Essay 45 – Modern technology is increasing the gap between rich and poor

GT Writing Task 2 (Essay Writing) Sample # 45

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people believe that modern technology is increasing the gap between rich and poor, while others disagree and say that it is helping reduce the gap.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer 1:
Modern technology, without a doubt, has revolutionised the world and has touched almost every aspect of human life. Some people opine that the gap between the wealthy and the poor is widening as a result of technological advancement. Others, however, disagree and say that the poor can take advantage of it and improve their condition like never before, and I support the opinion of the latter group.

According to some, wealth inequality is increasing between the upper class and lower class due to unprecedented technological advancement and automation. As technology reduces the need for manual labour, unskilled poor people find it hard to secure a job. Using advanced tools and machines, rich people increase their production capacity and make a huge profit as a result. Technology is at the centre of all modern innovations and inventions, and as a result, poor people are left out of this amelioration.

However, according to others, the most obvious reason technology can effectively decrease the wealth disparity is that most important technologies are open to all. Anyone from any part of the world can access the internet, develop skills, access important information and educational materials and walk the road to riches in an unprecedented manner. For instance, many modern billionaires are from the lower and middle classes and they have changed their fates and the fates of millions of others with the help of technology.

To conclude, technology has already reduced the difference between social classes and has created millions of jobs just for anyone with the right skill set. It is expected that it will further narrow the gap between the rich and the poor in the future.

Model Answer 2:
Modern technology has revolutionised various aspects of our lives, and its impact on social and economic inequality is a topic of debate. While some argue that technology is widening the gap between the rich and poor, others hold a contrasting view. This essay will explore both perspectives and present that technology is enlarging the gap between the wealthy and the impoverished.

Those who believe that modern technology is exacerbating inequality argue that access to advanced technology is often limited to those with greater financial resources. High-tech gadgets, high-speed internet, and cutting-edge devices are often expensive, making them inaccessible to the economically disadvantaged. This digital divide further deepens existing disparities and prevents equal opportunities for education, employment, and economic advancement.

Contrarily, proponents of the opposing view assert that modern technology has the potential to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. They argue that technological advancements have led to the creation of innovative solutions, such as affordable smartphones and low-cost internet access. These advancements have enabled individuals from low-income backgrounds to access educational resources, remote job opportunities, and e-commerce platforms. Furthermore, technology has facilitated the dissemination of information and ideas, empowering marginalised communities and enabling social mobilisation.

In my opinion, technology has actually dilated the gap between the rich and the poor. Undoubtedly, there are instances where technology perpetuates inequality, such as when access to quality education or healthcare becomes reliant on digital platforms. Since poor people use basic technology and most of it for entertainment or personal communication, they can not harness the true power of technology the way rich people do. This is widening the gap even further.

In conclusion, the impact of modern technology on inequality is a complex issue. But overall, it contributes to the widening gap between the rich and poor due to unequal access. Unless we allow poor people the opportunities for the use of advanced technology in education, employment, and empowerment, this gap will continue to get bigger.