essay topics for official language

Exploring the Official Language Debate in the United States

This essay about the official language debate in the U.S. examines the historical and current perspectives on language policy, exploring the implications for national identity and cultural diversity.

How it works

The United States, a melting pot of cultures and languages, faces an ongoing debate about establishing an official language. Advocates argue that English as an official language would unify the nation, streamline government operations, and encourage immigrants to assimilate. Opponents, however, view this move as potentially discriminatory against non-English speakers, undermining the U.S.’s rich linguistic diversity. This debate highlights the balance between cultural integration and preservation. While English is the de facto language, officially mandating it raises questions about the impact on the U.

S.’s multilingual heritage and the principles of inclusivity and diversity that it stands for.

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English as the official language in the United States Research Paper

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Introduction

Works cited.

There has been an argument about the official language of the United States and this is based on various aspects. It should be known that other languages like Spanish and Hispanic are also widely spoken in the country. Therefore, somebody should not feel bad when saying that English is the official language of the United States.

In this case, English is the de facto language of the United States (Bailey 23). This is because the country as a nation has never declared that English will be its official language and this is a fact. As a matter of fact, it should be known that many people have tried to declare English as the official language without success. An example is John Adams who tried to propose that English should be declared an official language.

In this case, his proposal was declared as a threat to individual liberty and therefore undemocratic. It should be known that around 27 states in the United States have declared English as their official language. All in all it should be known that there 322 languages that are spoken in the country.

Therefore, it does argue well that as much as there are other languages that are spoken in the United States, English can be considered as the official language because it is widely spoken (Algeo 18). There has been an argument that declaring English as the official language will infringe on other peoples rights based on various factors because some of them might not be proficient in it yet they are the country’s citizens. As a matter of fact, English has been influenced by various languages.

Based on various opinions there has been some commonality that English is the language of opportunity, freedom and commerce around the world and this can not be disputed. As much as there was a bill to make English the official language of the United States in 1996, the senate has never acted on it (Pam 28).

It should be known that English is a common bond between Americans of various origins and this is a proven fact. In this case, people can also refer to English as much as they speak other languages. This is because 98% of Americans speak English well and this is good for cohesion and integration (Bailey 39).

As a matter of fact, immigrants who come to the United States have always spoken English well and this is the language that has connected them with other people. Therefore, it should be known that these immigrants connect well with English than any other language in the United States.

As much as there are all efforts to declare English as the official language, declaring it will mostly have a little impact (Walker 41). English as the official language will reduce the cost and unworkable trends of the government having to work in different languages.

Many citizens consider English as their official language because they are free with it in a broad way. As much as many Americans believe in linguistic diversity, they still accept English as their official language. This is as far as transacting and relating with other people is concerned.

There is a large influx of non-English speaking immigrants in the United States and this has augmented well for English as the official language. Wholesomely, English is widely spoken in the United States just like it is spoken in other countries (Over 50 countries around the world speak English). English is good for the United States because of various anti-immigrant problems that have evolved as time goes by (Algeo 33).

For instance, during recessions, English speaking Americans have wanted immigrants to go home and that is why there have been arguments that English should be widely spoken in the country for neutrality. As much as the government has not declared English as the official language, there are various culturally sensitive issues that need to be evaluated for sustainability.

United States has a diverse population and this means that there are many languages that are spoken in the country. United States English is composed of a large number of immigrants and this should be evaluated and appreciated as a fact (Walker 39). As much as the country has more than 320 languages, it has always revolved around English as the official language.

English as a language has allowed citizens to consistently interact as time goes by. This is as far as the social aspect and government issues are concerned. Many scholars believe that the government should be at the forefront to promote English in the country because of its neutrality and commonality.

Many citizens are comfortable with English as their official language and they do not care if it is made an official language or not (Walker 12). Wholesomely, enacting English as the official language means that government issues and operations must be done in English and this will make the situation complex for other immigrants. As a matter of fact, English should be known as the key to full participation of the American people in their own lives.

Algeo, John (2006). British or American English? Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2006. Print.

Bailey, Richard. American English: Its origins and history . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004. Print.

Pam, Peters. The Cambridge Guide to English Usage . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004. Print.

Walker, Allen. Milestones in the history of English in America . Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2002. Print.

