We are Becoming Increasingly Dependent on Computers – IELTS Writing Task 2

We are becoming increasingly dependent on computers. They are used in business, hospitals, crime detection and even to fly planes. Is this dependence on computers a good thing or should we be more suspicious of their benefits?

Outline

Essay Type

Opinion Essay

Introduction

Sentences 1, 2, 3 & 4: Introduce the topic.

Sentence 5 – This is a negative sign.

Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 1- Cybersecurity and health issues are concerning.

Paragraph 2 – Shift from manual labour and conventional teaching methods are on way

Conclusion

Sum up and state the final opinion.

Sample Essay

When computers came into existence around fifty years ago, their main task was research and computing. As time has passed, they have become an integral part of every sphere of our lives. From business and education to crime detection and hospitals, they have become the presiding force. As a result, many people are apprehensive whether this dependence is a good sign or if computers will begin to control us in the future. In this essay, different facets that question their advantages will be dealt with.

Gradually, it is evident that everyone is becoming subservient to the uses of computers while ignoring their growing dangers. Nowadays, most people abstain from visiting crowded banks and shopping malls as they got the facility of net banking and online transactions. They have even begun buying essential items online on Amazon, Flipkart, and similar e-commerce websites. Due to this, hackers and cybercriminals have the opportunity to hijack essential accounts and defraud money from people. Therefore, dependency on online transactions on computers has led to rise in cybercrimes and online frauds. Secondly, addiction to social media, video games, and online activities has led to health issues. Young children are stuck to their computer screens and do not undertake physical activities. As a result, some have become victims of obesity, while others have eyesight issues.

Earlier people were hired in offices just to calculate different estimates. Due to rapid computing abilities, computers are replacing these workers who have been doing these jobs for years. As a result, many people are losing their jobs either due to the inability to compete with or handle these modern machines. Even teaching in classrooms is being replaced by online classes. These classes lack the direct supervision of teachers and the development of skills like teamwork, honesty, friendship, which are an important part of a classroom.

However, the computer helps us in various ways – from reducing long hours of calculation and transferring massive amounts of data within a short time to storing information and allowing us to communicate with people from different corners of the world.

On a conclusive note, the serviceability of computers is unquestionable. But computers were made to serve the needs of humans, not the other way round. So, they should be used for benefit up to a limit, and no one should become dependent on them unduly.

Vocabulary

• Presiding

Meaning: to occupy the place of authority or control
Eg: As he was presiding over the meeting, it went smoothly.

• Apprehensive

Meaning: uneasy or fearful about something that might happen
Eg: His father was apprehensive of their future after he left his job.

• Facets

Meaning: any of the definable aspects that make up a subject or an object
Eg: There are various facets to this discussion

• Subservient

Meaning: willing to do what other people want, or considering your wishes as less important than those of other people
Eg: “Hold your head high and do not become subservient to the wishes of others”, suggested the mentor.

• Abstain

Meaning: to choose not to do or have something
Eg: He abstains from drinking wine.

• E-commerce

Meaning: the activity of electronically buying or selling of products on online services or over the Internet
Eg: Nowadays, everyone is interested in e-commerce.

• Hijack

Meaning: to take over something that doesn’t belong to you
Eg: My sister likes to hijack my clothes.

• Massive

Meaning: very large in size, amount, or number
Eg: The director placed a massive responsibility on the team.

• Serviceability

Meaning: Able to give long service; durable
Eg: “Do not doubt the serviceability of the car I gave you.”

• Unduly

Meaning: more than is necessary, acceptable, or reasonable
Eg: His friends took undue advantage of his position.

More Writing Task 2 Essay Topics

• Companies Should Provide Sport and Social Facilities for Local Communities. To What Extent Do You Agree?
• By Punishing Murderers With The Death Penalty, Society is Also Guilty of Committing Murder
• Discipline is An Ever-Increasing Problem in Modern Schools
• Pollution due to Urbanization 
• Computers are Widely Used in Education and Some People Think That Teachers Do Not Play an Important Role in The Classroom