Computers today can quickly and accurately translate languages, therefore, it is a waste of time to learn a foreign language. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Sample Response
With the advancement of technology, many people arguepostulate that since computers are so good at translating languages, people should not learn foreign languages anymore. However, I strongly disagree with this statement for several reasonsdue to various reasons.
The first reason is that computers cannot fully assist peoplehelp people entirely, especially when they are communicating verbally. In a fast-paced conversation involving a great deal of technical jargonmultiple technical jargon, computers may have difficultycan have difficulties translating such speechtranslating that in real timein time for speakers. That is why atin international conferences, such as the United Nations summit, there are interpreters for each representativeevery single representative. These interpreters are there instead of computers because they have background knowledge of the topics discussed and are generally more accurategenerally have a higher accuracy when the conversation is fast-paced and spoken with a heavy accentdelivered in a heavy accent.
The second reason is that, even with future advances in technology, computers will never be able to deliver emotions and humor to users. For example, puns are unique to the language in which they are usedlanguage that they are spoken and cannot be translated without having to explain extensively. Another point to consider is words with connotations. For example, the slight difference between “thrifty” and “stingy” can sometimes be ignored by machines as they often go for the nearest synonyms.
In conclusion, although technology has aided in translation by much, it can never replace multilingual speakers. I strongly disagree that learning foreign languages is a waste of time because certain things cannot be translated.
Why this response received Band 7.0
The response presents a clear and consistent position, with two relevant reasons supported by apt examples about live interpreting and linguistic nuance. Its main limitation is that it falls modestly below the expected length and some claims could be developed with greater precision. The highest-priority improvement is to extend the reasoning behind each example while removing awkward wording and collocations.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
A clear position is maintained and both main reasons are relevant, extended, and supported despite the modest length shortfall.
Develop the implications of each example more fully so the argument comfortably meets the required length without repetition.
Coherence and Cohesion
Ideas progress logically through a clear introduction, two focused body paragraphs, and a consistent conclusion.
Strengthen links within the body paragraphs by making the relationship between each example and its central claim more explicit.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is varied and topic-specific, although several collocations and expressions are awkward or imprecise.
Refine combinations such as technical jargon and aided translation to achieve more natural and exact phrasing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A good range of complex structures is used with generally strong control and only occasional non-impeding errors.
Check agreement, reference, and clause phrasing carefully, especially in sentences describing languages, words, and machines.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
Computers today can quickly and accurately translate languages, therefore, it is a waste of time to learn a foreign language. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.