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IvyPanda. (2018, August 22). English as the official language in the United States. https://ivypanda.com/essays/english-as-the-official-language-in-the-united-states/

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IvyPanda . 2018. "English as the official language in the United States." August 22, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/english-as-the-official-language-in-the-united-states/.

1. IvyPanda . "English as the official language in the United States." August 22, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/english-as-the-official-language-in-the-united-states/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "English as the official language in the United States." August 22, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/english-as-the-official-language-in-the-united-states/.

Importance Of English Language Essay

500 words importance of english language essay.

The English Language is becoming more and more common in the world. As a result, increasingly people are dedicating time to study English as their second language. In fact, many countries include it in their school syllabus to teach children this language from a young age. However, the true value of this language is that it helps remove many barriers from our life. Whether it is to find a new job or travel the world. In other words, it helps to progress in life both on a personal and professional level. Thus, the Importance of English Language Essay will help you understand all about it.

Importance Of English Language

Language is our major means of communication; it is how we share our thoughts with others. A language’s secondary purpose is to convey someone’s sentiments, emotions, or attitudes. English is one such language in the world that satisfies both the above purposes. English has been regarded as the first global Lingua Franca. It has become part and parcel of almost every existing field. We use it as the international language to communicate in many fields ranging from business to entertainment.

Many countries teach and encourage youngsters to acquire English as a second language. Even in nations where English is not an official language, many science and engineering curriculum are written in English.

English abilities will most certainly aid you in any business endeavours you choose to pursue. Many large corporations will only hire professional employees after determining whether or not they speak good English. Given the language’s prominence, English language classes will be advantageous to you if you want to work for a multinational organization and will teach you the communication skills needed to network with professionals in your area or enhance your career.

The English Language opens an ocean of career opportunities to those who speak this language anywhere in the world. Similarly, it has turned into an inevitable requirement for various fields and professions like medicine , computing and more.

In the fast-evolving world, it is essential to have a common language that we can understand to make the best use of the data and information available. As a result, the English Language has become a storehouse of various knowledge ranging from social to political fields.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas  

Reasons to Learn the English Language

As the importance of the English Language is clear now, we move on to why we must learn the English Language. First of all, it is a global language. It is so common that one out of five people can speak or understand this language.

Further, learning the English Language can help in getting a job easily. As it has become the language of many fields, it automatically increases the chances of landing a good job in a good company.

In addition, it helps with meeting new people. As it is the official language of 53 countries, learning it helps to break the language barriers. Most importantly, it is also the language of the Internet.

Another important reason to learn this language is that it makes travelling easier. Being a widely used language globally, it will help you connect with people easily. Similarly, it is also essential in the world of business.

It does not matter whether you are an employee or employer, it benefits everyone. Students who wish to study abroad must definitely study this language. Many countries use their schools and universities. So, it can offer a good opportunity for students.

Why and where do we need the English language?

• Use of English on the Internet – Because of the tremendous rise of information technology, particularly the internet, English is the language of choice for Internet users. The internet has also played an important role in promoting and spreading the English language throughout the world, as more and more people are exposed to it, and English has also become the language of the internet.
• Use of English in Education – English has become one of the majorly used languages to understand, learn and explain concepts from various fields of knowledge. The majority of instructional tools, materials, and texts are written in English. The global educational systems at colleges all over the world need English as a foreign language.
• Use of English for Travel purposes – As we all know, English has been named as the official language of 53 countries and over 400 million people in the world speak English, the English language comes in handy for communicating with everyone when anyone travels around the world be it for tourism, job opportunity, settlement, casual visits, etc.
• Use of English for Communication – The most important function of a language is to allow people to communicate effectively. For many years, English has been the most widely known and valued language on the planet. In other words, English becomes an efficient tool for communicating with people all over the world.

Conclusion of Importance Of English Language Essay

We use the English Language in most of our international communications. While it is not the most spoken language in the world, 53 countries have named it their official language. Moreover, about 400 million people globally use it as their first language. Thus, being the most common second language in the world, it will be beneficial to learn this language to open doors to new opportunities.

FAQ on Importance Of English Language Essay

Question 1: How does the English Language help you get a job?

Answer 1: the  English Language is the language of many things like science, aviation, computers, diplomacy, and tourism. Thus, if you know English, it will increase your chances of landing a good job in an international company.

