NS ENTRANCE SUMMARY
Sentence 1 In her article, Lisa Haseldine argues that Britain is failing at languages, thanks to the
courses designed by the education system.
Sentence 2 These courses cover the same repetitive set phrases, vocabulary and grammatical
structures.
Sentence 3 Languages are in crisis and the number of students studying languages has significantly
decreased, especially European languages which have suffered a decrease larger than 50%.
Sentence 4 Children are discouraged because grammar is being forced into their minds and the
Department of Education has limited the course to a set 1700 words.
Sentence 5 As a result of Brexit and the Pandemic, fewer teachers, language assistants and
exchange programs have been available for students.
Sentence 6 In order for the way languages are taught in schools to improve, the country's attitude
towards learning languages must change.
What are the three weaknesses The article fails to cover all the obstacles schools must overcome in
order for the governments' ambition to be achieved. The readership of the article is politically
conservative and the article praises the Labour party's education system. The conclusion is vague and is
more of a generalised opinion that a factual statement.
What are the three strengths The use of statistics to provide evidence to support the article. Emphasis
of the extent of the linguistic crisis and the trivialisation of the GCSE course. The use of emotive and
persuasive language.
Sentence 1 In her article, Lisa Haseldine argues that Britain is failing at languages, thanks to the
courses designed by the education system.
Sentence 2 These courses cover the same repetitive set phrases, vocabulary and grammatical
structures.
Sentence 3 Languages are in crisis and the number of students studying languages has significantly
decreased, especially European languages which have suffered a decrease larger than 50%.
Sentence 4 Children are discouraged because grammar is being forced into their minds and the
Department of Education has limited the course to a set 1700 words.
Sentence 5 As a result of Brexit and the Pandemic, fewer teachers, language assistants and
exchange programs have been available for students.
Sentence 6 In order for the way languages are taught in schools to improve, the country's attitude
towards learning languages must change.
What are the three weaknesses The article fails to cover all the obstacles schools must overcome in
order for the governments' ambition to be achieved. The readership of the article is politically
conservative and the article praises the Labour party's education system. The conclusion is vague and is
more of a generalised opinion that a factual statement.
What are the three strengths The use of statistics to provide evidence to support the article. Emphasis
of the extent of the linguistic crisis and the trivialisation of the GCSE course. The use of emotive and
persuasive language.
