Practice Test 11-Go Global

Modern technology has made it easier for individuals to download copyrighted music and books from the Internet for no charge. To what extent is this a positive or a negative development? OR

There is a problem today that copyrighted material such as music, film and books are freely available on the internet with the result that the owners of the works lose money. Do you feel this is a good or bad thing?

Outline

Essay type

Opinion Essay

Introduction

State your opinion clearly. Explain in brief what you are going to write in the body paragraphs.

Body

Paragraph 1: Give your opinion and give some reasons that for many people, this is very negative as it is a form of stealing and nobody buys music CDs or books.
Paragraph 2: Talk about how it restricts people from being creative and discourages them from putting their innovative ideas on a public platform.

Conclusion

Restate your argument or side (whether you say it is negative or positive)

Sample Answer

Technology developed in recent years has created a significant impact on the way books and music are shared. The internet enables completely free access to both. I agree with the fact that it is nothing but a negative practice prevailing in the world. In the next few paragraphs, I will describe my perspective on the topic.

Firstly, it has to be pointed out that downloading books and music without paying is morally wrong – it is, after all, a form of stealing, just as much as if someone had shoplifted a CD. Secondly, it can be claimed that if nobody buys music albums or books, then people who produce them, such as novelists, journalists or musicians, will lose their livelihoods.

Eventually, new projects may not be undertaken, and the whole industry will cease to function. The fear of getting the work stolen is still deeply imbibed into the minds of creative artists. If it continues, the only way to make money from writing and music will be through things like celebrity endorsements.

Although some people believe in the advantages of having access to free data, there are more downsides to this practice from an artist’s perspective.

In conclusion, I believe that the public must be educated regarding the copyright and the amount of efforts and hardwork it takes to develop something that doesn’t exist in the world. The major problem is that the owners of the artworks lose money. So, there doesn’t seem to be anything positive about this scenario.