IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write at least 250 words.
Some believe that advances in technology are increasing the gap between rich and poor while others think the opposite is hapenning
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Sample Answer:
In the contemporary world, technology has developed immensely, causing both positive and negative effects on society, with some arguing that it has widened the divide between the wealthy and the impoverished. In this essay, I shall examine both sides of this argument and provide my own opinion.
On the one hand, it is true that technology has exacerbated the divide between the rich and the poor. For example, with the development of AI, many companies have started to replace human employees with robots, resulting in a decrease in jobs and wages. Furthermore, it has become increasingly difficult for those in poverty to afford technological devices and services, such as smartphones and internet access, which are necessary to compete and prosper in the modern economy. As such, those with limited resources are further disadvantaged.
On the other hand, it is argued that technology has actually reduced the gap between the wealthy and the disadvantaged. For example, the spread of the internet has enabled those with limited access to information to find out about opportunities and resources which would otherwise be out of reach. Additionally, the emergence of online banking and currency-exchange platforms has enabled those without access to traditional banking services to transfer and receive money more easily. Therefore, technology has provided an equalizing force for those who are not as well off.
In my opinion, I think that technology, on balance, has widened the gap between the rich and the poor. This is because, while technology can provide a level playing field, it is often too expensive for those in poverty to access or benefit from. Furthermore, while it is true that technology has enabled those in poverty to access resources, it has also enabled the wealthy to further increase their wealth and influence.
In conclusion, while technology has had both positive and negative effects, I believe that it has generally widened the gap between the rich and the poor. It has enabled those with money to access more resources and opportunities, while those who are not as well off are left behind. To reduce this divide, governments and companies should strive to provide access to technology for all and ensure that those who are not as well off are not left behind.