You should spend about 40 minutes on IELTS writing task 2.
In the 20th century, contact between many different parts of the world has developed rapidly through air travel and telecommunications. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. You should write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer
The advancements in technology have brought a significant evolution throughout the world. It is sometimes contended that increased contact and closer interrelationships between countries bring several benefits to society, and the credit goes to air travel and telecommunication. In the meantime, there are also some adverse effects of the above trend. Both sides of the argument will be explained to reach a verdict.
There are some significant points to make in favor of increased business and closer relationships worldwide. Firstly, it can drive the world’s economy forward. Big corporations such as Microsoft and Apple can quickly expand their branches in any corner of the world, thanks to increased business interaction, creating more employment opportunities, especially in a third-world country. Secondly, revenue from tourist activities can contribute to economic growth. Undoubtedly, tourism jobs which include photographers and tour guides can help increase income for the locals. Finally, the more these nations share habits, products and services, the better they understand each other, reducing prejudice against other nations.
However, the most significant disadvantage of increased commerce and communication due to the improved information technology and air transport between nations worldwide is that it can weaken culture and traditions. The main reason is that people can adapt to the aspects of non-natives and more interesting lifestyles from foreign countries and usually neglect the traditional values. For example, a group of Vietnamese folk songs might gradually fade away because young Vietnamese people tend to opt for more attractive Korean music. The second drawback is that owing to the competition, imported goods, and services, local producers, especially in a less developed country, fail to hold up to the international ones in their domestic market, which leads to indigenous markets being severely affected which holds the society from developing further. Regardless of all these, if proper guidelines are maintained and awareness is created among citizens, the improvement in communication can only bring positive changes like economic growth and fellow-feeling among all.
In conclusion, I believe that closer contact and increased commerce worldwide bring about both cons and pros, and cheap air flights and mobile communication have accelerated that.
Structure of the essay
You were given an advantages/disadvantages essay and you have to decide whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
Once you are clear about the advantages and disadvantages, you can start planning your essay and then writing it.
General Statement – The advancements in technology have brought a significant evolution throughout the world.
Question Paraphrased – It is sometimes contended that increased contact and closer interrelationships between countries bring several benefits to society, and the credit goes to air travel and telecommunication for this. In the meantime, there are also some adverse effects of the above trend.
Outline of the Essay – Both sides of the argument will be explained to reach a verdict.
Body Paragraph 1
Advantages
- It can drive the world’s economy forward.
- Big corporations such as Microsoft and Apple can quickly expand their branches in any corner of the world, thanks to increased business interaction, creating more employment opportunities, especially in a third-world country.
- Revenues from tourist activities can contribute to economic growth.
Body Paragraph 2:
Disadvantages
- It can weaken national culture and traditions.
- People can quickly adapt to the aspects of non-natives and more interesting lifestyles from foreign countries and usually neglect the traditional values.
- In the face of imported goods and services, local producers, especially in a less developed countries, fail to compete with international ones in their domestic market, which leads to several bankruptcies, then holds society back from development.
Conclusion
In conclusion, closer contact and increased commerce worldwide bring about both cons and pros, and cheap air flights and mobile communication have accelerated that.