Question: Some people say that computers have made life easier and more convenient. Other people say that computers have made life more complex and stressful. What is your opinion? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Sample Essay
Although almost anything has the potential to make life more complicated if used poorly, the computer has most certainly made life easier in the past few decades. Computers have created a system for easy and instantaneous communication. Aside from personal use, this also has improved the potential for businesses and work. Most importantly, the computer has generated a system for spreading vast amounts of knowledge across the globe. Overall the computer has been a source of ease and convenience.
First of all, one of the most common uses of computers has been for quick and easy communication. Either through email, instant messenger, or video chatting, the computer has created many methods for speaking with others easily. Even modern telephones are pocket sized computers, which allow for communicating anywhere on the globe instantaneously. While this means people could be glued to their devices at all hours, it also means that when used properly anyone can have positive, easy, immediate communication with someone anywhere. That makes computers an immense convenience to many people for countless reasons.
Also, taking advantage of the computers communication benefits is the business world. The computer has revolutionized the business world by creating an easy system for disseminating work and ideas. In the newspaper industry articles can now be written anywhere in the world and sent to editors and printers within minutes. Corporate decisions can be made and shared with stockholders and workers across the globe instantly. Processes for manufacturing, ordering, and shipping is now easily done online, eliminating paper, phones calls, fax machines, and snail mail. Global and local business is easier by utilizing the convenience of computers.
The final and perhaps greatest expediency of computers has been the distribution of knowledge and ideas throughout the world. Any person can now easily and conveniently access sources of history, science, art, literature, or any subject area they desire by means of the computer. Thus the world of education in schools and personal interests has been entirely revolutionized and offered to all. This access to information is unprecedented in history and truly encapsulates the ease and handiness of computers in our world.
In conclusion, the overall effect of computers has been to make people’s lives easier and provide a convenience. Systems for communication are now abundant as well as instantaneous. This has led to business being conducted anywhere in the world with actions being discussed and spread with great ease. Finally, the computer has created worldwide knowledge about nearly anything. This great technology is truly a source of expediency and simplicity in the modern world.
Learn How to Tackle TOEFL Independent Writing - Description or Explanation Essays
Tip 1: Follow a standard TOEFL essay structure
| Introductory Paragraph |
1. Provide background information about the essay topic. Here are a few techniques:
2. Write a strong thesis statement Lesson: How to write a high-scoring TOEFL introductory paragraph part 1 Lesson: How to write a high-scoring TOEFL introductory paragraph part 2 |
|
Body Paragraph A Body Paragraph B Body Paragraph C (Optional) |
1. Include a transition word/phrase at the beginning 2. Write a topic sentence 3. Include supporting sentences Lesson: How to write a high-scoring TOEFL body paragraph |
Conclusion Paragraph |
1. Include a restatement of the thesis statement you wrote in your introduction 2. Provide a brief summary of your main ideas Lesson: How to write a high-scoring TOEFL conclusion paragraph |
There's no maximum length for your essay, but a good response is usually at least 300 words.
Tip 2: Use transition words and phrases
You need to use transition words and phrases to connect your ideas in your essay. You should have 2 transition words/phrases every 4-5 sentences.
| Type of connection | Transition words |
| These words can help you show the order of ideas. |
First/Second/Third Firstly (or "First of all")/Secondly/Thirdly (or "Lastly") For one thing/For another thing/Finally (or "Lastly") In the first place/in the second place/Finally (or "Lastly") Instead of "First", "First of all" and "Firstly", we can use "To begin with", "To start with", or "For starters". We can also use "First and foremost" to state that the first key point is the most important one among all key points. Likewise, instead of "Finally" and "Lastly", we can use "Last but not least" to state that the final key point is just as important as the others, despite it being mentioned last. |
| These words can help you add information | In addition, furthermore, additionally, also, next, moreover, what's more, on top of that |
| These words can help you conclude or to summarize: | To sum up, in summary, in conclusion, to conclude, all in all, all things considered ,overall, taking everything into consideration, in a nutshell |
| These words can help you demonstrate contrast | Conversely, on the contrary, by contrast, by way of contrast, on one hand/on the other hand |
| These words can help you compare or demonstrate similarity | Similarly, likewise, by the same token, along similar lines |
| These words can help you state a result. | As a result, as a consequence, consequently, therefore |
| These words can help you state a generalization. | Generally, on the whole, in most cases, in general |
| These words can help you clarify a point. | That is, in other words, to put it simply, That is to say, just to reiterate |
| These words can help you give examples. | For example, for instance, take something, for example, to give a clear example |
| These words can help you state an alternative. | Alternatively, as another possibility |
Tip 3: Vary your sentence structure
To achieve a higher score or a perfect 5 out of 5 on the TOEFL English language criteria, you must show that you can accurately and flexibly use a variety of structures.
Lesson: Achieving sentence variety part 1Lesson: Achieving sentence variety part 2
Lesson: Achieving sentence variety part 3
Tip 4: Avoid grammar and spelling mistakes
You should avoid any grammar and spelling mistakes, otherwise your score will be deducted.
Lesson: Countable nouns and Uncountable nounsLesson: Subject verb agreement rules
Lesson: Use the right article
Lesson: Relative pronouns and relative clauses
Lesson: Achieving sentence variety part 1 (Pay attention to the lesson content related to punctuation)
Lesson: Achieving sentence variety part 2 (Pay attention to the lesson content related to punctuation)
If you are a premium member, you will have up to 50 free essay grammar corrections.
Tip 5: Vary your vocabulary
You should avoid using the same vocabulary throughout your essay. Instead, you can use synonyms or phrases that have the same meaning of words.
Here are some ways you can improve on this area:
- Read our sample essays and pay attention to words you are not familiar with.
- Utilize our TOEFL Vocabulary system
- Utilize our TOEFL synonyms exercises