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
At present, there are thousands of languages being spoken in the many regions of the globe. However, perhaps in the foreseeable future, only one common language will exist as a means of communication. In my opinion, although this development would help to increase international communications, it would be highly detrimental to the diversity of our species.
If we all spoke the same language, it would be the bridge to harmony and understanding between different cultures and countries. It would eliminate the key hurdle that keeps groups of people separate because we all have a sense of familiarity through language. We could therefore better comprehend different cultures that used to be somewhat misinterpreted due to a linguistic barrier.
Nevertheless, if there were one common language, a part of a country’s core identity would be sacrificed. Language not only is the way people living in the same society communicate but also symbolizes their origins and defining characteristics. Vietnamese people, for example, have been known for their heroism and patriotism through the words of their anthems, while most people think of France as a land of romance because French is considered to be the language of love.
Cultural diversity and historical values would also be put at stake as a consequence of this trend. Dialects in any part of a country carry unique stories and lessons of the past which are closely linked to religions, beliefs, and lifestyles. And a world that uses only one language would be the ground for the likely unfortunate disappearance of those precious aspects of life.
In conclusion, although a single global language would help to ease language barriers between nations, I believe it would be a major threat to human identity, culture and history.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Remove unnecessary article Original: the many regions Suggested revision: many regions Why it matters: The definite article is unnecessary before the general plural phrase ‘many regions’.
- 2. Use uncountable noun Original: communications Suggested revision: communication Why it matters: ‘Communication’ is normally uncountable when referring to the general exchange of information.
- 3. Use indefinite article Original: the Suggested revision: a Why it matters: This is the first mention of a figurative bridge, so the indefinite article is appropriate.
- 4. Match hypothetical meaning Original: that used to be somewhat misinterpreted Suggested revision: that might otherwise be misinterpreted Why it matters: The modal form correctly expresses the hypothetical contrast created by a shared language.
- 5. Correct word order Original: Language not only is Suggested revision: Language is not only Why it matters: The verb should precede ‘not only’ in this declarative clause.
- 6. Use direct tense Original: have been known for their heroism Suggested revision: are known for their heroism Why it matters: The present simple states the continuing general association more directly.
- 7. Fix idiom Original: would also be put at stake Suggested revision: would also be at stake Why it matters: The standard expression is ‘be at stake’.
- 8. Clarify distribution Original: Dialects in any part of a country Suggested revision: Dialects in different parts of a country Why it matters: ‘Different parts’ more clearly conveys that regional dialects vary across a country.
- 9. Use precise collocation Original: ease Suggested revision: reduce Why it matters: ‘Reduce barriers’ is the more precise collocation for making communication easier.
- 10. Sentence rewrite Original: And a world that uses only one language would be the ground for the likely unfortunate disappearance of those precious aspects of life. Suggested revision: A world that uses only one language would likely lead to the unfortunate disappearance of those precious aspects of life. Why it matters: The rewrite replaces the awkward causal phrase while preserving the prediction.
Suggested Rewrites
- the many regions many regions
- communications communication
- the a
- that used to be somewhat misinterpreted that might otherwise be misinterpreted
- Language not only is Language is not only
- have been known for their heroism are known for their heroism
Why this response received Band 8.0
The response presents a clear negative judgement while thoughtfully acknowledging the main benefit of a shared language, and its ideas are developed through relevant cultural examples. The main limitation is occasional awkward or imprecise phrasing, particularly when describing global communication and cultural disappearance. The best improvement would be to refine those collocations and tighten a few formulations so the strong argument sounds consistently natural and exact.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
The question is fully addressed through a clear position, balanced consideration, and well-developed relevant support.
Strengthen the final negative case further by explaining more explicitly why cultural loss outweighs improved communication.
Coherence and Cohesion
Ideas progress logically through well-focused paragraphs, with cohesive devices used clearly and effectively.
Integrate the final body paragraph more smoothly with the preceding identity argument to make the progression even tighter.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is varied and precise overall, with only occasional awkward combinations that do not impede meaning.
Refine expressions such as increase international communication and create conditions for cultural disappearance for greater naturalness.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A wide range of complex structures is handled accurately, with only minor lapses or awkward constructions.
Polish article use and word order in the few less natural sentences to achieve more consistent 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.