Writing Test 5
TASK 1
The table lists the reasons for using the Internet services based on age in Australia.
In general, the rate of using e-mail is very high compared to those of the other categories in all age groups.
From the different services, Internet users for e-mail and education account for more than half of the people questioned. Also, excluding e-mail, 36 per cent of the 11-19 age group like to use Internet services for their study, whereas 20 per cent of the over-40 age group like to use online shopping services. Surprisingly, they do not care about online chatting compared with the 11 to 19 age group. However, only 2 per cent of the youngest users employ online banking services.
Studying this table, we can see that people of all age groups use the Internet first of all for e-mail and then for schooling. The youngest group also chat online more than the other age groups (15%) whilst the 40* age group rely on the Internet for more practical areas like banking and shopping (20%).
(173 words)
TASK 2
Nowadays, we live in a world of information. Most people have an interest in online services and are able to get updated information rapidly. There are of course a number of benefits of Internet use for the elderly but also some problems caused by their incorrect use. This essay will discuss some of these defects of using the Internet by the aged.
First, most elderly people need proper assistance in using the Internet. It is true that they are able to see an online doctor whenever they need by using Internet services. They are, therefore, enthusiastic about learning how to use the Internet. However, without a guide, some of them have difficulties controlling online systems and using the keyboard correctly. In 2009 the BBC criticised online health services as it was, in fact, difficult for elderly people to use them without assistance. When I was at university, I worked as a volunteer assisting elderly people that lived alone. They often had to wait a long time for council staff because of problems with the online service. I also heard of an old man that lost a lot of money due to an online banking scam.
Next, there is also a possibility that the old will exercise less when they become too comfortable with online culture. Compared with the agricultural societies of the past, these days more and more people are suffering from conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. According to a recent newspaper report, old-age obesity has been on the increase. As people get older, they are less inclined to look after themselves well.
In conclusion, although there are some advantages to the elderly using modern technology, there are also problems caused by their inability to use it effectively. In my opinion, governments should begin investing in support programmes in order to help the aged use online services in the most satisfactory way.
(315 words)
