Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an increasingly popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in approximately 15% of recent examinations. Based on examination trends from 2020-2023, questions about AI’s impact on society have been particularly prevalent in the Asia-Pacific testing regions, making it crucial for IELTS candidates to be well-prepared for this subject matter.
Let’s examine a recent IELTS question that exemplifies this topic and explore sample responses across different band scores.
Benefits and concerns associated with AI have become increasingly important to understand as the technology continues to evolve.
Task Analysis
Some people believe that artificial intelligence will bring enormous benefits to our lives, while others worry about its negative impacts on society. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Examine both positive and negative aspects of AI
- Present a balanced discussion
- Include personal viewpoint
- Provide relevant examples
AI Benefits and Concerns IELTS Writing Discussion
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has sparked intense debate about its implications for human society. While some individuals enthusiastically embrace AI’s potential benefits, others harbor serious concerns about its societal impact. In my view, while AI presents significant advantages, careful regulation is essential to mitigate its potential risks.
Proponents of AI highlight several compelling benefits. Firstly, AI systems can dramatically enhance healthcare delivery through more accurate disease diagnosis and personalized treatment plans, potentially saving countless lives. Additionally, AI-powered automation can increase productivity across industries, similar to how how open banking improves customer service through automated processes. Furthermore, AI can contribute to solving complex global challenges, from climate change prediction to traffic management in smart cities.
However, critics raise valid concerns about AI’s negative implications. The primary worry involves potential job displacement, as AI systems increasingly capable of performing human tasks could lead to widespread unemployment. Moreover, there are serious ethical considerations regarding privacy and data security, particularly in contexts similar to AI in law enforcement and surveillance: ethical considerations?. The potential for AI systems to perpetuate existing biases or make critical decisions affecting human lives also raises significant ethical questions.
In my assessment, the key lies in balanced development and careful regulation. While we should embrace AI’s potential to improve human life, we must simultaneously establish robust regulatory frameworks to ensure its deployment serves society’s best interests. This approach would involve transparent AI development processes, ethical guidelines for implementation, and measures to protect affected workers through retraining programs.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
AI is becoming more important in our daily lives. Some people think it will help us a lot, but others are worried about problems it might cause. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
There are many good things about AI. First, it can help doctors find diseases faster and give better treatment to patients. Second, AI can do many boring jobs, so humans can do more interesting work. Also, AI can help solve big problems like pollution and traffic jams in cities.
But there are also bad things about AI. Many people might lose their jobs because machines can do their work. Also, AI needs lots of personal information, which might not be safe. Sometimes AI makes mistakes that can hurt people.
I think AI is good but we need to be careful. We should make rules about how to use AI safely. Also, we should help people learn new skills if they lose their jobs because of AI. This way, we can get benefits from AI while avoiding problems.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Cohesive and logical argument development
- Well-developed ideas with specific examples
- Clear personal stance with nuanced reasoning
- Excellent paragraph organization
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Basic but clear vocabulary
- Simple but generally accurate sentences
- Some development of ideas
- Basic cohesion between paragraphs
- Limited range of complex structures
Key Vocabulary
- rapid advancement (n.) /ræpɪd ədˈvɑːnsmənt/ – quick progress
- implications (n.) /ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃnz/ – possible effects or consequences
- perpetuate (v.) /pərˈpetʃueɪt/ – to make something continue indefinitely
- regulatory framework (n.) /ˈreɡjələtɔri ˈfreɪmwɜːk/ – system of regulations
- deployment (n.) /dɪˈplɔɪmənt/ – the action of bringing resources into effective action
In conclusion, AI-related topics will likely remain prominent in IELTS Writing Task 2. For practice, consider writing about these predicted future topics:
- AI in education systems
- AI’s role in environmental protection
- AI regulation in developing countries
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with fellow learners.
