A hundred years ago, people thought that the human race was steadily improving in every area of life. Now it seems this is not certain in that situation. In which areas do you think we have made important progress nowadays, and in which area do you think we still need to make progress?

Sample 1:

Since times immemorial, evolution has played an important role in the growth and development of the human species. From a nomadic life in the jungles to a civilized society with customs and regulations, man has come a long way. A century ago, it was believed that human beings were making positive developments in all aspects of life. Moreover, in today's world, it is often debated whether we have reached the targets which we had set for ourselves. This essay will analyze this statement critically and try to come to a conclusion.

Undoubtedly, science and technology have progressed by leaps and bounds. Firstly, from igniting fire by friction of two stones to sending spaceships to other planets, man has come a long way. In his quest for knowledge, he has conquered and used nuclear powers, other sources of energy like sun, wind, and water to his advantage. To illustrate, the invention of the nuclear bomb, utilisation of solar energy, and tidal energy to generate electricity are examples of their evolution. Secondly, the knowledge of the physiology of the human body has enabled us to create a living being from a single cell by the process of cloning. In-vitro fertilization has given hope to millions of infertile couples worldwide to being their progeny into the world. Organ transplantation is a reality and not a myth. Every day, newer medicines and principles of treatment are invented which has led to increased life expectancy of human beings. For example, over the last 50 years, the mean life expectancy has increased from 50 years to 60 years worldwide. Last but not the least, the invention of the computer and internet has brought the world closer. Within seconds, we can connect to anyone, anywhere in the world through Skype and Whatsapp. All this was a distant dream when the first computer was invented by Charles Babbage.

But, just as a coin has two sides, there are areas where we have failed miserably. Firstly, in our race for prosperity and quality of life, we have forgotten the virtues of honesty, hard work, and respect for elders, which our ancestors believed in. We have taught our progeny all about science, without teaching them moral values needed to sustain humanity. This has endangered the very existence of the human species. The nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are a classic example of this failure on our part. Moreover, tolerance has decreased worldwide to hate crimes and other terrorist activities which endanger peace and sanity of our mother earth. So, essentially on our path to scientific progress, we have left our humane qualities behind.

To reiterate, it is true that although we have made massive breakthroughs in the fields of science and information technology, qualities which distinguished us from other animal species have been pushed to the backburner. This is a threat to the basic existence of mankind and therefore, we must make consolidated efforts to rekindle the good qualities of the human spirit.

Sample 2:

It is irrefutable that the world we live in today has changed beyond recognizable limits to what it was a hundred years ago. It has all been possible due to the growth of science and technology. This essay shall look into some areas in which we have made progress and the areas in which we still have a lot to do.

Let us first consider the growth in medical science. We have discovered newer cures and medicines for many diseases which were earlier considered untreatable. Even the surgical techniques adopted today are safer and quicker. Organ transplantation surgeries have given life to many.

Furthermore, there have been revolutionary developments in the transport and communication sector. Air travel has become safer and faster. Road and rail transport have also achieved newer heights. Communication technology has shrunk the planet Earth into a global village. People are now constantly in touch with each other through the mobile phone and the internet. The internet is an ocean of knowledge. Even manufacturing technology has made mass production available and everything is available to everyone in all corners of the world.

However, there are still many sectors where we have to work further. Treatments for many types of cancers and AIDS have yet to be found. Alternative sources of energy have yet to be widely recognized and adopted. Ways to reduce pollution and thus put a halt to global warming have yet to be made. Many frontiers of outer space have yet to be explored. Effective ways to destroy nuclear waste have yet to be found.

To put it in a nutshell, I pen down saying that we have made a lot of progress in the last hundred years but there are still many areas in which we have to work further.