IELTS Writing Task 2: 'simple but good' introduction

Last week I showed you an example of a bad introduction for the question below. The main problem was the overuse of 'template phrases'. Now let's look at a good introduction.

Here's the question again:

Because computers can translate all languages very quickly and accurately, learning a foreign language is a waste of time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Here's a "simple but good" introduction:

It is true that computer programs are now able to carry out language translation tasks far more quickly than any human can. However, I completely disagree with the idea that this development makes learning foreign languages unnecessary.

Comments

[PINKESH]

I appeared for IELTS-General module on April 8, 2017 and scored BAND of 7.5. It was my first attempt and I didn't join any classes.I used to follow each and every tip given by Simon and also used to view the video lessons repeatedly. Each and every tip given by Simon is precious and invaluable while writing the exam. I practiced from Cambridge Books and followed ielts-SIMON.com on regular basis. I would like to admit saying that this web-site is a master-key for achieving good score at IELTS.

Thanks A Lot SIMON.........hats-off to you.
Pinkesh

[Arash]

It is often said that by the development of technologies like computers which can facilitate translations, people will not need any more to learn foreign languages. Although I believe that new developments in translation software will meet some needs of human in translating languages, I totally disagree that acquiring a foreign language will be an utter waste of time.

[jiya]

Nowadays computer programmes are able to convert the unfimiliar language into the local one more quickly than ever before.However,I completely disagree with the idea of not learning a new language and considering it unnecessary.

[Duc Giang]

thanks alot

[Iurchenko Oleksandr]

It is certainly true that nowadays using a bunch of computer programs and applications might reduce the time needed for translation task by the human. Nevertheless, I do not agree with an idea that learning languages is inessential subject.

[Gandalf]

@jiya unfimiliar -> unfamiliar:
"the" unfamiliar language: which language are you talking about?
Leave a space after commas & fullstops.
"I .. disagree .. and considering " : ->consider

[Andrew]

Morning, teacher Simon.
Thank you very much for you lessons. I found this Introduction is just like you wrote-Simple but Good.
I tried to find out the reason. You just uses
"It is true that+ topic (by your own words). However, I completely disagree whit the idea that + your view."
I wrote the introduction in the same way. It seems better than what I have written before.
I think your skills is really practical and helpful.

It is a fact that people can use computer programs to make quick and accurate language translations nowadays. But I still believe that learning a different language is very important and necessary for one's future development.

[ali]

It is believed that we do not need to spend our precious time to learn a foreign language as long as computers can do it for us much faster and correctly. I completely disagree with this idea.

[gurjit singh]

its true that through the use of computer and different program we can do plenty of tasks more quickly and accurately as any language translation has been become very nowadays. but i completely disagree that learning a foreign or a different language is no useful more.

[gurjit singh]

it is true that through the use of computer and different program we can do plenty of tasks more quickly and accurately as any language translation has been become very easy with the use of computer nowadays. but i completely disagree that learning a foreign or a different language is no more useful.

[phung nhung]

thanks a lot!

[Rosie]

Dear Simon and friends,
please give me your comments. thanks for any help.
I did write my essay following almost balanced opinion, it this correct?
topic: It is more important for schoolchildren to learn about local history than world history. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many people believe that teaching local history for schoolchildren is much more essential than world history. While I agree that it is vital for children to learn domestic history at school, I would argue that it is equally important for them to study both local and world history.
It is true that studying the national history is an indispensable part of school’s curriculum during children’s early education. First, having thorough insights into what happened in their countries develops their own patriotism. For example, children in Vietnam are taught about how their ancestors defended their land against outside intruders and reclaimed sovereignty. This would make those young children take pride in their origin and treasure the life they have. Also, when some students who have widen knowledge about local history go abroad, they could introduce the beauty in the cultures and traditions of their own countries to foreign people. As a result, the image of their countries would be significantly improved.
However, I believe that learning about world history shares equal importance just as local one. Firstly, acquiring knowledge about the world’s past events equips students with a more well-rounded perspective of life. Lessons about the World War or Feminism protest against women’s abuse and discrimination would help those learners enhance their understanding of various aspects of the world. Secondly, being taught about the other countries’ historical backgrounds would beneficial to young learners in their future career. Students who accumulate knowledge of this particular field at an early age would possess an attractive point to foreign enterprises, especially those who highly value company culture like Japan.
In conclusion, although learning domestic history is essential for schoolchildren, I believe local and international history have distinctively equal meanings to children.
(287 words)

[Alex]

It is true that languages ,which are not as same as your own mother language ,can be quickly translated into your own or foreign language with a maximum time efficiency , and that means we do not need to dedicate a big chunk of day for perceiving any communicational means

Please , evaluate my writing introduction as an equal variant of introduction above

[Rishi Thapliyal]

Hey Simon, I feared only one section i.e. writing. But I scored 7.5 in writing. On the name of preparation, I have only studied your freely available sample essays and letters.

I wrote 2 liner intro, 2 liner conclusion and bodies as you advised.

Thanks a ton!

[Jenny]

This is my introduction:
It is true that computer has played a highly efficient role in translating one language into another, that it has become a practical tool to use when people are exposed in a foreign language. However, studying a second language is still necessary no matter how convenient it has become to use electrical devices in this digital generation.

