Essay Analysis: Impact of Technology on Youth Reading & Writing Skills | Môn Writing AE2 - Trường Đại học Quốc tế, Đại học Quốc gia Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

lOMoAR cPSD| 58137911
1. Some people say that the increasing use of computers and mobile phones for
communication has had a negative effect on young people's reading and writing
skills. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Body 1: Opposing View – Positive Effects
● Main Idea 1: Access to more reading materials online
○ Supporting Idea: E-books, articles, blogs, and
educational content → A wider variety of reading resources available → Young
people are exposed to diverse content, which can improve their reading skills over time. ●
○ Supporting Idea: Platforms like Facebook, blogs, or
Main Idea 2: Utilization of online platforms for writing Twitter
encourage users to express their thoughts in words → This helps young
people develop their writing skills through regular practice and interaction with others.
Body 2: My View – Negative Impact on Reading and Writing Skills
● Main Idea 1: Social media diminishes deep reading ability
○ Supporting Idea: Frequent exposure to short content
on platforms like Facebook or TikTok → Reduces attention span
→ Makes it harder to focus on longer texts, such as books or
detailed articles, weakening overall reading skills. ●
Main Idea 2: Overdependence on digital tools
Supporting Idea: Reliance on autocorrect functions on lOMoAR cPSD| 58137911
○ phones and computers → Increases dependency on technology for
spelling and grammar → Reduces selfcorrection efforts, leading to
weaker writing skills over time.
It is true that some individuals believe the growing use of electric devices,
such as computers, and mobile phones for communication has a detrimental impact
on reading and writing faculties of the youth. I completely disagree with this
suggestion since wide accessibility and convenience.
The first argument behind my belief is that cutting-edge electric devices can
give you wide accessibility for education. Cellphones and computers can connect to the latest information
via the internet, which makes it possible for the youth to
access various online education resources, preferences or key for assignments, or
tutorial videos for self-learning. Therefore, it is easier to access many academic
fields, which helps young people increase their level of reading and writing skills
through detailed instruction. Additionally, modern devices support students
through distance learning. For instance, since the outbreak of Covid 19, many
schools have been applying technologies to integrate lessons into learning
programs to help students maintain and make progress in their reading and writing skills.
Another point worth mentioning is that speed of processing the information
and portability make modern technologies convenient. We can easily bring our
smartphones or laptop to everywhere from school, cafe shops, to entertaining
places, such as the Plaza, or supermarket. This convenience provides a fast pace of
accessing and looking for resources or data immediately. People, therefore, can lOMoAR cPSD| 58137911
read prestigious resources of information or respond to their messages anywhere.
By integrating traditional methods with modern devices, people are gradually active and
flexible. For instance, everyone who needs to send and receive emails at work
greatly improves the writing and reading skills of those who do so. Therefore, it
is essential for supporting reading and writing abilities.
In conclusion , I totally disagree that some people think computers and
smartphones have an adverse effect on reading and writing faculties owing to the
potential of approaching a wide range of data and convenience.
2. In the past, people used to travel abroad to look for many other things different
from in their home country. Nowadays, cities throughout the world are becoming
more and more similar. What are the reasons? Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
It is true that international visitors seek to admire picturesque landscapes that are
unique and exclusive to other countries. However, in recent years, the similarity in
design and appearance among foreign countries has become more apparent. This
essay will discuss the reasons behind this phenomenon and argue that the
advantages of this development are overshadowed by the disadvantages.
Several factors, including imitation and the saturation of advanced ideas, are
responsible for the increasing uniformity of cities around the world. The first major
reason is the imitation of new and modern facilities that enhance the appearance
of developing countries. By following these trends, many cities end up looking
similar, especially in terms of urban infrastructure and design. For instance, in lOMoAR cPSD| 58137911
Vietnam, there is a structure that closely resembles France's Notre Dame Cathedral.
In my opinion, visitors and locals are more likely to prefer observing the original
version rather than a replica. Another reason is the saturation of ideas in design and
innovation. Many groundbreaking designs have already been implemented across
various countries, resulting in a lack of fresh ideas. Additionally, developing
countries often lack the budget to invest in more advanced or high-tech systems,
limiting their ability to create unique urban designs.
