Medical technology and artificial intelligence have become increasingly popular topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exam questions, topics related to how artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare have appeared multiple times, particularly focusing on medical diagnosis and patient care.
Let’s examine a recent IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:
Some people believe that artificial intelligence will revolutionize medical diagnosis and eventually replace human doctors in this role. Others argue that human medical professionals cannot be replaced by AI. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Question Analysis
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss advantages and disadvantages of AI in medical diagnosis
- Compare AI capabilities with human doctors’ skills
- Present a balanced argument while clearly stating their position
- Support arguments with relevant examples
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare has sparked debate about whether AI could potentially supersede human physicians in diagnostic roles. While AI demonstrates remarkable capabilities in this field, I believe it will complement rather than replace medical professionals.
AI systems excel at processing vast amounts of medical data and identifying patterns that might escape human observation. AI transforming the healthcare industry has already shown impressive results in detecting diseases like cancer through image analysis with accuracy rates sometimes exceeding human specialists. Moreover, AI can work tirelessly without fatigue, potentially reducing diagnostic errors caused by human exhaustion.
However, medical diagnosis often requires more than pattern recognition. Human doctors possess crucial qualities that AI currently cannot replicate. They can understand patients’ emotional states, consider their lifestyle factors, and make intuitive judgments based on years of experience. Furthermore, doctors can explain diagnoses compassionately and help patients make informed decisions about their treatment options.
AI and human doctor collaborating in patient diagnosis
The most effective approach would be to combine AI’s analytical capabilities with human doctors’ expertise. How AI changes job roles in healthcare suggests that while AI can enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, it works best as a support tool for medical professionals rather than a replacement.
In conclusion, while AI will undoubtedly transform medical diagnosis, it should be viewed as an invaluable assistant to human doctors rather than their replacement. The future of healthcare lies in the synergy between artificial and human intelligence.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
These days, many people talk about AI in medical diagnosis. Some think it will replace doctors, but others disagree. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
On one hand, AI has many advantages in medical diagnosis. It can process lots of medical information quickly and find diseases in scans and x-rays. Also, AI doesn’t get tired like human doctors and can work 24 hours. This means it can help more patients and maybe make fewer mistakes.
But human doctors are still very important. They understand patients’ feelings and can explain things in a kind way. Doctors also know about patients’ lives and families, which helps them make better decisions. AI cannot do these things yet.
I think AI and doctors should work together. AI can help doctors by doing the basic work, and doctors can use their experience to make final decisions. This way, patients get the best care possible.
In conclusion, while AI is useful in medical diagnosis, it cannot completely replace human doctors. The best solution is to use both AI and human doctors together.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Analysis:
- Task Response: Comprehensively addresses all parts of the task with well-developed arguments
- Coherence and Cohesion: Clear progression throughout with effective use of cohesive devices
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary with natural and precise usage
- Grammatical Range: Complex structures used accurately with full flexibility
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis:
- Task Response: Addresses main parts but with less development
- Coherence and Cohesion: Basic organization with some cohesive devices
- Lexical Resource: Adequate vocabulary but limited range
- Grammatical Range: Mix of simple and complex structures with some errors
Key Vocabulary
- diagnostic roles (n.) /daɪəɡˈnɒstɪk rəʊlz/ – positions involving disease identification
- supersede (v.) /ˌsuːpəˈsiːd/ – replace or succeed
- complement (v.) /ˈkɒmplɪment/ – add to or enhance something
- intuitive judgments (n.) /ɪnˈtjuːɪtɪv ˈdʒʌdʒmənts/ – decisions based on instinct
- synergy (n.) /ˈsɪnədʒi/ – combined effect greater than individual parts
For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments. Consider these similar topics that might appear in future tests:
- AI’s role in preventive healthcare
- The impact of AI on medical education
- Ethical considerations in AI-assisted medical decisions
How AI is transforming healthcare delivery continues to be a relevant topic in IELTS writing tasks.
