Band 9 Example – Opinion Essay

Topic: New technologies and ways of buying and selling are transforming the lives of consumers. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Model Answer:

New technologies, and in particular the Internet, are undoubtedly having a major impact on the way goods and services are retailed. In many territories, purchasing products online has now become a mainstream activity. Some argue that this isn’t transformatory and merely an extension of what has already occurred. However, this essay concludes that it is in fact a paradigm shift for two primary reasons.

The development of online shopping has meant that the market for goods available to the individual has grown dramatically. It is possible to buy virtually anything from what has effectively become a world-wide retail market: exotic foods, art works, rare books, adventure holidays; the list is endless. Previously, accessing certain types of products was impossible for remote communities and many islanders would have to travel vast distances to purchase essential items such as life saving medicine. This revolution has completely altered this state of affairs.

In addition, the buyer can now get their groceries or products delivered. This has given many shoppers more hours in the day to do activities that they find meaningful. Going to bricks and mortar retail spaces on a regular basis used to take up significant periods of time. Families, now no longer weighed down by the weekly shop, have more time for Sunday lunch or strolling in the park with their children. Many parents have spoken about the profound positive change this has brought to their lives.

In short, online retailing has transformed the lives of consumers in a myriad of different ways. They not only have wider access to goods but have in many cases improved their work-life balance.

Band 8 Example – Opinion Essay

Topic: New technologies and ways of buying and selling are transforming the lives of consumers. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Model Answer:

New technologies, and in particular the Internet, are undoubtedly having a major impact on the way goods and services are retailed. In many territories, purchasing products online has become a mainstream activity. Now in the UK, for example, roughly 12 percent of all economic activity is conducted in cyberspace. While some maintain that the actual impact of the Internet on buying habits is negligible, this essay concludes that it is in fact a paradigm shift for two primary reasons.

Firstly the development of online shopping has meant that the market for goods available to the individual has grown exponentially. It is possible to buy virtually anything from what has effectively become a world-wide retail market: exotic foods, art works, rare books, adventure holidays; the list is endless. A case in point is Pittenweem, a cul de sac in the South East of Scotland with few local amenities. It is developing virgin industries for the first time since the collapse of mass manufacturing, all on the back of e-commerce, showing clearly the impact this revolution is having.

In addition the buyer now has a greater say over the process. Price comparison websites make it easier to find bargains. Shopping can be done at any time between sunrise and sundown. Consumers can browse for as long as they like without pressure from sales assistants. Many shoppers say that disgruntled customer service was a key factor for them not deciding to visit bricks and mortar stores on the high street. It seems clear that in order to thrive businesses must be able to traverse both these commercial spheres.

In short, experience suggest that online retailing has shifted the balance of power in favour of the consumer. Consumers not only have wider access to goods but also have greater access to information and more control over how they purchase. As we move into the future, it will be important to manage this transition so that all can take advantage of this emerging online economy.

Band 7 Example – Opinion Essay

Topic: New technologies and ways of buying and selling are transforming the lives of consumers. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Model Answer:

The Internet is undoubtedly having a major impact on the way goods and services are bought and sold. In many countries, buying product online has become a habit. While some maintain that the actual impact of the Internet on shopping is not significant, I would argue that it is in fact quite significant for two main reasons.

The first main reason is that the development of online shopping has meant that the market for goods available to the individual has grown exponentially. It is possible to buy virtually anything from what has effectively become a world-wide retail market: exotic foods, art works, rare books, adventure holidays; the list is endless. Products that were once only available to those who lived in large cosmopolitan cities with a wide variety of shops can now be bought by those living in small towns with few local shops.

Another significant reason is that the buyer can have more control over the process. Price comparison websites make it easier to find cheap goods. Shopping can be done at any time of the day or night and shoppers can browse for as long as they like without help from sales assistants. This means that a shoppers can potentially get a good knowledge about the products they are buying.

In conclusion, experience suggests that online shopping has the consumer know more. Customers not only have wider access to goods but also have greater access to information and more control over how they shop.

Band 6 Example – Opinion Essay

Topic: New technologies and ways of buying and selling are transforming the lives of consumers. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Model Answer:

The Internet is undoubtedly making a difference to the shopping. In many country, buying a products online has become very popular. While some think that does nothing and it wouldn’t change a thing. I think it is important for two reasons.

Very imporant is the develop of the internet shop and now you can buy many more things. An example is the things to can buy in the website and there are many Items that were once only available to those who lived in cities. They are now able to be bought by everyone, a small shop can sell to anyone. From my perspective it is very good to see that for.

Another reason is that the customer can do more in the process. Compare price and website make it easier to find the goods and shop can be done at any time of the day or night and shoppers can look for as long as they like without a shop you can walk in. This means that shoppers can potentially get a good informations about the products they are buy. An example is the Amazon where you can find many things at a cheap price.

In conclusion, experience suggests that online shopping is transforming for the people and is excellent for the customer.

Band 5 Example – Opinion Essay

Topic: New technologies and ways of buying and selling are transforming the lives of consumers. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Model Answer:

The way of buy things and sell things is change. Internet change a many thing and now we are buying the things from online. Some thinking this is good thing but this essay argues it is bad thing for the two reasons. I know develop of the internet shop is now the person can release the pressure and buy all the things. An exmple is the things to can buy in the website and there are many Items that were once only available to those who lived in the city. Now my father shop can see to all the city in my country China and he can sell the many thing. From my perspective it is very good to see that this is a thing.

Another reason is that the customer can do more in the process. Compare price and website make it easier to find the goods and shp can be done at any time of the day or night and shoppers can look for as long as they like without a shop you can walking in. This means that shoppers can potentially get a good informations about the products they are buy. An example is the Amazon where you can find many things at a cheap price.