Online Socialization vs. Face-to-face Interactions

 

Online Socialization vs. Face-to-face Interactions

 

Writing Prompt

Nowadays, more people are choosing to socialize online rather than face to face. Do you think this is positive or negative development?

 

Over the decades, the Internet has immensely revolutionized communications to such an extent that it is now our preferred medium of everyday interaction. With the exponential growth of the social networking platforms, the majority of tech-savvy people, especially the millennials, prefer to socialize virtually rather than face to face. From my perspective, this is a negative development which could lead to j cyber fraud and k leakages of confidential information despite some advantages.

Undeniably, Internet-based socialization has given people immediate access to staying digitally connected while being physically apart. This function seems to have filled the gap for the isolation created by mandatory quarantine and lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic that is still raging across the world. For example, after the interpersonal interactions have been interrupted by an invisible, life-threatening disease, billions of people worldwide have hunkered down at home, observing governments’ social distancing guidelines in order to flatten the curve of COVID-19. In response to the unprecedented crisis, people have turned to cutting-edge technologies such as Google Meet and Skype to maintain social connections. However, this does not necessarily imply that every form of communication can be replaced by the internet.

In fact, the first serious problem arising from socializing online is internet fraud which is rampant in the countries with the highest broadband penetration rate. There is evidence that the impacts of cybercrime can range from emotional betrayal to financial loss. For instance, the federal government of the United States cracked down on a transnational fraud ring involved in conspiracy to defraud pensioners of about $980 million. Online fraudsters of this illegal organization created a fake identity using their “sweet” words to gain the trust of the elderly who failed to stay vigilant against the pitfalls behind the cyber world. Then, these honey-mouthed scammers cajoled the gullible victims into wiring large sums of money to their checking accounts before they disappeared forever.

Another repercussion is the risks associated with the leakages of personal information. People might send private photos or reveal passwords to the ones they socialize with. Nevertheless, they are unaware that online scammers might photoshop the pictures or misuse the confidential information for their own benefit. Even more disturbing, though, is that some computer geeks might feel intimidated by someone who shares their intimate photos without their consent, and reporting the crime becomes the only way in which otaku can retrieve their digital information.

In conclusion, the negative impacts of online socialization, such as internet fraud and leakage of personal information, far outweigh the benefits it can bring to people. Although it has become more popular for people to socialize through the internet, it has brought about too many problems for this to be considered a positive trend. Therefore, people should strike a balance between online and face-to-face interactions.

Homelessness

 

Homelessness

Most societies have homeless people. Some people think that the best way to help them is to give them money. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

 

SAMPLE ESSAY

It is acknowledged that our society comprises people with varying financial circumstances, and homeless individuals are also a part of this spectrum. However, it might not be entirely apparent to the privileged that the homeless make up for a significant proportion of the urban population. As a result, people may assume that financial aid will end the plight of the destitute. From my perspective, mere monetary support makes a modest contribution to this social problem. In the following paragraphs, I will substantiate my claims through providing an in-depth analysis of this issue. Admittedly, financial assistance to hobos might help address their short-term problems. If homeless people were granted $3,500, they could have easier access to healthcare, food and accommodations. For example, dozens of transient people have been encamping in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside for more than five decades. When the temperature drops below freezing in winter, they have access to funds to purchase hot food and short-term accommodations. If homeless people were not given money, they would freeze to death outside in the harsh winter. Despite the benefits of this subsidy policy, giving vagrants money is just an expedient measure to tackle the problem of homelessness. There has been evidence that the majority of derelicts are victims of drug abuse, and as such any kind of monetary assistance will only help enable and worsen their drug addiction. Unfortunately, some people with substance use disorders may prioritize buying drugs or alcohol over basic needs like food and shelter. This can lead to ongoing reliance on external support, as these individuals continue to struggle with addiction and financial instability. Moreover, people who pretend to be homeless might abuse financial aid. In fact, some individuals are either unemployed or too lazy to earn money, and they do not scruple to take advantage of people’s sympathy to make their own living. They just wear like vagabonds, panhandling in the subways or downtown areas although they already have their own houses. Therefore, it is unfair and preposterous to give money to those fake homeless people who should have had enough capability to work. According to a report by the National Coalition for the Homeless, only about 10-20% of homeless individuals are chronically homeless, while the vast majority experience homelessness for shorter periods due to job loss, eviction, or other economic hardship. This suggests that financial aid alone may not address the root causes of homelessness and may only provide temporary relief. Additionally, studies have shown that providing permanent housing with supportive services, such as mental health and addiction treatment, can be a more effective and cost-efficient solution for addressing homelessness. For example, a study conducted by the National Alliance to End Homelessness found that providing permanent supportive housing reduced chronic homelessness by 30% and saved taxpayers $4,000 per person per year compared to providing emergency shelter and other temporary solutions. In conclusion, providing homeless people with money might help them get basic amenities such as medical care, food, clothing, and shelter; however, these are only surface-level improvements and temporary solutions. Therefore, those in positions of authority should come up with a feasible way to help the socially disadvantaged.

