Modern Lifestyle are Completely Different From The Way People Lived in the Past- IELTS Writing Task 2

Modern lifestyles are completely different from the way people lived in the past. Some people think changes have been positive. while others believe they have been negative. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Outline

Essay Type

Opinion Essay

Introduction

Sentences 1&2 – Paraphrase the topic in question with the use of synonyms to create a background and a base on which you will create your essay.

Sentence 3 – Mention that the essay will talk about how the modern lifestyle differs from the previous ones, and that it is a positive change.

Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – Talk about how inventions like smartphones, cars, airplanes etc. have made life more convenient, thus constituting a major shift in modern lifestyle.

Paragraph 2 – Talk about how industrialisation has led to the development of Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence, and how that will also change our lifestyle.

Paragraph 3 – Talk about the downsides of this change, like humans becoming lazier and sedentary as most of our work is being done by machines now. But write that the changes and the impact these changes have made are far more beneficial than their drawbacks.

Conclusion

Restate your views.

Sample Essay 1

In recent times, human living standards have changed drastically. Indeed, modern lifestyles are entirely different from the previous ways of life. I am of the opinion that this refashion is a positive outcome, and this essay will elucidate why.

First and foremost, ample conveniences of various commodities and services, like accessible healthcare, access to proper housing, clean drinking water and so on, have resulted in a shift in lifestyles. Secondly, the electronification of our age has also had a blunt effect on lifestyle changes, like the invention of smartphones, better travelling, and advancement in automobile technology. It has eased our lives to quite an extent as now we can communicate instantaneously across continents, without the worry of boundaries and time lag, and travel greater distances safely.

Humans have also witnessed a rise in dependence on machinery. As industrialisation takes on successive iterations, we are moving towards Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality, which are destined to make human lives even more uncomplicated. Such changes significantly alter our lifestyle as previous actions that took human input can now be computed and executed by a machine without human interference.

Some might argue that the growing prevalence of dependence on machinery has varied adverse effects. For instance, it is making us lazier, as now our daily chores are deputised to machines, and our physical activity is diminishing as we play games on a desktop or a console instead of exerting ourselves on the playground. But, one cannot deny the positive impact automation and newer lifestyle changes have had on us.

Hence, it is safe to say that, yes, the modern lifestyles are very different from that of the yesteryears. And yes, it is a good thing in itself.

Sample Essay 2

It is true to say that the way in which today’s people live has changed from the previous generations. It is claimed that modernity has brought several advantages, but others argue that it causes numerous problems. In this essay, I will consider both sides of the argument and offer my personal view.

Undeniably, people are benefiting from the modern way of life. The most significant advantage is fast communication. Decades ago, it was too difficult for people to make contact with a person far away. Phones were so too expensive that they could not afford to buy them. But now, most people own at least one mobile phone. As a result, with the advancement of communication technology, they can communicate with one another domestically or internationally round the clock. For instance, a person in Asia can instantly send a message to a friend or a relative in America.

On the other hand, the current lifestyle poses threats to the planet. Firstly, natural resources are being consumed unsustainably, and the earth cannot keep up to replenish the depleting resources. This might result in a shortage of non-renewable resources such as oil, coal and gas. Secondly, a tremendous amount of wastage is caused by consumerism. Generally, people buy things, mainly fashion clothes or bags, whether they are genuine needs. It leads to a growing number of dumpsites in significant cities worldwide, affecting public health. For instance, pollution from rubbish piles around Yangon City makes the air unclean and unhealthy to breathe.

In conclusion, modern living is no longer the same as previous generations experienced it. Humans have received both benefits and downsides from it. Nevertheless, it is crucial to embrace the changes, yet, it is vital to be aware of its unintended consequences.

Vocabulary

• Refashion 

Meaning – fashion (something) again or differently.
Example – He refashioned the suit, this time with different pants.

• Elucidate 

Meaning – make (something) clear; explain.
Example – Many leaders elucidate the importance of persistence to get results.

• Advancement 

Meaning – the process of promoting a cause or plan.
Example – The advancement in cancer-related research aims to save even more lives.

• Instantaneously 

Meaning – instantly; at once.
Example – He let go of the hot pan instantaneously.

• Artificial Intelligence 

Meaning – Artificial intelligence (AI) is intelligence demonstrated by machines, as opposed to natural intelligence displayed by animals including humans.
Example – Artificial Intelligence powered robots have already become a reality.

• Augmented Reality 

Meaning – Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive experience of a real-world environment where the objects that reside in the real world are enhanced by computer-generated perceptual information.
Example – There are many phones that have some features of Augmented Reality in them.

• Alter 

Meaning – change or cause to change.
Example – “Give your suit to a tailor to alter.”

• Prevalence 

Meaning – the fact or condition of being prevalent; commonness.
Example – There’s a growing prevalence to get vaccinated for COVID-19.

• Deputised 

Meaning – act or speak on behalf of someone else.
Example – The hostel warden deputised his work to another official as he prepared to take a leave.

• Yesteryears

Meaning – last year or the recent past.
Example – Rori reminisces of his youthful yesteryears with great pride.