Plan this discussion essay about work with the ideas and outline below, write it on a 40-minute timer, then compare it with a band-8 model answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that employees should be able to speak several languages. Others believe that one language, such as English, is enough for business.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
Pick two or three points from one or both columns. You do not need all of them, and your own examples score better than memorised ones.
Spend the first few minutes planning, then write.
0 words of 250 minimum
Your answer stays on this page only. Copy it before you leave.
Write your own answer first, then compare: how it answers the exact question, what each paragraph does, and which phrases you could borrow.
Some people believe that employees should be able to speak several languages, while others feel that English is sufficient for business. I think that English is essential, but additional languages give workers a clear advantage.
Those who support the use of English alone make a sound argument. English is the main language of international business, science and aviation, so a company can usually communicate with partners around the world without any translation. Learning several languages takes years of study, and many workplaces would find it difficult to hire people with such skills. It may be more efficient to invest in good English training and use translation software for occasional needs.
Nevertheless, speaking other languages offers significant benefits. Clients feel more valued when a supplier addresses them in their own language, and this builds trust that can lead to better deals. A salesperson who can speak Spanish, for example, may win customers in Latin America who would not do business in English. Understanding a language also helps people to understand cultural habits, avoiding misunderstandings in negotiations. Multilingual employees can read local news, contracts and social media directly, providing the company with information that competitors may overlook. Moreover, research suggests that learning languages improves memory and problem-solving, which is useful in any job.
In my view, companies should not insist that every employee be multilingual, but they should encourage language learning and make sure that important teams, such as those dealing with foreign markets, include speakers of relevant languages.
In conclusion, English is sufficient for basic communication, but a multilingual workforce provides better relationships and market knowledge. I therefore think additional languages are a valuable asset.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| multilingual | able to use several languages |
| international business | business across borders |
| language proficiency | level of language ability |
| translation software | apps that translate |
| market expansion | entering new markets |
| cultural fluency | understanding of other cultures |
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