A simple machine helps a person doing

A simple machine does not reduce the total work required to move a load; it changes how the work is done by trading force for distance. In an ideal, lossless machine the input work equals the output work, so the total work remains the same, but the effort (input) force can be reduced by increasing the distance over which that force is applied [1]. This property is described by mechanical advantage: simple machines allow a smaller effort force to accomplish the same work by increasing the path length of the effort [2]. Therefore the best description is: the same amount of work with lesser force (option 2).

Sources

1. [1] https://texasgateway.org/resource/93-simple-machines
2. [2] https://openstax.org/books/physics/pages/9-3-simple-machines