Cue Card - Describe an invention that has changed how people live.

You should say:

What it is?

How has it changed people’s lives?

What benefits does it bring?

And explain if it is more important for older or younger people.

BAWA IELTS Ferozepur has written this cue card using its own language. We have considered the plagiarism policy. This essay is fully checked using the iThenticate check mechanism. 

Inventions have changed the perspective of the world and helped change people's lives. Several inventions have changed the whole scenario; however, here I like to speak about my favourite one. 

What it is?

It is none other than the Internet that belongs to the concept of packet switching and it was developed by the ARPANET in 1960. It has no single centralized governance in either technological implementation or policies for access and usage. 

How has it changed people’s lives?

The Internet has changed people's lives by leaps and bounds by providing revolutionized communications. It is now accessible using cell phones too and hence, people can use it while going from one place to another. Moreover, by using social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, one can stay updated with their loved ones. The Internet has provided a plethora of job opportunities to individuals and therefore, working from home is also possible owing to this invention. 

What benefits does it bring?

The Internet has given an ocean of benefits. The primary benefit is connectivity, communication, and sharing. To be more precise, gone are the days when people used to send traditional mails that took multiple days to convey the message; however, now, we have electronic mail which works on the Internet and sends messages on a real-time basis. 

The secondary benefit of the Internet is that it has enabled students to opt for overseas courses that are unavailable in their home country. Hence, using platforms like Google Meet and Zoom, one can go for these courses. 

And explain if it is more important for older or younger people.

For both individuals, it is beneficial in magnitudes of ways. 

1. Young people use it to attend online classes since they have become prevalent due to Covid-19. Moreover, they like to stay updated with their friends using WhatsApp and Instagram by sharing memories. Some youngsters love to go to YouTube since it has become a knowledge warehouse. These days, they also love to use artificial intelligence applications named Siri or Google Assistant because they can perform tasks more accessible. 

1. The old generation also reaps benefits since they love to listen to hymns. Further, some old people like to have video calls with their descendants living in far-flung areas. 

Part 3. Based on the ideas available on the Internet

Q1. How has technology made our life easier?
Different technologies have made our lives easier in different ways. However, in effect, most technologies reduce our labour and save us valuable time, thus improving our quality of life considerably. They also in a way reduce our need for others because we can do everything on our own. For instance, using microwave ovens and washing machines, one can perform household chores easily. Moreover, we can commute using cars and buses in a matter of time. 

Q2. Which invention do you think is the most useful at home?
I think it’s very hard to choose one. It really depends upon the person and their use. But, I am of the opinion that air conditioners hold a special status in homes these days. They have the power to cool down the inner atmosphere in a matter of time and make the home pollution-free. Moreover, air conditioners also can purify the air if it is polluted. 

Q3. Is it more difficult for old people to accept new technologies?
I think change is difficult for everyone, and the difficulty increases with age because the time we spend accustomed to something also increases as we grow older. I think rather than looking at it as a problem, we should be focusing on ways to make it easier for our elders to accept them. Moreover, a majority of old people are reluctant to change and hence, they find it difficult. 

Q4. What can be done to help old people learn to make use of new technologies?
Many steps can be taken to encourage the use of new technologies. Firstly, these big technology companies can organise seminars where older people can be taught about the use of the latest gadgets. I remember when my mother first bought a laptop, she was offered a free two-hour session on its use for the whole week. At the end of the week, she knew many things, but I didn’t. Secondly, family members can also help their parents and grandparents when they are finding something difficult.

Q5. Will our life be better if we live without technology？
Technology has improved our lives in many ways but it has also brought many challenges. Life would certainly be simpler, but I wouldn’t call it better. Moreover, I think we have become so accustomed to technology just the idea of living without it is unfathomable. Furthermore, it would be impossible to live without cars and scooters now since people have been engaged in an ocean of work commitments. Besides this, the Internet has become a demi-god and without this technology, one cannot think of survival.