Most students struggle with addressing “far too much” questions, because the value terms (“too much” or “far too much”) are often poorly dealt with.
Consider this question:
‘Far too much attention is given to beauty products and treatments.’ Do you agree? (2004)
It is interesting to note that when we agree with this (and similarly worded) question, we tend to forget the “too” and simply talk about “a lot” – and this is a problem. However, when we disagree with this statement, even if we forget to address the “too”, our answer still tends to be fully relevant. In other words, for this question, ignoring the value term tends to hurt your grade more when you agree than when you disagree.
To illustrate, let’s consider what would happen if you ignore the value phrase “far too much”:
If you agree, you will probably say that there is a lot of attention being given to beauty products and treatment. This, however, doesn’t prove that “far too much” attention is given, because “a lot” isn’t quite the same as “far too much”. On the scale of extremity, “a lot” is less extreme than “far too much”. If your stand is a more extreme one, proving something less extreme isn’t good enough to justify your stand.
If you disagree (again, considering a situation where “far too much” was ignored), you will probably say that there is little attention being paid to beauty products and treatments. To disprove “far too much”, we can prove “a lot (but not far too much), “moderate amounts” or “little attention” – in other words, neglecting the “too” still meets the question’s requirements.
So you could get by by simply disagreeing. However, a better “disagreement” essay, and all “agreement” essays would need to have a clear idea of what the line between “a lot” and “too much” / “far too much” is.
KEY SKILL (to address “too much” or “far too much”):
Set a clear yardstick (or several yardsticks) for the value phrase “far too much”. This should be made clear in your introduction, and each body paragraph should show a clear link back to your yardstick(s).
What we need to understand in such questions is that there it involves a scale of responses, ranging from “no attention” at one end, to “complete attention” at the other end. This question, on “far too much”, considers a fairly extreme position – you may define it as very close to the extreme end of the scale, or even consider it to be at the absolute end of the scale.
Thinking tips:
In any question that involves a scale of responses, we might want to first generate general ideas about the topic, then refine those ideas to get an idea of what different positions on the scale might mean. For example, we might first consider what “attention to beauty products and treatments” means. Next, we might ask ourselves what “little attention” and “a lot of attention” mean. Finally, we would ask ourselves, what’s the difference between “a lot of attention” and “far too much attention”? If our answer to both questions are the same, then that’s a sign that something’s wrong with our interpretation of “far too much”, and we’ll have to pause and think a little more about what yardstick/s we are / should be using to measure “far too much”.
ALTERNATIVELY,
We might want to apply the terms we are dealing with to simpler contexts, to give us an idea of the approach that is needed. In this case, we might want to ask ourselves, what’s the difference between eating a lot, and eating far too much? Or the difference between having a lot of homework, and far too much homework? What about having too many clothes? Could we argue that there’s no such thing as having too many clothes? Why? Or what about if someone smokes one cigarette a day? Most would agree that it doesn’t count as a lot, but some might argue that it is still too much!
From all these questions, and from our answers to these questions, we might get a better idea of how to approach a “too much” question by applying the same skills and techniques we used to answer these to the actual exam question.
–
Structuring the essay
If you’ve thought of one yardstick, you might want to organise your paragraphs by levels/aspects, linking back to your yardstick in each paragraph.
For example,
Stand: Disagree
Yardstick: far too much = unnecessary
Para 1 [Aspect: Media]
Advertisers do not pay too much attention to beauty products and treatments as it is a necessary function of advertisers to cater to the public’s demand. TV programmes (e.g. Nip/Tuck, Extreme Makeover) do not overemphasise beauty products and treatments because they too respond to the public’s demand – it is necessary if they want to keep the public entertained.
Note: This is one way of having scope and a range of examples within each paragraph – here, two areas (advertising and TV) within the broader idea of media are included.
Para 2 [Aspect: Economic]
The beauty industry is growing, and less attention would mean fewer economic benefits. To sustain the economic value of this growing industry, it is thus important to continue paying attention to this industry. This is especially relevant in countries where the industry is particularly large (e.g. cosmetic surgery in South Korea) – clearly, it is not unnecessary.
