Answer: Learning a second language should be compulsory for all secondary students because it builds communication skills, cultural understanding and future opportunities.

A strong contention takes a clear side and previews the main reasons. The others are vague, announce the topic, or sit on the fence.

Answer: Language study should remain optional, so students can focus on subjects that match their interests and goals.

It argues against compulsory language study and gives a reason.

Answer: For example (against): 'While learning a language has real benefits, it should not be compulsory, because students learn best when they choose subjects that suit their interests, and timetables are already crowded.'

Answer: counter-argument → an argument the other side would make against your contention; concession → admitting that part of the opposing view has some merit; rebuttal → explaining why the opposing argument is weaker than it first appears; contention → the overall position your essay argues

Answer: It is true that timetables are busy; however, language study can be built in gradually, for example a few lessons a week, and the skills it develops, such as memory and close attention to grammar, support learning in other subjects too.

A strong rebuttal concedes the valid point, then offers a reasoned response. Simply saying the other side is wrong is not persuasive.

Answer: For example: 'Understanding other cultures is certainly valuable; however, it can also be developed through history, geography, literature and travel, without forcing every student into a subject that may not suit them.'

Answer: Hook: 'Imagine arriving in a new country and being unable to ask for directions.' Background: Language study is compulsory in some schools and optional in others. Contention: Learning a second language should be compulsory because it builds communication, cultural understanding and future opportunities.

Answer: Topic sentence: A second language lets students communicate with many more people. Evidence: languages such as Spanish and Mandarin are spoken by large numbers of people across many countries.

Answer: Topic sentence: Learning a language builds understanding of other cultures. Evidence: language lessons include customs, food, festivals and ways of thinking, helping students see the world from another perspective.

Answer: Topic sentence: Language skills open up future study and career opportunities. Example: jobs in tourism, international business, diplomacy and translation can value people who speak more than one language.

Answer: Counter-argument: timetables are already crowded. Rebuttal: concede that time is limited, but argue that even a few lessons a week build useful skills, and that language study strengthens skills used in other subjects.

Answer: Restate that learning a second language is a skill for life that every student deserves. Final thought: return to the hook: 'Next time someone in a new country asks you for directions, wouldn't you like to be able to answer?'

Model answer: Learning a second language should be compulsory because it helps students understand cultures other than their own. Language and culture are closely linked, so learning how another group of people speaks also means learning how they live, celebrate and see the world. For example, students learning Japanese often study the customs of greeting and politeness that shape everyday conversation, while students learning French may explore the food, festivals and history of French-speaking countries. These experiences encourage curiosity and respect rather than suspicion of people who are different. In a diverse society, this kind of understanding is not a luxury but a necessity. Making language study compulsory ensures that every student, not only those who choose it, develops this open-minded perspective.

Model answer: Some argue that students already study too many subjects and that adding a compulsory language would leave less time for core areas such as English and mathematics. It is true that school timetables are busy, and time spent on one subject is time not spent on another. However, language study does not need to take over the timetable; even a few lessons a week can build useful skills over several years. Moreover, learning a language strengthens skills that support other subjects, such as memory, careful listening and an understanding of how grammar works. Rather than competing with other subjects, a second language can help students succeed in them.