As Computers Translate Quickly and Accurately, Learning Foreign Languages is a Waste of Time – IELTS Writing Task 2
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Contents
As computers translate quickly and accurately, learning foreign language is a waste of time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Outline
Essay Type
Opinion Essay (Agree or Disagree)
Introduction
Sentence 1: Define how advancement in technology has helped computers and how computers help people.
Sentence 2: Clearly state your opinion on why learning foreign language is important.
Body
Paragraph 1: There are many advantages of learning a foreign language as it boosts people’s confidence during communication and opens a wide range of career opportunities.
Paragraph 2: Demerits of software translators: They require seamless internet access and it is of no help during a face-to-face conversation with a foreigner in a remote area.
Conclusion
Clearly state why you agree or disagree with the given statement.
Sample Essay
Over the years, the advancement in technology has offered several essential things which are incredibly advantageous for humans. One of the greatest inventions is the computer, which has created a significant impact on society. It has changed the perspective of our life. There are a myriad of computer software available which can easily translate languages. However, it does not mean that we should stop learning foreign languages. According to my opinion, learning other languages is highly important for a person’s development as it empowers them and opens a range of career opportunities. In the following paragraphs I will explain why learning a foreign language is important.
Despite having a plethora of translation softwares and applications, it is beneficial to learn a foreign language because, in today’s interconnected world, foreign language proficiency is considered an important skill that allows an individual to connect and communicate with the people around the world in a relevant manner. Further, learning a foreign language boosts people’s confidence during communication. It provides incredible benefits and uplifts a person’s career to new heights. It enhances listening skills and memory. Moreover, an individual who’s bilingual can take part in any competitive multi-cultural activities across the world. In addition, if a person is proficient in any foreign language, it provides him/her with an edge in engaging with the world in a more meaningful way. Someone who knows many foreign languages can travel freely to other countries, familiarize themselves with people across the globe.
Meanwhile, with the use of advanced software, a person has the liberty to convert/ translate a language into another. However, if an individual visits a remote area with no internet availability, it becomes difficult to translate the language as these software translators require seamless internet. For instance, during a face-to-face conversation with a foreigner, it may be difficult for an individual to translate or even understand the respective language without the use of a translation software.
Though translation softwares are quicker, many of them are erroneous.
To sum up, I believe that computers can cater to almost all aspects of our life in several fields. Still, when considering translation skills, I agree that being bilingual can help individuals stand out from the crowd and advance their careers effectively.
Vocabulary
- Advantageous
Meaning: involving or creating favourable circumstances that increase the chances of success or effectiveness; beneficial
Eg: The government introduced a new policy which was very advantageous to the poor people.
- Uplift
Meaning: to lift up : elevate
Eg: Our village has introduced a development program to uplift the skills of youngsters.
- Empower
Meaning: give (someone) the authority or power to do something.
Eg: Tribal women in the village were empowered to fight against domestic abuse.
- Seamless
Meaning: smooth and continuous, with no apparent gaps or spaces between one part and the next.
Eg: The hostel is facilitated with seamless Wi-Fi connection for the computing needs of the students.
- Convert
Meaning: change the form, character, or function of something.
Eg: The machine converted the raw materials into a finished product.
- Stand out
Meaning: to be much better than other similar things or people.
Eg: Jack stood out among the crowd for his amazing translation skills.
- Cater
Meaning: to provide or to supply what is required or desired
Eg: The course curriculum has been designed to cater the needs of industry.
- Liberty
Meaning: the quality or state of being free.
Eg: Rose had the liberty to go on a tour with her friends.
- Proficient
Meaning: competent or skilled in doing or using something.
Eg: In order to be proficient in programming, I enrolled for the CSS course.
- Perspective
Meaning: a particular attitude towards or way of regarding something; a point of view.
Eg: After reading the autobiography of APJ Abdul Kalam, my perspective towards life has changed.
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2 Comments
Hồng Nhật Tân
Posted on Nov 10, 2021
There is an assertion that it would be futile to acquire non-native languages when all translations can be done more speedily and exactly by artificial intelligence. Personally, I would totally disagree with this perspective as the acquisition of other languages is more helpful in daily situations.
Proponents of the idea that learning languages are inherently unnecessary may claim that people should spend more time learning employable skills or engage in extracurricular activities to succeed in their working life afterward. Undoubtedly, the current technology is still incapable of teaching people essential skills such as communication-related or managerial experiences, so possessing these transferable skills will help people excel their counterparts. Therefore, involvement in social projects seems a more viable passport to more career prospects and a rewarding lifework, which are often considered the uttermost targets for many workers.
Nonetheless, opponents of this belief may argue that the capabilities of interacting in foreign languages are vital in the enhancement of communication skills individually. Indeed, should people possess a fair command of a foreign language, they are more likely and flexible to articulate their ideas in real-life situations. As English is considered an international language, those with proficiency in English may appear more confident and adaptable when meeting foreigners, especially during traveling. Thus, translation tools seem somehow useless in such cases. Moreover, regarding career prospects, a standard acquisition of foreign languages such as English or Chinese may also grant employees many opportunities to work overseas or cooperate with international enterprises. This even opens more possibilities for promotion.
In conclusion, I aver that it would be imprudent to consider learning foreign languages as purposeless due to advancement in translation technologies. Unarguably, language skills are more practical and convenient compared to such technological tools, hence indispensable in developing communication skills and making progress at work.
Reply
Janice Thompson
Posted on Nov 10, 2021
Overall band score: 5
This is an opinion essay which means you will have to support your ideas in both paragraphs. You should also present just one line of contrast before the conclusion.