Learning a Foreign Language at Primary School

The question

How to approach this discuss both views question

A discuss-both-views essay asks you to explain two opinions fairly and then give your own.

1. Introduce both views and say you will discuss them.
2. Paragraph 1: the first view with reasons and an example.
3. Paragraph 2: the second view with reasons and an example.
4. State your own opinion clearly (in the introduction or conclusion) and keep it consistent.

How to plan this answer

Structure

1. Introduction: paraphrase the debate about teaching a foreign language in primary school and state your opinion on whether it should start early.
2. Body 1: the case for early language learning, focusing on pronunciation, cultural awareness and the ease with which young children acquire languages.
3. Body 2: the case for core subjects, focusing on literacy and numeracy as foundations for later learning and the risk of overloading the timetable.
4. Body 3 (optional): a compromise, such as introducing language through short activities or in a few specific schools.
5. Conclusion: restate your opinion and say which view you find more convincing, with a brief reason.

Idea bank

• Young children often produce native-like pronunciation in a second language, which is harder for adults to achieve in later life.
• Learning a second language can strengthen children's understanding of grammar in their first language, because they compare how sentences are built.
• A timetable with extra language lessons may leave less time for reading and mathematics, which are the foundations for every other subject.
• Many children in primary schools still struggle with basic literacy, so there is a strong argument for consolidating those skills before adding new subjects.
• Short daily sessions of songs, games and simple phrases can introduce a language without replacing core lessons.
• Countries that start language teaching early, such as several in northern Europe, show that early exposure can be combined with strong results in core subjects.

Useful vocabulary

• early exposure to: Early exposure to a foreign language can make pronunciation more natural.
• core subjects: Core subjects such as literacy and mathematics should not be squeezed out of the timetable.
• a solid foundation: Strong literacy skills provide a solid foundation for later learning.
• overcrowded timetable: An overcrowded timetable can leave pupils overloaded.
• acquire a language: Young children acquire a language more naturally than adults.
• cultural awareness: Language lessons can build cultural awareness and curiosity about other countries.
• in addition to: In addition to literacy, pupils need basic numeracy skills.
• it can be argued that: It can be argued that the benefits of early learning outweigh the costs.
• take priority over: Basic reading and writing should take priority over a second language.
• a balanced approach: A balanced approach would introduce language without displacing core lessons.

Common mistakes

• Writing an introduction that never says whether the writer supports early language learning, which leaves the opinion requirement unmet.
• Describing the benefits of language learning in general, such as travel or career opportunities, rather than the specific advantages for primary-age children.
• Giving both views one short sentence each, without the separate paragraphs and reasons that the task requires.
• Arguing that core subjects are more important without explaining why they must come first at primary level.
• Confusing learning a language at primary school with studying the grammar of a language in secondary school.

Examiner tip: Give each view its own paragraph with reasons and examples, and state your opinion clearly in the introduction and the conclusion.