GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 69
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic.
When a country develops its technology, the traditional skills and ways of life die out. It is pointless to try and keep them alive.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this 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: [Agreement]
When a nation advances technologically, it inevitably takes a toll on the conventional skill set and lifestyle. In my opinion, traditional competencies and values of life are not important to be maintained as technology changes society in a transient manner and solves problems for the people who live in it.
To commence with, there is no rationale for preserving traditional skills that have no practical need for a better lifestyle. Powerful technology makes these skills useless as the proliferation of cutting-edge technologies supersedes the old ones each day as time goes by. In fact, technological changes determine the conditions under which we live. Let’s clarify this with an example. DVDs players are obsolete VHS players and the skills required to mend VHS players are no longer useful. When the technology has offered even more powerful storage solutions, keeping the backdated ones is just pointless.
Likewise, maintaining a rigorously conventional lifestyle can limit the progress of human civilization. That is to say that the traditional way of life promotes one to remain the same, retaining the same custom; which in turn may dissuade men from inventing new ways of life to make it easier and superior. It keeps people trying to live in the past; thereby they distance themselves from the blessings stemmed from technological development. On top of that, the traditional lifestyle confines people in their comfort zone. To put it another way, they cannot push themselves to think outside the box with traditional views.
It would be reasonable enough to draw a conclusion that traditional skills and lifestyle often make no sense at all when there are better alternatives. Therefore, we should be looking forward to embracing the new manners of life and new skill set.
Model Answer 2: [Disagreement]
Conventional skill sets and lifestyles in society are fading away with the advancement of technology. Many believe that the need to maintain a traditional set of skills and ideas is worthless. Such a view, is, however, seriously mistaken. This is because traditional skill sets and lifestyles can bring considerable benefits to the environment and the community as well.
Traditional competencies have been forged over hundreds of years of human experience and they are crucial to the environment. These skills were devised with empirical observations about its inhabitants and the ecosystem as a whole. The convention on biological diversity, for example, finds that many indigenous communities have been using biodiversity and cultivating it in a sustainable manner for hundreds of years. Thus, in times like this environmental chaos, traditional skills are of profound importance more than ever.
Similarly, the traditional lifestyle is just as noteworthy as common skills. By maintaining it, people can build a healthy community. In a traditional value system, collectivism takes the centre stage at every level of life. Individuals determine themselves as members of groups, and place the priorities of their collective priorities ahead of their personal preferences. In short, individuals aim to satisfy others’ requirements rather than their own demands. On the contrary, today’s individualistic society pays attention to the needs of the individuals over the needs of the group as a whole; which in turn very often provokes bitter conflicts and widens the gaps between the poor and rich.
In fine, traditional skills and ways of life are not only good for the environment but equally are important for the welfare of our society. We should keep alive traditional skills and lifestyles because these can resurrect a healthy environment and a harmonious society for all.
Sample Essay 3: [Disagreement]
There is no doubt that with the advancement of technology, many traditional skills and ways of life are becoming obsolete. However, I strongly disagree with the opinion that it is pointless to try and keep them alive. In my view, it is essential to preserve traditional skills and ways of life because they are an integral part of a country’s culture and heritage.
Firstly, traditional skills and ways of life provide a connection to a country’s past and identity. They give us an insight into how our ancestors lived and worked, and how they contributed to the country’s growth and development. By preserving these skills and ways of life, we can maintain a link to our history and heritage and pass it on to future generations.
Secondly, traditional skills and ways of life can be a valuable source of knowledge and inspiration for modern technology. Many of these skills have been refined over centuries and can offer unique perspectives and solutions to contemporary problems. For instance, traditional methods of agriculture or handicrafts can provide insights into sustainable and eco-friendly practices that can benefit modern industries.
Moreover, preserving traditional skills and ways of life can help to promote cultural diversity and maintain a sense of community identity. These practices often reflect the customs, values, and beliefs of a particular community, and their preservation can help to promote social cohesion and understanding.
In conclusion, it is crucial to recognize the value of traditional skills and ways of life and work towards their preservation. They provide a connection to our past, offer valuable insights into modern-day problems, and promote cultural diversity and social cohesion. It is not purposeless to try and keep them alive, and we should do our best to ensure that they are not lost in the march of technological progress.