A Close Call

 

A Close Call

Writing Prompt: Please write a 120-word story based on the picture given below. Your story should include: 1) what happened to the lady; 2) how she reacted to the incident you described; 3) how or why she dealt with the incident; 4) what she thought of the incident that astonished her.

 

SAMPLE ESSAY 1

While taking a shower at her new condo, Katsudon Karaage, a registered nurse working at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, found a lump in her right breast. Panicking, she suspected that she might have got breast cancer, which made up/accounted for 30 percent of all cancer cases in women globally. Since she had seen many cancer-stricken women die a slow, painful death at the ICU (intensive care unit), the thought of getting an incurable disease just made her chilled to the marrow. Karaage did not want to die of cancer, so she registered with an oncologist online to make sure if she needed to receive radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Not until she got her diagnostic report did she feel a huge surge of relief. She was diagnosed with a benign tumor rather than a malignant one. The doctor prescribed her some FDA-approved drugs with one tablet taken three times a day. She needed to have her prescription filled at a government-funded pharmacy. On top of that, the doctor recommended that she do a breast self-exam once a month because patients might have a high chance of recovering if breast cancer is detected and treated early. In the wake of this unpleasant experience, Katsudon Karaage became a volunteer at the Formosa Society, a nonprofit organization whose aim is to raise funds for cancer research and increase public awareness of breast cancer.

 

SAMPLE ESSAY 2

Katsudon Karaage, a certified nurse laboring at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, made a serendipitous discovery while indulging in her ablutions at her novel condo - a palpable lump in her right mammary gland. Feeling anxious and apprehensive, she suspected the lump to be cancerous, which comprises a staggering 30% of all cancer occurrences in females worldwide. Having witnessed several cancer-afflicted women endure a protracted and torturous demise at the ICU, the thought of contracting an incurable malady sent shivers down her spine. Determined not to succumb to cancer, she proactively engaged an online oncologist to verify if she necessitated radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Only after receiving her diagnostic report did she feel an immense sense of relief. Her affliction was a benign neoplasm instead of a malignant one. The doctor prescribed her with some FDA-endorsed medicaments to be consumed thrice a day. She had to acquire her prescription from a government-subsidized pharmacy. Furthermore, the physician recommended that she perform a monthly breast self-examination as timely detection and treatment of breast cancer confers a higher likelihood of recuperation. Subsequent to this unnerving experience, Katsudon Karaage became a volunteer at the Formosa Society, a charitable organization striving to amass funds for cancer research and to augment public cognizance of breast cancer.

Famine

Famine

Over the past few decades, famine has posed a serious threat to the existence of human beings in many parts of the world, particularly those undeveloped countries. Despite the fact that scientists have found innovative ways to improve farming practices and increase crop yields to meet global demand for food, many people are still at risk of starvation. To delve deeply into this issue, this essay will explore the causes of famine and provide possible solutions to this situation.

In fact, this disturbing phenomenon is ascribed to/is attributed to/is due to climate change and civil war. To begin with, climate change is the first factor contributing to severe famine. There is some evidence that extreme weather patterns closely linked to climate change would directly affect food production, giving rise to widespread food shortages and famine. For example, rising temperatures not only sharply cut down crop yields by reducing soil fertility but also increase the populations of pest insects, harming yields of staple crops like wheat, soybeans, and corn. Aside from the temperature escalation, increased rainfall/torrential rain/extreme precipitation and droughts would inundate vast areas of cropland and destroy crops, thereby reducing agricultural output and increasing the likelihood of famine.

