APPEARED ON 19 NOVEMBER 2023, CBT IELTS (GENERAL TRAINING)

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some old people today struggle with the use of modern technologies such as smartphones and computers. What is the cause of this? What are some possible solutions?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

Write at least 250 words.

It is a known fact that the elderly show some difficulties in using modern technologies like smartphones and computers. There are multiple reasons behind this, and unfortunately everything cannot be effectively addressed.

The primary reason behind the problem appears to be attributed to the diminishing capabilities at this particular age. To be clearer, when people get older, their physical, intellectual and emotional abilities start to decline, and therefore most struggle to adapt well with the fast-changing technology. For example, a considerable proportion of the aged may have visual and hearing problems, which make it difficult for them to use the modern technology.

Another reason which can be related is the delay of their generation in acquiring the skills necessary for the usage of gadgets like smartphones and computers. To be precise, when the younger generation showed extreme interest towards such developments, the older generation kept some distance from those. When such technologies became indispensable in the society, the older generation started learning it, however they realised they are much far behind their younger generation in using those.

As the age advances, there would be age-related difficulties and this cannot be reversed or solved easily. However, the elderly can either seek assistance from the younger generation to learn the use of modern technologies or can learn it independently on internet. In addition, their attitude towards rapid changing technology can be changed, and they have to make themselves adjusted with it.

In conclusion, advancing age and distancing approach seem to be the root causes behind the difficulties of the elderly in using the most modern technologies. Even though the former remains a problem, the latter can be addressed effectively.

EXPECTED SCORE: BAND 6.5