Question 2: Does the English Language help in connecting with people globally?

Answer 2: Yes, it does. It is because English is the official language of 53 countries and we use it as a lingua franca (a mutually known language) by people from all over the world. This means that studying English can help us have a conversation with people on a global level.

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50 Argumentative Essay Topics

Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. 

• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

An argumentative essay requires you to decide on a topic and argue for or against it. You'll need to back up your viewpoint with well-researched facts and information as well. One of the hardest parts is deciding which topic to write about, but there are plenty of ideas available to get you started. Then you need to take a position, do some research, and present your viewpoint convincingly.

Choosing a Great Argumentative Essay Topic

Students often find that most of their work on these essays is done before they even start writing. This means that it's best if you have a general interest in your subject. Otherwise, you might get bored or frustrated while trying to gather information. You don't need to know everything, though; part of what makes this experience rewarding is learning something new.

It's best if you have a general interest in your subject, but the argument you choose doesn't have to be one that you agree with.

The subject you choose may not necessarily be one you are in full agreement with, either. You may even be asked to write a paper from the opposing point of view. Researching a different viewpoint helps students broaden their perspectives. 

Ideas for Argument Essays

Sometimes, the best ideas are sparked by looking at many different options. Explore this list of possible topics and see if a few pique your interest. Write those down as you come across them, then think about each for a few minutes.

Which would you enjoy researching? Do you have a firm position on a particular subject? Is there a point you would like to make sure you get across? Did the topic give you something new to think about? Can you see why someone else may feel differently?

List of 50 Possible Argumentative Essay Topics

A number of these topics are rather controversial—that's the point. In an argumentative essay , opinions matter, and controversy is based on opinions. Just make sure your opinions are backed up by facts in the essay.   If these topics are a little too controversial or you don't find the right one for you, try browsing through persuasive essay and speech topics  as well.

• Is global climate change  caused by humans?
• Is the death penalty effective?
• Is the U.S. election process fair?
• Is torture ever acceptable?
• Should men get paternity leave from work?
• Are school uniforms beneficial?
• Does the U.S. have a fair tax system?
• Do curfews keep teens out of trouble?
• Is cheating out of control?
• Are we too dependent on computers?
• Should animals be used for research?
• Should cigarette smoking be banned?
• Are cell phones dangerous?
• Are law enforcement cameras an invasion of privacy?
• Do we have a throwaway society ?
• Is child behavior better or worse than it was years ago?
• Should companies market to children?
• Should the government have a say in our diets?
• Does access to condoms prevent teen pregnancy?
• Should members of Congress have term limits?
• Are actors and professional athletes paid too much?
• Are CEOs paid too much?
• Should athletes be held to high moral standards?
• Do violent video games cause behavior problems?
• Should creationism be taught in public schools?
• Are beauty pageants exploitative ?
• Should English be the official language of the United States?
• Should the racing industry be forced to use biofuels?
• Should the alcohol-drinking age be increased or decreased?
• Should everyone be required to recycle?
• Is it okay for prisoners to vote (as they are in some states)?
• Should same-sex marriage be legalized in more countries?
• Are there benefits to attending a single-sex school ?
• Does boredom lead to trouble?
• Should schools be in session year-round ?
• Does religion cause war?
• Should the government provide health care?
• Should abortion be illegal?
• Should more companies expand their reproductive health benefits for employees?
• Is homework harmful or helpful?
• Is the cost of college too high?
• Is college admission too competitive?
• Should euthanasia be illegal?
• Should the federal government legalize marijuana use nationally ?
• Should rich people be required to pay more taxes?
• Should schools require foreign language or physical education?
• Is affirmative action fair?
• Is public prayer okay in schools?
• Are schools and teachers responsible for low test scores?
• Is greater gun control a good idea?

How to Craft a Persuasive Argument

After you've decided on your essay topic, gather evidence to make your argument as strong as possible. Your research could even help shape the position your essay ultimately takes. As you craft your essay, remember to utilize persuasive writing techniques , such as invoking emotional language or citing facts from authoritative figures. 

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Home — Essay Samples — Science — Language and Linguistics — Language

Essays on Language

The importance of writing an essay on language.

