How to Write Great Essays

108

---

109
TIMED PROMPT 4
Describe the purposes of the Internet. Include various viewpoints, including that of users and
providers.
In today’s world, the first place people turn to when there is a question to be
answered, information to be located, or people to be contacted, is often the
Internet. The Internet has supplanted the traditional encyclopedia as well as a
number of other sources of service and information. We can make reserva-
tions, plan vacations, play interactive games, learn a language, listen to music
or radio programs, read the newspaper, and find out about a medical condition,
without coming face to face with another person. There is no limit to the sub-
ject matter you can research on the Internet. The Internet allows you to
remain at your computer and shop no matter what you wish to purchase. And
if you are looking for a bargain or an unusual item, you can go to a popular
auction site and either sell or buy.
But if you do wish to speak directly to a person, there are chat rooms. On
practically any given topic, groups of people converse with each other. They
may be giving opinions about a perfect travel itinerary, a book, or even a polit-
ical party. But perhaps the widest use of the Internet involves directly writing
to a person by sending e-mail messages to friends and associates. It is possi-
ble to communicate instantly with anyone, anywhere, as long as there is an
Internet connection. In addition to verbal messages, digital pictures may be
transmitted on the Internet.
Unfortunately, there are individuals who misuse the opportunities possible on
the Internet. They are less than honest, disguise their identity, bilk people in
financial scams, and entice unsuspecting people, including children, into giving
them personal information. They steal people’s identities and use their credit
and good names to make purchases, apply for loans, and steal assets.
Of course, the Internet providers, such as AOL, hope to make a profit, and
there is usually a monthly fee for the hookup. To increase the profits, the
providers sell advertising, which may pop up on the subscriber’s screen and
require the user to stop and respond, either positively or negatively, to the ads.
When you consider that you can hear a concert, read a book, visit a museum
and view its contents, visit the websites of numerous individuals and organizations,
play a game with one or more people, and pay your bills, you will realize that the
uses of the Internet are too vast for a short list. Most would agree that much
has been added to peoples’ lives by connecting them to the Internet, and that we
probably cannot anticipate what new purposes will be explored in the future.
Sample Essay Prompts and Essays  CHAPTER 8