Modern Languages Essay Competition
The Minds Underground™ Modern Languages Essay Competition is aimed at students in Year 12 (though we welcome younger applicants). The competition provides students with an opportunity to engage in contemporary debate, attempt university-level research, hone their writing & argumentative skills and prepare for university interviews. Questions are designed to be applicable for those considering applying for any of the Modern Foreign Languages. Entrants must choose 1 question to answer.
Submission Deadline: 3rd April 2024.
2024 Languages Competition Questions
01.
What’s the point of learning languages in the age of AI?
Hint: Go back to the root of why you want to learn languages.
What can people do with language that a computer can’t?
How does a computer understand a language that’s different to how we understand a language?
02.
How do art and literature differ in their telling of stories?
Hint: The best answers will provide examples from literary texts/ artworks.
03.
Language and Identity: Investigate the theme of language and identity in literature. Analyse how authors in the target language explore the concept of identity, particularly in multilingual or multicultural contexts.
Hint: The best answers will provide examples from literary texts.
Are you in Year 11/12 & Thinking of Pursuing Modern Foreign Languages at Degree Level/ Oxbridge?
We offer a range of exciting opportunities for students aspiring to Oxbridge and other leading universities:
Research Projects in exciting current fields with subject experts (great for personal statement content)
Summer Schools for university/ Oxbridge applicants (Suitable for those applying for Spanish, German, French or Linguistics)
Long-term Oxbridge mentoring: Boosting knowledge beyond the curriculum, preparing for personal statement and interviews - visit our on-curriculum site, U2 Tuition for more information: https://www.u2tuition.com/university-applications
Interested in a Competition Mentor? Looking for specialist support researching & writing? Our Oxbridge-educated masterminds are here to help! Sessions from £75/h + VAT. Enquire here
Past Questions
01.
Are some languages more efficient than others?
There are all sorts of ways you could take this - what do we mean by “efficient”? Try to identify the holes in the question & include concrete examples in your answer.
02.
Is Aeschylus forgotten? Do languages die?
03.
How French is ‘French literature’? How German is ‘German literature’? How [insert other language] is ‘[insert other language] literature?’ You may choose to focus on a particular author or period.
N.B. You may be interested in undertaking one of MU’s online languages masterclasses with our Language mentors to give you ideas and help direct your research. Check out the examples below!
