Overdramatization and overbenefitization in IELTS essays (my terms) 📝
To nail Task Response, it's important to write about realistic things and not to go to extremes. People often go to two extremes - overdramatization and overbenefitization. Let me exemplify.
Topic: "Because some children do not seem to have a natural ability to learn another language, schools should not force those children to study a foreign language. Do you agree or disagree?"
📝 Overdramatization
If a child is made exempt from taking a foreign language class due to lack of aptitude, they will end up jobless due to lack of career opportunities / realize they have a learning disability and develop depression or even suicidal ideation as a result.
📝 Overbenefitization
If a child takes a foreign language class, they will be a successful individual with advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills and a career at an international company / much less susceptible to such mental health outcomes as depression and dementia.
Sure, it's not like the scenarios above are entirely impossible, but they are not very likely. There is a huge gap, with many variables, between a language class at school and depression or success in adulthood. I mean, it's just a couple of 40-minute classes a week at a state school - can we really expect a very significant impact here?
It's best to stick to more realistic outcomes, both positive and negative. What would be more realistic for a school child?
Maybe, if a "talentless" child is exempt from a foreign language class, they will have more time to take advanced classes of the subject they do have a talent in or to prepare for exams or to volunteer. Btw, why would these be better than taking a language class? Share in the comments. 📝
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