Your Guide to "Changes Brought about by Technology"

Hey everyone! Welcome to your study notes on a topic that's all around us: Technology. We use it every single day, from chatting with friends on our phones to online classes. But have you ever stopped to think about how much it has changed our world, for better or for worse?

In these notes, we'll explore the massive impact of technology. You'll learn the right words to talk about it, how to form strong arguments, and how to write a clear and persuasive article on the topic. This is a super important theme for your HKDSE exams, and understanding it well will really boost your confidence and your grades. Let's get started!


Section 1: Building Your Vocabulary - Talking Tech!

To discuss technology, you need the right words! Don't worry, you don't need to be a computer genius. Let's learn some useful vocabulary in context.

Key Vocabulary Areas:

1. Communication & Social Media

  • Connectivity (n.): The ability to connect to or communicate with another computer or system.
    Example: "Thanks to global connectivity, I can video call my cousin in Canada."

  • Social Networking (n.): Using websites and applications like Instagram or Facebook to interact with other people.
    Example: "Social networking has changed the way we maintain friendships."

  • Virtual (adj.): Not physically existing but made by software to appear to do so.
    Example: "Many people have a virtual social life online."

  • Cyberbullying (n.): The use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature.
    Example: "Cyberbullying is a serious negative consequence of social media."

2. Education & Information

  • E-learning (n.): Learning conducted via electronic media, typically on the internet.
    Example: "During the pandemic, e-learning became essential for all students."

  • Accessible (adj.): Able to be reached or entered; easy to obtain or use.
    Example: "The internet has made information more accessible to everyone."

  • Information Overload (n.): A situation where you receive too much information at one time and cannot think about it clearly.
    Example: "With so many news websites, it's easy to suffer from information overload."

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Automation

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) (n.): The theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence.
    Example: "Artificial Intelligence can now create art and write poems."

  • Automation (n.): The use of largely automatic equipment in a system of manufacturing or other production process.
    Example: "Automation in factories has increased efficiency but also replaced some jobs."

  • Algorithm (n.): A process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer.
    Example: "YouTube uses an algorithm to recommend videos you might like."

Did you know?

The word "robot" comes from the Czech word "robota," which means "forced labour" or "drudgery." It was first used in a 1920 play called "R.U.R." (Rossum's Universal Robots)!

Key Takeaway for Section 1

Using specific vocabulary like "connectivity," "e-learning," and "automation" makes your arguments sound more precise and intelligent. Try to use one or two new words from this list the next time you discuss technology!


Section 2: The Great Debate - Pros and Cons of Technology

Technology isn't just good or bad—it's complicated! In exams, you'll often need to discuss both sides of the issue. Let's break down the common arguments. Thinking about these points will give you great ideas for your essays and discussions.

Theme 1: Communication

  • PROS (The Good Stuff) 👍
    - Instant Connection: We can talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime. (e.g., WhatsApp, FaceTime)
    - Global Communities: We can find people with similar interests from all over the world. (e.g., Online gaming groups, fan forums)


  • CONS (The Not-So-Good Stuff) 👎
    - Less Face-to-Face Interaction: People may spend more time looking at screens than talking to the person next to them.
    - Misinformation Spreads Fast: Fake news and rumours can go viral easily.
    - Cyberbullying: Anonymity can make it easier for people to be cruel online.

Theme 2: Learning & Work

  • PROS (The Good Stuff) 👍
    - Access to Information: We can learn about anything with a quick search. (e.g., Google, Wikipedia)
    - Flexible Learning/Work: E-learning and working from home offer more flexibility.
    - Increased Efficiency: Tools and automation help us complete tasks faster.


  • CONS (The Not-So-Good Stuff) 👎
    - The Digital Divide: Not everyone has equal access to devices or stable internet, creating inequality.
    - Distractions: Social media notifications and videos can make it hard to focus on studying or working.
    - Job Displacement: Automation and AI may replace human jobs in the future.

Quick Review Box

Technology's Double-Edged Sword
Remember, most points have two sides.
• Social media connects us, but it can also lead to less real-life interaction.
• Automation is efficient, but it can threaten jobs.
Being able to discuss BOTH sides is a key skill!

Key Takeaway for Section 2

There are always two sides to the story of technology. Understanding the pros and cons helps you form a balanced and thoughtful opinion, which is exactly what examiners are looking for.


