People in the 21st century
People living in the 21st century have a better life quality than people who lived in previous times.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The issue of whether individuals living in the 21st century have a better quality of life compared to those in the past is a subject of ongoing debate. From my perspective, people today have a superior standard of living due to advancements in healthcare, safety, and productivity, notwithstanding minor drawbacks of technology.
Initially, people living in the 21st century benefit from improved healthcare and safety measures. Unlike in the past, where individuals had a high probability of dying from wars and diseases due to political instability and limited medical advancements, people today enjoy a more tranquil world and a safer environment. This is, firstly, thanks to modern medicine, which includes vaccines and antibiotics, and has significantly reduced the spread of diseases. Moreover, numerous longitudinal studies have proven that crime rates have also decreased, which affirms that people today are safer than ever before.
Additionally, people living in the 21st century benefit from unparalleled economic productivity made possible by technology. In the past, the majority of people worked in farming, and they had to rely on manual labor to earn a living. However, technology has made it possible for individuals to work remotely, attend meetings through conferencing websites, and communicate with loved ones through messaging apps. Furthermore, the internet has opened up vast opportunities for individuals to learn and expand their knowledge, leading to higher earnings and more modern conveniences such as self-driving cars, which contribute to an enhanced standard of living.
While critics argue that technology has brought distractions, this issue pales in comparison to the advantages that technology has brought about. People can mitigate these drawbacks by practicing mindfulness and reducing their reliance on devices.
In conclusion, people living in the 21st century have a better standard of living compared to any other period in history. They benefit from improved healthcare and safety measures and unparalleled economic productivity, all thanks to technological advancements. While it is crucial to consider the impact of technology, the benefits it has brought about significantly contribute to improving people’s quality of life.
(338 words)
Essay Breakdown
Structure
Introduction
[1] The issue of whether individuals living in the 21st century have a better quality of life compared to those in the past is a subject of ongoing debate. [2] From my perspective, people today have a superior standard of living due to advancements in healthcare, safety, and productivity, notwithstanding minor drawbacks of technology.
1. Paraphrase the given topic
2. A clear opinion stating my viewpoint
Body
Paragraph 1
[1] Initially, people living in the 21st century benefit from improved healthcare and safety measures. [2] Unlike in the past, where individuals had a high probability of dying from wars and diseases due to political instability and limited medical advancements, people today enjoy a more tranquil world and a safer environment. [3] This is, firstly, thanks to modern medicine, which includes vaccines and antibiotics, and has significantly reduced the spread of diseases. [4] Moreover, numerous longitudinal studies have proven that crime rates have also decreased, which affirms that people today are safer than ever before.
1. A topic sentence showing the main idea: improved healthcare and safety measures
2. Explain the main point
3. Keep developing the main point in terms of healthcare
4. Keep developing the main point in terms of safety
Paragraph 2
[1] Additionally, people living in the 21st century benefit from unparalleled economic productivity made possible by technology. [2] In the past, the majority of people worked in farming, and they had to rely on manual labor to earn a living. [3] However, technology has made it possible for individuals to work remotely, attend meetings through conferencing websites, and communicate with loved ones through messaging apps. [4] Furthermore, the internet has opened up vast opportunities for individuals to learn and expand their knowledge, leading to higher earnings and more modern conveniences such as self-driving cars, which contribute to an enhanced standard of living.
1. A topic sentence showing the main idea: productivity
2. Explain and develop the main point
3. Keep developing the main point
4. Continue to fully develop the main point
Paragraph 3
[1] While critics argue that technology has brought distractions, this issue pales in comparison to the advantages that technology has brought about. [2] People can mitigate these drawbacks by practicing mindfulness and reducing their reliance on devices.
1. A topic sentence showing the main idea, elevating the advantages of technology
2. Offer a solution to the problems related to technology
Conclusion
[1] In conclusion, people living in the 21st century have a better standard of living compared to any other period in history. [2] They benefit from improved healthcare and safety measures and unparalleled economic productivity, all thanks to technological advancements. [3] While it is crucial to consider the impact of technology, the benefits it has brought about significantly contribute to improving people’s quality of life.
