WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge.
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. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer:
Machine translation (MT) has made significant advancements in recent years, but it still lags behind human translation in terms of speed and accuracy. While some may argue that machines will eventually replace humans in the translation industry, I believe that there is no immediate or predictable likelihood of this happening.
First and foremost, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of machine translation. While MT systems have improved over time, they still struggle with nuances, idiomatic expressions, and cultural references that are easily understood by human translators. This often results in awkward or inaccurate translations that can be misleading or confusing for the end user. In contrast, human translators have the ability to understand the context and cultural nuances of a language, allowing them to produce more accurate and natural-sounding translations.
Furthermore, the speed of machine translation is also a point of contention. While MT systems can translate large volumes of text in a relatively short amount of time, the quality of these translations often suffers. Human translators, on the other hand, may take longer to complete a translation, but the end result is typically more accurate and polished.
Despite the advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, I do not foresee machines completely taking over the role of human translators in the near future. While MT systems can be useful for translating simple and straightforward text, they are not yet capable of replicating the level of understanding and cultural sensitivity that human translators possess.
In conclusion, while machine translation has its merits, it is still slower and less accurate than human translation. The complexities of language and culture make it unlikely that machines will completely replace humans in the translation industry. As such, I firmly believe that there is no immediate or predictable likelihood of machines taking over the role of human translators.
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