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?
Sample Response
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
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.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Separate opening phrase Original: computer science computers Suggested revision: computer science, computers Why it matters: A comma is needed after the introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause.
- 2. Remove redundant framing Original: From my point of view, I think Suggested revision: In my view Why it matters: This shorter phrase expresses the opinion without repeating the same idea.
- 3. Use precise reference Original: take the place of human beings Suggested revision: replace human translators Why it matters: The revised phrase identifies the people whose translation role is being discussed.
- 4. Correct verb pattern Original: take the benefit of Suggested revision: benefit from Why it matters: The standard collocation is “benefit from,” not “take the benefit of.”
- 5. Repair noun phrase Original: computers translation related works Suggested revision: computer-based translation tools Why it matters: The original string of nouns and modifiers is not grammatically formed.
- 6. Use natural phrasing Original: Through language study Suggested revision: By studying a language Why it matters: This wording expresses the means more naturally and directly.
- 7. Correct knowledge collocation Original: can know the culture of a country Suggested revision: can learn about a country's culture Why it matters: English normally uses “learn about” for gaining cultural knowledge.
- 8. Keep pronouns consistent Original: you Suggested revision: students Why it matters: Retaining “students” avoids an unnecessary shift to second person.
- 9. Continue consistent reference Original: you can know a lot of things about Suggested revision: they can learn about Why it matters: This revision maintains the third-person reference and uses the natural verb pattern.
- 10. Reduce word repetition Original: English literature, English poetry, English festivals and English customs Suggested revision: English literature, poetry, festivals and customs Why it matters: Repeating “English” before every item makes the list unnecessarily cumbersome.
- 11. Use literary term Original: English romantic poems Suggested revision: English Romantic poetry Why it matters: “Romantic poetry” is the more precise term for this literary tradition.
- 12. Introduce examples precisely Original: some English festivals like Suggested revision: English festivals such as Why it matters: “Such as” introduces the listed examples more precisely in formal writing.
Suggested Rewrites
- computer science computers computer science, computers
- From my point of view, I think In my view
- take the place of human beings replace human translators
- take the benefit of benefit from
- computers translation related works computer-based translation tools
- Through language study By studying a language
Why this response received Band 5.5
The response presents a clear disagreement and offers a relevant cultural argument, supported by specific examples. Its central weakness is severe underdevelopment: it is below the required length, the second main point stops mid-sentence, and the conclusion merely restates the position. The highest priority is to complete a second fully explained argument showing why human language learning remains necessary, then connect both arguments directly to children.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
A clear position and one relevant main idea are presented, but the response is under length and the second argument is left incomplete.
Develop two complete reasons with explanations that directly show why children still need to learn foreign languages.
Coherence and Cohesion
The introduction, first body paragraph, and conclusion are recognisable, but the abrupt unfinished sentence seriously interrupts progression.
Use complete, purpose-led paragraphs in which each main point is developed before moving to the conclusion.
Lexical Resource
The response uses an adequate range of topic vocabulary, though repetition and awkward collocations reduce precision.
Replace imprecise phrases such as taking the benefit and translation related works with natural, context-specific wording.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
There is a mix of simple and complex structures, but article, possessive, punctuation, and sentence-completion errors recur.
Proofread every complex sentence for complete clauses, accurate articles, and correctly formed possessives before submitting.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
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?
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.