Writing Task IELTS 2 Speculation Topic

To what extent information technology reduced social inequality?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experiences.

People who live in developed countries often take access to information technology for granted. However, as the IT revolution moves forward in some parts of the world, elsewhere the disadvantaged are falling further and further behind. Indeed there are many barriers to wider IT access and its potential benefits.

In many parts of the world, illiteracy remains a major obstacle to IT access. In some countries, less than 50% percent of the population is able to read. Women and the poor are especially likely to be illiterate and therefore at a disadvantage when it comes to IT access and its potential benefits.

Another major barrier is inadequate infrastructure. In some countries, the electricity supply is irregular. In addition, broadband may only be available in major cities, rendering many rural areas off the map as far as IT access is concerned. In these circumstances, the Internet may actually be increasing rather than decreasing social inequality between urban and rural areas.

Even where IT access is available, governments are often fearful of a well-informed public.  In fact, government censorship of the Internet is widespread. The use of blocking software and firewalls is common, even in countries such as Australia, which are commonly regarded as free and democratic.
Those who are well educated and sophisticated may be able to find a way around such obstacles; however,those who are less advantaged may remain unable to access some information freely.

In short, where unequal access to infrastructure, education and free information exist, the IT revolution is unlikely to reduce inequality. Unless fundamental inequalities are addressed, the Internet may, in fact, increase social divides.