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?
by Yulia Borisenko (obtained IELTS General Overall Score: 8.0, October 2016)
A number of arguments can be made to support an idea that computers would replace translators in the nearest future; yet the opinion that humans are more competent than the artificial intelligence in the sphere of translation seems to be reasonable, as will now be proven.
First of all, machines are showing considerably worse results in recognizing subtle meanings and allegorical expressions than humans. The lack of this ability, which is essential for correct translation of poetry and fiction, may cause a significant number of mistakes. For example, computers tend to translate such figures of speech as metaphors and epithets literally, and, as a result, they make a wrong interpretation of an author’s idea. (Therefore, they are not able to compete with humans in producing quality translations of emotional texts)*.
Another factor to be taken into consideration is that the artificial intelligence recognises words in a sentence separately, usually offering word-by-word translation. It means that it takes words out of the context and is not always able to choose a correct equivalent of a word with multiple meanings. Take the word ‘ball’ which defines different items in the spheres of industrial design and sports, and confusing these meanings might lead to misunderstanding of the original text. (This makes it clear that computers are not reliable when it relates to translating texts from various scientific fields)*.
In addition, computers are adapting to the changes in languages more slowly than humans. New terms appear almost every day and become widely-used in a matter of hours. As human translators are able to search for a new word and to determine how it should be translated, the machines will need to wait until the word appears in their dictionaries. (Consequently, humans are able to produce correct translations at a higher speed)*.
In conclusion, the current state of machine translation proves that computers would not be able to replace human translators in the nearest future.
(318 words)
* These sentences can and should be extracted due to over wording and the fact that conclusions are not necessary in every paragraph of an IELTS essay
Sample Essay - overall band: 8.5
The percentage of overweight children in western society has increased by almost 20% in the last ten years. Discuss the causes and effects of this disturbing trend.
by Yulia Borisenko (obtained IELTS General Overall Score: 8.0 - October 2016)
It is obvious that the number of children suffering from obesity has grown recently. This essay will first consider some of the factors which have caused this, then describe several results which may arise.
To begin with, the development of fast food industry had a major influence on food habits of children. A significant number of companies such as McDonald’s see children as a part of their target audience, offering special sets aimed at the youngest ones. Children are attracted to unhealthy food without fully understanding the repercussions for their organisms. Moreover, the lifestyle of modern children seems to be significantly less active in comparison to previous generations. As computer and video games have spread across the world, younger generations tend to spend more time in front of the screens instead of doing some kinds of physical activity. As a result, decreased amount of exercise leads to gaining weight.
One of the outcomes of early age obesity is major health problems. Overweight children have a higher risk for a wide range of diseases and conditions. For example, obese children are much more likely to have heart diseases, liver problems and high blood pressure. These illnesses may become chronic and could transfer to adult life unless appropriate measures are taken.
Another effect of weight problems, which is frequently experienced in childhood, is a negative influence on the psychological condition of an affected person. A child suffering from obesity may have low self-esteem, depression and communicative issues, where a tendency may appear for obese children to become a preferable target for bulling at school.
In conclusion, obesity in children is a product of fast food industry and the lack of physical activity, which has devastating impact on both physical and psychological state of a young person.
On July 13, my latest bank statement was delivered to my house, which affirmed that I had $240 overdraft and $70 would be withdrawn from my bank account as a payment for this debt. I immediately tried to contact your customer service representative, which took me a long time, and when my call was answered in the end after 45 minutes of waiting, Mr Smith wrote down my personal and contact information, promised me to check all the data and to return my call within 24 hours. Three days have passed since the time I talked to the clerk, and there is still no reply from him.
I would respectfully suggest that this situation (should) be resolved and Mr Smith be informed on the bank policy regarding communication with clients.
I hope for your swift actions in this matter.
Faithfully,
Victoria Osolinska
ADVANTAGE/ DISADVANTAGE ESSAY
TR – 9.0
CC- 8.5
LR – 7.5
GRA – 7.0
TASK: Nowadays, education overseas has become more accessible and growing numbers of people send their offspring to study in other countries. What can be advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad?
by Ekaterina Besedina
There is no doubt that education obtained in other countries has not only benefits but also some negative aspects to be mentioned, which will be presented in this essay and a conclusion will be made based on these facts.
To start with, there is a range of colleges and universities in different parts of the world which can offer an incomparably high level of education. For example, educational institutions meeting exquisite standards can be found in Europe, North America and several Eastern countries such as Japan and Singapore, which can be proud of their long experience, the best teachers and the richest base of knowledge. (Take Princeton University: it was founded in the eighteenth century and holds a prominent position in the world education system.) * Every student, who can have an opportunity to enter such an institution, will be able to benefit from studying there and obtaining exclusively high quality of education.
Furthermore, graduates of foreign universities usually have more opportunities and better career perspectives than alumni of local institutions. There is a considerable number of employers who strongly believe that international degrees obtained abroad are more valuable than those acquired in their native countries. For instance, having graduated from universities in Europe and the USA, many Indian and African students return to their home countries and receive excellent job offers with high salary rates.
On the other hand, expensive accommodation and cost of living can make education in foreign countries less attractive. Most international students, apart from buying food, are forced to rent apartments, purchase textbooks, having, as a rule, no chance of working full-time and earning enough money for all their needs; and not every family can support their children with money on a regular basis.
To conclude, tertiary education overseas offers more benefits than drawbacks. Therefore, it is a good idea for individuals to use an opportunity to study abroad providing that it arises.
* Can be extracted
Posted on 31 August, 2016 at 0:25 comments (0)
What is the most difficult and most important part of any essay? The answer is obvious: the introduction. Reading this very part, a person (and an examiner!) will decide on whether they will want to continue with it or will stop immediately and put your essay aside. You can also demonstrate your logic, vocabulary and ability to be relevant in the introduction. The question is, how to do it more efficiently and make your reader interested and excited from the beginning.
There are several ways of attracting attention and expressing yourself in the best possible manner.
To start with, you should be short: it is not recommended to exceed a 40-word limit, or 2-3 sentences, writing your introduction. Do not try to present all your ideas at once. Otherwise, what are you going to write further, in the body, if you mention everything in the introduction?
Be relevant. Do not try to impress your examiner providing various data or using meaningless expressions and repetitions in order to fill the space, which is usually called 'waffling'. It is much better to keep to the topic and write less than write a lot about nothing and off-topic.
There are some other hints and tips how to write a perfect introduction, and I will be happy to help you with it during our classes.