Monthly TOEFL Essay #2 (Possible changes in 21st century)

Topic for the response: The 21st century has begun. What changes do you think this new century will bring? Use examples and details in your answer.

On December 31^st, 1999, at the last day of 20^th century, hope and expectation were prevalent in society with fear and worries facing the new millennium. Embracing those emotions, it has been 13 years since 21^st century was born. Several changes are made until now, and they are indicating other new changes in the future as well. I’ve selected few changes which are expected to be brought by brand new century.

Netscape went public on September 8^th, 1995 at the cost of 28$. It started the internet, dotcom market boom. In 21^st century, with the invention of smart phone, the world consists of more webs of internet and cell phones, and the development of network shifted the agent of several activities from group to individuals. Now we can download open-source software, movies, and songs with one click at home. For example, using a program ‘utorrent’, each individuals can upload and download files. We can update our status on our personal blogs or social media. Free educational lectures are offered at university website, making our visit to school unnecessary. In the past, all sort of things used to be held in groups such as the education in classroom, information shared in library. However, due to the development of network in 21^st century, activities are becoming individual-oriented.

Expected changes also include the development of renewable energy. The renewable energy is an energy which comes from the resources which are continuously replenished. They include wind, solar, bio-fuel and geothermal energy. Their further developments in 21^st century are self-evident since the men are feeling the need of renewable energy by their skin. The global warming is expedited in 21^st century, causing several phenomena such as stronger hurricanes, sea level rising, and polarization of seasons. Oil, natural gas and coal are running out within a century at most, and pollution is getting worse in every aspect. People started to focus on renewable energy, and continuing research and development. For example, methane hydrate and shale gas are newly found energy which are being investigated currently. Since human are keep feeling the need of renewable energy, and conducting research and development, renewable energy are expected to be the main source of energy.

Barely a decade has passed since 21^st century began, and it might be too early to suggest changes expected in new century. However, individualization and renewable energy as main energy source are quite feasible changes. By reflecting 20^th century, I hope we earn more positive changes than negative ones, and better result at the end of 21^st century.