Foreign-language instruction is declining in public highschools in the United States. Some people think this reflects the rise of English as the accepted language of commerce around the world, and that knowledge of foreign languagesis of lessening importance. Other people see the reduction in language study as a sign of the United States’ failure to integrate with the rest of the world and a threat to the nation’s vitality in an increasingly cross-cultural market place.

In your opinion, should greater support be given to foreign language programs in high schools in the United States?

In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about one of the points of view mentioned above, or you may give another point of view on this issue. Use specific examples and reasons for your position.