Topic: Mathematics and the sciences such as biology, physics and chemistry will be taught and learnt in

English and other foreign languages in our school system. What do you think of the decision?

As the world become increasingly integrated, there arises an urgent need in the proficiency in foreign
languages in both communication and professional terms. Conscious of the advantages of integrating Commented [SN1]: Background sentence
English as well as other foreign languages as the communal language for teachers and learners, the
government has proposed a novel curriculum in which natural science subjects will be taught and learnt
in English. From my perspective, this project, albeit good causes, generates great reconsideration due to Commented [SN2]: Detailed background sentence.
issues related to the language level of both students and teachers, discrepancy between developed and
underdeveloped regions. Commented [SN3]: Outline

To begin with, when it comes to English-based subjects, the benefits associated are previous in the
linguistic proficiency itself and heightened opportunity for overseas study. In other words, the practice Commented [SN4]: Topic sentence
of teaching and learning natural sciences such as biology, physics and chemistry in English gives students
increased exposure to the language and trains them to think in English, hence boosting their
responsiveness in communication coupled with improvement in professional expertise. Consequently, Commented [SN5]: Evaluation
the students are further equipped to partake in international workshops regarding the subjects which is
followed by better chances of studying abroad. Commented [SN6]: Conclusion

Nevertheless, there are major concerns that deserves great attention in the process of implementation
the proposal in which linguistic competency comes first. It is an unpalatable fact that the overall level of
language proficiency is unequal, creating great obstacles in imparting and digesting knowledge. As a
matter of fact, there is a serious lack of well-qualified teachers who are both professionally and
linguistically competent in that while young teachers have an edge over their previous generations with
regards to foreign language learning, the reverse is true when it comes to experience. Students on the
receiving end suffer from a limited understanding as a result of language barrier, leading to appreciable
decline in quality of education.

Another aspect that warrants room for reconsideration lies in the huge regional inequities in the event
the project is put into practice. Obviously rural areas will confront enormous difficulties in implementing
the proposal because of more severe shortage of human resources and a much lower language level
compared to cities. This may well lead to a large disparity in the results of study, hightening the
disadvantages of rural students.

In conclusion, the proposed change in the curriculum though tempting due to its crystal-clear benefits
should be taken into due consideration owing to the hardships involved in the execution of the plan. In
view of the current ability of teachers and students, it may be a bit impulsive to integrate English in the
teaching and learning of science disciplines. Rather, the education system should put greater emphasis
on English proficiency of both students and teachers in order that they are well-prepared to perform
their educational roles at their best.

1. see (no) great merits in :

2. concur with / readily concur that :

3. the underlying/root cause of sth is :

4. There is no doubt that; there is no denying/disputing the fact that :

5. It is by no means certain that :

6. With regard to , the following conclusions may be drawn

7. a contentious issue; a divisive issue; a controversial issue ; a source of constant debate, a bone of
contention:

8. have serious implications/repercussions for/knock-on effects on

9. It should be noted that/ it is worth bearing in mind that

10. underline/underscore

11. In other words/to put it another way/to put it simply

12. provide a rationale for/ a rationale behind

13. as an excuse/ a pretext fo

14. counteract the effects of

15. investigate the factors responsible for

16. living standard deterioration = decline in the quality of life

17. act as a deterrent to

18. put forward some cogent reasons for :

19. intrude on peoples private lives :

20. legitimately exempt from criminal responsibility

21. production grind to a halt :

22. This rationalizes why :

23. undergo an amazing metamorphosis from to :

24. a staggering/astounding number of :

25. a sense of national identity :

26. wreak havoc on crops :

27. on an unprecedented scale/reach an unprecedented level :

28. become desensitized to violence on television :

29. be on the same wavelength with: agree with

30. permeate into the lifestyle:

1. Cause: stem from, derive from, originate from, be due to, source of, can be traced back to, spring
from, on .................... grounds., on the grounds that.
2. Effect: long term repercussions, far - reaching implications, have a bearing on, spark off, engender,
entail, bring about, contribute to, responsible for.

The decline of newspaper and and the dominance of the internet may have far - reaching implications.
The elderly people, who are too senile to learn how to surf the web, may struggle to keep abreast of
current events. The collapse of newspaper also means that readers have to deal with unreliable sources
of information from online journalists who may display poor professionalism and low morality.

3. Introducing terms or reference : Regarding, as regards, with regard to, as for, as to whether, In .........
terms, ................ speaking, in terms of ..............., with reference to, apropos of ..........., when it comes
to, with reference to.

4. Verbs that focus attention on a reference: highlight, focus on, refer to, point out, pinpoint, underline,
lay stress on, specify.

Example: Nowadays, Asian youths tend to imitate the behaviour of Western counterparts, which
underlines the fact that cultural imperialism may reshape human perceptions and, to make matters
worse, lead to cultural assimilation.

5. Verbs that focus in a direct way: indicate, insinuate, intimate, imply

6. Problems: arise, crop up, encounter/experience difficulties, in a quandary, in a dilemma, in dire

straits, in a predicament, setback, complication

6. Solutions: remedy, cure, prescription, panacea.

Indoor farming or vertical farming provides a panacea for the shortage of food. Crops can ve produced
all year round, without fear of confronting weather - related issues.