Sample IELTS Writing-Automation and repairs

 The following is a sample document for Cambridge IELTS 4, General training-A, task 2.

It’s true that as societies become more automated and more prosperous, people with the manual skills needed to repair things, like shoes, furniture, or even houses, are disappearing. But, within every country, including the U.S., some are more well off than others. Consequently, some people who cannot afford to hire someone else, must continue to make their own repairs. Additionally, among even those who can afford to “outsource” their repairs, there are some who enjoy using their hands and find doing so relaxing.

Notwithstanding the current economic downturn, across America, there are many prosperous areas. For example, residents of Silicon Valley or on New York City’s Park Avenue routinely employ others to handle their repair needs. In the U.S., financially-comfortable individuals sometimes even decide to discard an item rather than repair it. Still, despite America’s wealth, there are many poor people—in large cities like New York and LA and in areas like Appalachia who must do their own repairs. They cannot afford to do otherwise.

Beyond the Industrial Revolution, since World War II, more and more individuals have achieved their idea of the American Dream. In doing so, these citizens have typically opted to work hard yet also enjoy the fruits of their labor. Accordingly, they have paid others to handle their manual tasks while they enjoy themselves. Additionally, with the advent of computers and other time-saving technologies, Americans strive to work smarter and faster, often minimizing or even eliminating tedious work such as making repairs.

In the future, whether out of financial necessity or for pleasure, some Americans may once again do their own repairs. But, most likely, for the majority of U.S. residents, outsourcing their repairs will continue to be popular.