Some people think technology development decreases crime, while others believe it actually encourages crime.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Many today are of the belief that advances in technology have done more to combat, rather than aid, criminal behavior. In my opinion, although there are certain novel avenues now available to criminals related to online fraud, technology generally benefits law enforcement.
Those who argue as to the negative implications of technology on crime point out the increased prevalence of cybercrimes. These crimes range from online fraud and fishing schemes to political crimes and the selling of illicit substances. In the early stages of the internet, such crimes were common online and difficult for enforcement agencies to combat. As advances have spread, both law enforcement agencies and criminals have become more technologically-savvy. A clear example of this would be the occasional news article reporting on a large-scale theft of passwords that warns users to update passwords and be more wary of storing private information online.
However, the crimes mentioned above are rare and technological innovations now help prevent many crimes before they even occur. The strongest instance illustrating this point would be the deterrence resulting from security cameras in private and public spaces. Countries and cities that emphasize the value of these cameras over personal privacy concerns are significantly safer than unmonitored locations. A more specific example of this would be cameras that take photos of individuals speeding and send them speeding tickets through the mail or electronically. This simple and effective innovation can greatly reduce traffic infractions and as a result the number of accidents on a given road.
In conclusion, despite the marginal downsides related to exploitation of new technologies by a small percentage of total criminals, the deterrent effect of security cameras has made the world considerably safer. There is always a balance between safety and security that must be carefully maintained.
Analysis
1. Many today are of the belief that advances in technology have done more to combat, rather than aid, criminal behavior. 2. In my opinion, although there are certain novel avenues now available to criminals related to online fraud, technology generally benefits law enforcement.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who argue as to the negative implications of technology on crime point out the increased prevalence of cybercrimes. 2. These crimes range from online fraud and fishing schemes to political crimes and the selling of illicit substances. 3. In the early stages of the internet, such crimes were common online and difficult for enforcement agencies to combat. 4. As advances have spread, both law enforcement agencies and criminals have become more technologically-savvy. 5. A clear example of this would be the occasional news article reporting on a large-scale theft of passwords that warns users to update passwords and be more wary of storing private information online.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
Better to have more detail.
1. However, the crimes mentioned above are rare and technological innovations now help prevent many crimes before they even occur. 2. The strongest instance illustrating this point would be the deterrence resulting from security cameras in private and public spaces. 3. Countries and cities that emphasize the value of these cameras over personal privacy concerns are significantly safer than unmonitored locations. 4. A more specific example of this would be cameras that take photos of individuals speeding and send them speeding tickets through the mail or electronically. 5. This simple and effective innovation can greatly reduce traffic infractions and as a result the number of accidents on a given road.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
This essay is a bit long – aim for about 275 words.
1. In conclusion, despite the marginal downsides related to exploitation of new technologies by a small percentage of total criminals, the deterrent effect of security cameras has made the world considerably safer. 2. There is always a balance between safety and security that must be carefully maintained.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Many today are of the belief that advances in technology have done more to combat, rather than aid, criminal behavior. In my opinion, although there are certain novel avenues now available to criminals related to online fraud, technology generally benefits law enforcement.
Those who argue as to the negative implications of technology on crime point out the increased prevalence ofcybercrimes. These crimes range from online fraud and fishing schemes to political crimes and the selling of illicit substances. In the early stages of the internet, such crimes were common online and difficult for enforcement agencies to combat. As advances have spread, both law enforcement agencies and criminals have become more technologically-savvy. A clear example of this would be the occasional news article reporting on a large-scale theft of passwords that warns users to update passwords and be more wary of storing private information online.
However, the crimes mentioned above are rare and technological innovations now help prevent many crimes before they even occur. The strongest instance illustrating this point would be the deterrence resulting from security cameras in private and public spaces. Countries and cities that emphasize the value of these cameras over personal privacy concerns are significantly safer than unmonitored locations. A more specific example of this would be cameras that take photos of individuals speeding and send them speeding tickets through the mail or electronically. This simple and effective innovation can greatly reduce traffic infractions and as a result the number of accidents on a given road.
