Writing and Reading comprehension: The Importance of Learning Foreign Languages for Professional Growth

Buenos días, estimados alumnos. 

Os dejo hoy una tarea de lectura para practicar comprensión lectora en primer lugar, y practicar y hacer un writing en segundo lugar. 

Os adjunto también in glosario, para que no tengáis que perder tiempo buscando palabras en el diccionario, y un documento con las respuestas y explicaciones.

Hoy vamos a empezar con una canción cuya letra está muy relacionada con el tema que vamos a tratar. Podéis leer la letra mientras que escucháis la canción, para practicar 'listening'. Espero que os guste.

Saludos.

Reading B2: The Importance of Learning Foreign Languages for Professional Growth

 

Glossary (Key B2 words) 

• Globalized: connected across the world.
• Adaptability: ability to adjust to new situations.
• Cultural awareness: understanding different cultures.
• Competitive market: a job environment where many people compete for the same positions.
• Professional growth: developing skills to improve your career.

Reading (B2)

Learning a foreign language has become one of the most valuable skills in today’s competitive job market. As companies expand internationally and collaborate with partners around the world, the ability to communicate in another language has transformed from a simple advantage into a real necessity. For many professionals, language learning is a key element for career development, personal growth, and long-term success.

Firstly, employees who speak foreign languages have access to a wider range of job opportunities. Many international companies prefer candidates who can interact with clients and colleagues from different countries. Being able to communicate effectively in another language not only strengthens business relationships but also demonstrates adaptability, cultural awareness, and strong communication skills.

Moreover, speaking a foreign language increases your chances of working abroad. Professionals who have lived or worked in another country often develop valuable qualities such as independence, flexibility, and problem-solving abilities. These experiences enrich your CV and make you more attractive to future employers. In addition, working in an international environment can help you understand global markets and improve your ability to collaborate in multicultural teams.

Finally, studying languages is also beneficial on a personal level. Research shows that learning a new language boosts your memory, improves concentration, and enhances your creativity. These cognitive benefits contribute to better performance at work and help you face new challenges with confidence. For many people, mastering a foreign language becomes an investment in both their professional and personal future.

📝 Glosario de Palabras Clave (Inglés - Español)

Inglés (English)	Español (Spanish)
1. Foreign Language	Lengua extranjera
2. Valuable Skills	Habilidades valiosas
3. Competitive Job Market	Mercado laboral competitivo
4. Expand Internationally	Expandirse internacionalmente
5. Collaborate	Colaborar
6. Necessity	Necesidad
7. Career Development	Desarrollo profesional
8. Long-term Success	Éxito a largo plazo
9. Job Opportunities	Oportunidades de empleo
10. International Companies	Empresas internacionales
11. Clients and Colleagues	Clientes y colegas
12. Communication Skills	Habilidades comunicativas
13. Business Relationships	Relaciones comerciales
14. Cultural Awareness	Conciencia cultural
15. Working Abroad	Trabajar en el extranjero
16. Problem-solving Abilities	Habilidades de resolución de problemas
17. Multicultural Teams	Equipos multiculturales
18. Cognitive Benefits	Beneficios cognitivos
19. Boosts your Memory	Mejora tu memoria
20. Face New Challenges	Enfrentar nuevos desafíos