Para 3 [Level: Individual]
Because some people need make-up to boost their self-confidence. Because ironing out a wrinkle with a little Botox might make a person happier. It is thus necessary to make one’s life that little bit better.
OR
You might want to organise the paragraphs according to different yardsticks, if you’ve managed to think of more than one
Stand: Agree
Far too much = (1) unnecessary OR
(2) harmful / detrimental
(3) alternatives (areas to focus our attention on) are more sensible
Here, some paragraphs may consider the first yardstick, and others might consider the second, and others the thrid. According to this structure, your scope (in terms of levels/aspects) will come in within each paragraph. For example:
Paragraph 1: Unnecessary on an individual and societal level
Paragraph 2: Unnecessary media coverage
Paragraph 3: Detrimental to individuals, both young and old
Paragraph 4: Channelling scientific research into more useful areas (not the beauty industry) are more beneficial
PHRASING / EXPRESSING YOURSELF
For those of you who struggle with the way you phrase and express ideas, the idea of “too much” is that some sort of line is crossed. To use language to show this idea, you might want to say something along the lines of, “Far too much attention is given to beauty products and treatments because we use beauty products and treatments to the point where it becomes unnecessary”
Task
(1) Go through the thinking tips above and write down other possible yardsticks that we can use to measure “far too much”.
If you’re stuck, try filling in the blanks here:
Far too much attention is given to beauty products and treatments because _____[yardstick]_______.
OR
It is not true that far too much attention is given to beauty products and treatments because _____[yardstick]_______.
(2) Use the yardsticks generated in (1), or existing yardsticks mentioned in the above post, to write either an introduction or a body paragraph for this essay.
(3) Repeat (1) and (2) above to a similar question:
Does the modern world place too much reliance on technology? (2003)
read, think, write. 
Not too much because technology is a necessity in our modern world for development. Eg. interconnectedness of economies
Rephrase: Our current level of reliance on technology is necessary for development. Thus, we do not rely too much on technology.
YARDSTICK: Far too much reliance is given to technology because even though there are instances in which we don’t need it on a daily basis such as communication (e.g facebook) we still use it excessively.
It is not true that far too much attention is given to beauty products and treatments because the pursuit of perfection of the human body can never be achieved as nothing in the world can ever be perfect. therefore, there should not be a limit being placed on the magnitude of which physical beauty is being promoted
far too much reliance is given to technology because -> even simple tasks are mechanised
technology gives humans easier alternatives in completing tasks. though they are efficient, they falter at times. security-> airport security fail-> disastrous consequences.
“far too much” has negative connotations – meaning “simple tasks are mechanised” now has negative connotations. Are you suggesting we don’t mechanise simple tasks?
Second point – “too much” not clearly shown. Yardstick isn’t clearly defined.
chunchie93@hotmail.com
The modern world is not too reliant on technology as there are instances where we prefer traditional methods.
There is too much reliance on technology in the modern world because without technology, people are unable to lead a normal life and will become less productive in area of education and manufacturing sector.
Far too much attention is given to beauty products and treatments because such has made them hold more detrimental effects which has impacted heavily with a high standard of life of people nowaday. high standard life would be….the detrimental effects would be…. whey cannot coexist because… hence too much
Relevance of “high standard of life” to this point isn’t clear.
It is true the modern world place too much reliance on technology because as we find ourselves being reliant on it to the extent that without it our life would be an inconvenient one highlighting the inability to function independently. Communication: Without our hand phone, email, fax, anything that involves a chip, there is little practical alternatives to communicate.
without technology, the world would be unable to function. the only way for man to advance is through the use of technology. however, the use of technology in menial tasks is unnecessary. the use of technology is necessary however there is an unnecessary reliance on technology for tasks which are very simple in nature we.
“the use of technology is necessary however there is an unnecessary reliance on technology for tasks which are very simple in nature we.”
??
The first three sentences are ok though.
