The topic of AI advancements and healthcare improvements is increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends, we can expect this theme to appear more frequently in future exams. Let’s examine a sample question that reflects this important subject:
Some people believe that artificial intelligence (AI) will revolutionize healthcare, while others are concerned about its potential risks. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the positive impacts of AI on healthcare
- Address concerns about AI in healthcare
- Provide a personal opinion on the topic
Let’s explore sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-band response.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Artificial intelligence has emerged as a groundbreaking technology with the potential to transform various sectors, including healthcare. While some individuals are enthusiastic about AI’s capacity to revolutionize medical practices, others express reservations about its possible risks. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint on this contentious issue.
Proponents of AI in healthcare argue that it can significantly enhance medical outcomes and efficiency. Advanced AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of medical data far more quickly and accurately than human professionals, leading to faster and more precise diagnoses. Moreover, AI-powered robotic systems can perform complex surgical procedures with unparalleled precision, potentially reducing human error and improving patient outcomes. Additionally, AI can streamline administrative tasks, allowing healthcare providers to dedicate more time to patient care.
However, skeptics raise valid concerns about the integration of AI in healthcare. One primary worry is the potential for AI systems to make errors or biased decisions, which could have severe consequences in medical settings. There are also ethical concerns surrounding patient privacy and data security, as AI systems require access to sensitive medical information. Furthermore, some fear that over-reliance on AI might lead to a decrease in human medical expertise over time, potentially compromising the quality of care in unforeseen situations.
In my opinion, while the concerns about AI in healthcare are legitimate, the potential benefits far outweigh the risks. I believe that with proper regulation, ethical guidelines, and ongoing human oversight, AI can be a powerful tool to enhance healthcare delivery. The key lies in viewing AI as a complement to human medical professionals rather than a replacement, ensuring that the human touch remains central to patient care.
In conclusion, the integration of AI in healthcare presents both exciting opportunities and valid concerns. By addressing the potential risks through careful implementation and continuous monitoring, we can harness the transformative power of AI to improve healthcare outcomes for people worldwide.
(Word count: 309)
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
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Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly.
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Nowadays, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more popular in many areas, including healthcare. Some people think AI will make big improvements in healthcare, but others are worried about possible problems. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
On the positive side, AI can help doctors do their jobs better. AI can look at a lot of medical information very quickly, which can help find diseases faster. Also, AI robots can do some medical procedures very carefully, which might be safer than human doctors sometimes. Another good thing is that AI can do boring office work, so doctors can spend more time with patients.
However, there are some concerns about using AI in healthcare. One worry is that AI might make mistakes, which could be very bad for patients. Also, some people are worried about their private medical information being used by AI systems. Another problem is that if doctors rely too much on AI, they might lose some of their own skills over time.
In my opinion, I think AI can be very helpful in healthcare if it is used carefully. We should make sure there are good rules for using AI and that doctors still make the final decisions. I believe AI should be used to help doctors, not replace them.
To conclude, AI in healthcare has both good points and possible problems. If we are careful about how we use AI, I think it can make healthcare better for everyone.
(Word count: 254)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates competence in several areas but falls short of the higher band scores:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with some errors that do not impede communication.
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Development of Ideas: Main points are supported, but the examples and explanations are less detailed and nuanced.
Key Vocabulary
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Artificial intelligence (AI) (noun) /ˌɑːr.tɪˈfɪʃ.əl ɪnˈtel.ə.dʒəns/: The theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence.
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Revolutionize (verb) /ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃən.aɪz/: To change something completely and fundamentally.
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Groundbreaking (adjective) /ˈɡraʊnd.breɪ.kɪŋ/: Innovative; pioneering.
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Algorithm (noun) /ˈæl.ɡə.rɪ.ðəm/: A process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer.
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Streamline (verb) /ˈstriːm.laɪn/: To make a system, organization, etc. work better, especially in a way that makes it more efficient or more effective.
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Integration (noun) /ˌɪn.tɪˈɡreɪ.ʃən/: The act of combining two or more things to make something more effective.
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Ethical (adjective) /ˈeθ.ɪ.kəl/: Relating to beliefs about what is morally right and wrong.
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Oversight (noun) /ˈəʊ.və.saɪt/: The act of watching and directing what someone does or how something is done.
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Complement (noun) /ˈkɒm.plɪ.ment/: Something that completes or makes perfect.
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Transformative (adjective) /trænsˈfɔː.mə.tɪv/: Causing a marked change in someone or something.
Conclusion
The topic of AI advancements in healthcare is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The impact of technology on public health
- Ethical considerations in modern medicine
- The role of innovation in addressing global health challenges
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and fully address all parts of the question. Feel free to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.