Visual Summary

🔗 Diagrama de Conexión de Vocabulario

Concepto Central: FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Conexión (A $\to$ B)	Relación Lógica
FOREIGN LANGUAGE $\to$ VALUABLE SKILLS	Es la habilidad principal.
VALUABLE SKILLS $\to$ COMPETITIVE JOB MARKET	Necesaria para destacar en el entorno laboral.
VALUABLE SKILLS $\to$ NECESSITY	Pasa de ser un "extra" a una exigencia.
VALUABLE SKILLS $\to$ CAREER DEVELOPMENT	Base para el avance.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT $\to$ LONG-TERM SUCCESS	El objetivo final profesional.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE $\to$ JOB OPPORTUNITIES	Abre puertas laborales.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES $\to$ INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES	Estas son las que ofrecen las mejores opciones.
INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES $\to$ EXPAND INTERNATIONALLY	Su razón de ser.
INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES $\to$ CLIENTS AND COLLEAGUES	Público con el que el empleado debe interactuar.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE $\to$ COMMUNICATION SKILLS	La habilidad que se pone en práctica.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS $\to$ BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS	Permite construir y fortalecer.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS $\to$ CULTURAL AWARENESS	La comunicación efectiva requiere sensibilidad cultural.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE $\to$ WORKING ABROAD	El destino laboral más atractivo.
WORKING ABROAD $\to$ MULTICULTURAL TEAMS	El entorno típico en el extranjero.
MULTICULTURAL TEAMS $\to$ COLLABORATE	La acción esencial para el trabajo en equipo.
WORKING ABROAD $\to$ PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITIES	Cualidad que se desarrolla con la experiencia global.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE $\to$ COGNITIVE BENEFITS	El efecto a nivel personal.
COGNITIVE BENEFITS $\to$ BOOSTS YOUR MEMORY	Un beneficio directo de la práctica mental.
COGNITIVE BENEFITS $\to$ FACE NEW CHALLENGES	Aumenta la confianza para afrontar dificultades.

 

Comprehension Activities (B2)

1. True / False

1. Companies prefer candidates who can communicate with people from different countries.
2. Working abroad rarely helps professionals develop new skills.
3. Professionals who speak foreign languages can access more job opportunities.
4. Learning a language can boost your creativity.
5. Speaking another language has no impact on communication skills.

2. Multiple Choice

1. Why do companies value employees who know foreign languages?
   
   
   • a) Because they study faster.
   • b) Because they can build stronger international connections.
   • c) Because they have more free time.
   • 
     
2. What personal qualities can working abroad help you develop?
   
   
   • a) Independence and problem-solving skills.
   • b) Cooking and driving skills.
   • c) Only physical endurance.
   • 
     
3. What do researchers say about learning a new language?
   
   
   • a) It improves concentration and creativity.
   • b) It reduces your ability to multitask.
   • c) It only helps you remember vocabulary.

3. Short Answer Questions

Answer in 2–3 complete sentences:

1. How does speaking a foreign language improve your professional opportunities?
2. Why is working in another country beneficial for your CV?
3. What cognitive benefits are associated with learning a new language?

4. Vocabulary Activity

Match the words with their meanings:

1. Adaptability
2. Cultural awareness
3. Problem-solving abilities
4. Competitive job market

a) Understanding how different societies think and behave

b) A situation in which many people compete for the same job

c) The ability to adjust to new situations

d) Skills that help you find solutions to difficult situations

5. Writing Task (B2)

Write a paragraph (120–150 words): “Do you think learning foreign languages should be compulsory in all schools? Why or why not?” Use connectors such as however, in addition, although, as a result, furthermore.

Answer Key

True / False

1. True   2. False   3. True   4. True   5. False

Multiple Choice

1. b   2. a   3. a

Short Answers (sample)

1. It improves opportunities because companies value communication with international partners.

2. It enriches your CV through multicultural experience and improved adaptability.

3. It enhances memory, creativity, and concentration.

Writing examples

B1 sample

Learning foreign languages is very important today. It helps people find better jobs and travel more easily. In addition, it allows you to meet people from other countries. I think schools should teach more languages because it is useful for the future.

B2 sample

In my opinion, learning foreign languages should be compulsory in all schools. Firstly, it prepares students for a globalized world where communication is essential. Furthermore, speaking another language increases employability and cultural understanding. Although it requires time and effort, the long-term benefits clearly outweigh the difficulties. For these reasons, I strongly believe that language education should be a priority in modern curricula.

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Full printable version (PDF): Download Reading_Languages_B2.pdf