TEOFL iBT Writing for an Academic Discussion Should you learn the language of the country you are traveling in? (Revised)

 

Do you agree or disagree that foreigners should learn the language of the country they are traveling in?

 

 

 

☆Let’s Think

1.        Have you ever talked to by a person from overseas in the local language? If so, share the experience.

2.        What are the purposes of learning a language?

3.        What is your stance on the professor’s question?

 

 

☆Hints for Points

Agree

1.       It is natural to learn the language of the country you are traveling in unless you are a recluse or have a kind of superiority complex.

2.       Travelers who speak the local language relate to the residents and can be a liaison between countries.

3.       To understand or make friends with someone, you have to talk with him or her. Without conversation, communication will be hampered and will be superficial.

4.       To learn about some culture, the knowledge of the language is a must because language is part of culture and plays a very important role in it.

5.   Especially in countries where no major languages are spoken, ability to speak the language is crucial for safety and comfort.

 

Disagree

1.       In the case of a minor language, there is little chances to use it after the tour.

2.       Phrase-book communication is not very deep.

3.       Machine translation is enough to interact with the locals.

 

 

☆Sample Response

【Thesis】Main purposes of traveling is to see the world and enjoy life outside of your daily lives. For that matter, it is crucial to learn the language of the place you are visiting.

【Supporting Details】Language learning helps understand the culture of the country and allows smooth communication with the natives, and therefore, your trip will be more fruitful and memorable if you speak even a fraction of the vocabulary. Especially, memorizing words representing the culture, national character, and the mentality of the people because they will work as keys for you to comprehend the ethos of the society and get into the heart of the people you meet there.

【Counterargument-treatment】It is true that non-verbal communication, tour guides, and translation apps, as David mentions, help travelers do without the language ability, but not speaking even a basic level of the language of the country will make them miss precious moments of true interaction with the people of the country because language breaks the ice, deepens interactions, and helps make good memories. For instance, I always feel happy when tourists from abroad talk to me in my language even if they are just repeating simple expressions like “Thank you!” It shows their friendship and their kindness to share joy of life through intimacy that speaking the same language creates.

【Conclusion】Therefore, I definitely agree with the idea that travelers should learn the locals’ language. (232 words)

          

 

【Thesis】I agree / disagree that foreigners should learn the language of the country they are traveling in because …

 

【Supporting Details】For example,

 

【Counterargument-treatment】It is true that …          However, …

 

【Conclusion】Therefore,

 

☆Speech Time

a.        Make a speech on this topic. Don’t worry. Everybody speaks at the same time.

b.        Have a debate on this topic.