The Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language

Teenagers generally either think they know exactly what they want to do after graduation, or they
suffer from indecision and the unquestioning acceptance of what teachers or parents tell them. In
addition to being teenagers, our school leavers live in the Caribbean, which has a reputation for
being an easygoing, noncompetitive environment. The reality is that teenagers do not prepare
themselves, nor do we who parent or teach them adequately prepare them to take the best
advantage of the opportunities available.
For instance, geographically, we have large, highly populated Spanish-speaking neighbors like
Venezuela, Mexico, Cuba and others. Cuba is once again showing itself as a force to be reckoned
with, not only as a strong country whose potential and prospects for future prosperity look very
good, but one determined to fulfil the potential. The USA has more Spanish speakers than Spain,
with an extremely strong influence in southern USA especially. More Spanish-speaking people are
visiting the English-speaking territories and more businesses than before are showing interest. The
suggestion is that our teenagers would improve their own chances of success in the local, regional
and global markets if they give themselves the competitive edge and learn to speak a foreign
language, particularly Spanish.
How can our youngsters build careers in the hospitality industry which supports our economies,
without being able to communicate with the guests? Do they recognize how many hotels there are
across the Caribbean where Spanish is the main language spoken? There are also tour companies,
and airlines from Spanish-speaking countries doing business with the region.
We in the English-speaking Caribbean think we know everything about anything when in fact we do
not. We are not as competitive as we ought to be linguistically, culturally and socially. Given that we
have so many Spanish-speaking neighbors, it should be automatic that we learn to speak Spanish in
order to develop mutually beneficial relationships with them. We need to understand that learning
Spanish is more than merely memorizing the rules of grammar and the vocabulary; it involves
appreciating the architecture and learning about artistic and literary movements. It involves
appreciating culture and the differences that exist in the world today.
Teenagers should be encouraged to take advantage of extracurricular activities aligned to Spanish:
listen to Spanish music, watch Spanish movies, download readily available Spanish apps and
practice with them.
Summary
5 main points:

 Teenagers are unaware of their future after graduation.

 According to the author teenagers can increases their chances of success by learning
another language particularly Spanish.
 Many careers require you to learn another language to communicate with other persons.
 Learning another language allows ONE to broaden our knowledge of other races,
appreciating their cultures and differences.
 Teenagers should be inspired to learn another language using the arsenal of readily
available resources

In summary this passage is concerned with the benefits of learning a foreign language aimed at
teenagers. Furthermore, many teenagers have difficulty deciding what they should do after
graduation and need to be prepared to take advantage of the available opportunities. In attempt to
solve this problem and increase one’s probability for success learning a new language can be
essential to that person as stated by the author. Additionally, various careers require persons to be
fluent in another language to CONVERSE with others. It also broadens our knowledge of other races
by appreciating their cultures and accepting their differences. In conclusion teenagers should be
inspired to learn another language by using various available resources they can get their hands on
thus increasing their aptitude of being successful.

HINTS
-USE A LINE TO STATE WHAT THE SUMMARY IS ABOUT
- MAKE USE OF CONNECTING WORDS
- REVIEW THE WORD LIMIT
- VARY LANGUAGE