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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Nowadays online shopping has become more popular than in-store shopping.

Is it a positive or negative development?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant example from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

Model Essay 1:
Online shopping today has achieved more popularity than physical store shopping in many parts of the world. I believe this is a negative development because it causes privacy and security concerns through phishing attempts and data breaches.

When consumers shop online, they may fall victim to the phishing and scam attempts. That is to say, cybercriminals often send fraudulent emails or have websites that seem legitimate online stores intended to trick novice users into sharing their information, such as computer passwords or bank account numbers. These phishing attempts can result in unauthorized access to accounts or financial losses. For example, a shopper may receive a deceptive email that appears to be from a reputable online retailer, very often including a link or attachment designed to trick him or her into clicking. Clicking the link or attachment can lead to malware infections.

Online shopping is also an increasingly common source of data breaches. Cybercriminals can often manage to get into the system of e-commerce sites to steal customers’ login credentials and credit card details. This means that many websites lack secure encryption of data, thus making them prone to attack. Consequently, consumers are at high risk when sharing their sensitive information. If a data breach occurs, customers’ information could be exposed, causing financial fraud, identity theft, or other deceptive activities. A good example here is my own brother’s case. A cybercriminal group opens a credit card account in his name and withdraws a considerable amount of money from the account.

To conclude, I believe the increasing trend of online shopping is a negative development as this can lead consumers to the victims of data privacy issues. Therefore, consumers should select reputable platforms when shopping online.

Model Essay 2:
In recent years, online shopping has surged in popularity, surpassing traditional in-store shopping in many aspects. This shift in consumer behaviour reflects the profound impact of digitalization on our daily lives, and I firmly believe that the rise of online shopping represents a positive development for several reasons.

Firstly, online shopping offers unparalleled convenience, which has significantly enhanced the consumer experience. People can shop from the comfort of their homes at any time of the day or night, avoiding the need to travel to physical stores and endure long queues. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with busy schedules or limited mobility. For example, working parents can easily purchase groceries, clothes, and household items online without having to find time in their hectic routines to visit multiple stores.

Secondly, the vast selection of products available online far exceeds what is typically found in brick-and-mortar stores. Online platforms provide access to a global marketplace, allowing consumers to compare prices and products from different sellers and choose the best deals. This competitive environment often leads to better prices and special discounts, which benefit consumers financially. For instance, e-commerce giants like Amazon and Alibaba offer a diverse range of products at competitive prices, making it easier for shoppers to find exactly what they need without compromising on quality or cost.

Finally, the growth of online shopping has spurred innovation and growth in various sectors. The logistics and delivery industries have expanded to meet the increasing demand for fast and reliable delivery services, while small businesses and artisans have found new opportunities to reach a broader audience through online marketplaces, thereby supporting local economies and fostering entrepreneurial spirit.

In conclusion, the rise of online shopping is a positive development that offers numerous advantages, including convenience, a wider selection of products, and economic growth. Embracing this trend can lead to a more efficient and connected global economy, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for consumers worldwide.

Sample Essay 3:
The number of people who purchase various products and services online is increasing in recent times more than ever before. This has certainly affected the business of shopping centres to a great extent. However, I consider this development positive due to several reasons.

To begin with, e-shopping is generally considered to be more convenient for customers than in-store purchasing. Perhaps, this is because many people, nowadays, are unable to find adequate time to go shopping as they are too busy with professional or personal responsibilities. For example, virtual shopping websites such as eBay and Amazon provide a wide range of products online, which cater to the needs of individuals from the comfort of their homes. Moreover, such shopping sites have considerably reduced major inconveniences associated with shopping, like travelling to distant shops, parking vehicles in crowded cities and spending a considerable amount of time.

Furthermore, online shopping allows people to select from a wide range of products, and the prices and features of products are often compared. This has enabled customers to choose the right products that suit their needs. For instance, popular online shops in India, namely Flipkart and Jabong have not only provided detailed information about their products on sale but also customers' opinions and reviews on their product experience. Besides, placed orders on these websites can be altered or cancelled by customers, and purchased products can also be returned if they do not meet the assured quality.

In conclusion, online shopping offers greater benefits to customers when compared to in-store purchasing. Clearly, while it converts shopping into a hassle-free experience, shopping over the internet is increasingly convenient, too. Therefore, I think this is definitely a positive trend and the popularity of online shopping is likely to continue.

[ Written by - Jincy Jibins ]

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