It is undeniable that the standardization of infrastructure in many cities can offer
some advantages. One notable benefit is that it helps underdeveloped countries
catch up with the progress of wealthier nations. The gap in development and
standards can be narrowed by adopting the same famous constructions and
layouts. However, I believe that this advantage is short-term, as the lack of
advanced machinery, funding, and expertise makes it difficult for these countries to
maintain or innovate beyond the initial stages.
Despite these advantages, the drawbacks of constructing facilities based on the
same foundations far outweigh the benefits. One major issue is the lack of
innovation and creativity in city planning, as more countries replicate existing
models instead of developing something new. This struggle to generate new ideas
to keep pace with development often leads to burnout among architects,
engineers, and workers. Another negative impact is the decline of the tourism
industry. The uniformity in design and the imitation of popular structures make
cities less unique, reducing their distinctive appeal. This is particularly concerning
for countries whose economies rely heavily on tourism.
In conclusion, it is important to understand the causes that have led to the
increasing similarity between cities around the world. While adopting aspects of lOMoAR cPSD| 58137911
developed countries may help to narrow development gaps and modernize
infrastructure, the disadvantages of this trend, such as the loss of creativity and
harm to tourism, are of greater importance. Disadvantages
● A lack of innovation and creativity in city planning, as countries are simply
replicating existing models rather than creating something new.
● The uniformity in design may lead to a decline in tourism, as cities become
less unique and lose their distinctive appeal.
Reason 1: Developing countries mimic developed nations. Developing countries
often aim to adopt the cutting-edge technologies popular in developed nations,
which results in the cities' construction and layout becoming increasingly similar. By
following these trends, many cities end up looking alike, especially in terms of urban infrastructure and design.
Reason 2: Saturation of ideas in design and innovation. Many innovative designs
have already been created and implemented across various countries, leading to a
lack of fresh ideas. Additionally, developing countries may not have the budget to
invest in groundbreaking systems that are more advanced or high-tech, limiting
their ability to stand out with unique urban designs. Advantages
● Underdeveloped nations can catch up with the progress of wealthier
countries by adopting similar infrastructure. lOMoAR cPSD| 58137911
● However, this advantage is often temporary, as limited resources, knowledge,
and materials make it challenging to maintain or further innovate beyond the initial phase.
3. People in many countries are spending more and more time far away from their
families. Why does this happen and what effects will it have on them and their families? BD1: Reasons
- Main idea 1: Educational pursuits and career opportunities
- Supporting idea 1: Many individuals move to different cities or countries for
better job prospects or career advancement.
- Main idea 2 : Live a more independent life
- Supporting idea 2: Living away from families helps them manage different
aspects of life, from health to finance > grow and develop different life skills > explore potentials BD2: Effects
- Main idea 1: Impact on family relationships
- Supporting idea 1: Physical distance can create a communication gap and
misunderstandings among family members. Emotional support from the
absent family member might be reduced > experience feelings of regret
- Main idea 2: Gain unique life experiences only when living far away from families
- Supporting idea 2: Live in different places and experience exotic cultures
which you can not have when living with your family in only a specific area. lOMoAR cPSD| 58137911 Bài làm:
It is true that an increasing number of individuals across various countries are now
living far from their families. This essay will discuss the reasons behind this
phenomenon and examine its associated impacts.
There are several factors contributing to the rising trend of living away from parents.
Chief among these is the pursuit of education and career opportunities. Many
people relocate to countries like the United States, Australia, and various European
nations in search of better job prospects or career advancement, which may not be
available in their hometowns. Moving to these more developed countries, often
equipped with advanced technology and modern infrastructure, enables them to
pursue their aspirations. Another reason for this trend is the desire to develop life
skills and gain maturity. Living independently, without parental support, provides
individuals the opportunity to gain new perspectives on life and engage in different
activities. This fosters the development of essential life skills, enabling them to live
independently and discover personal potential they might not have recognized before.
However, living away from the protection and guidance of parents can have various
effects. The most significant impact is often on family relationships. Although
technology helps bridge the gap to some extent, physical distance can create
communication challenges and misunderstandings among family members.
