The topic of drone technology has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations over the past few years. Based on analysis of recent test papers, questions about drones and their societal impact have appeared approximately 3-4 times annually since 2019, particularly in countries like China, India, and Vietnam where drone usage is rapidly expanding.
The growing influence of drone technology in modern society
Analysis of Common Question Types
Three frequent question patterns have emerged:
- Government regulation of drones
- Commercial vs. recreational drone applications
- Privacy and security concerns
For today’s sample essays, we’ll focus on this actual test question from 2022:
Some people believe that governments should strictly regulate drone usage, while others think drone operators should have complete freedom. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Question Analysis
This question requires:
- Discussion of both perspectives on drone regulation
- Clear personal stance
- Balanced evaluation of arguments
- Relevant examples and supporting evidence
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The debate over government control of drone operations has intensified as these devices become increasingly prevalent in our daily lives. While some advocate for complete operational freedom, others support strict regulatory oversight. I believe a balanced approach combining reasonable regulations with operational flexibility is most appropriate.
In favor of strict regulation, there are compelling safety and security concerns. Uncontrolled drone usage could lead to accidents in crowded areas or near airports, potentially causing catastrophic incidents. For instance, in 2018, drone sightings at London’s Gatwick Airport led to multiple flight cancellations, affecting thousands of passengers. Additionally, drones can be misused for privacy invasion or criminal activities, necessitating robust governmental oversight to protect public interests.
However, proponents of operational freedom argue that excessive regulations could stifle innovation and limit beneficial applications. Drones have revolutionized various sectors, from agriculture to emergency services. For example, in rural India, drones are being used to deliver medical supplies to remote areas, while in Japan, they assist in crop monitoring and precision farming. Overly restrictive regulations might impede such valuable developments and technological progress.
In my view, a middle-ground approach would be most effective. Governments should implement fundamental safety protocols, licensing requirements, and clear operational guidelines while allowing sufficient flexibility for technological advancement and legitimate applications. This could involve creating different regulatory tiers based on drone size, purpose, and operational area, ensuring both public safety and innovation potential are adequately addressed.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Nowadays, many people are discussing about drone control. Some people want strict rules, but others want freedom to use drones. I think both sides have good points, but some control is necessary.
People who want strict rules have good reasons. First, drones can be dangerous if not used properly. They might crash into buildings or people. Second, some bad people might use drones to spy on others or do illegal things. In my country, police caught some criminals using drones to smuggle drugs.
On the other hand, people who want freedom also make sense. Drones are very useful for many things. Farmers use them to check their crops, and companies use them to deliver packages. If there are too many rules, these good uses might become difficult.
I think the government should make some rules but not too strict. They should check who can buy drones and make sure people know how to use them safely. But they should also let people use drones for good purposes. This way, everyone can benefit from drone technology without causing problems.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Clear, sophisticated argument structure
- Advanced vocabulary and complex sentences
- Well-developed ideas with specific examples
- Coherent paragraphing with smooth transitions
- Balanced discussion with clear position
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Basic but clear argument structure
- Simple vocabulary with some errors
- Limited development of ideas
- Basic paragraph organization
- Position stated but less sophisticated
Key Vocabulary
- regulatory oversight (n) /ˈreɡjʊləˌtɔri ˈəʊvəsaɪt/ – government supervision
- catastrophic (adj) /ˌkætəˈstrɒfɪk/ – disastrous
- stifle (v) /ˈstaɪfəl/ – suppress or restrain
- protocols (n) /ˈprəʊtəkɒlz/ – official procedures
- precision farming (n) /prɪˈsɪʒən ˈfɑːmɪŋ/ – technology-based agriculture
- operational flexibility (n) /ˌɒpəˈreɪʃənl ˌfleksəˈbɪləti/ – adaptable functioning
- robust (adj) /rəʊˈbʌst/ – strong and effective
Professional drone operator following safety guidelines
Consider practicing with these related topics:
- Drone usage in urban development
- Impact of drones on privacy
- Commercial drone applications in developing countries
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion!
