The topic of ethical AI in decision-making has gained significant traction in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on trends observed in past exams and the growing relevance of AI ethics in various fields, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question and provide model essays to help you prepare for this important topic.
Some people believe that artificial intelligence (AI) should play a significant role in decision-making processes across various sectors, while others argue that human judgment should remain paramount. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the viewpoint that AI should have a major role in decision-making
- Explore the opposing view that human judgment should be prioritized
- Present your own perspective on the issue
Remember to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced argument before stating your opinion.
Model Essay (Band 8-9)
In an era of rapid technological advancement, the debate over the role of artificial intelligence in decision-making processes has become increasingly pertinent. While some advocate for AI to take a leading role across various sectors, others maintain that human judgment should remain the primary factor. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on this complex issue.
Proponents of AI-driven decision-making argue that machine learning algorithms can process vast amounts of data far more quickly and efficiently than humans, leading to more informed and objective decisions. For instance, in healthcare, AI systems can analyze millions of medical records to identify patterns and suggest diagnoses that human doctors might overlook. Similarly, in financial sectors, AI can rapidly assess market trends and make split-second trading decisions, potentially yielding better returns than human traders.
On the other hand, those who prioritize human judgment contend that ethical considerations and nuanced understanding are crucial elements that AI cannot fully replicate. Human decision-makers can factor in complex emotional and social contexts, as well as moral implications, which may be challenging for AI to comprehend fully. For example, in legal proceedings, judges must weigh not only the letter of the law but also its spirit and the unique circumstances of each case – a task that requires human empathy and ethical reasoning.
In my opinion, the optimal approach lies in striking a balance between AI capabilities and human oversight. While AI can undoubtedly enhance decision-making processes by providing data-driven insights and increasing efficiency, it should serve as a tool to augment human judgment rather than replace it entirely. Ethical considerations must be at the forefront of AI implementation, ensuring that human values and moral principles guide the development and application of these technologies.
In conclusion, the integration of AI in decision-making processes offers significant potential benefits, but it must be carefully balanced with human insight and ethical oversight. As we move forward, it is crucial to develop frameworks that harness the strengths of both AI and human judgment to make more informed, efficient, and ethically sound decisions across all sectors of society.
(Word count: 329)
Model Essay (Band 6-7)
Nowadays, there is a big debate about whether AI should be used a lot in making decisions in different areas, or if humans should still be the main decision-makers. This essay will look at both sides of this argument and give my opinion.
On one hand, some people think AI should play a big role in decision-making. They say that AI can process a lot of information very quickly and make decisions without being influenced by emotions. For example, in hospitals, AI can look at many patient records and help doctors make better diagnoses. Also, in business, AI can analyze market data and make fast decisions about buying and selling stocks.
On the other hand, other people believe that human judgment is still very important. They argue that humans can understand complex situations and think about ethical issues in a way that AI cannot. For instance, in courts, judges need to consider not just the facts of a case, but also the feelings and circumstances of the people involved. This kind of understanding is hard for AI to do.
In my opinion, I think we should use both AI and human judgment together. AI can help us by providing useful information and making some processes faster. However, humans should still be in charge of making the final decisions, especially when it comes to important matters that affect people’s lives. We need to make sure that AI is used in an ethical way and that it doesn’t take away the human touch in decision-making.
To conclude, while AI can be very helpful in decision-making processes, it’s important to keep human judgment as the main factor. We should find ways to use AI to support human decisions, but not to replace human thinking completely.
(Word count: 290)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. The band 8-9 essay demonstrates more sophisticated paragraph development and cohesion.
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Vocabulary: The higher band essay uses more advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions, while the band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still conveys the ideas clearly.
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Grammar: The band 8-9 essay showcases a wider range of complex sentence structures, while the band 6-7 essay uses mostly simple and compound sentences.
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Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and a more nuanced argument.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The higher band essay uses more sophisticated linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly.
Ethical AI in Decision Making
Important Vocabulary to Remember
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Artificial intelligence (AI) (noun) /ˌɑːrtɪˈfɪʃəl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/: The simulation of human intelligence in machines.
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Ethical (adjective) /ˈeθɪkəl/: Relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these.
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Decision-making process (noun phrase) /dɪˈsɪʒən ˈmeɪkɪŋ ˈprəʊses/: The cognitive process of selecting a course of action from multiple alternatives.
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Human judgment (noun phrase) /ˈhjuːmən ˈdʒʌdʒmənt/: The ability of humans to make decisions based on reasoning and experience.
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Machine learning (noun) /məˈʃiːn ˈlɜːrnɪŋ/: A subset of AI that allows systems to learn and improve from experience.
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Algorithm (noun) /ˈælɡərɪðəm/: A process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or problem-solving operations, especially by a computer.
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Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/: Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.
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Augment (verb) /ɔːɡˈment/: To make larger or more substantial.
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Oversight (noun) /ˈəʊvərsaɪt/: The action of overseeing something; supervision or management.
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Framework (noun) /ˈfreɪmwɜːrk/: A basic structure underlying a system, concept, or text.
In conclusion, the topic of ethical AI in decision-making is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of AI in government policy-making
- Ethical considerations in AI-driven healthcare decisions
- The impact of AI on employment and human skills
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in your IELTS exam.
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