In addition to climate change, civil war is another reason why people are suffering hunger. Due to social and political mayhem/unrest, the majority of farmers might be evicted from their arable land with their crops and livestock devastated/ruined/destroyed by rebels or invaders. As the war is raging on, those farmers who are not banished from their homes might be restricted access to water, fertilizer and forage. With no one growing food, famine is an inevitable consequence. For instance, the tribal clashes in Congo left a quarter of farmers unable to grow crops, thus leading to one-fifth of the population in dire need of food assistance.

Despite the threat and horror of famine, this crisis could be solved by raising public awareness of environmental protection and delivering humanitarian aid to war-ravaged/war-torn areas. First, it is incumbent upon governments to improve people’s knowledge about climate change and educate people about its impact on famine. Governments can offer people free educational and awareness-raising programs about global warming, informing them of the famine-related calamities/catastrophes/disasters caused by the rising temperature or abnormal weather patterns. What is more, governments can launch a social campaign to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Second, humanitarian aid is another strategy to address the problem of hunger in conflict zones/war zones. As food insecurity in conflict-stricken countries is deteriorating, it is crucial for humanitarian efforts to provide affected communities with food relief and livelihood support. Apart from delivering life-saving food and water through roads and rivers, international humanitarian organizations can drop food on the roadless or war-torn areas by parachutes or drones. Though humanitarian aid only serves as a temporary support for some countries ravaged by war, it can effectively save more people from dying of starvation.

In conclusion, famine is a complex problem that affects a lot of people nowadays. There is no single cause of this phenomenon, but the two factors such as climate change and civil war are the two main contributors to widespread hunger. Nevertheless, the effect of famine on people around the world could be mitigated as long as we put more effort into protecting our planet and provide humanitarian relief for people plagued by war.

REVISION

Famine has been a persistent and devastating problem for many people around the world, especially in underdeveloped countries. Despite advancements in farming techniques and increased crop yields, hunger and starvation continue to threaten the lives of millions of people. In this essay, we will examine the root causes of famine and explore possible solutions.   Climate change and civil war are two major factors contributing to famine. Climate change directly affects food production by disrupting weather patterns, reducing soil fertility, and increasing pest populations. Extreme weather events such as droughts and floods can also lead to widespread crop failure and food shortages. In addition, civil wars can displace farmers from their land, destroying crops and livestock, and restricting access to water and other resources needed for food production. As a result, hunger and famine are inevitable consequences.   However, there are several strategies that can be implemented to mitigate the effects of famine. Firstly, governments must increase public awareness about climate change and its impact on food security. They can provide free education programs and launch social campaigns to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Secondly, humanitarian aid is crucial to provide food relief and livelihood support to communities affected by conflict and war. In addition to delivering life-saving food and water, international organizations can use innovative methods like airdrops to reach remote and war-torn areas. While humanitarian aid may only provide temporary relief, it can save countless lives.   In conclusion, famine is a complex issue with significant impacts on people's lives. While climate change and civil war are major contributors, solutions like public education and humanitarian aid can help to mitigate the effects of famine. By working together, we can address this global crisis and help to ensure that all people have access to food and the basic necessities of life.

 

 

 

Smartphones vs. Dumbphones

 

Smartphones vs. Dumbphones

Writing Prompt: These days, it seems like everyone has a smartphone. A new trend has been developing over the last couple of years, though: the return of the dumbphone. Some people claim that we should give up our smartphone for a dumbphone.  To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

 

