Technology and the Gap Between Rich and Poor

Some people believe the range of technology available to individuals today is increasing the gap between poor people and rich people. Others think it is having an opposite effect. Discuss both of these points of view. What is your opinion on that issue?

Annotated response

1 correction note

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It is true that the advent of technology has brought tremendous benefits to human life. While technology can narrow the gap between social classes to some extent, I believe that some technological products have set affluent individuals apart from others , as will now be discussed.

On the one hand, it is true that technology has transformed our lives and reduced the gap between individuals. The availability of technological products has allowed massive numbers of people to live a comfortable life in almost the same way. For example, today, nearly every household has at least a television, a fridge, or an air-conditioner, all of which help increase the overall standard of living and narrow the gap between the haves and the have-nots in society. The spectacular growth of low-cost airlines also means that more people can take a flight to the place they want to go to.

Looking at the argument in this light, some feel that technology has bridged the gap between the rich and the poor . On the other hand, I side with those who argue that some technology has separated wealthy individuals from poorer ones. Many technological products are prohibitively expensive , and only the rich are able to afford them. Luxury cars and private jets, for instance, have created a shining image for the owners, giving them an aura of confidence when they appear in public. Those who live on a meager income , in contrast, could merely enjoy a frugal life with mediocre but necessary consumer products. The idea of possessing the latest technology in the home might be far-fetched to bourgeois individuals.

In conclusion, although some technological products are produced for the masses, I believe that some others contribute to the difference in lifestyles between rich people and poor ones.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 7.0

The response fully answers the question, discussing both viewpoints and stating a clear opinion supported by developed examples. Its strongest aspect is the controlled, varied language used to express the arguments, while the main limitation is that some supporting points, such as the example of luxury goods as technology, are only loosely connected to the topic.

IELTS criteria

How each score was decided

Task Response

7.0

The response addresses all parts of the task, presents a clear position throughout, and develops each viewpoint with relevant explanation and examples, though the luxury goods example only partially supports the technology argument.

Coherence and Cohesion

7.0

Ideas are logically organised across clear paragraphs with a range of cohesive devices, and progression is generally easy to follow despite occasional slightly mechanical transitions.

Lexical Resource

7.0

There is a good range of vocabulary, including precise collocations such as 'prohibitively expensive' and 'meager income', with only occasional less natural word choices like 'bourgeois individuals'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

7.0

The response uses a variety of complex structures with frequent error-free sentences and only minor, non-impeding lapses in grammar and punctuation.