IELTS WRITING TASK 2

Hi, AlpheccaStars

Please help me to review this essay. Many thanks.

Topic: Living in a country where you have to speak a foreign language can cause severe social problems as well as practical problems.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

My essay:

Living abroad may bring huge benefits to those who want to experience new things, such as the culture or custom and habits of a country. However, in my opinion, there are some drawbacks worth considering due to the possibility that people may encounter troubles related to communication and lifestyles.

First, even speaking native language does not guarantee that people can get a full grasp of the cultures of various regions in the same country, let alone having to live in a place where they cannot speak their mother tongue. Obviously, culture shock is the first and the most challenging obstacle. Given that people can speak foreign language fluently, there will be circumstances where they can hear every word but cannot understand the meaning at all. In other words, local people may use slang to communicate, which textbooks do not mention. Consequently, people may feel homesick and get isolated owing to the inability to socialize with other people.

Second, when getting into troubles in a foreign country, it is time-consuming and complicated to tackle the problems. Take my relative's case in the US for example. Having some conflicts with the local people about house owner right, she has to find a lawyer to resolve. However, it is hard to understand to technical terms and it takes time to look up these words and find interpreter so as not to misunderstand. Meanwhile, this problem can be easily addressed if she lives in her hometown.

In brief, it is not always a good choice to live abroad. Apart from opportunities to access advanced education and better welfare, there are also social-related problems and practical issues that people should be well-prepared to confront and solve effectively.

285 words, in 37 minutes.