91�ȱ�

The following example has been written by 91�ȱ� Bitesize consultants as a suggestion of the type of question that may appear in an exam paper.

The last few years have seen the rise of food delivery services and the smartphone apps they use. Discuss the social and ethical implications that these services may bring.

How to tackle the question

Again, the first step is to decompose the question:

1. Identify the stakeholders.
2. Identify any technology involved.
3. Identify any potential issues associated with the topic, such as social, cultural, legal and environmental concerns.
4. Describe the effects of those issues on the stakeholders.

Identify the stakeholders

In the context of this question, the stakeholders could be:

• users of such apps and services
• food production employers
• employees

Identify the technology involved

In the context of this question, the technology could be:

• the internet
• smartphones
• 4G phone network coverage and wireless networks

Identify the issues associated with the topic

In the context of this question, the issues could be:

• cultural - encouraging the consumption of takeaway food
• social - food producers require greater technical knowledge
• social - a change to employment practice
• environmental - an increase in pollution from extra vehicles making deliveries
• environmental - an increase in waste products from packaging

Describe how the issues may affect the stakeholders

In the context of this question, the implications could be:

• People's cultural habits may change. Delivered food may be seen as more convenient, so people decide to cook less for themselves.
• The health of users may be affected as fast food could become a regular meal within their diet, leading to weight gain.
• Staff at food production companies may have to learn new technologies as orders come in via the internet.
• Some food delivery services employ what are known as 'gig' workers. These workers do not earn a salary, but only get paid for the deliveries they make. The increased growth of food delivery services would mean more people being employed on a gig basis.
• Deliveries require vehicles. The greater the number of deliveries there are, the greater the number of vehicles on the road. This could potentially increase congestion and environmental pollution. However, the mode of transport used for deliveries should also be considered. Some workers may use human-powers vehicles like bikes instead of cars or motorcycles.
• Delivered food often requires extra packaging. The more packaging, the more potential waste is produced.

It is important to state the issues clearly and to comprehensively explain the effects they may have on stakeholders. Answers should show a good level of written English and where possible, include technical terms.