[Achilles]

Hello Simon,

I've just checked my IELTS results and I got overall 6,5!! It's more than enough for me!! Thank you so much for your amazing site, without your site I couldn't achieve this score!! I'm so happy now because my hard work had paid off!!

[Svetilnik]

My introduction is:
As technology is developing at an extremely fast pace, many applications to translate from any languages with a great accuracy has become affordable nowadays. However, I totally disagree that people should not learn foreign languages due to this development.

[hassan]

I agree to the premise of the question that 'the computers are getting fairly accurate and fast at translating foreign languages' but in my humble opinion it still doesn't negate the importance of learning a new language as the communication gap is fairly reduced if you yourself are able to speak in a native tongue rather than just relying on a computer to convey your point of view, your point is far more easily passed on and the human interaction makes your statement far more compelling to the audience. A while back I was listening to a ted talk given by one of the most eminent psychiatrist in on the Alzheimer disease and she mentioned that constantly learning about new things,concepts and ideas is one of the major ways of combating the disease and she strongly suggested learning new languages as being an important tool in that. So if for nothing else learn it sharpen your brain and cognitive abilities.

[hassan]

can anyone please critique my answer please^^

[Pawan Bahuguna]

Thanks for sharing, this is invaluable.

[Khaled Said]

Hello Simon,
I'd like to thank and appreciate your effort and passion you put towards your students. I personally, have learned a lot from your blog and hope to achieve a good result. I had an IELTS general exam on May 13th in Egypt, Cairo. I would like to share writing task2 which had talked about retirement where people should retire over 60 to 65 years. However, some people want to continue working until they want. Give your opinion with support.
I gave 4 to 5 support points as following:
Firstly, it will lead to increase unemployment rate because young people will not being promoted since only people still hold their job. In addition, it will affect fresh graduates who looking for new opportunity.
Secondly, Most of old staff are exposed to many health issues such as diabetes, respiratory problems, and high blood pressure which affect their work performance and cannot cope with job stressful any more.
Thirdly, people who need to retire do not have the energy, careers progression and adapt new work style like young people who always accept challenges and looking to prove themselves.
Finally, old employees do not have flexibility to any new idea, for example, Google Company have succeeded to invent new technology by young staff who looking for the future to grow up.
Thanks again for your help and compassion.

Sincerely,

Khaled Said

[Khaled Said]

Hello Simon,

I'd like to thank and appreciate your effort and passion you put towards your students. I personally, have learned a lot from your blog and hope to achieve a good result.

I had an IELTS general exam on May 13th in Egypt, Cairo. I would like to share writing task2 which had talked about retirement where people should retire over 60 to 65 years. However, some people want to continue working until they want. Give your opinion with support.

I had written 4 to 5 support points as following:

Firstly, it will lead to increase unemployment rate because young people will not being promoted since only people still hold their job. In addition, it will affect fresh graduates who looking for new opportunity.

Secondly, Most of old staff are exposed to many health issues such as diabetes, impaired hearing, respiratory problems, and high blood pressure which affect their work performance and cannot cope with job stressful any more.

Thirdly, people who need to retire do not have the energy, careers progression and adapt new work style like young people who always accept challenges and looking to prove themselves.

Finally, old employees do not have flexibility to any new idea, for example, Google Company have succeeded to invent new technology by young staff who looking for the future to grow up.

Thanks again for your help and compassion.

Sincerely,

Khaled Said

[Balbakwa]

Because computers can translate all languages very quickly and accurately, learning a foreign language is a waste of time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Intro:
Translation of peoples' languages can be done in an instant and with accuracy thru the use of computers,thus studying different tongue is no longer applicable. It seems to be useful, however I disagree that learning other language will be useless.

Hi simon! is the paraphrase gooD?
Thank you!

[Khuyen]

Dear Simon,

In the question it is stated that "computers can translate all languages very quickly and accurately". If one of my arguments is that it may quick but not so accurate, will it be considered off topic?

Thank you.

[senshuran]

There are a range of computer application can work out the translation quickly and accurantly. But i still disagree with the point that it is mot necessary to learn a foreign language.

[Azhar]

I have a question on this topic. It is related to the statement claiming that "Because computers can translate all languages very quickly and accurately....", if I go for disagreeing, can I also deny that "software do not translate ACCURATELY? Because as per the question statement, it seems that they have already considered it as truth that translating softwares provide accurate translation.

[SONIA]

It is true that computer is very good translator and it can translate all the other languages very rapidly.Howevere,some people argue that to learn foreign langauge is not necessary because of computer.Nevertheless,i disagree with the statement which shows that to learn foreign language is waste of time.

[dhillon]

Does it need any correction??

It is undeniable that computers can accomplish the task of language conversion in an efficient way. Nevertheless, I do not agree with the statement that due to this advancement learning a new language is worthless.

[To sigamu]

These days, up-to-date technologies dealing with information area is possible to translate a variety of languages. While some people assert that thanks to help of computers, investing much of time in acquiring other languages is not needed, I partly agree the opinion but a verbal education brings still a few own benefits

[NguyenTheAnh]

Thank you so much, Simon.