Emotional connections are difficult to maintain through texts or video calls, as these
forms of communication may not fully convey the intended feelings or messages.
This can lead to conflicts, especially between parents and their children. On the
positive side, however, living far from family allows young people to gain unique life
experiences. By residing in different places and immersing themselves in new lOMoAR cPSD| 58137911
cultures, they can experience personal growth that would be hard to achieve while
living at home in a familiar environment. The comfort of parental oversight and the
security of their hometown can sometimes hinder the desire for adventure and the
pursuit of new skills or experiences.
In conclusion, while living away from family presents challenges, it also offers
valuable opportunities for growth. It is essential to recognize both the causes and
impacts of this phenomenon and to foster an environment that encourages
independence while supporting individuals in exploring and realizing their full potential.
4. Professional workers like doctors, nurses and teachers make a greater
contribution to society, so they should be paid more than sports and
entertainment personalities. To what extent do you agree or disagree? BD1 1.
Main idea 1: Professional workers contribute directly to the well-being of society. Supporting idea:
● Explanation: Doctors, nurses, and teachers provide
essential services that impact individuals' health, education, and overall
quality of life. Their work is crucial for societal progress and stability.
● Example: For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic,
healthcare professionals worked tirelessly to save lives, which showed their
vital role in public health and safety. lOMoAR cPSD| 58137911 2.
Main idea 2: Professional workers require extensive education and skills. Supporting idea:
● Explanation: Becoming a doctor, nurse, or teacher demands
years of education, training, and continuous professional development,
which reflects the complexity and responsibility of their roles. This
investment in their skills should be compensated fairly.
● Example: A medical doctor usually spends over 10 years
studying and practicing before they are fully qualified, indicating the
expertise needed for such roles. BD2
Main idea 1: The high salaries reflect the competitive nature of the industry. Supporting idea:
● Explanation: The entertainment and sports industries are
highly competitive, with very few individuals reaching top levels. High
salaries reflect the demand for their talent, their ability to draw large
audiences, and the high financial stakes involved in their careers.
● Example: Hollywood actors or professional athletes often
face significant risks, such as short career spans, injuries, or loss of fame. High
earnings compensate for these uncertainties, similar to how CEOs in business
receive high salaries for managing large companies.
Main idea 2: Sports and entertainment figures deserve high salaries for promoting
national pride and cultural influence. lOMoAR cPSD| 58137911 Supporting idea:
● Explanation: Athletes and entertainers play a critical role in
promoting their countries on the global stage, serving as
cultural ambassadors who enhance national prestige and spread their
culture worldwide. Their global recognition and influence not only contribute
to national pride but also facilitate cross-cultural exchange, making them
deserving of high compensation for their contributions.
● Example: Global stars like Lionel Messi or Adele bring
international fame to their countries, elevating their nation’s status. Similarly,
K-pop stars like BTS have helped spread Korean culture globally, influencing
music, fashion, and language. The revenue generated from their influence,
through merchandise (hàng hóa), concerts, and tourism, justifies (chứng minh) their high salaries.
It is true that professional athletes and celebrities are often considered to be
overpaid when compared with people working in
some socially significant professions, such as educational and
medical fields. Some people argue that the latter should be paid more because of
their dedication to society. I personally disagree with this statement as I think that
these two types of professions
are equal in average annual earnings.
On the one hand, professional workers offer several benefits that contribute to its
effectiveness, two of which are the long-term value and ethical duties of these jobs.
Take teaching for example, it is one of the most significant occupations because a lOMoAR cPSD| 58137911
future economy of a nation relies heavily on young labor forces, yet they are
currently being paid astronomically less than those
who work in the field of entertainment and sports. Police officers, doctors, or fire
fighters who are trying to bring long-term value such as protecting the life of
patients, preventing them from
dangers still earn a fraction of what sports stars, actors
and singers make. Another point worth mentioning is the ethical
duties that these jobs dedicate to society. They have to prepare and handle the
situation quickly when disasters or accidents occur. For example, people in the
military leave their family to protect the country knowing that they may not return
home. It is a pity for those heroes who are not recognized by society as public figures or sports stars.
