Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an increasingly popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, particularly when discussing its impact on business operations. The frequency of this theme in recent exams suggests it will likely remain a relevant subject in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question related to how AI affects decision-making in businesses and provide model essays to help you prepare for this type of task.
AI in Business Decision Making
Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 Question
Let’s consider the following question, which is representative of the types of prompts you might encounter in an IELTS exam:
Some people believe that artificial intelligence (AI) will eventually make all business decisions, while others think human judgment will always be necessary. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that AI will make all business decisions in the future
- Discuss the opposing view that human judgment will always be necessary
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
Remember to address all parts of the question and support your arguments with relevant examples and explanations.
Model Essay 1 (Band 7-8)
In recent years, the integration of artificial intelligence into business processes has sparked a debate about its role in decision-making. While some argue that AI will eventually handle all business decisions, others maintain that human judgment will remain indispensable. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of AI-driven decision-making point to its superior data processing capabilities and objectivity. AI systems can analyze vast amounts of information in seconds, identifying patterns and insights that humans might overlook. Moreover, AI is not subject to emotional biases or fatigue, potentially leading to more consistent and rational decisions. For instance, in the financial sector, AI algorithms are already being used to make split-second trading decisions based on market trends and historical data.
On the other hand, those who advocate for the continued importance of human judgment argue that business decisions often require qualities that AI currently lacks. Humans possess emotional intelligence, creativity, and ethical reasoning – attributes crucial for complex decision-making, especially in unpredictable or novel situations. Additionally, human leaders can inspire and motivate teams, fostering innovation and adaptability. The success of companies like Apple under Steve Jobs’ leadership demonstrates the value of human intuition and vision in business.
In my opinion, the future of business decision-making lies in a symbiotic relationship between AI and human judgment. While AI can undoubtedly enhance the speed and accuracy of data analysis, human oversight remains essential for interpreting results within broader contexts and making ethically sound choices. This collaborative approach would leverage the strengths of both AI and human intelligence, leading to more informed and balanced decisions.
In conclusion, although AI will play an increasingly significant role in business decision-making, it is unlikely to completely replace human judgment. The optimal approach will likely involve harnessing AI’s analytical power while retaining human insight and ethical considerations to guide final decisions.
(Word count: 309)
Model Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The role of artificial intelligence in business decision-making is a topic of much debate. Some people think AI will eventually make all business decisions, while others believe human judgment will always be necessary. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support AI making all business decisions argue that it has many advantages. AI can process large amounts of data quickly and find patterns that humans might miss. It doesn’t get tired or emotional, so it can make decisions without bias. For example, AI is already used in stock trading to make fast decisions based on market data.
However, others believe human judgment will always be needed in business. Humans have qualities that AI doesn’t, like emotional intelligence and creativity. These are important for dealing with complex situations and coming up with new ideas. Also, human leaders can motivate and inspire their teams, which is crucial for business success.
In my opinion, the best approach is to use both AI and human judgment together. AI can help by analyzing data and providing insights, but humans should make the final decisions. This is because humans can understand the bigger picture and consider ethical issues that AI might not recognize.
To conclude, while AI will become more important in business decision-making, it probably won’t completely replace human judgment. Using AI to support human decision-makers is likely to be the most effective approach in the future.
(Word count: 245)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
Essay Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. This organization is crucial for achieving a high band score.
Vocabulary: The Band 7-8 essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and phrases, such as “indispensable,” “symbiotic relationship,” and “ethically sound choices.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.
Grammar: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of complex structures, including conditionals and relative clauses. The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler sentence structures but still maintains grammatical accuracy.
Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 7-8 essay provides more detailed examples and explanations.
Coherence and Cohesion: Both essays use appropriate linking words and phrases to connect ideas, but the Band 7-8 essay demonstrates more sophisticated paragraph and sentence-level cohesion.
Essential Vocabulary for This Topic
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) (n.) /ˌɑːrtɪˈfɪʃəl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/ – computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence
- Decision-making (n.) /dɪˈsɪʒən ˌmeɪkɪŋ/ – the process of choosing between different courses of action
- Symbiotic (adj.) /ˌsɪmbɪˈɒtɪk/ – involving interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association
- Ethical (adj.) /ˈeθɪkəl/ – relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these
- Intuition (n.) /ˌɪntjuˈɪʃən/ – the ability to understand something instinctively, without conscious reasoning
- Objectivity (n.) /ˌɒbdʒekˈtɪvəti/ – the quality of being uninfluenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering facts
- Oversight (n.) /ˈəʊvəsaɪt/ – the action of overseeing something
- Innovation (n.) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ – the action or process of innovating, introducing new ideas or methods
Conclusion
The topic of AI’s impact on business decision-making is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The ethical implications of AI in business decisions
- The potential job displacement caused by AI in various industries
- The role of AI in improving customer service in businesses
- The challenges of implementing AI systems in traditional business models
Remember to always analyze the question carefully, plan your essay structure, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide relevant examples to support your arguments. With practice, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question on this topic in your IELTS exam.
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