GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 169
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Many people think technological devices such as smartphones, tablets and mobile phones bring more disadvantages than advantages.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer: [Disagreement]
Modern society appears to have reached a point where mobile devices, for example, smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches, have revolutionized every aspect of our life. However, many people claim that these devices have more negative effects than their positive aspects. In this case, I profoundly disagree with the statement.
It is true that technological devices, such as tablets, smartphones and cell phones, have some disadvantages, especially, when they are used uncontrollably. The most obvious drawback of these devices is their capacity to disconnect people from one another. The paradox is that they were built to connect individuals, but often leave them alienated from the surrounding people and distracted from the tangible world. For instance, it has become commonplace that people are messaging someone when they could be engaging in an actual conversation. Moreover, some applications installed in those devices often are addictive and kills a significant amount of our time doing unproductive things.
Despite these limitations, mobile devices have brought considerable benefits to humankind. First and foremost, technological devices like smartphones have incredible computing power – a power that we can use to make our life easier and more convenient. Secondly, mobile phones are compact as well as convenient. It is truly phenomenal that the amazing computing power fits in the palm of a person’s hand. Besides, people can slip the devices in their bag or pocket and take them anywhere with ease. Then, smartphones are miraculously transforming the way we go about our daily life. Gone are the days when people had to go to the shopping mall to purchase goods or the banks for certain transactions, for example, fund transfer, paying bills or withdrawals. Now people can do shopping or make transactions through smartphones as it has heralded the new era of paperless money transactions. Finally, these devices have made it possible to search for anything and find an answer instantly. They are highly useful when we want to communicate at a cheap price, find navigation to a place, use handy applications to do our work, and save beautiful memories forever.
In pithy, from what has been discussed, it proves to be reasonable to conclude that the benefits mobile devices reap negate its disadvantages. We just need to be informed and prudent users to reap the benefits and minimise the drawbacks.