Text A: Technology Has Made Our Lives Better

There has never been a time in history when people were so connected, informed, and
empowered. From mobile phones to artificial intelligence, modern technology has transformed
the way we live, work, and communicate. For many, life today is not only faster but also more
efficient and convenient than ever before. Think about healthcare. Just a few decades ago,
diagnosing illnesses often meant long waiting times and limited treatment options. Now, digital
records, scanning machines, and wearable devices allow doctors to detect diseases early and treat
patients more effectively. In rural areas, telemedicine gives people access to medical advice
without having to travel for hours. Technology is literally saving lives.

Education has also been revolutionized. The internet has made learning available to anyone,
anywhere. A student in a small town can now take online courses from world-class universities
or learn languages using mobile apps. For teachers, technology makes lessons more engaging
through videos, simulations, and interactive activities. Knowledge is no longer limited by
geography or income. Workplaces, too, have changed dramatically. Flexible hours, remote jobs,
and online collaboration tools have made it easier to balance personal and professional life.
Businesses use automation to save time and reduce repetitive work, allowing employees to focus
on creativity and problem-solving. Even during global crises, technology keeps industries
running.

Critics often argue that we are becoming too dependent on machines, but dependence is not
always negative. We depend on cars for transport and electricity for power. Technology is
simply an extension of human progress. The key lies in using it wisely. As futurist Dr. Lina Chen
points out, “Technology itself is neutral. What matters is how we choose to apply it.” From clean
energy systems to smart farming, innovation has become essential in addressing global
challenges such as poverty and climate change.

Instead of fearing change, we should embrace it. Technology is not replacing humanity — it is
enhancing it. By learning to adapt and make responsible choices, we can ensure that the digital
revolution continues to improve lives and create opportunities for everyone.
 Text B: Is Technology Really Improving Us?
We are told that technology connects and empowers us, but the reality is that it often isolates,
distracts, and controls us. Modern inventions have not necessarily made life better; they have
made it faster, noisier, and more demanding. While devices were meant to save time, many
people now feel they have less of it than ever before. Everywhere you look, people are staring at
screens: scrolling, liking, and sharing. Face-to-face conversation is becoming rare. Families sit in
silence at dinner, each person lost in their own digital world. Psychologists report that young
people, in particular, are showing higher levels of anxiety, loneliness, and sleep deprivation due
to constant phone use and social media pressure.
Technology was supposed to help us work more efficiently, but it has blurred the line between
work and rest. Many employees now check emails late into the night, feeling unable to switch
off. “Flexibility” has become a polite word for being available at all hours. Instead of freeing us,
technology has trapped us in an endless cycle of notifications and updates. Education, too, is
suffering. While online resources are abundant, students are increasingly distracted, skimming
information instead of understanding it. Teachers complain that attention spans are shrinking,
and plagiarism through AI tools is becoming a serious issue. Knowledge may be more
accessible, but genuine learning has become more difficult.
Then there’s the environment. The production and disposal of electronic devices generate
massive e-waste and carbon emissions. Technology companies promote yearly upgrades,
encouraging a culture of wastefulness. Meanwhile, the energy required to power data centres and
cryptocurrency mining continues to grow at an alarming rate. According to environmental
researcher Dr. Rafael Gomez, “Every smartphone represents a trail of hidden costs, from mining
rare metals to toxic disposal.” In chasing convenience, we have created problems that threaten
our planet’s future.
Technology itself may be neutral, but our dependence on it has made us less patient, less healthy,
and less aware of the world around us. Progress should improve human wellbeing — not just
create faster machines. Until we learn to use technology with restraint, we cannot honestly say
that it has made our lives better.
Question 1

Write a speech to deliver to an audience of young people about the impact of technology on
modern life.
In your speech you should:
 Evaluate the views given in both texts about how technology affects our lives.
 Give your own advice to young people on how to manage technology use effectively.

Base your speech on what you have read in both texts, but use your own words. Address both
bullet points. Write about 250–350 words. Up to 15 marks are available for the content of your
answer, and up to 25 marks for the quality of your writing.