Language is a fundamental aspect of human communication and plays a crucial role in shaping our thoughts, ideas, and interactions with others. Writing an essay on language is important as it allows us to explore the complexities of language, its evolution, and its impact on society. It also helps us understand the power of language to influence and persuade, as well as its ability to reflect cultural and social identity.

When writing an essay on language, it is important to consider the following tips:

• Choose a specific topic: Language is a broad and diverse subject, so it's important to narrow down your focus to a specific aspect of language that interests you.
• Conduct thorough research: Gather information from reputable sources such as books, academic journals, and online databases to support your arguments and analysis.
• Organize your ideas: Create a clear and logical structure for your essay, with an , body paragraphs, and a . This will help you present your ideas in a coherent and persuasive manner.
• Use evidence and examples: Support your points with relevant evidence and examples to strengthen your arguments and provide a deeper understanding of the topic.
• Be critical and analytical: Analyze different perspectives on the topic and critically evaluate the evidence to develop a well-rounded and informed argument.
• Edit and revise: After completing your essay, review and revise it to ensure clarity, coherence, and accuracy of language.

By writing an essay on language, you will gain a deeper understanding of its importance and impact on various aspects of our lives, and contribute to the ongoing discourse on language and its significance in our world.

The evolution of language and its impact on human development Language has been a crucial factor in the development of human civilization. From the earliest forms of communication to the complex languages spoken today, the evolution of language has played a pivotal role in shaping human society and culture. This essay will explore the history of language, its impact on human development, and the ways in which it has shaped the world we live in today.

The influence of language on thought and perception Language is not just a tool for communication; it also has a profound influence on the way we think and perceive the world around us. This essay will delve into the ways in which language shapes our thoughts, influences our perception of reality, and affects our cognitive processes. It will also examine how different languages and linguistic structures can lead to varying perspectives and interpretations of the world.

The role of language in identity and cultural expression Language is an integral part of cultural identity and expression. This essay will explore the ways in which language is tied to identity, how it reflects cultural values and norms, and the ways in which it is used as a tool for cultural expression and preservation. It will also discuss the impact of language loss and the efforts to revive and preserve endangered languages.

The power dynamics of language and linguistic imperialism Language is not just a means of communication; it is also a tool of power and control. This essay will examine the ways in which language can be used to exert influence, assert dominance, and perpetuate inequality. It will explore the concept of linguistic imperialism and the impact of language policies on marginalized communities and minority languages.

The relationship between language and technology Language and technology have always been intertwined, from the invention of writing systems to the development of digital communication platforms. This essay will explore the ways in which technology has shaped language, from the creation of new words and linguistic expressions to the impact of digital communication on language use and evolution.

The role of language in education and literacy Language is crucial for education and literacy, yet many communities around the world struggle to access quality education in their native language. This essay will explore the importance of language in education, the impact of language policies on literacy rates, and the efforts to promote multilingual education and preserve indigenous languages.

The impact of language on social and political movements Language has been a powerful tool for social and political change, from the use of rhetoric in political speeches to the creation of slogans and chants in protest movements. This essay will examine the ways in which language is used to mobilize and empower communities, shape public discourse, and challenge dominant ideologies.

The intersection of language and gender Language is not neutral; it reflects and perpetuates societal norms and power dynamics, including those related to gender. This essay will explore the ways in which language can reinforce gender stereotypes, perpetuate sexism, and the efforts to create more inclusive and gender-neutral language.

The impact of globalization on language diversity Globalization has led to the spread of dominant languages and the decline of minority and indigenous languages. This essay will examine the impact of globalization on language diversity, the efforts to promote linguistic diversity and language revitalization, and the role of language in shaping global cultural identities.

The future of language in a digital age The rise of digital communication platforms and artificial intelligence has led to significant changes in the way we use and interact with language. This essay will explore the impact of technology on language use, the development of new linguistic forms and expressions, and the potential challenges and opportunities for language in a digital age.

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• Choosing Your College Essay Topic | Ideas & Examples

Choosing Your College Essay Topic | Ideas & Examples

Published on October 25, 2021 by Kirsten Courault . Revised on July 3, 2023.

A strong essay topic sets you up to write a unique, memorable college application essay . Your topic should be personal, original, and specific. Take time to brainstorm the right topic for you.

Table of contents

What makes a good topic, brainstorming questions to get started, discover the best topic for you, how to make a common topic compelling, frequently asked questions about college application essays, other interesting articles.

