Write for an Academic Discussion

A professor has posted a question about a topic and students have responded with their thoughts and ideas. Make a contribution to the discussion.
You will have 10 minutes to write.

Your professor is teaching a class on technology and society.

In your response, you should do the following.

• • Express and support your opinion.
• • Make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.

An effective response will contain at least 100 words.

Professor’s question:

With the rise of powerful digital translation tools, some people question the necessity of learning a second language. They argue that technology can now provide instant, accurate translations, making communication across languages easier than ever. However, others maintain that the benefits of language learning go far beyond simple communication. Which side of this debate do you agree with, and why?

Student response 1:

I believe learning a second language is still incredibly valuable. When you learn a new language, you also learn about another culture, its customs, and its way of thinking, which technology cannot fully replicate. For instance, this deep cultural understanding fosters empathy and a more global perspective.

Student response 2:

I think that for most people, relying on translation technology is more practical and efficient. Learning a language to fluency takes years of dedicated effort. Since advanced apps can now handle most everyday communication needs, that time could be better spent learning other valuable skills that are in high demand.