The modern world relies too much on technology as there are too many instances in which we find ourselves crippled and unable to bring ourselves to carry out routine activities without it.
The modern world place places too much reliance on technology such that basic skills like mental sums are no longer considered as a simple skill to master.
Far too much attention is given to beauty products and treatments because it distracts us from dealing with more serious and worrying world issues
Far too much attention is given to beauty products and treatments because it creates in people, unwarranted fears about their appearances.
We are placing too much reliance on technology, as often, we use technology, like our phones, unneccessarily, to do simple tasks that we could do easily with the tools around us.
Far too much attention is given to beauty products and treatments because the advertisements in the media about beauty products takes up usable space that can be substituted with more important elements that affect the world. For example the importance of saving the environment that needs to be addressed more urgently can be advertised in the media, rather than useless beauty products that only apply to vain-pots in society.
Far too much attention is given to beauty products and treatments because resources are wasted in making, marketing and attaining this products. These resources used can be more effectively utilised in providing other goods and services such as education. This is because of the social pressure on looking better, therfore people will want to go for this treatments and products which may not be necessary for them resulting in wasting of their own resources, which in their case is their hard earned money.
Firms also place too much attention in this as can be seen by the huge amounts of beauty products and treatments available which are similar just with a different name
It is not true that far too much attention is given to beauty products and treatments because research for beauty products and treatments need to be ceaseless. This is to prevent any possible harmful effects that the wearer may encounter.
Far too much reliance is given to technology because when technology fails, the world enters a downward spiral which results in the downfall of economies and industries. For example a loss of electricity may have a detrimental effect in Wall Street where stocks would be out of control and companies may be affected. Banks nowadays rely on online banking as a convinient mode of transaction. A program which hacks into such a system may result in one not knowing where your money has gone and confidence may be lost in the bank. The over reliance on technology also results in the environment and society being at the losing end. The over reliance on technology in the developed countries may depelete finite natural resources as well as lead to an increasing technological gap between developed and less developed countries.
Sounds rather extreme. To be convincing, you need to find real examples to substantiate this.
STAND: Agree – Yes.
Far too much attention is given to beauty products and treatments because more and more people are becoming increasingly concerned with their outward appearance and some are even obsessed with their looks so much that they go to the extremes of spending money on cosmetic surgery. Thanks to the media, the purpose of beauty products is no longer solely to cleanse the skin but also to whiten, purify, remove wrinkles… The media has instilled and developed the desire to look good in people by constantly broadcasting beauty and make-over programmes and as a result caused people to be always mindful of their own looks and chasing after the ‘ideal’ appearance. Why is this too much? People are now more willing to spend a greater proportion of their income on beauty products and treatments and as a result have compromise their spending on daily necessities. Furthermore, family time or time to socialize is sacrificed as people make use of this time to seek facial and spa treatments. Are all these sacrifices necessary? I think not. I am not saying that giving attention i.e. spending money and time on beauty products and treatments to make one look possibly better is wrong, but what I am saying is we should not be doing so at the expense of our everyday needs and social life.
Good stuff – clear introduction, which addresses question requirements, incorporates evaluative comments and signposts main arguments clearly.
Stand – Yes, far too much attention is given to beauty products and treatments.
From the religious perspective, it is indeed justified to say that far too much attention is given to these ‘beauty enhancers’. This beauty of what we are so obsessed in enhancing is just the mere physical and outer beauty – one of which is based on this superficial view of beauty that we humans have created for ourselves. Religion has always encouraged us to see our inner beauties as the main element that constitutes to what beauty is. However, as a result of this excess attention on beauty products and treatments, many of us have lost sight of our religion’s view of beauty. So much so that we spend hundreds of dollars changing our exterior appearances to meet this superfical, humanistic view of beauty instead of focusing on meeting what our religion proclaims as beauty.
However, it is indeed inevitable that we must succumb to this humanistic view of beauty for it is in our human nature to want to look good physically (and not just internally) so as to attract the opposite sex. Therefore, placing attention on these beauty products and treatments is inevitable. But if this attention has resulted in coming to the point whereby we are convinced that it is only through these products and treatments that we need to go through in order to attract the opposite sex, then it is reasonable to say that this attention has indeed been overblown.
