The 21st century has begun. What changes do you think this new century will bring? Use examples and details in your answer.
The main topics in the essay can be summarized in the following bullet points:
- Changes brought by the 21st century
- Historical progression of technology and human evolution
- Anticipated acceleration of the pace of life
- Integration of technology into daily life
- Advancements in travel and transportation
- Implants and microchips for information storage
- Space travel and the possibility of Mars colonization
Model Answer
The 21st century is poised to bring about profound changes across various aspects of our lives, driven by technology, shifting demographics, and evolving societal values. This essay will discuss these changes, using examples and details to illustrate their impact.
Technology stands at the forefront of these changes. Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are advancing rapidly, potentially reshaping the job market as some roles become automated. For instance, self-driving cars are emerging, which could revolutionize transportation and impact millions of jobs.
Connectivity through the internet and smart devices is expanding, giving rise to the gig economy, where remote and flexible work opportunities abound. It also facilitates global communication and innovations like telemedicine, allowing doctors to treat patients from a distance.
Demographically, the world is undergoing significant shifts. Developed countries face ageing populations, placing strains on healthcare and social welfare systems. Meanwhile, emerging economies have burgeoned youth populations, offering opportunities and challenges depending on their ability to provide education and employment.
Societal values are adapting to global challenges, particularly climate change. This is driving a transition toward sustainability, evident in the growth of electric vehicles and green energy sources.
In summary, the 21st century is marked by transformative changes. Technology will redefine jobs, connectivity will reshape work patterns, demographics will demand adaptation, and sustainability will become a priority. While these changes present opportunities for progress, they also require careful consideration of their consequences to ensure a positive and sustainable future.
Vocabularies: 20 Words
This table provides information about each word, including its type, meaning, pronunciation, root, related words, word family, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
| Word | Type | Meaning | Pronunciation | Root | Related Words | Word Family | Synonyms | Antonyms | Examples |
| Profound | Adjective | Deep; intense | pruh-found | Profundus | Deep, intense | Profoundly (adverb), Profundity (noun) | Deep, Intense | Superficial | The speech had a profound impact on the audience. |
| Transformation | Noun | A significant change | trans-for-MAY-shun | Trans-, Forma | Change, Conversion | Transform (verb) | Change, Metamorphosis | Preservation | The transformation of the city’s skyline was remarkable. |
| Technology | Noun | Advancements in machinery | tek-NOL-uh-jee | Techne | Innovation, Devices | Technological (adjective) | Innovation, Machinery | Nature | The rapid pace of technology development is astonishing. |
| Automation | Noun | Process performed by machines | aw-tuh-MAY-shun | Automaton | Mechanization, Robotics | Automated (adjective), Automate (verb) | Mechanization, Robotics | Manual | Automation has improved efficiency in manufacturing. |
| Connectivity | Noun | The state of being connected | kun-ek-ti-VI-tee | Connect | Networking, Linkage | Connect (verb), Connected (adjective) | Linkage, Network | Disconnection | The connectivity of our devices enables seamless communication. |
| Demographics | Noun | Characteristics of a population | dee-muh-GRA-fiks | Demos, Grapho | Population, Statistics | Demographic (adjective), Demographer (noun) | Population, Statistics | Homogeneous | Demographics play a crucial role in marketing strategies. |
| Sustainability | Noun | The ability to be maintained | suh-stey-nuh-BIL-uh-tee | Sustinere | Conservation, Eco-friendliness | Sustainable (adjective), Sustain (verb) | Conservation, Eco-friendliness | Unsustainability | Sustainable practices are essential for environmental protection. |
| Reshape | Verb | To alter the form or structure | ree-sheyp | Re-, Shape | Modify, Reform | Reshaping (noun), Reshaped (adjective) | Alter, Modify | Preserve | The new regulations will reshape the industry. |
| Displacement | Noun | The act of moving something | dis-PLAYSS-muhnt | Displace | Removal, Relocation | Displace (verb), Displaced (adjective) | Removal, Relocation | Retention | The displacement of refugees is a humanitarian crisis. |
| Gig Economy | Noun | A labor market characterized by short-term jobs | gig E-kah-nuh-mee | Gig, Economy | Freelance, On-demand | Gig Worker (noun), Gig Economy (adjective) | Freelance, On-demand | Traditional Employment | Many people prefer the flexibility of the gig economy. |
| Globalization | Noun | The process of becoming worldwide | gloh-buh-luh-ZAY-shun | Globus | Internationalization | Globalize (verb), Global (adjective) | Internationalization | Localization | Globalization has led to increased cultural exchange. |
| Telemedicine | Noun | Medical consultation via technology | tel-uh-MED-uh-sin | Tele-, Medicine | Remote Healthcare | Telemedical (adjective), Telehealth (noun) | Remote Healthcare | In-person visit | Telemedicine allows patients to consult doctors from home. |
| Adaptation | Noun | The action of adjusting to change | ad-uhp-TEY-shun | Adaptare | Adjustment, Modification | Adapt (verb), Adaptive (adjective) | Adjustment, Modification | Inflexibility | Adaptation is essential to thrive in a dynamic environment. |
| Sustainability | Noun | The ability to be maintained | suh-stey-nuh-BIL-uh-tee | Sustinere | Conservation, Eco-friendliness | Sustainable (adjective), Sustain (verb) | Conservation, Eco-friendliness | Unsustainability | Sustainability practices help protect the environment. |
| Exponential | Adjective | Rapid growth | ek-suh-PONEN-shuhl | Exponent | Swift, Accelerated | Exponentially (adverb) | Swift, Accelerated | Linear | The exponential growth of technology is astounding. |
| Eco-friendly | Adjective | Environmentally friendly | EE-koh-FREND-lee | Eco-, Friend | Sustainable, Green | Environmentally friendly (noun) | Sustainable, Green | Harmful | Using eco-friendly products reduces environmental impact. |
| Proliferation | Noun | Rapid increase in numbers | proh-LIF-uh-RAY-shun | Proliferare | Expansion, Growth | Proliferate (verb), Proliferous (adjective) | Expansion, Growth | Reduction | The proliferation of smartphones has changed society. |
| Prioritize | Verb | To give importance to | pry-OR-uh-tahyz | Prior | Emphasize, Rank | Priority (noun), Prioritization (noun) | Emphasize, Rank | Neglect | It’s crucial to prioritize safety in all aspects of life. |
| Innovation | Noun | Introduction of something new | in-uh-VEY-shuhn | In-, Novus | Creativity, Invention | Innovative (adjective), Innovate (verb) | Creativity, Invention | Stagnation | Innovation drives progress in technology and society. |
| Consequence | Noun | A result or effect | KON-si-kwens | Sequi | Outcome, Result | Consequential (adjective), Consequent (adjective) | Outcome, Result | Cause | The consequences of climate change are becoming evident. |
