You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Machine translation (MT) is slower and less accurate than human translation and there is no immediate or predictable likelihood of machines taking over this role from humans.
Do you agree or disagree?
Write at least 250 words.
Read the following sample answer.
Complete the answer by filling the gaps with a word or phrase from the box below.
on the contrary | for instance | especially | because |
for these reasons | in order to | it is true | of course |
similarly | however | it seems to me | for example |
It is true that there have been great advances in technology over the last forty years..................... the use of mobile phones and e-mail communication are common these days....................., machines that translate from one language to another are still in their early stages.
.................... that a machine could never do as good a job as a human, ....................when it comes to interpreting what people are saying. ...................., machines can translate statements such as “Where is the bank?” but even simple statements are not always straightforward.................... the meaning depends on more than just words. .................... the word “bank” has a number of different meanings in English. How does a translating machine know which meaning to take?
.................... understand what people are saying, you need to take into account the relationship between the speakers and their situation. A machine cannot tell the difference between the English expression “Look out!” meaning “Be careful!” and “Look out!” meaning “Put your head out of the window”. You need a human being to interpret the situation.
.................... with written language, it is difficult for a machine to know how to translate accurately .................... we rarely translate every word. ...................., we try to take into consideration how the idea would be expressed in the other language. This is hard to do.................... every language has its own way of doing and saying things.
.................... I feel that it is most unlikely that machines will take the place of humans in the field of translating and interpreting. If machines ever learn to think, perhaps then they will be in a position to take on this role.
It is true that there have been great advances in technology over the last forty years. For example / For instance the use of mobile phones and e-mail communication are common these days.However, machines that translate from one language to another are still in their early stages.
It seems to me that a machine could never do as good a job as a human, especially when it comes to interpreting what people are saying. Of course, machines can translate statements such as “Where is the bank?” but even simple statements are not always straightforward because the meaning depends on more than just words. For instance / For example the word “bank” has a number of different meanings in English. How does a translating machine know which meaning to take?
In order to understand what people are saying, you need to take into account the relationship between the speakers and their situation. A machine cannot tell the difference between the English expression “Look out!” meaning “Be careful!” and “Look out!” meaning “Put your head out of the window”. You need a human being to interpret the situation.
Similarly with written language, it is difficult for a machine to know how to translate accuratelybecause we rarely translate every word. On the contrary, we try to take into consideration how the idea would be expressed in the other language. This is hard to do because every language has its own way of doing and saying things.
For these reasons I feel that it is most unlikely that machines will take the place of humans in the field of translating and interpreting. If machines ever learn to think, perhaps then they will be in a position to take on this role.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic:
According to those in the travel business, the nature of the average 'holiday' is changing. Rather than seeking a relaxing break in a far-away place, people now want exitement on their holidays and are keen to participate in unusual and challenging activities.
Do you agree or disagree?
You should write at least 250 words.
Use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and with relevant evidence.
model answer:
Holidays are important because they provide a break from our normal daily routine and from the world of work. Traditionally, holidays have been seen as a time for relaxation and as an opportunity to visit another country in order to find out about its geography and customs. Nowadays, however, it seems that other types of holiday are becoming popular.
Some people want their holiday to be a kind of adventure, and find this more exciting than going to the beach or visiting museums. On an adventure holiday, you may stay in quite basic accommodation, rather than a luxurious hotel. Activities may involve things such as bush walking or cycling, or may form part of an aid project designed to help communities in remote areas. Holidays such as these are popular with people of all ages and can often help to promote tourism in rural environments.
The increasing popularity of dangerous sports has also boosted the number of adventure holidays; for example, water sports, mountain climbing or paragliding. These holidays are more popular with the younger generation, as they can be both physically and mentally demanding. Participants are often seeking the sort of thrills that they cannot get in ordinary life.
There is now greater awareness of the damaging effects of mass tourism and this may be one reason for the changing nature of holidays. This can only be a good thing. But perhaps people are also discovering that it is just as refreshing to take an active holiday, as it is to lie on a beach - though that is still a question of personal preference.
(266 words)