First para is good.
1) Remember your signposts – “However, SOME MAY ARGUE that…”
2) Stop saying “whereby”!
3) “But if this attention has resulted in coming to the point whereby we are convinced that it is only through these products and treatments that we need to go through in order to attract the opposite sex, …” – question is, HAS it come to this point? You need to explain WHY it has, and justify this. Because you didn’t, your stand sounds weak.
Why the word “whereby” is not proper here?
“Whereby” means “by which”. Here, the correct word should be “where”.
I see it.I previously mistook your correction as based on the idea that the word “whereby” is obsolete or over-formal.
Here comes a question that whether it is appropriate to use words like”therein,thereof,wherefore”,or latin phrases provided correctly used.
It is not true that far too much reliance is on technology in the modern world today. One can only say that we rely on technology too much if this reliance has detrimental effects on us. Two cases come to mind, one, if technology fails, we are helpless. Two, we use technology to do even mundane tasks which we can do by ourselves, and technology can fail us in this aspect.
First, saying that we are helpless if technology fails us, such as being unable to contact people if we lose our phones, is flawed. This is akin to saying that if planes did not exist, we would not be able to travel to other countries. It is merely a cause and effect statement, since in no conceivable way can technology fail us to such an extent that we are truly helpless. Lose a handphone? Ask to borrow someone else’s. In essence, it does not matter since it will not happen.
Next, if people say that we use technology too much because we are using it for mundane tasks, like farming, it is because it’s better than us at doing this. Yes, it can fail, but so can humans, often to a larger degree and therefore having larger, more dangerous ramifications than if a machine fails. For example, a combine harvester versus fifty men. It would not be unreasonable to say, the fifty men would tire out way before the harvester breaks down. Therefore, we do not rely too much on technology, instead using it to augment and improve ourselves
As always, strong voice – nice.
The modern world place too much reliance on technology because many people excessively use teachnology for unnecessary things like spending hours on online games and updating their social networking sites many times a day. This excessive use can lead to loss of personal touch like some who rather update their status than talk to those around them. In Australia, two teenage girls got lost in a stormwater drain but instead of calling the police, they updated their facebook status. A friend who was online then informed the police.
People rely too much on technology to the point that becomes a problem. People use to be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide simple numbers in their head. However nowadays many of us, especially the younger generation, cannot resist the temptation to use the calculator for every calculation we do.
Does the modern world place far too much reliance on technology?
Stand-No, not true. In today’s globalised world, people have relied a lot on technology, but that does not necessarily mean its too much. The increasing state of technology in many countries around the world has brought about much benefits, like replacing people in several jobs with machines. But, there are some activities where the use of machines are not preferred because people reognise the additional failures machines could potentially bring about. Even more so due to the rising numbers of failure intolerant societies in the world. Hence, as long as people are still aware of the potential failures or harm technology could bring about, the modern world will not depend too much on technology.
A bit difficult to see how this works – I’ll need examples to help me see how and where this argument actually applies.
For example, “But, there are some activities where the use of machines are not preferred because people reognise the additional failures machines could potentially bring about.” –> give examples. Not convincing, otherwise.
Does the modern world place far too much reliance on technology?
Stand: Yes
Our reliance on technology such as the computer, has led us to lose some valuable skills that human being have always prided ourselves as having. Penmanship – the ability to write a coherent sentence with the right words being spelled correctly and written in good handwriting, has been lose due to the fact that we are using too much of the word processing function on computers. While some may argue that the spell and grammar check function in such word-processing softwares have helped us to improve our command of the language, we are taking for granted the accuracy at which we are able to express our thoughts or ideas on paper using our own ability.
Note: Penmanship is about good handwriting, but not about “the ability to write a coherent sentence with the right words being spelled correctly”
Does the modern world place far too much reliance on technology?
Task 1: The modern world does rely greatly on technology. However, it is only when the reliance on technology is excessive and renders individuals or communities handicapped in its absence that we term it as far too greatly relied upon.
