Fewer school students choose to study a foreign language than in the past.
A full IELTS Writing Task 2 answer to this question, with a paragraph plan, ideas you can use, and the vocabulary that fits this topic.
The question
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Fewer school students choose to study a foreign language than in the past.
Why do you think this is happening? How could schools change that?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
How to read this question
The sharpest causal observation is that language study is uniquely punishing under grading systems that reward measurable progress: a student can work hard for two years and still be unable to hold a conversation, while the same effort in another subject produces a visible grade. Add the widespread belief that English is sufficient, and the decline becomes rational rather than lazy — which is what the second question then has to address.
Paragraph plan
Introduction — Paraphrase the trend, then signpost: languages are chosen against because progress is slow and grading is harsh, and because English appears sufficient; schools can change the intensity and the purpose rather than the promotion.
Body 1 — Why — slow visible progress against grade-conscious choices, harsh marking relative to other subjects, and the perception that English removes the need.
Body 2 — What schools could do — concentrate hours rather than spreading them, assess communication rather than accuracy alone, and give the language a purpose beyond the exam.
Conclusion — Students are responding rationally to how the subject is taught and assessed; changing that is within a school's control.
Model essay
Band 8.5–9.0 model essay
328 words
A declining number of students are opting to study foreign languages in school. This trend primarily stems from the perceived diminishing necessity of language skills and unengaging teaching methods, although schools could adopt several measures to reverse it.
The main reason behind this decline is the widespread availability of translation technology. To clarify, with instant translation applications now capable of converting speech and text within seconds, many students perceive language acquisition as an unnecessary investment of time and effort when a smartphone can perform the task instantly. Furthermore, traditional language instruction, often centred on rote memorisation of grammar rules and vocabulary lists, fails to engage students meaningfully. Consequently, many find such lessons tedious rather than stimulating, further discouraging sustained interest in the subject. This disengagement is often reinforced by rigid examination systems that reward memorisation over genuine communicative ability.
However, schools could take meaningful steps to rekindle interest in language learning. First, curricula could be redesigned around immersive, practical activities, such as conversational exchanges with native speakers or language-based travel projects, rather than solely relying on textbook exercises. Such experiential learning would allow students to appreciate languages as tools for genuine communication rather than abstract academic subjects. Moreover, schools could emphasise the career advantages of multilingualism, inviting professionals who use foreign languages in international business or diplomacy to share their experiences. When students recognise tangible career benefits, they are more likely to remain motivated throughout their studies, even during the more challenging early stages of learning.
To conclude, although translation technology and uninspiring teaching methods largely explain declining interest in foreign languages, schools could reverse this trend through immersive learning experiences and by highlighting the practical career value of multilingualism.
Created by a Band 8.5–9.0 IELTS Writing achiever — Premium. Sign up free to read the rest of this essay and unlock every model on the site.
This is a problem and solution question. The essay above shows you what a strong answer looks like when it is finished. What it cannot show you is how to get there from a blank page in forty minutes.
That is what our Writing Study Library is for: the structure we teach for this exact question type, the paragraph pattern that goes with it, and the sentence openers for each stage — so the essay is planned before you start writing rather than assembled as you go.
Introduction: Paraphrase that fewer students now study foreign languages and state that schools could take steps to reverse this.
Body 1: Argue the decline stems from instant translation technology making language skills feel unnecessary, and from dull, rote-memorisation teaching reinforced by exams that reward memorisation over real communication.
Body 2: Argue schools could respond with immersive, practical activities like conversation exchanges and travel projects, and by showcasing real career benefits of multilingualism through visiting professionals.
Conclusion: Summarise that technology and uninspiring teaching explain the decline, while immersive learning and career framing could revive interest.
Word or phrase
Meaning
Used in a sentence
perceived diminishing necessity
the sense that something is becoming less needed
This trend primarily stems from the perceived diminishing necessity of language skills.
rote memorisation
learning by repetition without deep understanding
traditional language instruction, often centred on rote memorisation of grammar rules
tedious
boring; monotonous
many find such lessons tedious rather than stimulating
immersive
deeply engaging, surrounding the learner in the experience
curricula could be redesigned around immersive, practical activities
conversational exchanges
interactive spoken practice sessions with others
conversational exchanges with native speakers
abstract academic subjects
subjects treated as theoretical rather than practical
rather than abstract academic subjects
multilingualism
the ability to speak multiple languages
schools could emphasise the career advantages of multilingualism
rekindle
to revive or reawaken interest
schools could take meaningful steps to rekindle interest in language learning
Created by a Band 8.5–9.0 IELTS Writing achiever — Premium. Sign up free to see the ideas and vocabulary for this topic and unlock every model on the site.
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Common questions
How do I explain a choice without calling students lazy?
Show that the choice is rational given the incentives. If languages are graded harshly and progress is invisible for two years, dropping them is a sensible response — and that account is both fairer and more useful, because it identifies exactly what a school would have to change.
Should I explain why the obvious solution fails?
Yes, when you can say why. Noting that promotional campaigns cannot outweigh a grade penalty demonstrates evaluation and justifies the remedies you propose instead. It also prevents your second half reading like a list of things anyone could suggest.
Is psychological reasoning acceptable in an IELTS essay?
Yes, provided it is stated in ordinary language and used to support the argument. Observing that adolescents avoid situations that make them look incompetent is a legitimate causal point; it becomes a problem only if presented as research you cannot describe.
