Question: What are the benefits of being bilingual or multilingual?

Sample Answer (The AREA technique):

Answer: Being bilingual or multilingual has numerous benefits, including cognitive development, better job opportunities, and improved social and cultural integration.

Reason: Bilingualism or multilingualism can enhance cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving, creativity, and memory. It also makes individuals more competitive in the job market, especially in fields such as business, diplomacy, and translation. Moreover, it facilitates social and cultural integration, as it enables individuals to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and appreciate different cultures.

Example: Being fluent in English and Chinese has enabled my friend to work as an interpreter for international conferences and to communicate with clients from different countries. It has also enabled her to understand different perspectives and to make meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds.

Alternative: Being bilingual or multilingual can also promote mental flexibility, empathy, and adaptability, as it exposes individuals to different languages, cultures, and ways of thinking.