In conclusion, despite the marginal downsides related to exploitation of new technologies by a small percentage of total criminals, the deterrent effect of security cameras has made the world considerably safer. There is always a balance between safety and security that must be carefully maintained.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
Many today are of the belief that
A lot of people nowadays think that
advances in technology have done more
progress in technology has contributed more
combat
tackle
rather than aid
instead of assisting
criminal behavior
unlawful activities
certain novel avenues now available to
some new methods currently accessible for
related to online fraud
connected to internet scams
generally benefits law enforcement
typically supports police work
Those who argue as to
Individuals who contend regarding
negative implications of
adverse effects of
increased prevalence of cybercrimes
growing frequency of cyber offenses
range from online fraud and fishing schemes to political crimes and the selling of illicit substances
span from internet scams and phishing attacks to political offenses and drug trafficking
In the early stages of
At the initial phase of
difficult for enforcement agencies to combat
challenging for law enforcement to address
technologically-savvy
tech-savvy
occasional news article reporting on a large-scale theft of passwords
sporadic news reports about major password theft
warns users
alerts individuals
update passwords
change passwords
be more wary of storing private information online
be more cautious about keeping personal data online
mentioned above
previously discussed
rare
uncommon
technological innovations now
recent technological advancements
prevent
stop
occur
happen
illustrating this point would be
exemplifying this notion is
deterrence resulting from
prevention stemming from
private and public spaces
personal and communal areas
emphasize
highlight
personal privacy concerns
individual privacy issues
significantly safer than unmonitored locations
much safer than unsupervised areas
A more specific example of this would be
A clearer illustration of this is
take photos of individuals speeding
capture images of speeding drivers
speeding tickets through the mail
traffic citations sent by mail
electronically
digitally
simple and effective innovation
straightforward and efficient advancement
greatly reduce traffic infractions
significantly decrease traffic violations
as a result the number of accidents on a given road
consequently, the frequency of accidents on a specific road
despite the marginal downsides related to exploitation of
notwithstanding the minor drawbacks associated with misuse of
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
M__________________________________t a________________________y have done more to c_______t, r________________d, c___________________-r. In my opinion, although there are c________________________________o criminals r_____________________d, technology g__________________________________________t.
T__________________________o the n_____________________f technology on crime point out the i____________________________________s. These crimes r__________________________________________________________________________________________________s. I__________________f the internet, such crimes were common online and d_____________________________t. As advances have spread, both law enforcement agencies and criminals have become more t____________________y. A clear example of this would be the o_____________________________________________________________________s that w_____________s to u_________________-s and b________________________________________________________-e.
However, the crimes m__________________e are r___e and t_______________________________w help p____________t many crimes before they even o______-r. The strongest instance i_________________________e the d_______________________________-m security cameras in p___________________________-s. Countries and cities that e____________e the value of these cameras over p_____________________________s are s__________________________________s. A________________________________e cameras that t__________________________________________g and send them s__________________________l or e_________________y. This s______________________________n can g____________________________s and a______________________________________d.
In conclusion, d_________________________________________f new technologies b________________________________y criminals, t_________________________________________-s has made the world c________________-r. There is always a b______________________________________y that must be c______________________d.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
Question 1: What technology do people currently use?
Question 2: Why do big companies introduce new products frequently?
Question 3: Why are people so keen on buying an iPhone even though they haven’t changed much from one to the next?
Question 4: Does technology deeply affect people’s lives?
Question 5: Is there any difference between technology in cities and in small towns?
Question 6: Do you agree that men are more obsessed with new technology than women?
Question 7: How to teach older generations to use new technology?
Writing Practice
Practice with the related IELTS essay topic:
Prison is the common way most countries try to solve the problem of crime. However, a more effective solution is to provide the public a better education.
Some people think that competition at work, at school and in daily life is a good thing. Others believe that we should try to cooperate more, rather than competing against each other.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Young people are often influenced in their behaviors by others in the same age group. Some argue that peer pressure is important while others feel it has distinct disadvantages.
Do the disadvantages of peer pressure outweigh the advantages?
In some countries, there has been an increase in the number of advertisements which try to persuade children to buy snacks, toys, and other goods. Parents often claim that these ads are unfair.
Some people think children should have the freedom to make mistakes, while other people believe that adults should prevent children from making mistakes.
Some people say that advertising is extremely successful at persuading us to buy things. Other people think that advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Many people believe that it is easier to have a healthy lifestyle in the countryside. Other believe that there are health benefits to living in cities.
Many manufactured food and drink products contain high levels of sugar, which causes many health problems. Sugary products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar.
