GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 86
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people believe that it is good to share as much information as possible in scientific research, business and the academic world. Others believe that some information is too important or too valuable to be shared freely.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1:
The question of how much information should be shared for scientific study, business, and academic research has sparked off an intense debate. Many believe that it is a spectacular idea to disseminate information as much as possible, whereas others argue that some information seems too dangerous to be purveyed. However, I strongly feel about sharing information freely except in a few cases where national security is concerned.
Proponents of sharing information freely go on to argue that information ought to be circulated to the full for the sake of sustaining progress. In simple words, sharing information paves the way for discoveries. Covid-19 is a case in point. Many kinds of research are being conducted by scientists across the world, working in collaboration with each other so as to invent a vaccine as soon as possible. This also applies to the business world, which can work together to develop new products, as well as academics, who need to put new information into previous perspectives in order to broaden their knowledge and complete new groundbreaking works.
On the contrary, people who find sharing information dangerous, believe that it could pose threats to state security. They go on to argue that governments should not share classified information, which may hamper global peace. For example, classified documents relating to nuclear technology bring our earth to the verge of destruction if any ferocious terrorist group can access these documents. Similarly, many companies are reluctant to share information. This is because that information can stifle their commercial interest. For instance, if a company discloses its product formula, then the information gives the rival company a competitive advantage.
In my opinion, however, to realize its full advantage information needs to be shared freely, otherwise, it only benefits its keepers. To put it another way, shared information in those fields will be stepping-stones to innovations. Therefore, the information should not be constrained if there is no security concern.
In conclusion, both points of views have their merits. However, I am of the opinion that information sharing ought not to be restricted, unless there are overriding security risks.
Model Answer 2:
Some would argue that information should be made available as much as possible for scientific study, business and the academic world, yet, others think that it should be kept strictly confidential. This essay will outline both these views. While sharing information to the full extent comes as a boon, I believe some crucial information should be kept strictly confidential.
On the one hand, sharing information freely proves to be good for science, research, technology, business and academia. To commence with, information sharing accelerates scientific research. This is because researchers can save time by collaborating with each other’s works. For example, scientists around the world have invented the vaccine for Novel Corona Virus within a very short period of time by collaborating with each other. The same can be applied to the corporate world, which can develop new products with the help of sharing crucial information. Similarly, academicians also can broaden their knowledge by sharing information.
On the other hand, sharing some information freely is considered notoriously dangerous. Some information should not be shared because it may cause danger and is much valuable as well. For instance, research pertaining to nuclear science and weapons is highly sensitive and consequently confidential. If it falls into the hands of rogue states, terrorists, and criminals, it can plunge the planet into a nuclear nightmare. I believe some information regarding trade is also immensely valuable. That is to say that sensitive information and business secrets offer an advantage that makes a business more able to succeed in competing with others. For example, secret formula and marketing mix give the business a competitive advantage over its rivals.
In conclusion, although sharing information quicken research as well as extends knowledge in the academic field, it poses grave risks in many cases, and that is why it is important to keep some information confidential.
Hello! I hope you are doing good. I’ve read this topic about sharing information in scientific research and in the academic world, which I believe was really helpful for us to gain some knowledge. So hope for the best.