73 PR Some people think that governments should spend as much money as possible on developing or buying computer technology. Other people disagree and think that this money should be spent on more basic needs. Which one of these opinions do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

I realize that it’s important to stay up to date with our technology. So much, like our space and defense programs, depends on it. I’ve also read that we shouldn’t let other governments get ahead of ours in the race for better technology. This could eventually put us at a disadvantage and our whole economy could suffer. Despite all this, I think our government should spend our tax dollars on more basic items before it gets into the business of developing computer technology.
 
We have so many problems in our society, and it seems every solution needs money. For instance, we talk about getting people off welfare. To do that we need money to give them jobs until they can support themselves. That means support training, day care for their children, and probably a monthly rent subsidy. All of those things can cost hundreds of millions of dollars. However, if we could solve a major problem like, wouldn’t it improve our society even more than new technology?
 
Another problem is that our transportation system is falling apart. Bridges have cracks in them. Highways buckle. Accidents happen because of these problems. We shouldn’t put money into improving a computer chip when we have basic needs like these.
 
Besides, Why should the government be in the business of developing technology? Aren’t there several very successful corporations doing just that? Yes, it’s probably less the expensive in the long run for the government to develop the technology. Nevertheless, in the short run, there are basic needs in our society that aren’t being met. I think that’s where the money should go.

74 PR Some people like doing work by hand. Others prefer using machines. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

Here’s the problem. I’m sloppy. That’s why I like to use machines to do my work rather than do things by hand. Machines can be creative, precise, and efficient.

Most people think that you can only be creative if you do things by hand. However, it takes creativity to set the machine up. Once it’s set up, it can repeat the same task over and over and over perfectly. If you want to write ten letters, you can set up your word processor to do it, press a button, and ten letters will be printed. It would take me forever by hand, and I would make a lot of mistakes. By hand, each letter would be different. By machine, each one is perfect.

Machines are very precise. They don’t get tired and cut the wrong way. They don’t get distracted and drop some mustard on the paper. As I said, I’m sloppy, but like neatness. That’s why I prefer to use machines.

Machines are also more efficient. I’m too tired to pick up the phone and see who is calling me. My answering machine isn’t tired. It’s always on duty. It doesn’t get tired, upset, or moody.

I can depend on my machines, but I can’t always depend on my hand to be creative, precise, or efficient.