TASK 2:
ESSAY INFORMATION:
Written by: IELTS I-Ready, 1/10/2025
Marked by: Ex-BC Examiner
(IELTS Academic – 30/9/2025)
Question: It was predicted that with the development of technology, people in the 21st century would have much more free time than in the past. To what extent has this prediction come true?
ANSWER:
It was once predicted that technological progress would allow people in the 21st century to enjoy far more leisure time than in the past. In reality, this forecast has only partly come true. While technology has certainly made life more convenient, it has also generated new pressures that limit genuine free time.
On the one hand, modern inventions have saved people a great deal of time. To begin with, household chores have become much less demanding thanks to appliances such as washing machines and robotic vacuum cleaners, which complete in minutes what previously required hours of effort. For example, a modern washing machine can finish a full load of laundry in under an hour, whereas in the past people had to spend an entire morning scrubbing clothes by hand. In addition, digital tools have increased efficiency at work. Instant communication through email or video calls, together with automated data processing, enables employees to handle tasks more quickly than earlier generations, suggesting that more leisure should be available.
On the other hand, the expectation of abundant free time has not been fully realised because technology has also created new demands. One key issue is that constant connectivity has blurred the boundary between work and private life. Many employees remain online after office hours, responding to emails or joining meetings, which effectively lengthens the working day. Another problem is that digital innovations themselves have become sources of distraction. Social media, streaming services and online shopping consume vast amounts of attention, leaving people with less opportunity for meaningful rest or family interaction.
In conclusion, technology has undoubtedly reduced the time spent on routine chores and professional tasks. However, it has also extended working hours and created new diversions. For this reason, the prediction that people today would enjoy much more free time than in the past has only been partly fulfilled. (309 words)