Athletes, actors or singers, nevertheless, are also of great importance in terms of
dedication and entertainment. Regarding the former, it is acknowledged that
becoming pros in sports and show business take a tremendous amount of time of
working hard and practicing countless times to be adept at this field. They put all
their effort into producing a new song or winning a medal, which shows their
dedication to contribute to the country’s value remarkably. Many influencers take
advantage of their fame to promote the country around the world and assert the
potential of several fields of our country compared with other countries.
Furthermore, a significant value of entertainment and art they bring has to be
considered. It is undeniable that a number of celebrities have taken advantage of
their abilities to release high-quality masterpieces, proving their worthiness. The
meticulousness in creating art value and performing professionally show their
respect and appreciation to all the viewers, especially for fans. They deserve to
be paid high for their potential and effortness. lOMoAR cPSD| 58137911
To sum up, the income disparity is harsh to be shortened due to the value of these
two kinds of occupations. While professional workers in the medical and
educational field have to implement ethical duties and guarantee the quality of life
of all residents, sports stars, actors and singers dedicate themselves to the
entertainment to relax all viewers. Therefore, I think that they are of equal importance.
5. In many countries, people now wear western clothes such as suits and jeans
rather than traditional clothing. Why is this the case? Is this a positive or negative development?
It is true that Western styles, such as suits and jeans, are gradually replacing
traditional clothing and have made a strong impression on people from various
walks of life. This essay will discuss the reasons behind this trend and argue that
the disadvantages of this development are outweighed by the advantages.
Two main reasons for the popularity of Western clothing are its eye-catching style
and its appeal across generations. Western fashion trends, which are free from
restrictions in terms of creativity and design, easily attract many people due to their
modern and trendy look. These styles are constantly updated with new patterns,
revamped designs, and innovative shapes, making them particularly appealing to
younger generations. Additionally, the evolving tastes of younger generations
further fuel this movement. Today’s youth are keen on experimenting with different
colors and styles to express their individuality and find what suits them best.
Traditional clothing, which tends to be more uniform and classic, often does not
meet the demands of young people who want to stand out and feel unique. lOMoAR cPSD| 58137911
It is undeniable that the preference for Western attire has some disadvantages. One
of the most significant drawbacks is the potential disappearance of traditional
clothing. Indigenous costumes are a reflection of a nation’s culture and identity,
playing a crucial role in preserving the values and spirit of a community. The
growing popularity of Western clothes has gradually replaced traditional attire,
even during important occasions such as weddings or Tet holidays. However, these
drawbacks are temporary. The introduction of new styles can actually enrich a
culture, making it more diverse and vibrant. Moreover, many older generations are
satisfied with Western fashion, as long as it is worn appropriately for different
events and not used excessively to showcase one’s personality.
Nevertheless, the benefits of adopting new styles far outweigh the drawbacks. One
major advantage is the versatility of Western clothing. Items like jeans or suits can
be worn on various occasions, such as weddings, ceremonies, or parties, where
traditional clothing may not be as suitable. Another benefit is that Western clothes
can make you look younger or more mature, depending on the occasion. For
example, a suit can make you appear elegant and sophisticated, making it ideal for
formal events. On the other hand, jeans can be paired with a variety of tops, such
as T-shirts, shirts, or sweaters, giving you a youthful and energetic appearance that
is perfect for casual outings or social activities.
In conclusion, it is important to understand the causes behind the gradual rise of
Western fashion. While this trend may contribute to the decline of traditional
clothing, it also offers significant benefits, such as providing more diverse style
options and allowing people to adapt their appearance to different occasions.
These advantages are of greater importance than the temporary drawbacks
associated with the decline of traditional attire.
6. Many people around the world
use social media every lOMoAR cPSD| 58137911
day to keep in touch with other people and new events .
Do you think the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
Hướng làm: Advantages > Disadvantages Body 1: Disadvantages
Main Idea 1: Limit people’s ability to understand others’ emotions
Supporting Idea 1: When individuals interact online => can not
fully see or feel the emotion of a person they are communicating with => lead to
misunderstandings, weakened relationships or falling into unhealthy associations with strangers.