Section 3: Mastering the Argument - Skills for Discussion and Debating

Knowing the arguments is the first step. The next is presenting them clearly and persuasively. This is crucial for group discussions and debates. Let's learn a simple but powerful structure.

The P.E.E.L. Method: Your Best Friend in an Argument

Imagine you're building with LEGO. You can't just throw the bricks together. You need a plan! The P.E.E.L. method is your plan for building a strong argument.

  • P - Point: State your main idea clearly in one sentence.
    Example: "One of the greatest benefits of technology is its impact on education."

  • E - Evidence/Example: Give a specific example or fact to support your point.
    Example: "For instance, students can now access online courses from top universities around the world through platforms like Coursera."

  • E - Explanation: Explain HOW your example supports your point.
    Example: "This means that learning is no longer limited by geography, allowing students in Hong Kong to learn from a professor in the USA."

  • L - Link: Link your point back to the main topic or question.
    Example: "Therefore, technology has clearly revolutionised how we access and share knowledge."

Useful Phrases for Discussions

Keep these phrases in your pocket! They will help you sound more fluent and polite.

Stating Your Opinion:

  • In my opinion...
  • I believe that...
  • From my perspective...

Agreeing:

  • I agree with you.
  • That's a very good point.
  • I feel the same way because...

Disagreeing Politely (Very important!):

  • I see your point, but I have a different view...
  • I understand what you're saying, however...
  • I'm afraid I have to disagree because...
Common Mistakes to Avoid

- Being too aggressive: A discussion is not a fight. Listen to others politely.
- Not listening: Don't just think about what you'll say next. Listen to the other person's point and respond to it.
- Making points without examples: Arguments without examples are weak. Always use the P.E.E.L method!

Key Takeaway for Section 3

A good argument is structured and polite. Use the P.E.E.L. method to build strong points and use the phrase bank to express your ideas clearly and respectfully during discussions.


Section 4: Writing About Technology - Crafting a Killer Article

Writing an article about technology is a common task. Don't worry if this seems tricky! Following a clear structure, just like in a debate, makes it much easier.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Article

Step 1: Pre-writing (The Plan)

Before you write a single word, PLAN! This is the most important step.

  1. Brainstorm: Write down all your ideas about the topic. Think about the pros and cons we discussed earlier.

  2. Choose Your Stance: Will your article argue that technology is mostly positive, mostly negative, or balanced?

  3. Create an Outline: Plan your paragraphs. Every paragraph should have one main idea.

Example Outline:
- Introduction: Hook the reader, state the topic.
- Body Paragraph 1: Positive effect on communication. (Use P.E.E.L.)
- Body Paragraph 2: Positive effect on education. (Use P.E.E.L.)
- Body Paragraph 3 (Counter-argument): Acknowledge a negative side, like cyberbullying. (Shows you are a balanced thinker!)
- Conclusion: Summarise and give a final thought.

Step 2: Drafting (The Writing)

Now, follow your outline and write!

  • Introduction: Start with a hook (a surprising fact or question). Briefly introduce the topic and state your main argument (this is called a thesis statement).
    Example Hook: "Can you imagine a single day without your smartphone? For most of us, the answer is no."

  • Body Paragraphs: Each paragraph should focus on one idea from your outline. Use the P.E.E.L. method to make your points strong and clear. Use transition words like "Firstly," "Furthermore," "However," to connect your paragraphs smoothly.

  • Conclusion: Summarise your main points in a new way. Do NOT introduce new ideas. End with a final thought or a suggestion for the future.
    Example Final Thought: "While we must be mindful of its dangers, technology's potential to connect and educate us is undeniable."

Step 3: Revising (The Polish)

Read your work! Check for simple mistakes in spelling, punctuation, and grammar (e.g., subject-verb agreement). Make sure your ideas flow logically.

Quick Review Box

Article Structure in a Nutshell
1. Intro: Hook + Background + Thesis Statement
2. Body Paragraphs: Point + Evidence + Explanation + Link (P.E.E.L.)
3. Conclusion: Summary + Final Thought

Key Takeaway for Section 4

A good article is a planned article. Use the three-step process (Plan, Write, Polish) and a clear structure for your paragraphs to present your ideas effectively and impress the examiner.


You've made it to the end! You now have the key vocabulary, arguments, and skills to confidently discuss and write about the changes brought by technology. Remember, practice is key. Try to discuss these topics with a friend or write a short paragraph using the P.E.E.L method. You've got this!