2018. sze 05.

Smart homes

írta: english proficiency preparation
Smart homes

The assets and downsides of smart homes

 

Stating the point of view

Smart homes are thought to offer remarkable conveniences for people; however, like everything, they may have certain disadvantages. I tend to view that their drawbacks far more outweigh their bright sides, though.

Advantages

Without a doubt, smart homes are equipped with state-of-the-art gadgets like automatic vacuum cleaners, energy-efficient washing machines, top brand dishwashers, which can assist us in washing up everything crystal cleanly and relatively swiftly; intelligent coffee makers combined with smart percolators, multi-functioning microwave ovens, nicely designed electric cookers, impressive refrigerators, etc. People are merely supposed to push a button, and the rest of the work is done by brand new electric machines instead of them. Any kind of device in your home that utilizes electricity can be put on your home network and at your command. Whether you give that command by voice, remote control, tablet or smart phone, your home reacts almost instantly.

Disadvantages

No matter how easy and convenient this lifestyle might sound, I firmly believe that several disadvantages might be attached to smart homes in general. To give some concrete examples, no longer will little children be able to learn how to shoulder responsibility in sharing arduous household chores if everything is done instead of people effortlessly and quickly. Let us suppose that an intelligent, futuristic oven is ready to make some savoury, mouth-watering food if we just put in the ingredients we have at home. Will we not lose the creativity and the joy of cooking then? Additionally, if people are getting used to being surrounded with too many labour-saving devices, they may consume more in every sense, which will definitely lead to more severe environmental pollution.

Summary (Paraphrasing the introduction)

Taking everything into consideration, the development of technology will apparently result in a comfortable lifestyle; however, people will need to consider what dangers this process may involve. Nevertheless, technological advancement is regarded to be “unstoppable”, so humans need to be prepared for handling its negative, detrimental side-effects.

[Source: own piece of writing]

 

Questions for discussion:

  • Are you technophile or technophobe?
  • What do you think of future homes?
  • If you had enough money for buying a smart home, what would it be like?
  • The text mentions some detrimental effects of technology. Can you think of more examples?

Writing task:

Please examine how the sample essay is structured.

Now think of a gadget that has a great (either positive or negative) importance on your life and write an argumentative essay about its advantages and downsides. Your writing should be structured in a logical way.

Word limit: 250-300 words, level: C1 (CEFR).

(Writing tip: Use a wide range of adjectives, adverbs, and conjunctions.)

 

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