Main Idea 2: Social media users may miss out on real-life experiences
Supporting Idea 2: Since they rely on the Internet to look for
new developments and track special events => spend less time engaging in the real
world => reduce opportunities to develop practical social skills and hands-on experiences
For example, if you only search for travel information without physically visiting the
destination, you will never experience the beauty of local cuisine, culture and landscapes. Body 2: Advantages
Main Idea 1: It allows people to keep in touch on a daily basis lOMoAR cPSD| 58137911
Supporting Idea 1: We can interact with each other from
anywhere, even remote areas as long as we have access to electronic devices =>
ensure that relationships can be sustained over long distances => maintain close
connections with family and friends over time
Main Idea 2: Users have access to information and news beyond their local area
Supporting Idea 2: Social media platforms provide users with
updates on international events => stay aware of global issues => broaden their
knowledge and encourage problem-solving
For example, following political events in the US such as elections => people in other
parts of the world can understand how this event may affect the political and economic situations globally. Bài làm
It is true that social media platforms are gaining in
popularity and widely used across the world to maintain intimate
relationships and catch up with the latest news. This essay will argue the drawbacks
of this phenomenon are eclipsed by the benefits involved.
It is undeniable that social media can be disadvantageous to some extent
when it comes to emotional understanding
and real-life experiences. Regarding the former, people
gradually lose their sophistication and misunderstand their
interactions due to a lack of facial expressions.When individuals lOMoAR cPSD| 58137911
interact online, they rarely have a sense of feelings and emotion of a person they
communicate with, which carry out omission of important detail and even
misunderstandings, weakened relationships or falling into unhealthy associations
with strangers. Another drawback is that they are accustomed to looking up
information online and lose realistic experiences. Since they rely on the Internet to
look for new developments and track special events, they spend less time engaging
in the real world. Consequently, this habit will reduce opportunities to develop
practical social skills and hands-on experiences. For example, if
you only search for travel information without physically visiting the destination,
you will never experience the beauty of local cuisine, culture and landscapes.
The benefits that can be reaped from utilizing social media to stay in contact
with others and stay updated, nevertheless, could far outweigh the aforementioned drawbacks. First, it allows
people to keep in touch on a daily basis despite geographical
constraints. We can interact with each other from anywhere,
even remote areas as long as we have a reliable internet connection on our
electronic devices. Therefore, our relationships can be sustained over long
distances. Furthermore, users have
access to information and news beyond their region. Social media
platforms provide users with real-time updates on international
events. Individuals from anywhere can stay aware of global issues, which broaden
their knowledge and encourage problemsolving. For example, following political
events in the US such as elections, people in other parts of the world can
understand how this event may affect the political and economic situations globally.
In conclusion, using social media can produce some negative consequences
in some situations, which reduce the realistic experience and carry out lOMoAR cPSD| 58137911
misunderstandings during communication. However, this phenomenon can offer
several benefits which are of greater significance, such as maintaining relationships
on a daily basis, and accessing information and news beyond their local area.
7. University students should
pay the full cost of their
studies because a university education benefits individuals
rather than society as a whole . To what extent
do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
It is often alleged that learners should be accountable for
paying their tuition fees because their tertiary education
primarily benefits them instead of the entire society. I
totally disagree with this suggestion given their contribution to the country’s
development across different sectors and the universities’ prestige.
The first argument behind my belief is that higher education
can significantly boost the economic and social growth of a
country. Graduates can devote their talents and knowledge to
various fields such as economy, healthcare, technology, and the arts. Young talents
are a potential labor force as they gain knowledge and skills in school and can learn
from developed countries through study opportunities. For example, many
Vietnamese students study abroad in countries such as the United States, Canada,
and Australia in order to apply what they learn to benefit Vietnam . Providing many
scholarships encourages students to work hard to meet national expectations.
Another point worth mentioning is that universities can also gain benefits
from their students in many aspects. They expand their reputation and improve
prestige by attracting applicants both domestically and internationally. For example,
renowned/prestigious universities, such as Harvard, Yale, or Stanford offer lOMoAR cPSD| 58137911
numerous scholarship programmes to attract/draw students from all over the
world, which helps them attract top talents. The values and contributions of these
talented graduates to society positively impact the university’s brand and prestige.