Our modern society today places far too much emphasis and reliance on the use of technology. This is to the point that the use of technology is used to replace the simplest of things in everyday life. What we used to consider an easy task has now been taken over by technology. Simple mathematics like addition used to be done mentally but now, the task has been replaced by a calculator. It is true that the use of technology has lighten our load and make jobs easier for people, bringing convenience to us. However, the cost of this convenience brings about the degeneration of the human brain. Researches have shown that the reduction in the use of the human brain has lead to the degeneration of the brain itself. There is far too much emphasis on technology that it has now brought about detrimental effect rather than convenience.
Far too much attention is given to beauty products due to countless advertisements in the media and the vast range of beauty products and treatments available to consumers. Beauty products and treatments these days, have long surpassed its original purpose of simply enhancing once beauty and instead replace the object of beauty. Also, the these days beauty products has transformed into a necessity instead of its former self of being a luxury and being exclusive to a few. Thus, hasn’t beauty products and treatments have been given too much attention?
Note that “due to countless advertisements in the media and the vast range of beauty products and treatments available to consumers” merely shows “a lot” – so I wouldn’t use that together with the sentence stem, “Far too much attention is given to beauty products”, because it doesn’t actually show “far too much”.
Instead, I’d use your second sentence as a reason instead, because that provides an actual yardstick:
Far too much attention is given to beauty products as beauty products and treatments these days have long surpassed its original purpose of simply enhancing one’s beauty and instead replaces the object of beauty. Also, these days, beauty products have been transformed into a necessity instead of its former self of being a luxury and being exclusive to a few. Thus, haven’t beauty products and treatments been given too much attention?
Does the modern world place far too much reliance on technology?
Stand- No
Our reliance on technology aligns with necessity. Reliance on technology is the easiest and most effective way to be more productive.
Far too much reliance has been placed on technology in the modern world. The ever-increasing reliance and emphasis on technology creates a widening disparity between the tech-savvy and the not-so. Technological platforms such as the internet, blogs and social networking sites are available only to those that have acquired the relevant operation know-how and the luxury of a working computer as well as internet connection. As more information is being shared on the internet, some of them exclusively available online, such as personal blogs, more people without the means of a working internet would be deprived of such valuable resources. Less than a third of the human population have access to the internet. Instead of empowering humans, it discriminates against those who are deprived of the means of the internet.
Even though machines simplify everyday tasks, skills are required to operate machines as they do not operate themselves. A new fast food chain’s employee would take time to familiarise himself with the computerised cash register system or the intricacies of the kitchen appliances. older employees, who are less exposed to technology may have more difficulties.
Too much reliance is is placed on technology as those unable to grasp or possess technology will be left behind those who are able, hence it is detrimental.
“Instead of empowering humans, it discriminates against those who are deprived of the means of the internet.” –> this argument (including the chunk above this line) doesn’t answer the question on reliance. It sounds like you’re answering a question on how an increase in the use of technology has brought about negative impacts.
Even your skills point is tangential.
Entire post focuses more on the detrimental effects than on the issue of reliance. I’m afraid this doesn’t meet requirements.
Does the modern world place too much reliance on technology?
The modern world is reliant on technology because technology is necessary for development and economic growth. Technical progress increases productivity of capital, labour and also creates investment opportunities for economic growth. Thus, we do not rely too much on technology.
How are you addressing “too much”?
“The modern world is reliant on technology because technology is necessary for development and economic growth.” –> we rely on technology
“Technical progress increases productivity of capital, labour and also creates investment opportunities for economic growth.” —> technology is good
You haven’t addressed “too much”
Say this:
Our CURRENT LEVEL OF RELIANCE is necessary. Therefore, we are not over-reliant
Technology has helped man in many ways, such as convenience. People are able to keep in contact with each other, without meeting up literally, through the use of handphones and the Internet. Information can be found or short-listed with the click of a button as compared to searching from piles and piles of books. However, the benefits that technology has brought to man has caused the modern world to place too much reliance on technology. This over-reliance on technology may be unnecessary as people are not able to carry out simple tasks. The over-reliance on technology may also cause detrimental effects as people are more prone to diseases due to the constant exposure to radioactive waves. The chances of the spread of disease across the world has also increased as travelling has become more common and efficient.