Many think that in today’s world it is very difficult for people to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Others, however, feel that it is easy for people to be healthy and fit if they want to be.
Health services are a basic necessity. However, private companies have made them quite costly for ordinary individuals.
Do the advantages of private health care outweigh its disadvantages?
Today, the cost of basic health services due to privatization has risen dramatically. In my opinion, although this can lead to greater innovation in the medical field, it is a negative burden overall for the average person.
Those who argue in favor of private medical care point out the benefits for medical knowledge generally. There is significant evidence in a wide range of industries as to the efficacy of privatization in driving innovation. The medical field is no different as hospitals in countries such as the United States compete to develop innovative therapies and procedures that can enhance their reputations and generate higher revenues. These efforts in turn encourage the hiring of the brightest medical minds in the world. Without such competition, it is unlikely that many current advances in medical technology would exist at all.
However, these advances do little to alleviate the dramatic financial repercussions for ordinary citizens. In the United States, a person without medical insurance is likely to owe at least thousands for relatively simple procedures such as repairing a broken bone or conducting a simple non-invasive surgical procedure. Contrast this approach with many western European nations that function on a socialized approach to medicine. In these countries, a person is comforted by the knowledge that a trip to the hospital or consultation with a doctor will be largely paid for by the government. The result of this more equal system is that there is little disparity in the care given to the wealthy and less affluent segments of the population.
In conclusion, despite the value of stimulating competition among medical institutions, there would be greater impact in a scheme wherein the individual could receive medical care without incurring excessive expenses. In many countries, this is already the situation.
Analysis
1. Today, the cost of basic health services due to privatization has risen dramatically. 2. In my opinion, although this can lead to greater innovation in the medical field, it is a negative burden overall for the average person.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who argue in favor of private medical care point out the benefits for medical knowledge generally. 2. There is significant evidence in a wide range of industries as to the efficacy of privatization in driving innovation. 3. The medical field is no different as hospitals in countries such as the United States compete to develop innovative therapies and procedures that can enhance their reputations and generate higher revenues. 4. These efforts in turn encourage the hiring of the brightest medical minds in the world. 5. Without such competition, it is unlikely that many current advances in medical technology would exist at all.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
Better to have more detail.
1. However, these advances do little to alleviate the dramatic financial repercussions for ordinary citizens. 2. In the United States, a person without medical insurance is likely to owe at least thousands for relatively simple procedures such as repairing a broken bone or conducting a simple non-invasive surgical procedure. 3. Contrast this approach with many western European nations that function on a socialized approach to medicine. 4. In these countries, a person is comforted by the knowledge that a trip to the hospital or consultation with a doctor will be largely paid for by the government. 5. The result of this more equal system is that there is little disparity in the care given to the wealthy and less affluent segments of the population.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
This essay is a bit long – aim for about 275 words.
1. In conclusion, despite the value of stimulating competition among medical institutions, there would be greater impact in a scheme wherein the individual could receive medical care without incurring excessive expenses. 2. In many countries, this is already the situation.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Today, the cost of basic health services due to privatization has risen dramatically. In my opinion, although this can lead to greater innovation in the medical field, it is a negative burden overall for the average person.
Those who argue in favor of private medical care point out the benefits for medical knowledge generally. There is significant evidence in a wide range of industries as to the efficacy of privatization in driving innovation. The medical field is no different as hospitals in countries such as the United States compete to develop innovative therapies and procedures that can enhance their reputations and generate higher revenues. These efforts in turn encourage the hiring of the brightest medical minds in the world. Without such competition, it is unlikely that many current advances in medical technology would exist at all.
However, these advances do little to alleviate the dramatic financial repercussions for ordinary citizens. In the United States, a person without medical insurance is likely to owe at least thousands for relatively simple procedures such as repairing a broken bone or conducting a simple non-invasive surgical procedure. Contrast this approach with many western European nations that function on a socialized approach to medicine. In these countries, a person is comforted by the knowledge that a trip to the hospital or consultation with a doctor will be largely paid for by the government. The result of this more equal system is that there is little disparity in the care given to the wealthy and less affluent segments of the population.
