(三)

Some people claim that there are more disadvantages of the car than its advantages.

Do you agree or disagree?

The current hot issues include the one of weighing the advantages and disadvantages of the automobile. In my opinion, its advantages outstrip its disadvantages for two major reasons: impact on society and economic impact.

Firstly, the development of automobiles has had an enormous effect on people’s way of life throughout the world. The automobile has given people freedom of movement. It influences where people live and work and how they spend their leisure time. However, each year, motor vehicle accidents kill an estimated 300,000 people throughout the world. But it is the drivers that are the chief factor in vehicle safety because they are responsible for about two-thirds of all accidents. Besides, the automobile itself has become safer and modern road building techniques have increasingly lowered the risk of automobile accidents.

Secondly, many nations depend on automobile production to provide jobs for millions of workers. Filling stations, restaurants, and other businesses that serve automobile travelers are of major importance to a country’s economy. In addition, many developing nations have begun making automobiles to stimulate industry. For example, China has promoted broad-based automobile manufacturing. However, automobiles produce terrible air pollution that endangers people’s health in many of the world’s big cities. But in many countries, steps have been taken to control air pollution caused by automobiles.

In summary, the striking changes in people’s lives and the economic impact created by the automobile in the early 20th century have since spread across much of the globe and its disadvantages are becoming insignificant. (250 words)