I’ve just completed this essay and I’m eager to see comments on it. Your constructive criticism are highly appreciated.
Thank you very much!
Essay Topic:
Some People prefer occupations in which they work primarily with machines. Others prefer occupations in which they work mainly with people. Which type of occupation do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
(I want to clarify this a little: although the topic asks students to just write about which type of occupation I prefer, my english teacher require me to write 2 body paragraphs explaining the reasons for people to like each of the two types, and then state my own preference in the conclusion)
Based on the matter of working partners, generally different people have different favorite kinds of occupations. Some people prefer occupations in which they work primarily with machines. Others choose professions in which they work with people. Each of the two types have its own advantages, and which one suits a person best depends on his personalities and fields of professions. Personally I would prefer working with machines, for I enjoy the feeling of being the boss whenever at work.
First of all, many people like working with machines since they are technically advanced, and are becoming a perfect substitute for human labor. Considering the amazing ability of today’s machines and computers, it is quite obvious that they are essential for every field of occupations. For industrial workers, automatic machines are indispensible; for art designers and architects, computers prove to be great tools in mass designing with perfect accuracy, while for scientists, scientific machines such as computers, telescopes are strictly required for research. As can be easily seen, machines are ideal partners for a lot of people whose limited time and capabilities do not allow them to work on their own.
On the contrary, human are still regarded as the preferred partners by a several other people. It is clear that in some jobs, discussion, teamwork and mutual assistance among workers are crucial to success. Moreover, it is widely believed that professions involving interaction between people are much more interesting, while those in which human primarily work with machines are boringly repetitive – in fact, recent researches demonstrate that more than half workers doing such jobs as electrician and mechanical engineering over a long period in the US feel they are driven stressed. Lastly, some people prefer the atmosphere of working in a competitive environment where peer pressure can motivate them to work harder and improve their effectiveness and productivity.
For some personal reasons, however, I prefer working with machines. Firstly, machines are highly consistent, accurate, and reliable, while people may be spontaneous, while it is not easy to find a person whose personalities and working habit fit mine, which is key to successful cooperation. Moreover, since I was a child I have always been a maverick who like things to work in my own way. Consequently, I consider machines, particularly computers, to be my best partner since they are obedient servants who are willing to do what they are told to do and never criticize me, unlike some co-workers who may disagree with my plans. To sum up, working with machines or working with human, each of which has its advantages and drawbacks, depends on each person’s preference; I choose to work mainly with machines because of both their reliability and their flexibility, which enables me to do things in my own way.
TOEFL listening discussions: A conversation between a student and her coach