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 and living under a bridge 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 happy, thriving 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 being a thriving adult.

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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