SAMPLE ESSAY

INTRODUCTION: Modern technology is changing the way in which we live as humans and it will continue to. It also affects the way we understand our surroundings and how we interact with one another. And these drastic changes are clearly exemplified in the use of mobile phones. These days, smartphones have become an indispensable part of our lives, particularly true for Generation Z and Alpha. Both generations tend to scroll through apps like Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date with the world around them. According to a 2021 survey from the US, 46% of the participants said they used phones for approximately 6 to 8 hours per day whereas three-quarters of the respondents admitted to suffering from nomophobia, which is the fear of being away from mobile phones. Considering the negative impacts smartphones have had on our lives, a new trend has emerged in the last couple of years, away from smartphones and towards dumbphones. People argue that using basic down-to-earth cellphones gives them more autonomy over their time and lives. They advocate for weaning ourselves off smartphones and switching to a dumbphone. In my opinion, this idea is preposterous and completely undesirable. A thorough analysis of their attributes can explain why it is not worth jumping on the bandwagon.   POINT 1: SIZE OF THE DISPLAY To begin with, smartphones are far superior to dumbphones in terms of their functions. One of the main differences between a smartphone and a dumbphone is the size of the display. The former has a touch display suited for downloading files or archives, browsing the Internet and communicating through instant messaging or video chat apps. What’s more, smartphones can have high-definition screens capable of displaying HD content and streaming videos from a wide variety of sources. In contrast, dumbphone displays are generally smaller and are not touch-sensitive. They are designed solely for making phone calls and sending short text messages.   POINT 2: INTERNET CONNECTION Smartphones can help facilitate efficient workflow and make our lives far more convenient. They are equipped with Web browsers that allow people to surf/navigate/browse mobile websites and websites designed for desktop computers. With a click of the screen, people can go online to reserve a table at a top-notch restaurant. The Internet-linked GPS, if activated, can help us navigate through the maze of one-way streets. Furthermore, an Internet celebrity can use the built-in camera on their smartphone to photograph their delectable meal and post it on social media. In contrast, non-smartphones lack an internet connection, with only phone calls and SMS messaging available as services. Without access to the Internet, they neither run social media apps nor send emails.   POINT 3: KEYBOARD Dumbphones have a basic keyboard with a number pad and letters assigned to corresponding keys for composing text messages. However, smartphones have full QWERTY keyboards that allow users to easily type text messages and emails. Newer smartphones may even have voice control with the option of composing text messages or controlling apps completely by voice.   CONCLUSION: In conclusion, non-smartphones may force people to concentrate on more important aspects of their lives, but smartphones can streamline workflows and create a digitally convenient environment. Therefore, the idea of abandoning smartphones in favor of dumbphones is nothing more than a fad and not viable.

 

REVISION--Polar Bears Scavenging for Garbage: A Tragic Consequence of Climate Change and Human Activity

Polar Bears Scavenging for Garbage: A Tragic Consequence of Climate Change and Human Activity

The plight of the once-abundant polar bear, foraging through garbage dumps in search of sustenance, is a tragic consequence of the pernicious combination of climate change and human activity, as evinced by the two pictures accompanying this article. Although this distressing scene serves to alert the public to the dangers that threaten these creatures, it also raises questions about the reasons why these fierce carnivores are being reduced to scavenging. In my view, the primary culprits behind the polar bears' difficulties are climate change and human activity, but feasible solutions do exist to address this situation.

Climate change, spurred by the emission of greenhouse gases from human activities and livestock production, has pushed global warming past the threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius, resulting in the unprecedented melting of glaciers and ice sheets. The significant loss of sea ice, which serves as a platform for polar bears to travel, hunt, breed, and feed, has left them grappling with a dearth of sustenance, plunging reproduction rates, and spiraling mortality rates. What is even more harrowing is the tragic fate that awaits polar bears as they lose their ice habitat. Despite being superb swimmers with remarkable endurance, they are ultimately driven to swim in turbulent seas before succumbing to exhaustion and drowning in the frigid waters.

Apart from climate change, the harsh existence of polar bears is attributable to human activity. As an increasing number of people migrate towards the Arctic Circle, carbon footprints and human-caused pollution continue to accelerate global warming, posing a grave threat to the bears' survival. Unfortunately, this problem is only set to worsen, as the human population is projected to surge by over 40% by 2043. The second issue is human garbage, which has become a hazardous source of sustenance for polar bears. As the bears scavenge for food at waste dumps, they are unable to distinguish food from toxic waste, ingesting non-biodegradable items such as plastic bags, straws, cutlery, polystyrene trays, and Styrofoam boxes, leading to fatalities from suffocation, poisoning, or painful intestinal obstructions. Moreover, conflicts between humans and polar bears are likely to escalate, with residents perceiving these aggressive animals as a threat to human safety and property and therefore shooting them.

