FCE - ESSAY

Is it better to learn English before learning other foreign languages?

It is common knowledge that English is gradually becoming the world's universal language. It has already penetrated finance, commerce, business, etc. However, good command of two or more foreign languages is still considered favourable by most employers. But for most people the question of whether it is reasonable to study English first and then take up a new language presents a considerable challenge.

On the one hand, English is the most widespread foreign language and basic knowledge of it may not only prove useful in daily life, but it may also expand your career opportunities. Therefore, it would be sensible to start learning foreign languages with it. In addition to that, there is a wide range of textbooks, course-books and dictionaries to choose from, providing a student with comprehensive and extensive insight into the language.

On the other hand, English may not quite be suitable to be the first foreign language you learn. Despite the fact that it is commonly believed to be one of the easiest languages to master, it has complex grammar rules, phrasal verbs and set expressions which are difficult to remember.

To sum up, although English is quite a complicated language, learning it before other foreign languages is both beneficial and prudent.


(Very good essay, Victoria. The sentence that I crossed out doesn't quite make sense, but I'm not sure getting rid of it altogether would help, so perhaps try to think about what you were trying to say with it and rephrase it?)

FCE - ESSAY

Is it better to learn English before learning other foreign languages?

It is common knowledge that English is gradually becoming the world's universal language. It has already penetrated finance, commerce, business, etc. However, good command of two or more foreign languages is still considered favourable by most employers. But for most people the question whether it is reasonable to study English first and then take up a new language presents a considerable challenge.

On the one hand, English is the most widespread foreign language and basic knowledge of it may not only prove useful in daily life, but it may also expand your (one's, you should choose between first and third person)career opportunities. Therefore, it would be sensible to start learning foreign languages with it. (this sentence suggests learning foreign language through English, what you may rather want to say is "it would be sensible to start with it (English) when learning a foreign language. In addition to that, there is a wide range of textbooks, course-books and dictionaries to choose from, providing a student with comprehensive and extensive insight into the language.

On the other hand, English may not be quite suitable to be the first foreign language you (1st vs 3rd) learn. Despite the fact that it is commonly believed to me one of the easiest languages to master, it has complex grammar rules, phrasal verbs and set expressions which are difficult to remember.

To sum up, although English is quite a complicated language, learning it before other foreign languages is both beneficial and prudent.

Excellent! Perfect grammar, and the set up of the essay is well done. I think you'll get a good mark. ;-)

FCE - ESSAY

Is it better to learn English before learning other foreign languages?

It is common knowledge that English is gradually becoming the world's universal language (you could also say 'lingua franca' here) . It has already penetrated finance, commerce, business, etc. However, good command of two or more foreign languages is still considered favourable by most employers. But for most people, the question whether it is reasonable (sensible is probably better here) to study English first and then take up a new language afterwards/later presents a considerable challenge.

On the one hand, English is the most widespread foreign language and basic knowledge of it may not only prove useful in daily life, but it may also expand your career opportunities. Therefore, it would be sensible (a good idea is probably better here) to start learning foreign languages with it. In addition to that, there is a wide range of textbooks, course-books and dictionaries to choose from, providing a student with comprehensive and extensive insight into the language.

On the other hand, English may not be quite suitable to be the first foreign language you learn. Despite the fact that it is commonly believed to me one of the easiest languages to master, it has complex grammar rules, phrasal verbs and set expressions which are difficult to remember.

To sum up, although English is quite a complicated language, learning it before other foreign languages is both beneficial and prudent.