
This forum (which is now CLOSED, sorry!) contains essays by hundreds of people preparing for the IELTS between 2012 and 2013. They helped each other to become better writers by reading each other's essays and commenting on them.
Please enjoy the hundreds of essays and thousands of comments still available here. A HUGE thanks to all the brave young writers who commented and to all the visitors. We hope we've made IELTS writing less scary.
art business children communication crime culture economy education environment families food freedom globalization health heritage leisure media politics science society sports television travel technology transport university violence work








9:00 pm
March 7, 2012

Several languages are in danger of extinction because they are spoken by very small numbers of people. Some people say that governments should spend public money on saving these languages, while others believe that would be a waste of money. Discuss both views and give your opinion
It is true that some minority languages such as aboriginal’s languages are on the verge of extinction. Although some people argue that preserving those languages is wasting time, I believe that states should take measures to protect them.
Some believe that as those minority languages are spoken by a handful of people, and besides, they do not affect the majority culture of a country a lot, then it is not necessary to invest public money on them. Governments could spend public money on the well-being of those individuals to live better or on improving the standard of living. Moreover, uniformity in the language may lead to an increase national solidarity as it is vital to unify a country.
On the other hand, others believe that a language is not simply integration of some words used in speeches and ordinary conversations. Language includes a collection of legends, traditions and emotions gathered throughout the history. In fact, it is a part of cultural identity of a nation. Furthermore, not only preserving aboriginal languages does not lead to less patriotism but also people would feel that they belong to this country and show more respects to the government. They can pass on their heritage to young generations through stories spoken on their own languages.
As shown above, preserving and investing money on endangered languages could not be seen as a waste of time. Governments could take some measures to keep alive these languages, causing people feel that authorities tend to protect their cultures and identities.
.
11:55 am

Hi Brian
Nice short essay on this topic. You have chosen to focus on a particular aspect - languages spoken by very small numbers of people, which is exactly what the question asks.
I wonder however if more specific examples would have made your essay stronger. Are you thinking of Australia? Taiwan? India? Papua New Guinea? Canada? The term aboriginal is fairly specific and often used in a political sense. Only a few people speak Irish or Welsh, but most of them would not want to be called aboriginal. In Australia and Canada there is a move away from the word as well.
- http://www.aboriginalartonline.com/culture/aboriginal.php
- http://rabble.ca/news/rethinking-word-aboriginal
- http://www.whywarriors.com.au/Definitions.php
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwanese_aborigines
Forgetting about the word aboriginal though, what about other minority languages in danger e.g. in Europe, the Middle East, or other parts of the word?
Simplify/Word Order/Usage
- Some people argue that preserving those languages is wasting time
- Some people argue that preserving those languages is a waste of time
- Uniformity in the language may lead to an increase national solidarity
- Uniformity in the language may lead to an increase in national solidarity
This sentence has too many negatives! I had to take two aspirins to get through it.... 🙂
Furthermore, not only preserving aboriginal languages does not lead to less patriotism but also people would feel that they belong to this country and show more respects to the government.
Let's change the word order and remove some negatives. Is this what you mean?
Furthermore, preserving aboriginal languages can help minorities to feel that they belong to a country. They will have more respect for the central government. They will feel more confident and valued knowing that they can pass on their heritage to young generations through stories spoken in their own language.
- preserving and investing money on endangered languages could not be seen as a waste of time
- preserving and investing money on endangered languages should not be seen as a waste of time
- Governments could take some measures to keep alive these languages, causing people feel that authorities tend to protect their cultures and identities
- Governments should take measures to keep alive these languages and to help minorities feel that their cultures and identities are protected and respected.
Articles
- In fact, it is a part of cultural identity of a nation.
- In fact, it is a part of the cultural identity of a nation.
You'll notice that I have spent more time on the ideas than on the grammar. That's a good thing! Thanks for all your help with reviewing other writers' work here on the forum.
Most Users Ever Online: 760
Currently Online: Mr Writefix
1 Guest(s)
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Top Posters:
Brian_mcclaine: 90
alison32559905: 88
David Lee: 67
ma-frank: 54
katisss: 51
Tommy Bui: 42
Nick: 39
essays: 36
chrisluke921221: 35
alia: 34
rshdwork: 32
youtthasack: 31
linpearl89: 29
rose2802: 28
madinarafi5: 28
Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 1
Members: 172
Moderators: 1
Admins: 2
Forum Stats:
Groups: 1
Forums: 3
Topics: 545
Posts: 2204
Newest Members:
Newestadmin, newadmin, Mr Writefix, charrmaineModerators: Newestadmin: 0
Administrators: Enda Tuomey: 0, newadmin: 0