Scorify.uzThe question
Many languages are disappearing as fewer people speak them. What problems does this cause and what can be done to protect them?
Write at least 250 words.
What the question asks
Explain the cultural and practical problems of language loss and suggest realistic protection measures.
Essay plan
- Introduction: Say language loss damages culture and can be reduced.
- Body 1: problems: Loss of identity, traditional knowledge, literature; weaker ties between generations.
- Body 2: solutions: Teach local languages in schools, support media and technology, document elders' speech.
- Conclusion: Action by governments and communities can preserve languages.
Band 7+ sample essay
Linguists estimate that thousands of languages may disappear this century as younger generations switch to dominant languages such as English or Chinese. This development causes serious problems, but there are practical ways to slow it down.
When a language dies, a unique part of human culture disappears with it. Many languages carry traditional knowledge about plants, medicine, local history and ways of seeing the world, and this information is rarely translated. Language is also a central part of identity, so speakers who abandon it may feel disconnected from their heritage. In families, grandparents and grandchildren may no longer be able to communicate fully, weakening family ties.
Several measures could help. Schools in minority regions should teach the local language alongside the national one, so that children grow up as bilingual speakers. Governments can fund radio, television and online content in minority languages, and technology companies can add them to translation tools and keyboards. Finally, researchers should record elderly speakers and create dictionaries and recordings, which can be used by future generations.
Such programmes work best when communities are directly involved and see the language as useful in daily life, not only as a tradition.
Technology provides new opportunities as well. Smartphone apps, online dictionaries and social media groups allow young people to use minority languages in modern contexts, such as messaging and music. When a language is seen as part of everyday digital life rather than only a tradition, young speakers are more likely to continue using it.
In conclusion, the loss of languages weakens cultural diversity, but with education, media support and careful documentation, many of them can be preserved.
271 words.
Why this essay scores well
- Task Response: every part of the question is answered and the position stays consistent from the introduction to the conclusion.
- Coherence and Cohesion: each paragraph has one clear idea, linked with natural connectors rather than a list of memorised phrases.
- Lexical Resource: topic vocabulary is precise and varied, without forcing rare words.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: a mix of simple and complex sentences, with conditionals and relative clauses used accurately.
Useful vocabulary
- minority language — a language spoken by few people
- cultural diversity — a variety of cultures
- traditional knowledge — information passed down in a community
- bilingual — able to speak two languages
- document a language — record it in writing or audio
- heritage — history and traditions passed down
- abandon — stop using
Common mistakes on this question
- Using “dead languages” and “disappearing languages” as the same thing.
- Proposing solutions without linking them to problems.
- Writing only about English.
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Frequently asked questions
What type of essay is this IELTS Task 2 question?
It is a problem and solution question. Explain the cultural and practical problems of language loss and suggest realistic protection measures.
How many words should the essay be?
Write at least 250 words. Most strong answers are 260–290 words, planned in about five minutes and completed in 40 minutes.
How many paragraphs should I write?
Four paragraphs work well: an introduction, two body paragraphs and a conclusion. Each body paragraph needs one main idea, an explanation and an example.