In conclusion, I totally disagree that no financial support should be allocated
as I believe higher education can make significant contributions to many fields in
society and enhance the reputation of universities all over the world.
8. In many cities, planners have located shops, schools, offices and homes in
specific areas which may be widely separated from each other. Do you think the
advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages for city residents?
It is true that many facilities, such as shops, schools, offices and homes, are
located distantly from each other due to cities’ policy and strategy. This essay will
argue the benefits of this phenomenon are eclipsed by the disadvantages involved.
It is undeniable that separating different types of buildings
CAN HELP reduce traffic congestion. CONCENTRATING VARIOUS
TYPES OF BUILDING, SUCH AS schools, offices and homes in a
SINGLE area will INCREASE the population density of that place
DUE TO THE convenience IT OFFERS. Therefore, traffic capacity
BECOMES overloaded, especially DURING rush hours WHEN
PEOPLE ARE COMMUTING TO WORK AND SCHOOL. HOWEVER,
BECAUSE traffic jams GENERALLY OCCURS WITHIN a
PREDICTABLE time frameS, the government can easily
IMPLEMENT SOLUTIONS, such as building bridgeS or TUNNELS to lOMoAR cPSD| 58137911
PROVIDE MORE ROUTES for drivers AND reduce pressure on citY ROADS.
The drawbacks brought about by PLACING essential facilities far from each
other, nevertheless, could far outweigh the aforementioned benefits. The policy of
SEPARATING buildings COULD waste residents’ time. These facilities are constructed to
MEET THE DAILY BASIC NEEDS of city dwellers. For example,
PARENTS NEED to take their child to school everyday and spend a lot of time
COMMUTING TO WORK due to LONG DISTANCES BETWEEN THESE PLACES.
Additionally, this policy will
DISCOURAGE migrants FROM RELOCATING TO CITIES FOR JOB OPPORTUNITIES.
MANY PEOPLE ARE DRAWN TO MAJOR CITIES due to their CONVENIENCE, comfort
and ECONOMIC potential. WHEN CITIES ARE COMPACT AND WELL ORGANIZED, RESIDENTS
BENEFIT FROM REDUCED COMMUTE TIMES, EASIER ACCESS TO
SERVICES AND OVERALL HIGHER QUALITY OF LIFE. BY CONTRAST,
SPREADING FACILITIES TOO FAR APART COULD MAKE CITY LIVING
LESS CONVENIENT AND APPEALING, ULTIMATELY SLOWING DOWN URBAN
GROWTH AND HINDERING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
In conclusion, DISPERSING buildings can reduce the traffic congestions IN
SOME CASES. However, this policy can offer several drawbacks which are of greater
significance, such as INCREASED TRAVEL TIME and A REDUCTION IN quality of life.
9. Differences between countries are becoming less evident each year.
Nowadays, all over the world we see the same films, fashion, brands, lOMoAR cPSD| 58137911
advertisements and TV channels. To what extent do the advantages of this
development outweigh the disadvantages?
International integration makes countries gradually lose their unique
features. Many industries and businesses try to globalize their products in order to
make more profits in many fields, such as films, fashions, or marketing strategy and
TV channels. This essay will argue the drawbacks of this phenomenon are eclipsed by the benefits involved.
It is undeniable that distinct characteristics of a nation fade away and blend
in pace of international development. One of the major drawbacks is that the
national cultural identity will be eroded. Businesses are navigating their
development according to global standards and integrating other countries' culture
to their country in order to catch up with the progress of other nations. From
lifestyle to art, they are all in the direction of globalization and gradually lose the
initial value and distinct features. The young generations now love to eat fast food
rather than the cousine of their country due to the delicious looks and convenience.
People love listening to music videos which are in the US & UK genre instead of the
unique music of their countries. The products manufactured are gradually
globalized to export to different parts of the world, not just for one country.
However, the obsolescence and erosion of cultural values can be solved by
maintaining festivals, culture, rites, or introducing the original arts through
education so that the next generations still know and continue maintaining them.
The benefits that can be reaped from reducing the differences of many
countries, nevertheless, could far outweigh the aforementioned drawbacks. Chief
among these is that they try to learn the most valuable essences from developed
countries, starting from changing the needs toward wearing some famous brand of