In conclusion, despite the value of stimulating competition among medical institutions, there would be greater impact in a scheme wherein the individual could receive medical care without incurring excessive expenses. In many countries, this is already the situation.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
Here are the synonyms for each line:
the cost of basic health services: the price of primary healthcare
due to: because of
privatization: the transfer to private ownership/control
risen dramatically: increased significantly
lead to greater innovation in the medical field: result in enhanced creativity in the healthcare sector
negative burden overall: adverse impact overall
average person: typical individual
Those who argue in favor of: Advocates for
medical care: healthcare
benefits for medical knowledge generally: advantages for medical expertise in general
There is significant evidence in: Substantial proof exists in
a wide range of industries as to: numerous sectors regarding
efficacy: effectiveness
driving innovation: propelling innovation
compete to develop innovative therapies: vie to create groundbreaking treatments
procedures: medical procedures
enhance their reputations: bolster their reputations
generate higher revenues: produce increased revenues
These efforts: These endeavors
in turn encourage: subsequently promote
hiring: employing
brightest medical minds in the world: most brilliant medical professionals globally
Without such competition: In the absence of such competition
many current advances in: numerous present advancements in
exist: have
do little to alleviate: provide limited relief for
the dramatic financial repercussions: the significant financial consequences
conducting a simple non-invasive surgical procedure: performing a basic non-invasive surgical operation
Contrast this approach with: Compare this method to
function on a socialized approach to medicine: operate under a socialized healthcare system
comforted by the knowledge: reassured by the awareness
consultation: medical consultation
largely paid for by the government: mostly funded by the government
The result of this more equal system is: As a consequence of this fairer system,
little disparity: minimal difference
care given: healthcare provided
less affluent segments of the population: economically disadvantaged sections of society
despite the value of stimulating competition among medical institutions: notwithstanding the importance of fostering competition among medical establishments
there would be greater impact in a scheme wherein: there would be a more significant effect in a setup where
receive medical care without incurring excessive expenses: obtain healthcare without incurring exorbitant costs
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
Today, t_________________________s d_____o p_______________n has r_________________y. In my opinion, although this can l__________________________________________d, it is a n__________________l for the a_________n.
T__________________________f private m________e point out the b____________________________y. T_____________________________________________________________________o the e_______y of p__________n in d___________n. The medical field is no different as hospitals in countries such as the United States c_______________________________s and p_________-s that can e_________________________s and g_________________________s. T________________________e the h_____g of the b_________________________________________d. W______________________n, it is unlikely that m_____________________n medical technology would e______-t at all.
However, these advances d____________________________________________________________________________s. In the United States, a person without medical insurance is likely to o___e at least thousands for r_________________s such as r___________g a broken bone or c___________________________________________e. C______________________h many western European nations that f________________________________________e. In these countries, a person is c_______________________e that a trip to the hospital or c___________n with a doctor will be l____________________________t. T____________________________s that there is l__________________y in the c_________n to the wealthy and l__________________________n.
In conclusion, d___________________f s_____________________________________________s, t_________________________________________________________n the individual could r_____________________________________________s. In many countries, this is already the s_________n.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
IELTS Cambridge 19 Essay: Biofuel Production / Ethanol
The process details the method through which the biofuel ethanol is manufactured. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the process is a mixture of natural and man-made and there are three main stages. Initially, there is harvesting of the raw sources, followed by a stage of breaking down and processing the constituent elements of ethanol, and lastly the distribution of ethanol for various purposes which in turn produce CO2 to restart the process.
First, energy in the form of sunlight and carbon dioxide in plants and trees is harvested by machines. This harvest then enters a pre-processing stage which breaks larger stalks and matter down into cellulose. The cellulose is next processed chemically in order to extract sugars.
The final stages of the process involve adding microbes to the sugar to produce ethanol. The finished product is then used by cars, trucks, and airplanes. These modes of transport themselves create carbon dioxide and contribute to the cyclical production system.
Analysis
1. The process details the method through which the biofuel ethanol is manufactured. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the process is a mixture of natural and man-made and there are three main stages. 3. Initially, there is harvesting of the raw sources, followed by a stage of breaking down and processing the constituent elements of ethanol, and lastly the distribution of ethanol for various purposes which in turn produce CO2 to restart the process.
Paraphrase what the bar chart shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the differences and the overall trend.
This one is a little complex so it needs a second sentence for the overview.
1. First, energy in the form of sunlight and carbon dioxide in plants and trees is harvested by machines. 2. This harvest then enters a pre-processing stage which breaks larger stalks and matter down into cellulose. 3. The cellulose is next processed chemically in order to extract sugars.
