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Topic 19: Earlier technological development brought more changes to the life of ordinary people than recent technological development do. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Undoubtedly, people are now enjoying one of the greatest technological boom times in human history. Although there is a consensus that social changes coincide normally with technological advances, it is a contentious issue whether the earlier technology (e.g., machines, cars, airplanes) impacts on people's lives to a larger extent than does the recent technology (e.g., Internet, computers). In my opinion, the recent improvements in technology have more far-reaching consequences.
While the invention of automobiles was a landmark in the technological evolution of humankind, the widespread use of computers and telecommunications technology has dramatically reshaped the nature of the society. One might have benefited a lot from one's improved ability to move rapidly from one place to another because of the availability of automobiles, yet this benefit has been discounted because of the advent of the Internet. With Internet access, the world has become accessible to people and one can perform many tasks at home (e.g., grocery shopping) and let their fingers do the walking.
Lifestyles are changed by recent technologies in equal measure. Before computers and the Internet were created, most working people struggled with a lack of leisure time and the balance between family life and work life. They were fully occupied by employment and various chores, such as shopping. With Internet, they are now able to spend much less time on those routine, dull activities and lead active leisure lives.
Modern technologies also account for the evolution of people's perception of society. People tend to develop, modify and repurpose technology for their own use. Interdependent, previously a core virtue of many societies, is now undermined. Cell phones allow people to insulate their private interactions from the culture around them and to create their own micro-cultures. The mobility given by modern transport meanwhile, allures them to leave their place of birth and work and live elsewhere. Cultural norms are subject to modification and the communal lifestyle is going out of fashion.
In conclusion, whether one likes it or not, technology will continue to evolve, with the resulting changes impacting the lifestyles and cultural norms continuously. While the earlier technology had enhanced the quality of life and generated revenue for people, the recent technology has made them lead a different lifestyle from previous generations.
landmark = turning point = watershed event
humankind = mankind
reshape = reform = restructure = remodel
discount = impair
dull = tedious = monotonous = dreary
norm = custom = normal ways of behaving
communal = collective
Topic 20: It is said that the fast pace of our everyday life, as a direct result of the rapid development of telecommunications technology and travel industry, has negative effects on individuals, nations and the globe. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Not surprisingly, many aspects of people's daily lives have undergone considerable changes because of the recent development in technology. It is a particular concern that the pace of everyday life is becoming faster, resulting from the development in cars, air travel, telecommunications technology and the Internet. As well as benefits, this trend is to bring problems.
On the positive side, the fast rhythm of life requires people to enhance efficiency when working and then allows them to enjoy longer leisure time. With the advance in telecommunications, people can make inquires by phone, instead of travelling long distances. Internet access makes it possible for one to perform various tasks without leaving their offices. Even though people have to travel every now and then for meeting business partners, visiting clients in other cities or other purposes, modern transport networks reduce the amount of time they spend on commutes.
The acceleration of the pace of life also implies the expansion of people's social circle. In the past, social relationships were limited by physical factors such as geographical distance and low mobility, but nowadays, one can travel further and gel acquainted with more people with those technological advances, such as the railroad, the automobile and the telephone. For instance, the rapid penetration of telecommunications technology' has made the mobile phone a key social tool and people rely on their mobile phone address book to keep in touch with their friends.
On the negative side, the fast-paced lifestyle is responsible for the upsurge in lifestyle-related problems. Jobs become demanding and require workers' full commitment, resulting in their depression and pressure. Underneath the facade of continued contraction of official working hours, employees are actually working longer, primarily because fax, e-mail or other communication devices have made them accessible to their supervisors, colleagues and customers after work. They have to respond instantly to voice and email messages from others. Private life has to be sacrificed.
According to the facts outlined above, the doubts about the negative effects of the acceleration of pace of life are not well-grounded. People now enjoy greater well-being, which is reflected in more quality family time, less travel-related stress and close contact with friends and family members. However, they might have to accept frequent intrusions as a by-product of convenient communication.
penetration = invasion = permeating
facade = disguise = cover-up
contraction = reduction
intrusion = interruption
by-product = unwanted product = anything produced in the course of making another thing
Topic 21: Nowadays people can carry out tasks such as shopping and banking even business transactions without meeting each other face to face. What are the effects on individuals and the society?
With the wide use of the Internet, the way people conduct business and live their lives has vastly changed. Many businesses have websites that allow people to conduct business, execute deals and finish transactions online, as an alternative to a lengthy commute. Although people are thus free from the constraints of geography and time, there are some consequences of this trend that demand attention.
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