TOEFL  - Speaking Question 4

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Directions: In this question, you will read a short passage and then listen to a talk on the same academic topic. You will then answer a question about them. After you hear the question, you will have 30 seconds to prepare your response and 60 seconds to speak. You have 45 seconds to read the passage.

  

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Hacking: Crime or Service to Society? In the world of computers, the term “hacker” gets two different responses. One hacker can be productively designing games, programs, and ways to improve security of information, while the other hacker tries to break into systems in a way that causes individuals and companies to loose, distort or release information without permission. How do we define a “hacker?” A hacker can improve programs in business so that the business or individual will be protected from unwanted tampering. This hacker explores the limits of the program. Or, is a hacker the term for activity that is unlawful? A hacker in this case is one who deliberately invades programs and causes computer problems. Some do this for fun; however, this can cause great hardship for businesses and individuals. People who play around with computers would say hackers are exercising their skills. Others may say hackers are criminals. Which definition is it?

 

Narrator: Now listen to part of a talk in a computer science class.

 

Professor: Hacking is becoming a more prevalent problem in the field of technology. If you are hacking, you are breaking the law, as it is a felony here in the U.S. Only if a company or individual hires a hacker to test their systems, is hacking alright and ethical.

In the academic hacker culture, a computer hacker is a person who enjoys designing software and building programs with a sense for aesthetics and playful cleverness. In computer security, a hacker is someone who focuses on security mechanisms. In common use, which was popularized by the mass media, hacker refers to someone who illegally breaks into computer and network systems.

Compare a bunch of kids breaking into a computer system with another bunch of kids hot-wiring a car for a joyride. The latter would probably argue, with complete sincerity, that they were doing no harm, because the owner of the car recovered his property afterward. They didn't keep or sell it. It's a bad prank to borrow someone's property in that way, but not really serious. These hypothetical car thieves versus the car owner… Don’t you think the car owner would win this argument?

 

Narrator: Now get ready to answer the question.

 

Narrator: Two opinions on computer hacking are given in the reading. Explain which of these views the professor holds and how she supports her opinion.