Given the precarious situation facing polar bears, it is imperative that we take action to save these critically endangered animals. To begin with, each one of us must do our part in combating climate change. We can use energy-efficient appliances and opt for electric vehicles over gas-powered ones to help limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Moreover, if we live close to polar bear habitats, we must establish adequate waste disposal facilities to ensure the bears do not mistake our waste for food. Most importantly, our government must take responsibility for educating the public about polar bear conservation. Humans are encroaching on the wilderness areas near the Arctic Circle, not the other way around. Therefore, we must not resort to shooting bears under the pretext of self-defense.

In conclusion, the hardship faced by polar bears is an urgent problem that demands our immediate attention. Climate change and human activity are the two main drivers of the declining polar bear population, and our insatiable greed has dealt an irreversible blow to the largest carnivorous land mammals on earth. However, with concerted efforts to protect our environment, it is still possible to witness these stocky bears ambling across the sea ice sheets, where they hunt and care for their young.

Polar Bears Scavenging for Garbage: A Tragic Consequence of Climate Change and Human Activity

Polar Bears Scavenging for Garbage: A Tragic Consequence of Climate Change and Human Activity

 

The once-abundant polar bears are foraging garbage dump for food, as (is) illustrated in the two pictures of the article. At first glance, this appalling scene seems to alert the public to the danger lurking behind their communities. However, the unusual phenomenon also prompts us to think about a question about why these ferocious carnivores are being reduced to scavengers. From my perspective, the plight of polar bears is attributed to climate change and human activity, but solutions are available to manage this situation.

Climate change is the biggest culprit behind the difficulties polar bears are facing. Greenhouse gas emissions from human activities and livestock production are pushing global warming across the 1.5 degree Celsius threshold whereas the rising temperature is causing more glaciers and ice sheets to melt at an unprecedented rate. With a huge stretch of sea ice sheets shrinking dramatically, polar bears are losing the habitats which serve as a platform for travelling, hunting, breeding and feeding. The disappearance of the sea-ice platform not only threatens the bears with food shortages but also leads to rapid declines in reproduction and survival. Even more distressing, though, is the tragic death caused by the loss of sea ice. Though polar bears are excellent swimmers with impressive endurance, they cannot paddle in turbulent oceans indefinitely. Yet, there has been evidence that polar bears are driven to swim in rough seas before they succumb to fatigue and drown in frigid waters.

Aside from climate change, human activity is to blame for the hard life of polar bears. Problems arise as a growing number of people are migrating towards the vicinity of the Arctic Circle. For example, carbon footprints and human-caused pollution accelerate global warming, which in turn poses a threat to the bears’ survival. Unfortunately, this problem will persist given that the human population is expected to jump by over 40 percent by 2043. The second problem is human garbage which has become a dangerous source of food for polar bears. As the bears are scavenging for food at a waste dump, they cannot distinguish food from toxic waste, thus ingesting non-biodegradable items such as plastic bags, straws, cutlery, polystyrene trays and Styrofoam boxes. Some died of suffocation. Others got poisoned. And still others suffered excruciating pain caused by intestinal obstruction. What’s worse, the conflicts between humans and polar bears might inevitably intensify. Polar bears are shot by residents because these aggressive animals are perceived as a menace to human safety and property.

Given the precarious situations polar bears are encountering, it is high time we took measures to save these critically endangered animals. To start with, every one of us should do their part to combat climate change. We can use energy-efficient appliances and choose electric vehicles over gas-powered ones in order to limit global warming to 1.5 degree Celsius. Besides, if we live adjacent to the living areas of polar bears, we must set up adequate disposal facilities for our garbage just in case the bears mistake the waste for food. Most importantly, our government is accountable for educating the public about the conservation of polar bears. It is humans not polar bears that intrude upon wilderness areas in the neighborhood of the Arctic Circles. Therefore, we cannot shoot the bears under the pretext of self-defense.

         In conclusion, the hardship inflicted upon polar bears is an urgent problem that requires our attention nowadays. There is no single cause of this problem, but climate change and human activity are the two main contributors to the dwindling population of polar bears. Owing to our selfishness and avarice, we have done irreversible damage to the largest carnivorous land mammals on the Earth. With our concerted efforts to protect our environment, however, it is still possible to see the stocky bears tramping across the sea ice sheets on which they stalk their prey and care for their young.