Begin writing about the stages at the beginning.
Compare between each sentence.
Add in all the stages.
1. The final stages of the process involve adding microbes to the sugar to produce ethanol. 2. The finished product is then used by cars, trucks, and airplanes. 3. These modes of transport themselves create carbon dioxide and contribute to the cyclical production system.
Write about the final other parts of the process – include everything!
Vary long and short sentences.
Include all the stages – leave nothing out.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
The process details the method through which the biofuel ethanol is manufactured. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the process is a mixture of natural and man-made and there are three main stages. Initially, there is harvesting of the raw sources, followed by a stage of breaking down and processing the constituent elements of ethanol, and lastly the distribution of ethanol for various purposeswhich in turn produce CO2 to restart the process.
First, energy in the form of sunlight and carbon dioxide in plants and trees is harvested by machines. This harvest then enters a pre-processing stage which breaks larger stalks and matter down into cellulose. The cellulose is next processed chemically in order to extract sugars.
The final stages of the process involve adding microbes to the sugar to produce ethanol. The finished product is then used by cars, trucks, and airplanes. These modes of transport themselves create carbon dioxide and contribute to the cyclical production system.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
process: procedure, technique, approach, methodology method through which: means by which, manner in which, way in which, approach by which biofuel ethanol: renewable fuel ethanol, organic fuel ethanol, green fuel ethanol, sustainable fuel ethanol manufactured: produced, fabricated, created, made
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that: Taking a holistic view, it is evident that, Considering the bigger picture, it is clear that, Observing from a broader standpoint, it is obvious that mixture: blend, combination, amalgamation, concoction natural and man-made: organic and artificial, biological and synthetic, naturally occurring and human-made, innate and fabricated Initially: Initially, To start with, At first, In the beginning harvesting of the raw sources: collection of the raw materials, gathering of the primary sources, procurement of the natural resources, acquisition of the initial ingredients followed by a stage of: subsequent to, after, succeeding a phase of, in the wake of breaking down and processing the constituent elements of ethanol: decomposing and treating the elemental components of ethanol, disintegrating and refining the fundamental constituents of ethanol, breaking apart and refining the basic elements of ethanol lastly: finally, ultimately, in conclusion, ultimately distribution: dispersal, allocation, dissemination, delivery for various purposes: for different objectives, for diverse uses, for multiple intentions, for a range of applications which in turn produce CO2: resulting in the generation of CO2, leading to the production of carbon dioxide, subsequently creating carbon dioxide, causing the emission of CO2 restart the process: initiate the process again, commence the process anew, begin the process afresh, kickstart the process in the form of: in the shape of, as, in the guise of, resembling machines: equipment, apparatus, devices, mechanisms pre-processing stage: preliminary stage, initial phase, preparatory phase, early stage breaks larger stalks and matter down into cellulose: fragments bigger stems and substances into cellulose, disintegrates larger stalks and material into cellulose, decomposes larger stems and matter into cellulose, breaks apart larger stalks and material into cellulose next processed chemically in order to extract sugars: subsequently treated chemically to extract sugars, then chemically processed to obtain sugars, afterward subjected to chemical treatment to derive sugars, later processed chemically to extract sugars The final stages of the process involve: The concluding phases of the process encompass, The ultimate steps of the process entail, The last steps of the process comprise, The end stages of the process encompass microbes: microorganisms, bacteria, germs, microscopic organisms The finished product: The end result, The final outcome, The completed product, The concluding output These modes of transport: These means of transportation, These methods of conveyance, These ways of moving, These systems of travel contribute to the cyclical production system: add to the cyclic production system, aid in the recurring manufacturing process, contribute to the circular production system, assist in the iterative production process
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
The p_____s details the m________________h the b______________l is m_________________d. L____________________________________________________t the process is a m_______e of n__________________e and there are three main stages. I_________y, there is h________________s, f___________________________________________________________________________l, and l______y the d____________n of ethanol f__________________sw___________________________2 to r_______________s.
First, energy in the form of sunlight and carbon dioxide in plants and trees is harvested by m____________s. This harvest then enters a pre-processing stage which b______________________________________________e. The cellulose is n_________________________y i___________o e______________s.
T___________________________________e adding m_________s to the sugar to produce ethanol. T__________________________t is then used by cars, trucks, and airplanes. T________________________t themselves create carbon dioxide and c__________________________________________m.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
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