Here are some guidelines for a good essay topic:

• It’s focused on you and your experience
• It shares something different from the rest of your application
• It’s specific and original (not many students could write a similar essay)
• It affords the opportunity to share your positive stories and qualities

In most cases, avoid topics that

• Reflect poorly on your character and behavior
• Deal with a challenge or traumatic experience without a lesson learned or positive outlook

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Spend time reflecting on and writing out answers to the following questions. After doing this exercise, you should be able to identify a few strong topics for your college essay.

Writing about yourself can be difficult. If you’re struggling to identify your topic, try these two strategies.

Start with your qualities

After identifying your positive qualities or values, brainstorm stories that demonstrate these qualities.

Start with a story

If you already have some memorable stories in mind that you’d like to write about, think about which qualities and values you can demonstrate with those stories.

Talk it through

To make sure you choose the right topic, ask for advice from trusted friends or family members who know you well. They can help you brainstorm ideas and remember stories, and they can give you feedback on your potential essay topics.

You can also work with a guidance counselor, teacher, or other mentor to discuss which ideas are most promising. If you plan ahead , you can even workshop multiple draft essays to see which topic works best.

If you do choose a common topic, ensure you have the following to craft a unique essay:

• Surprising or unexpected story arcs
• Interesting insight or connections
• An advanced writing style

Here are a few examples of how to craft strong essays from cliché topics.

Here’s a checklist you can use to confirm that your college essay topic is right for you.

College essay topic checklist

My topic is focused on me, not on someone else.

My topic shares something different from the rest of my application.

My topic is specific and original (not many students could write a similar essay).

My topic reflects positively on my character and behavior.

If I chose to write about a traumatic or challenging experience, my essay will focus on how I overcame it or gained insight.

If I chose a common topic, my essay will have a surprising story arc, interesting insight, and/or an advanced writing style.

Good topic!

It looks like your topic is a good choice. It's specific, it avoids clichés, and it reflects positively on you.

There are no foolproof college essay topics —whatever your topic, the key is to write about it effectively. However, a good topic

• Is meaningful, specific, and personal to you
• Focuses on you and your experiences
• Reveals something beyond your test scores, grades, and extracurriculars
• Is creative and original

Yes—admissions officers don’t expect everyone to have a totally unique college essay topic . But you must differentiate your essay from others by having a surprising story arc, an interesting insight, and/or an advanced writing style .

To decide on a good college essay topic , spend time thoughtfully answering brainstorming questions. If you still have trouble identifying topics, try the following two strategies:

• Identify your qualities → Brainstorm stories that demonstrate these qualities
• Identify memorable stories → Connect your qualities to these stories

You can also ask family, friends, or mentors to help you brainstorm topics, give feedback on your potential essay topics, or recall key stories that showcase your qualities.

Most topics are acceptable for college essays if you can use them to demonstrate personal growth or a lesson learned. However, there are a few difficult topics for college essays that should be avoided. Avoid topics that are:

• Overly personal (e.g. graphic details of illness or injury, romantic or sexual relationships)
• Not personal enough (e.g. broad solutions to world problems, inspiring people or things)
• Too negative (e.g. an in-depth look at your flaws, put-downs of others, criticizing the need for a college essay)
• Too boring (e.g. a resume of your academic achievements and extracurriculars)
• Inappropriate for a college essay (e.g. illegal activities, offensive humor, false accounts of yourself, bragging about privilege)

Here’s a brief list of college essay topics that may be considered cliché:

• Extracurriculars, especially sports
• Role models
• Dealing with a personal tragedy or death in the family
• Struggling with new life situations (immigrant stories, moving homes, parents’ divorce)
• Becoming a better person after community service, traveling, or summer camp
• Overcoming a difficult class
• Using a common object as an extended metaphor

It’s easier to write a standout essay with a unique topic. However, it’s possible to make a common topic compelling with interesting story arcs, uncommon connections, and an advanced writing style.

If you want to know more about academic writing , effective communication , or parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Transition words
• Passive voice
• Paraphrasing

 Communication

• How to end an email
• Ms, mrs, miss
• How to start an email
• I hope this email finds you well
• Hope you are doing well

 Parts of speech

• Personal pronouns
• Conjunctions

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