IELTS Writing Task 2: Development of technology

IELTS Writing Task 2: Development of Technology is a prompt from the actual IELTS exam. Let’s explore the vocabulary, outline, and sample essay for IELTS Writing Task 2 on the topic of the development of technology with PREP!

I. Prompt and Suggested Outline for IELTS Writing Task 2: Development of Technology

Before exploring the sample for IELTS Writing Task 2 on the topic of the development of technology, let’s take a look at the full prompt and detailed outline below!

1. Prompt

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

It was predicted that with the development of technology, people in the 21st century would have much more free time than in the past. To what extent do you think this prediction has come true?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

2. Outline

Quickly refer to the outline for IELTS Writing Task 2 on the topic of the development of technology below!

II. Sample IELTS Writing Task 2: Development of technology

Let’s explore the high-quality sample for IELTS Writing Task 2 on the topic of the development of technology, achieving a band score of 7.0, prepared by Nhật Minh, a top-tier teacher at PREP. Be sure to check it out!

In this era of unprecedented technological advancement, it was once prophesied that technology would bestow upon 21st century humans the gift of abundant free time. I disagree with this claim, however, as reality has not lived up to such a prediction.

It is undeniable that many people have achieved significant gains in terms of free time in the modern age. The automation of numerous labor-intensive tasks has dramatically reduced the amount of time required for both domestic and professional duties. For instance, technological devices have streamlined many workplace processes, allowing tasks that once took hours to be completed in minutes. These advancements, moreover, offer flexible working arrangements, enabling efficient time management and providing options for entertainment that were previously impossible. With access to remote technology, for instance, some employees can work from the comfort of their home, so once they finish work, they can be immediately immersed in their favorite recreational activities. Their leisure time, thereby, is maximized.

Contrary to the idea that technology has increased free time, however, evidence suggests that a decline is the case. Firstly, the lines between work and home life have been blurred, depriving people of personal time. Because of smartphones and remote work technologies, many employees are encouraged, or in some cases, ordered to remain connected and stay open for requests. Inevitably, they find themselves tethered to their duties well beyond traditional working hours. The rise of virtual platforms, furthermore, requires constant engagement from people. As social networking services thrive on users’ interaction, individuals often spend significant portions of their daily life maintaining an online presence, rather than enjoying offline entertainment. These people, therefore, end up with less free time than they would have had without technology.

In conclusion, technology has certainly led to an increase in leisure time, but the prediction that it would grant universal freedom has not come true. Because of its possible infringement on people’s personal time, a conscious effort to balance technology usage is recommended to minimize its negative impacts.

Useful Vocabulary for the Sample IELTS Writing Task 2: Development of Technology:

• Unprecedented (adj.): Never done or known before; without previous example.

• Prophesy (v.): To predict or foretell an event in the future.

• Bestow upon (v.): To grant or confer something, often as a gift or honor.

• Universal (adj.): Applicable or common to all; widespread.

• Abundant (adj.): Existing or available in large quantities; plentiful.

• Live up to sth (v.): To meet or fulfill expectations or standards.

• Automation (n.): The use of technology to perform tasks without human intervention; the process of making a system operate automatically.

• Labor-intensive (adj.): Requiring a large amount of labor to produce goods or services.

• Streamline sth (v.): To improve efficiency by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps.

• Working arrangement (n.): A specific schedule or agreement regarding work hours or conditions.

• Blur sth (v.): To make something less distinct or clear; to obscure.

• Deprive sth (v.): To take something away from someone; to withhold.

• Tethered (adj.): Bound or tied to something, often limiting freedom of movement.

• Infringement (n.): The act of violating a law, rule, or agreement; encroachment.

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Hopefully, the sample for IELTS Writing Task 2 on the topic of the development of technology shared by PREP has helped you understand how to outline and develop a complete IELTS Writing Task 2. Wishing you success!