1. Restate the background
2. Restate my opinion
3. Extend the viewpoint by stating a final thought
Vocabulary
The issue of whether individuals living in the 21st century have a better quality of life compared to those in the past is a subject of ongoing debate. From my perspective, people today have a superior standard of living due to advancements in healthcare, safety, and productivity, notwithstanding minor drawbacks of technology.
Initially, people living in the 21st century benefit from improved healthcare and safety measures. Unlike in the past, where individuals had a high probability of dying from wars and diseases due to political instability and limited medical advancements, people today enjoy a more tranquil world and a safer environment. This is, firstly, thanks to modern medicine, which includes vaccines and antibiotics, and has significantly reduced the spread of diseases. Moreover, numerous longitudinal studies have proven that crime rates have also decreased, which affirms that people today are safer than ever before.
Additionally, people living in the 21st century benefit from unparalleled economic productivity made possible by technology. In the past, the majority of people worked in farming, and they had to rely on manual labor to earn a living. However, technology has made it possible for individuals to work remotely, attend meetings through conferencing websites, and communicate with loved ones through messaging apps. Furthermore, the internet has opened up vast opportunities for individuals to learn and expand their knowledge, leading to higher earnings and more modern conveniences such as self-driving cars, which contribute to an enhanced standard of living.
While critics argue that technology has brought distractions, this issue pales in comparison to the advantages that technology has brought about. People can mitigate these drawbacks by practicing mindfulness and reducing their reliance on devices.
In conclusion, people living in the 21st century have a better standard of living compared to any other period in history. They benefit from improved healthcare and safety measures and unparalleled economic productivity, all thanks to technological advancements. While it is crucial to consider the impact of technology, the benefits it has brought about significantly contribute to improving people’s quality of life.
Vocabulary Highlights:
- quality of life: the general level of happiness, comfort, and well-being experienced by an individual or society.
- advancements in healthcare: improvements and progress made in the field of medicine and healthcare.
- safety measures: steps taken to ensure the safety of individuals in a particular environment or situation.
- political instability: a situation where a country or region is experiencing unrest or uncertainty in its governance or political system.
- limited medical advancements: a situation where there are few or no developments in medical technology, leading to limited options for treating diseases and illnesses.
- tranquil world: a peaceful and calm environment with minimal conflicts or disturbances.
- vaccines and antibiotics: medicines used to prevent and treat diseases caused by bacteria and viruses.
- crime rates: the number of criminal incidents reported in a particular area or region.
- economic productivity: the efficiency with which resources are used to produce goods and services, leading to higher economic output and growth.
- manual labor: work done using physical effort without the aid of machines or technology.
- remote work: work done outside of a traditional office setting, usually from home or another location.
- conferencing websites: online platforms used for virtual meetings and video conferences.
- messaging apps: applications used for sending and receiving messages between individuals or groups.
- expand their knowledge: to increase one’s understanding and awareness of a particular subject or topic.
- modern conveniences: new technologies and innovations that make life easier and more comfortable.
- self-driving cars: vehicles that can operate without human input, using sensors and computer technology to navigate.
- mitigate drawbacks: to minimize or reduce the negative effects or consequences of something.
- mindfulness: the practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment.
- technological advancements: improvements and progress made in the field of technology and its applications.
Grammar Gems:
NON-RESTRICTIVE CLAUSE
“Moreover, numerous longitudinal studies have proven that crime rates have also decreased, which affirms that people today are safer than ever before”
The non-restrictive clause “which affirms that people today are safer than ever before” is separated by commas from the main clause “numerous longitudinal studies have proven that crime rates have also decreased.” This structure adds additional information to the sentence without changing the main point, making it clearer and more precise. It is a valuable grammar structure for IELTS learners to understand and use in their writing.
Reading
Further reading about this topic can be found here:
https://wearerestless.org/2021/05/11/challenges-of-the-21st-century/
Listening
Further listening about this topic can be found here:
