Task 2: 

Some people say that modern technology has made shopping today
easier, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
It is argued that shopping habit has been facilitated thanks to technological
advancements. In the following essay, both sides of the argument will be analyzed
before a reasoned conclusion is drawn.
On the one hand, up-to-date technology can offer more various selections for
customers when shopping. This is because online shopping apps can prioritize
different products based on purchasers’ criteria, some of which may not be
available in miscellaneous shops or shopping centers, along with their information
and feedback from previous users. Individuals, as a result, will make comparisons
among these items more objectively to opt for the most suitable one. This can be
illustrated by Shopee, a Vietnamese app, suggesting numerous products that have
been looked for by customers; besides, not only does this provide their
specification but it also can reveal comments and ratings from 1 to 5 points from
worldwide purchasers, which can be a reliable source for individuals to decide on
buying the item. The merits of shopping via digital platforms can therefore be seen.
On the other hand, technology-based shopping can be utilized in illegal actions.
Because customers are not able to witness products and have a meeting with sellers
in person, they are more vulnerable to such undesirable incidents as receiving those
with different features compared to their online images or being unable to obtain
the goods without any reimbursement, which can give rise to the illegitimately
lucrative income for dealers. To demonstrate, a survey from Massey University in
March 2015 revealed that 18% of online users claimed that they were deceived
when shopping on the Internet. Consequently, digital shopping can exert several
detriments.
In conclusion, based on the aforementioned arguments, I believe it is more
advantageous to purchase items with the assistance of cutting-edge technology. It
is predicted that shoppers will harness the use of virtual shopping so that they can
conveniently choose their ideal items.
(313 words)