“This over-reliance on technology may be unnecessary as people are not able to carry out simple tasks. The over-reliance on technology may also cause detrimental effects as people are more prone to diseases due to the constant exposure to radioactive waves. The chances of the spread of disease across the world has also increased as travelling has become more common and efficient.”
–> You’re giving reasons why over-reliance is detrimental. Not what the question is asking. Doesn’t meet requirements, I’m afraid.
As compared to the past, the modern world now places a lot of emphasis and reliance on technology. However, we are not placing too much reliance on technology as without it, the world now would not be as comfortable and we would not be as developed we are now. For small countries such as Singapore for example, technology is needed to help complete simple tasks such as the packaging of food. This is helpful since Singapore has a small population and are generally highly educated. Hence, the government cannot afford to allow Singaporeans to do such mundane jobs due to comparative advantage. Therefore, our reliance on technology can be justified and we are not placing too much reliance on it
Sports is not necessarily too closely linked to money as commercialisation of sporting events are an integral part of financing and ensuring the success of these events. This is evident in the organisation and planning efforts of events like the Singapore Formula One GP, where millions of dollars need to be invested in advertising and promoting the event; attracting more people to be involved and participate in activities leading up to these events . This highlights the necessity of money in providing financial support to drive the sporting industry to success.
Rephrase the last bit – “Since the amount of money invested is necessary, it should not be any less linked to sports…”
The idea of linkage and how it, well, links to your reason of necessity is important.
The world is too dependent on oil because we cannot survive in this modern world without it. We use oil every day. The petrol we use to fuel car engines, the detergent to wash clothes, the fuel we use to light our stove, are products produced by fractional distillation of oil, either directly or indirectly. In addition, data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) has shown that out of 138 PWh of electricity consumed by the world, 50.33 PWh of electricity comes from oil. This figure, compared to other energy source available, such as coal and gas, is relatively high. Thus, the world is too dependent on oil, because oil provides the world with almost 50% of electrical energy. The world will be thrown into a pandemonium state, if oil, being a finite resource, is unavailable to us forever. Some may argue that there are alternative ways to derive energy, but this argument is flawed because oil is able to produce energy more efficiently compared to other energy sources such as coal. Hence, the world is too dependent on oil, because without it, the world economy will be in recession and people lively-hood threatened.
There can never be too many choices in life. As long as there are no perfect solutions to every possible scenario, one cannot limit their choices if they are to make the best decision in every situation. Having an ever-increasing plethora of choices is necessary to allow one to exercise their ability to rationally decide on the best course of action to undertake in any given context.
Too much attention is given to criminals: yes
not enough to their victims?:
do the victims want attention in the first place? unlikely….
cops trying to catch criminals at all cost, welfare of victim not top priority. interview/interrogate victims,remembering experience to the point of possible psychological trauma. seems like more attention to victim but actually the criminal.
Media- exaggerate/sensationalise crime stories, glorify criminals giving them names and titles. UNWANTED attention by media on victims….leading to possible danger e.g criminal wants to kill them to prevent incriminating evidence to be brought to light.
[…] (a), (b) and (c)), a recommended approach would be to use a yardstick that is appropriate for such questions. Thus, this question has elements of they typically less demanding ABSOLUTE questions, and the […]
Hi, I am not really clear about this sentence “The beauty industry is growing, and less attention would mean fewer economic benefits. ” do you mind lighten it up for me? Thank you!
Hi Eustacia
“less attention” refers to less attention on beauty products and treatments. So you can read it as, “The beauty industry is growing, and [paying] less attention [to beauty products and treatments] would mean fewer economic benefits”.
The argument is basically that fewer economic benefits is undesirable, therefore the current level of attention given to beauty products and treatments is not excessive.
Thank you!
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