The topic of self-driving technology and its impact on road safety has become increasingly relevant in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on an analysis of past exam trends and the growing importance of autonomous vehicles in modern society, this theme is likely to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question that closely resembles those encountered in actual IELTS exams:
Some people believe that self-driving cars will make roads safer, while others are concerned about the potential risks. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the positive view: Self-driving cars improving road safety
- Explore the concerns about potential risks
- Provide a personal opinion on the matter
Let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality, representing different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The advent of self-driving technology has sparked a heated debate about its potential impact on road safety. While proponents argue that autonomous vehicles will significantly reduce accidents, critics express concerns about the risks associated with this emerging technology. In my opinion, while there may be initial challenges, self-driving cars have the potential to dramatically improve road safety in the long run.
Those in favor of self-driving cars point to the fact that human error is responsible for the vast majority of road accidents. Autonomous vehicles, equipped with advanced sensors and algorithms, can react faster and more consistently than human drivers, potentially eliminating mistakes caused by fatigue, distraction, or impaired judgment. Moreover, these vehicles can communicate with each other and with traffic infrastructure, optimizing traffic flow and reducing the likelihood of collisions. This technological synergy could lead to a significant reduction in road fatalities and injuries.
On the other hand, skeptics raise valid concerns about the safety of self-driving cars. One primary worry is the potential for system failures or hacking, which could lead to catastrophic accidents. There are also ethical concerns about how autonomous vehicles would make split-second decisions in unavoidable accident scenarios. Additionally, the transition period, where self-driving and human-driven cars coexist on roads, could create new and unforeseen safety challenges.
In my view, while the concerns about self-driving technology are legitimate, the potential benefits far outweigh the risks. As the technology matures and becomes more widespread, many of the current safety concerns are likely to be addressed through rigorous testing, improved cybersecurity measures, and comprehensive regulations. The ability of self-driving cars to eliminate human error, which is the leading cause of road accidents, presents an unprecedented opportunity to save countless lives.
In conclusion, although the introduction of self-driving cars may pose some initial challenges, I believe that this technology will ultimately lead to safer roads. As we continue to refine and implement autonomous driving systems, it is crucial to address safety concerns proactively while embracing the potentially life-saving benefits of this revolutionary technology.
(Word count: 329)
Self-driving cars vs human drivers: Road safety comparison
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a high band score:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (e.g., “On the other hand,” “Moreover,” “In conclusion”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is sophisticated and precise (e.g., “advent,” “proponents,” “catastrophic,” “coexist”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of complex structures used accurately (e.g., “While proponents argue…, critics express…,” “As the technology matures and becomes more widespread,…”).
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Self-driving cars are a new technology that some people think will make roads safer, but others worry about the risks. This essay will discuss both sides of this issue and give my opinion.
People who support self-driving cars say they will reduce accidents. This is because computers don’t get tired or distracted like humans do. Self-driving cars can also communicate with each other, which might help prevent crashes. Also, they can follow traffic rules better than human drivers.
However, there are concerns about self-driving cars too. Some people worry that the technology might fail or be hacked, which could cause accidents. There are also questions about how these cars will make decisions in dangerous situations. Another problem is that during the time when both normal cars and self-driving cars are on the roads, it might be confusing and dangerous.
In my opinion, I think self-driving cars will probably make roads safer in the long run. Even though there are some risks, I believe that as the technology improves, many of these problems will be solved. The biggest cause of car accidents is human error, so if we can reduce that, it should make a big difference to road safety.
To conclude, while there are valid concerns about self-driving cars, I think the potential benefits for road safety are greater than the risks. It’s important to carefully test and regulate this technology, but we should also be open to its potential to save lives on the roads.
(Word count: 255)
Advanced safety features of autonomous vehicles
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good qualities but has some limitations:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is somewhat limited and repetitive (e.g., frequent use of “also”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate but lacks the sophistication of higher band scores. Some attempts at more advanced vocabulary are made (e.g., “technology might fail,” “regulate this technology”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good accuracy, but lacks the variety seen in higher band scores.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant but could be expanded upon and supported with more specific examples.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowadays, self-driving cars are a big topic. Some people think they are good for safety, but others think they are dangerous. I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.
First, self-driving cars can be safer because computers don’t make mistakes like humans. They don’t get tired or use phones while driving. This can stop many accidents. Also, these cars can talk to each other and avoid crashes.
But, some people worry about self-driving cars. They think the computers might break or someone might hack them. This could cause big accidents. Also, people don’t know how these cars will act in dangerous situations. It might be confusing when normal cars and self-driving cars are on the road together.
I think self-driving cars are a good idea. They can make roads safer because they don’t make human mistakes. But, we need to be careful and test them a lot before using them everywhere.
In conclusion, self-driving cars have good and bad points. I believe they will help make roads safer, but we need to be careful with this new technology.
(Word count: 178)
Self-driving car undergoing road test
Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates limited qualities that justify a lower band score:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task but in a limited and sometimes repetitive manner.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a basic structure, but paragraphing and use of cohesive devices are limited.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is simple and repetitive, with few attempts at more sophisticated language.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay primarily uses simple sentence structures with limited accuracy in more complex sentences.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are present but underdeveloped, lacking specific examples or deeper analysis.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Autonomous (adj.) /ɔːˈtɒnəməs/ – able to operate independently
- Infrastructure (n.) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – basic physical systems of a country or organization
- Algorithm (n.) /ˈælɡərɪðəm/ – a set of rules to be followed in calculations or problem-solving
- Cybersecurity (n.) /ˌsaɪbəˈsɪkjʊərəti/ – the state of being protected against criminal or unauthorized use of electronic data
- Optimization (n.) /ˌɒptɪmaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – the action of making the best or most effective use of a situation or resource
- Proactive (adj.) /prəʊˈæktɪv/ – creating or controlling a situation rather than just responding to it
- Synergy (n.) /ˈsɪnədʒi/ – the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect greater than the sum of the individual elements
- Catastrophic (adj.) /ˌkætəˈstrɒfɪk/ – involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering
- Coexist (v.) /ˌkəʊɪɡˈzɪst/ – exist at the same time or in the same place
- Rigorous (adj.) /ˈrɪɡərəs/ – extremely thorough and careful
Conclusion
The topic of self-driving technology and its impact on road safety is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of government in regulating self-driving technology
- The economic impact of widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles
- Ethical considerations in programming self-driving cars for accident scenarios
- The potential effects of self-driving technology on employment in the transportation sector
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and fully develop your ideas with relevant examples. Feel free to practice writing an essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
The impact of self-driving cars on the future of urban transport is another fascinating aspect to consider when exploring this topic. As you continue to practice, don’t forget to also think about the ethical implications of self-driving cars in accident scenarios, which can add depth to your essays.
