You should complete the task within 40 minutes.
Some people say that computers can translate languages, so children need not study foreign languages anymore.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
You should write at least 250 words.
You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.
Model Answer :
Some students are thinking of giving up studying English as modern machines can do the job of translation. However, I think it is wrong to drop studying English, as machines cannot do perfectly, especially in translation, which is a sophisticated process and needs so many skills.
Firstly, what machines can do now is translate word for word, without consideration of context. When a computer translates scientific works, they can do a satisfying job. But when it comes to literature works, they cannot weigh every word according to different situations, and thus their job cannot display the path of original works. Suppose we give a poem by Shakespeare for translation, we can imagine how ridiculous the translation would be.
Secondly, machines cannot convey the manner of speakers. If the speaker says in different tones like surprisingly, sarcastically or delightedly, the machine will not be able to express the emotions of people; therefore, we have no idea of what speakers really mean. When there is face-to-face communication, we can understand people judging from their expressions, body gestures and so on, even if we do not use many words. But machines cannot do this.
On the other hand, English study offers one a new and different perspective of English-speaking countries because language and culture are closely related to each other. Machines can never do this. When we study English, we not only learn the language but also know more about the culture, history and customs. Machines can never replace the process of English study and give us a better understanding of the cultural background.
To sum up, translation machines help us in some way but it doesn’t mean that we can quit studying English because English study can give us much more than the English language itself.
(This model answer has been prepared by the site developer. However, please note that this is just one example out of many possible answers.)
Alternative Answer :
With the rapid development of computer science computers nowadays can translate to and from all major languages. Therefore, some people say that children do not need to study foreign languages anymore. From my point of view, I think computers will never take the place of human beings and without learning a language, people won’t be able to take the benefit of computers translation related works.
Firstly, language is closely related to a country’s culture. Through language study, students can know the culture of a country. For example, if you study English, you can know a lot of things about English literature, English poetry, English festivals and English customs. I am English major. I like English romantic poems very much. The beautiful verses by Shelley, Burns and other famous English poets are still very popular in modern literature. We also enjoy some English festivals like Halloween, April Fools Day and Christmas, when people celebrate in night clubs and bars and have a lot of fun.
Secondly, a computer is only a machine, whose programs are designed and written by human beings. Without an intimate knowledge of foreign languages and translation, we cannot write an efficient translation program for computers, which will be a cold machine and become useless.
Thirdly, language study can cultivate a child’s intelligence. Language is a unique ability of our human beings. Language study can improve children’s audio ability. They can distinguish the subtle differences of pronunciation and rhythm.
However, we ca not deny the advantages the computers have brought for us. We often need to read some foreign articles and materials in our study and work and some translation software can give us an immediate explanation of some difficult words, which saves us a lot of valuable time.
To conclude, computers will never take the place of our human beings as a translator or an interpreter, because their ability is decided by human beings.
(This model answer has been prepared by the site developer. However, please note that this is just one example out of many possible answers.)