ESSAY INFORMATION:
Written by: Xuân Phi, 6/12/2020
Supported by: Nick Kemp- BC Ex-examiner, 07/12/2020
Question: Some people say that modern technology has made shopping today easier, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
(IELTS Academic, 5/12/2020)
ANSWER:
It is sometimes argued that technical advancements such as e-commerce sites have enhanced shopping experiences. Although I overwhelmingly agree with this, I also hold the belief that it has brought about both confusion and annoyance to shoppers.
On the one hand, up-to-date technology has improved the customer experience in both online and offline shops. Firstly, with the advent of e-commerce websites, products are made globally available without geographical constraints. That means a Nike fan in Vietnam is able to order the much anticipated “Fly 4%” running shoes as soon as they are added to sites such as Amazon US or Sportswear.com. Secondly, physical store visitors seem to welcome the convenience of computer operated payment methods and customer service. A buyer can instantly pay for his purchases by scanning a QR code at a checkout counter, while a customer assistant could promptly award him a loyalty card with personalised offers as suggested by customer relationship management software.
Nevertheless, I believe modern technology has caused shoppers to be overwhelmed by choices and annoyed by disrupted buying processes. To illustrate, a quick Google search for a simple item such as baby diaper results in about three hundred providers, each of which boast about being the most trusted brand in baby care. Therefore, it seems harder for the diaper buyer to pick one among an enormous number of possibilities compared to just a few options in a nearby traditional shop. In addition, cutting edge technology could still contain flaws or bugs that annoy shoppers. For example, the MOMO e-wallet has failed to connect to the database of its retailing partners for week-long periods, which left thousands of dissatisfied users queueing to sort out their bills with cashiers.
In summary, although shoppers now have greater choices and convenience, their buying experience has deteriorated to some extent because of technical interference. Therefore, merchants should carry out extensive customer research before deciding on adopting these the technologies to satisfy the expectations of today’s consumers.
Word Count: 326
WORD LIST:
ENGLISH | TIẾNG VIỆT |
E-commerce sites | Các nền tảng thương mại điện tử |
The advent of sth | Sự ra đời/xuất hiện
của một phát minh nào đó |
Geographical constraint | Hạn chế về mặt địa lý |
A much anticipated item | Một mặt hàng rất được trông chờ |
Computer operated
payment method |
Phương pháp thanh toán
bằng công nghệ |
Customer Relationship Management | Bộ phận Quan hệ Khách hàng |
Disrupted buying process | Quá trình mua sắm bị gián đoạn |
Deteriorate (v) | Trở nên tệ hơn |
Cutting-edge (adj) | Hiện đại, tân tiến nhất |
Boast about V-ing | Tự hào về việc gì |
Sort out | Giải quyết vấn đề |
Promptly | Ngay lập tức |
An enormous number of + N | Một số lượng lớn |
Retailing partner | Đối tác bán lẻ |