Technology on the move
Writing task: Give advantages and disadvantages
An online technology website has asked readers to write a short article giving the
advantages and disadvantages of being connected to the internet all the time.
Think about the way it affects work, communication, relationships, and finding
information.
Use the Useful language and the notes you made in the Engage task to help you
prepare. Write 200–250 words.
Here at Technoblog we want to hear your thoughts on using the
internet when you’re out and about. Do you think it’s a good idea to be
connected all the time? Or are there occasions when it’s better not to
be online? Tell us what you think in a short article. We’ll post the most
interesting ones on our website.
Tip An article has a neutral style so you shouldn’t use particularly formal or informal
language. Use contractions and try to link your ideas effectively within the paragraphs
and between the paragraphs.
Follow this structure:
• Paragraph
• Paragraph
• Paragraph
• Paragraph
1:
2:
3:
4:
Give
Give
Give
Give
a short introduction to the topic.
three advantages of being connected all the time.
three disadvantages of being connected all the time.
a short conclusion explaining your opinion.
Check it! Read the article and check it’s organized clearly and makes sense. Then
read it again and check for grammar, vocabulary and spelling errors.
The Advantage:
Before the Internet came into existence, to communicate with someone who isn’t in the
same room as you, you would have to call them on a phone. Or if you wanted to send
them a note you had to send a letter through snail mail. With the introduction of the
Internet, we now have the ability to send and receive messages through electronic
mail- virtually instantaneously and without the need of a postage stamp.
Unfortunately, the ability to send and receive emails also created a means for
cybercriminals to distribute spam and malware. Malware hiding in email attachments
could wreak havoc to your PC or possibly even create a backdoor for an attacker to
infiltrate your system. Through emails, cybercriminals saw this as another opportunity
to play on human emotions and lure victims into revealing sensitive information
through phishing scams.
Useful language
Useful phrases
To introduce arguments for
• To start / begin with,
• Firstly, / Secondly, /
Thirdly, / First of all, /
Finally, / Lastly,
To introduce arguments
against
• On the other hand, /
Alternatively, / however /
although
To give more information
• Moreover, / Furthermore,
/ What’s more, / In
addition,
To give reasons
• That’s why / For this
reason / Because of this
To come to a conclusion
• To sum up, / On balance,
/ On the whole, / All in
all, / To conclude,
To express opinions
• I think / I believe / In my
opinion, / As far as I’m
concerned,
Useful vocabulary
• work from home
• work irregular hours
• antisocial
• rude
• social networking sites
• online chat rooms
• online friends
• ignore someone
• look something up on
the internet
What You Can Do
In addition to making sure your PC has an antivirus and two-way firewall, the key here
is to think before you click. Did you get an email indicating there was unusual activity
with your account and that you should click on this link to verify? Or, did you receive an
email confirmation of a flight you did not make? In either instance, do not panic. If
you’re unsure whether the email is legitimate or not, the best way to find out is to log
into your online account directly to check on the claim. As always, never open email
attachments from a sender you do not know.
Online Shopping:
The Advantage:
With the Internet came the convenience of online shopping. Rather than having to
drive to a mall and wait in long lines to make a purchase, you can now do all of your
shopping with a few clicks of the mouse. In addition, the Internet made it easier for
individuals to price compare between different online retailers to see which one offers
Oxford Online
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