Please grade -- "Analyze an Issue Task" essay

[Yiwong]

Topic: 

As people rely more and more on technology to solve problems, the ability of humans to think for themselves will surely deteriorate.

 Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these considerations shape your position.

 

In grammar school, we learn basic arithmetic using strategic approaches without any aid from a calculator. As we are introduced to such items, technology becomes a common crutch that we rely on. How humans use or abuse that crutch will determine their ability to think for themselves. Humans’ intellect will not deteriorate with the existence of technology. Instead, technology will be the ameliorating factor for many problems in our world today.

The use of technology has affected many parts of our world such as medicine, business, and education. In the medicinal world, discoveries like blood pressure monitors and CT scans can make the difference between life and death. The use of technology in this environment allows for quick detection of any problems. In return, more time can be spent taking care of the patient or arriving at a diagnosis. Likewise in business, softwares are commonly used so the amount of time used to compute can rather be used to brainstorm strategies to improve statistics.

Technology such as video chatting and texting has allowed people separated by distance to stay connected. Before these creations, families and friends in different countries were unable to communicate without the expensive international call fees. Services like Skype or ooVoo has saved many relationships. Likewise, applications in phones have individually improved many lives. There is an application for just about anything and everything. A great example is the application Mint that allows one to manage their finances. This application tracks your spending and displays them in categories so that you can create goals and stay on top of it.

Although technology creates convenience and time efficiency, abusing the use of it can have harsh consequences on humans to think for themselves. We are taught in school in order to learn something, repetition and understanding is necessary. From time to time, we need to approach a problem using logical thinking in order to not lose our basic skills. In mathematics, a calculator can be reached for but the most important part is to understand how to dissect the problem first. Dependence on technology can deteriorate the thinking mind so it is important not to abuse the power.

The abuse of technology can cause human thinking to deteriorate. It is important to not forget about the basic strategies learned throughout our educational years. Resisting the urge to depend on technology for unnecessary reasons will boost one’s confidence. Aside from that, technology has many positive impacts in our lives. The convenience of technology allows for the remaining time to be spent on planning. Technology has also connected many people together through communication outlets. Similarly, the use of technology has allowed individuals to stay organized through applications. Therefore, the existence of technology has had more positive impacts on human lives and their ability to think.

 

 

 

 

[Vince Kotchian GRE Prep]

hey Yiwong,

This is a pretty good essay - I'd give it a 4 or maybe 4.5. I think your medical technology example works better than your Skype example. The Skype example needs to connect the benefits of that technology to their impact on humans' ability to think. As is, that paragraph merely explains the benefits of technology without discussing thinking. I like your discussion of an exception to your point (the abuse of tech).

Best, Vince