Surveillance technology has become an increasingly prevalent topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends, it’s likely to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s explore this subject through a carefully selected prompt and provide sample essays for different band scores.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Exam
Some people think that the increasing use of surveillance technology in public places is a necessary measure to improve public safety. Others believe it is an unacceptable invasion of privacy. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that surveillance technology is necessary for public safety
- Discuss the opposing view that it invades privacy
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In recent years, the proliferation of surveillance technology in public spaces has sparked a heated debate. While some argue that this trend is essential for enhancing public safety, others contend that it constitutes an unacceptable infringement on personal privacy. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of surveillance technology assert that it plays a crucial role in deterring crime and maintaining public order. They argue that the presence of cameras in public areas can discourage potential criminals from engaging in illegal activities, as the risk of being caught on camera acts as a powerful deterrent. Moreover, in the event of a crime, surveillance footage can provide valuable evidence for law enforcement agencies, facilitating the swift identification and apprehension of perpetrators. For instance, the extensive CCTV network in London has been instrumental in solving numerous high-profile cases and has contributed to a reduction in street crime.
On the other hand, critics of widespread surveillance argue that it represents a significant threat to individual privacy and personal freedoms. They contend that constant monitoring in public spaces creates a sense of being perpetually watched, which can lead to psychological stress and a chilling effect on free expression. Furthermore, there are concerns about the potential misuse of collected data, such as facial recognition information, which could be exploited for nefarious purposes if it falls into the wrong hands. The dystopian implications of a surveillance state, as depicted in George Orwell’s “1984,” serve as a cautionary tale against unchecked monitoring of citizens.
In my opinion, while I acknowledge the legitimate concerns regarding privacy, I believe that the benefits of surveillance technology in terms of public safety outweigh the potential drawbacks. However, it is crucial to implement strict regulations and oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse and protect citizens’ rights. This could include limitations on data retention periods, stringent access controls, and transparent policies on how surveillance information is used. By striking a balance between security and privacy, we can harness the benefits of surveillance technology while mitigating its risks.
In conclusion, the increasing use of surveillance technology presents both opportunities and challenges for society. While it offers significant advantages in crime prevention and public safety, it also raises important questions about privacy and civil liberties. Ultimately, a nuanced approach that maximizes the benefits of surveillance while safeguarding individual rights is essential for navigating this complex issue in the modern world.
(Word count: 398)
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 question, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (“On the other hand”, “Moreover”, “Furthermore”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay employs a wide range of vocabulary with precision (“proliferation”, “infringement”, “deterrent”, “nefarious”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with a high degree of accuracy.
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The use of surveillance technology in public places has become more common in recent years. Some people think this is good for public safety, while others believe it invades our privacy. This essay will discuss both sides of this issue and give my opinion.
On one hand, surveillance cameras can help make public places safer. When there are cameras around, criminals might think twice before breaking the law because they know they could be caught on video. Also, if a crime does happen, the police can use the camera footage to find the person who did it. For example, in many cities, cameras have helped solve crimes like robberies and assaults.
However, some people argue that too much surveillance is bad for privacy. They say that being watched all the time can make people feel uncomfortable and stressed. There are also worries about what happens to all the information collected by these cameras. If this information is not protected well, it could be used in ways that harm people’s privacy.
In my opinion, I think surveillance technology can be good if it is used carefully. We need to find a balance between keeping people safe and respecting their privacy. This means having rules about how cameras can be used and making sure the information they collect is kept safe. It’s also important that people know where cameras are and how the information will be used.
To conclude, surveillance technology has both good and bad points. While it can help with public safety, we need to be careful about how it affects our privacy. Finding the right balance is important for society today.
(Word count: 283)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates competence in several areas but has room for improvement:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is somewhat limited.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate but lacks the sophistication of higher band scores.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good accuracy.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented clearly but could benefit from more detailed examples and explanation.
Key Vocabulary
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Surveillance (noun) /səˈveɪ.ləns/ – the careful watching of a person or place, especially by an organization
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Proliferation (noun) /prəˌlɪf.əˈreɪ.ʃən/ – rapid increase in the number or amount of something
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Deterrent (noun) /dɪˈter.ənt/ – something that discourages someone from doing something
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Infringement (noun) /ɪnˈfrɪndʒ.mənt/ – an action that breaks a rule or law
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Nefarious (adjective) /nəˈfeə.ri.əs/ – (of actions) morally bad or criminal
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Apprehension (noun) /ˌæp.rɪˈhen.ʃən/ – the act of arresting someone
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Dystopian (adjective) /dɪsˈtəʊ.pi.ən/ – describing an imagined state or society where there is great suffering or injustice
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Chilling effect (noun phrase) /ˈtʃɪl.ɪŋ ɪˈfekt/ – a discouraging or deterring effect, especially one resulting from restrictive conditions
Conclusion
The topic of surveillance technology in everyday life is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams. To prepare, consider practicing with similar prompts such as:
- The impact of facial recognition technology on society
- The role of data privacy in the age of smart devices
- Balancing national security with individual privacy rights
Remember to always address all parts of the question, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your ideas with clear examples. We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
