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TOEFL Directory > TOEFL writing > Lesson 20- The Real Essay Questions (VI)
Lesson 20- The Real Essay Questions (VI)
Issue # 8: Monetary System
This is an interesting concept for changing the world's monetary system of metal coins and printed paper into a computerized system of credits and debits. However, this system is already largely implemented. The final step would be to create digital cash cards.
Much of the world's wealth is already tracked digitally. Every day trillions of dollars are shifted digitally around the world. This argument is somewhat confused insofar as it poses its argument as if wealth and monetary transactions have not already been digitized.
The last step in implementing digital monetary transactions are smart cards that contain a chip that links to an account. This would act as a credit card for small transactions. This would provide a wonderful convenience and from a symbolic point, it would ultimately mean that cash would be
unnecessary.
However, I believe that technology should never be implemented for technology's sake. Old fashioned cash and coins have great convenient value. If I want to pay my nephew to mow my lawn, I can't pay him in a digital manner. Can I tip a coat check girl with a digital card. Indeed,
under close inspection it becomes apparent that coins and money have been around thousands of years and should remain for thousands more.
Changing all money to a digital format is inconvenient and represents technology for technology's sake. Cash and coins are highly convenient and do not need to be replaced by an inconvenient and impractical solution.
Issue #9: Personal Lives of Employees
Should employees leave their personal lives entirely behind them when they enter the workplace, as the author suggests here? While it is true that employees should not allow their personal lives to interfere with their jobs, the author fails to consider that personal issues can help
to foster a workplace atmosphere that helps everyone do a better job.
Bringing in personal interests and activities can help build collegiality among workers. Discussing personal activities helps to establish a rapport with co-workers. Company-sponsored social activities help to produce greater cohesiveness in an organization, by allowing relationships to develop among workers.
However, employees be aware that personal lives could intrude on job performance. At worst, personal lives could become a distraction to work performance. Romantic relationships between coworkers could create sexual harassment liability and also need to be kept confidential. Another problem with interjecting personal lives into work is that employees who do not share their personal lives could be viewed as aloof and may be resented by coworkers who perceive
them as arrogant, unfriendly or uncooperative. Thus, interjecting personal lives into work presents risks.
In the final analysis, employees should strike a careful balance when they mix their personal lives with their jobs. Although there are some circumstances in which bringing one's personal life to the job may be counterproductive, for many reasons it is a good idea to inject small doses of personal life into the workplace.
Issue # 10: Process vs. Product
The passage states that "in an enterprise the process of doing something is more important than the final product itself." I wholeheartedly agree with this statement, the process of doing
something, if handled properly will insure the final product, in this way, the process is what makes the final product.
The quality of the process will insure the quality of the results. For example, if a company is processing its tax returns, then it must assure the legitimacy of the processes of calculating those results. Were qualified accountants used? Were they given the proper accounting process? What is important is not the final return but the process that leads to the final tax calculation.
In addition, in research the process is often more valuable than the final results. For example, at Bell Labs in the 1940s several scientists were trying to develop transistor technology that could be demonstrable. Instead, while developing the transistor the scientists stumbled upon a design that laid the groundwork for the microchip. The process of research led to a radical new design that was highly cost effective.
Finally, there is an ennobling element to the process associated with any great accomplishment, whether it be winning World War II, building the Hoover Dam, or the Wright brothers development of motorized flight, in each case the value of an accomplishment becomes
especially sweet in light of the sacrifices required to make it. When we collectively reflect on these accomplishments, we cannot help dwell on the courage required in the processes to make the final accomplishment.
In conclusion, the process of doing something often is more critical and important than the final product. It is the effort and brilliance in the process that itself produces the result.
You have finished the E-rater guide!
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