[#18] Children are more successful in foreign language studies than adults | IELTS Writing-2

Sample Answer:

A section of society advocates that adults have advantages over children when it comes to learning other languages, while others maintain that youngsters are more effective in this regard. In my opinion, the effectiveness of language acquisition is dependent on a number of elements, including age, motivation, and the learning environment.

First and foremost, it is often accepted that young children naturally acquire languages more quickly than adults. In other words, due to their incredibly flexible minds, they frequently pick up new syntax, sounds, and language patterns without effort. Even research backs up this assertion, demonstrating that young language learners frequently acquire fluency and pronunciation similar to native speakers when exposed to a foreign language.

However, it is essential to acknowledge that age is not the only factor that determines the effectiveness of language learning. Exposure and motivation are important factors. To substantiate, youngsters are frequently exposed to language-learning contexts, such as communities and schools, which support their linguistic growth. Adults, on the other hand, could have trouble locating such settings, and their motivation may change according to their demands in both their personal and professional lives. Therefore, adults are capable of surpassing children in foreign language competency if they have the necessary tools and drive.

Additionally, adults also usually have cognitive advantages over youngsters. To explain, they can employ efficient language-learning techniques because they possess more advanced metacognitive abilities. Adult learners can expedite their acquisition of a new language by leveraging their pre-existing knowledge and cognitive capacities to establish links between the two languages.

In conclusion, a complex interaction of elements determines the success of studying foreign languages. Adults may succeed if they are driven and given the right conditions for learning, while children may benefit from specific advantages because of the key phase.

IMPORTANT VOCABULARY

• Advocates: People who support or promote a cause, idea, or belief.
• Acquisition: The process of gaining or obtaining something, often new skills or knowledge.
• Incredibly: To an exceptionally high degree or to an extraordinary extent.
• Flexible: Capable of adapting or changing easily to different situations or requirements.
• Syntax: The rules and structure governing the arrangement of words and phrases in a language.
• Backs up: Supports or reinforces a claim, argument, or statement with evidence or proof.
• Assertion: A confident and forceful statement or declaration, often made without detailed evidence.
• Acknowledge: To recognize or admit the existence or truth of something.
• Linguistic growth: The development and expansion of language skills and knowledge over time.
• Surpassing: Exceeding or going beyond a particular standard or level.
• Competency: The ability to perform a task or job effectively and efficiently.
• Cognitive advantages: The benefits related to mental processes, such as thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving.
• Metacognitive abilities: Skills related to thinking about one’s own thought processes, including self-awareness and self-regulation.
• Pre-existing knowledge: Information or understanding that already exists before a particular point in time.
• Driven: Motivated or determined to achieve a goal or objective.