are currently well preserved Why it matters: The revision is more concise and idiomatic while preserving the meaning.
- 7. Use countable comparison Original: little Suggested revision: few Why it matters: 'Few' is appropriate because the percentage refers to a countable group of people.
- 8. Choose natural wording Original: the waning usage of other languages Suggested revision: the declining use of other languages Why it matters: 'Declining use' is the more natural collocation in this context.
- 9. Correct tense and article Original: English is being spoken as the second language Suggested revision: English is spoken as a second language Why it matters: The simple present describes a general fact, and 'a' is required before 'second language.'
- 10. Clarify the meaning Original: the universality of one language Suggested revision: the universal use of one language Why it matters: This phrase refers more clearly to widespread language use rather than an abstract quality.
- 11. Correct the article Original: the Suggested revision: a Why it matters: The claim presents the workforce as one possible catalyst, so the indefinite article is appropriate.
- 12. Fix the collocation Original: of Suggested revision: to Why it matters: The standard construction is 'advantages to' followed by a gerund.
Suggested Rewrites
- On the matter of language learning Regarding the future of language use
- reasonable grounds that it is of greater benefits reasonable grounds for believing that it is of greater benefit
- including the ease of international communication including easier international communication
- why that
- across most countries in the world in many countries around the world
- are being preserved well at present are currently well preserved
Why this response received Band 8.0
The response is strongest in its sustained, logically developed case for the practical benefits of a shared language, supported by relevant examples and highly controlled expression. Its main limitation is that it treats the scenario as widespread use of an international second language rather than fully confronting a future in which humanity speaks the same language. Prioritise aligning the argument more precisely with that premise and its implications for linguistic diversity.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
A clear positive position is developed thoroughly with relevant explanations and examples, although the response partly softens the stated scenario into use of a common second language.
Address the literal prospect of humanity speaking the same language and evaluate its consequences directly rather than relying mainly on current bilingual contexts.
Coherence and Cohesion
Ideas progress logically through well-focused paragraphs, with clear relationships between claims, examples, and consequences.
Make the shift from rebutting the disadvantage to presenting the positive case slightly more seamless and less signposted.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is wide and generally precise, with effective topic-specific choices despite a few awkward collocations.
Refine phrases such as 'of greater benefits' and 'waning usage' so that sophisticated vocabulary remains fully natural.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A wide range of complex structures is used accurately, and the few errors do not impede communication.
Proofread comparative forms and small agreement or formatting slips to improve an already high level of control.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
Scientists say that in the future humanity will speak the same language. Do you think this is a positive or negative social development?
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.