谢振礼谈托福雅思写作【21】computers and the Internet

TOEFL-IELTS Writing: More Topics about computers and the Internet
By Mr. Jeenn Lee Hsieh
For www.360abc.com

Example writing
(modified version)

It has become another world, a different world. The arrival of the civilization's new-born kid, the Internet, has made history. We have entered into an electronic information age from the era B.C. (before computers). Looking back in the past only three decades ago, we feel like going back to the Iron Age. A mere 100 century ago, it seems as if returning to the Stone Age. The present time is a point of departure for a brave new world, inevitably influencing the way we work and our family and social lives. Just what changes this new century will bring may be everybody's guess. For better or for worse?

This new world has presented plenty of wonders. The Internet has connected people at every corner on the planet and beyond, as never before, without limits. Its by-device, the cell phone, is playing an increasingly important role in people's professional and social lives. Telecommuting may soon become a more common way of working as more people are doing part of their jobs from home. The new age is an E-age. E-mail. E-book. E-bank. E-class. E-chat. E-games. And what not. Facebook, Twitter and blogs are also in full swing, among other social red activities. What's more. Intelligent machines such as robots are widely applied to take the place of human beings. Such are, in part, the powers of computers.

There are good reasons why some people are being worried. To them computers have made life more complex and stressful. People who cannot work with computers will be disadvantaged. The traditional skills and ways of life are fading away. At its best, easy access to so much information is doing as much harm as good. The more time people use the Internet, the less time they spend with real human beings. There is no disputing the danger of relying too much on computer screens rather than face-to-face contact. And likely more potential problems are on the way. No wonder that many seem no closer to feeling happy in various respects.

It is the best of time; and it is the worst of time. To those who can fully enjoy the new benefits, there is no better time to be alive than now. Increased material wealth and improved technology have brought about that kind of convenience and comfort and confidence that money can buy. But so what? Instead of getting wiser, people are seeking knowledge, only to find themselves drowing in the sea of information. Although it seems that people have become more inventive, actually they have become less creative at the same time. The Internet can provide many solutions, yet no computer is so capable as to judge right from wrong. In the pursuit of happiness, we have begun to ask ourselves what on earth we are looking for. Doubts arise. One thing, however, is sure. There is no turning back.

现代科技与网络--托福和雅思作文的热门题。请 www.360abc.com 网友细读。每一题都是独立的作文。为了好玩，我做个小笔记。硬是把全部(10 writing topics)写成一篇短文。

Outline and topic sentences:

This sample essay may seem too long for TOEFL or IELTS writing. Some of the ideas in the paragraphs have actually originated from the questions themselves. The purpose is trying to stay focused on the central thesis about modern technology in general and the Internet in particular.

Thesis: the advantages and disadvantages of computers and the Internet
Structure: 4 paragraphs
Content:

1. It has become another world, a different world.
2. This new world has presented plenty of wonders.
3. There are good reasons why some people are being worried.
4. It is the best of time; and it is the worst of time.

IELTS Writing Topics ( 5)
Task 2

a. Modern technology is transforming the way we work and is of benefit to our society. How far you think our social lives influenced by modern technology?
b.'Telecommuting' refers to workers doing their jobs from home for part of each week and communiating with their office using computer technology. Telecommuting is growing in many countries and is expected to be common for most office workers in the coming decades. How do you think society will be affected by the growth of telecommuting?
c. Technology is making communication easier in today's world, but at the expense of personal contact as many people choose to work at home in front of a computer screen. What dangers are there for a society which depends on computer screens rather than face-to-face contact for its main means of communication?
d. The Internet is becoming more central to our lives as it provides more information, acts as interactive entertainment and a means of voting. These functions have obvious benefits, but there are dangers involved in the control of the Internet over our lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
e. Advances in technology and the Internet have transformed the way we live as well as postponing the day we die. There is no better time to be alive than now. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

TOEFL TWE (5)
Test of Written English

1. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? The invention of the Internet has had negative effects on your civilization. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
2. Some people say that computers have made life more complex and stressful. What is your oinion? Used specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
3. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Technology had made the world a better place to live. Use specific reasons and examples to support your oinion.
4. Some people say that the Internet provides people with a lot of valuable information. Others think that access to so much information creates problems. Which view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examles to support your opinion.
5. The 21st century has begun. What changes do you think this new century will bring? Use examples and details in your answer.

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