What changes do you think this new century will bring?
Write about the following topic:
The 21st century has begun. What changes do you think this new century will bring?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer:
Mankind has made great progress since scientific exploration began, and this progress seems to be accelerating. In the past hundred years we have seen inventions that have not only greatly improved our lives but changed the very way we live. There is no reason to believe that this rapid progress will not continue in the 21st century. Although there is no way to exactly predict what our scientists and entrepreneurs will comp up with, there are indications that advances will be made in certain areas. The following are some examples.
Firstly, advances will continue to be made in the field of medicine that will allow people to live longer and healthier lives. In developed countries today most people already have a lifespan that was unusually long a hundred years ago. Steady progress has been made in the eradication of diseases and this should continue in the next 100 years. In addition, biotechnology in the field of genetics may some day allow us to develop bodies that are stronger and free of inherited defects. Perhaps we will be able to clone ourselves. No matter what form these advances take, it is highly likely that we will greatly extend our lifespan in the new century.
Secondly, new technology has already brought people around the world closer. This trend will continue in the 21st century as communication becomes more efficient and affordable. Countries and their people have formed stronger bonds both economically and politically, such as the recent development of the European Union. Perhaps some day in the future national boundaries will disappear. However, one side effect of this globalization is that many characteristics of individual cultures will be lost. Sadly, by the end of the century, some languages and art forms may only be found in museums?
Thirdly, we can expect both a growing population and demands for a higher standard of living to put increasing pressure on Earth’s recourses. We have already seen some of the effects of this pressure in the form of pollution and global warming. It is likely that these trends will also continue and that more damages to the environment will be done. On the other hand, perhaps we will find more efficient ways to make use of the available resources or develop alternatives forms of energy. In that case, we may live with nature more harmoniously.
The scenarios above are just three of the many possible changes that this new century will bring. We can expect to see great advances in many fields, including medicine, communications, trade, transportation and production. Although there may be problems in the future, our ingenuity and inventiveness will help us to deal with them.
