IELTS Writing Task 2: Ethical Considerations of Military Drone Usage – Sample Essays for Band 6, 7, and 8

The ethical implications of using drones for military purposes have become an increasingly relevant topic in recent years. This subject has appeared in several IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, reflecting its growing importance in global discussions. As the technology continues to advance, it’s likely that we’ll see more exam questions exploring various aspects of drone usage in military contexts.

Let’s examine a relevant IELTS Writing Task 2 question that addresses this issue:

Some people think that it is acceptable to use drones (unmanned aircraft) for military purposes. Others believe that this is unethical. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to:

1. Discuss arguments in favor of using military drones
2. Explore reasons why some consider it unethical
3. Present a personal opinion on the matter

It’s crucial to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your own view.

Sample Essay – Band 8

Military drones have become a contentious issue in modern warfare, with proponents praising their strategic advantages and critics condemning their ethical implications. While both perspectives have merit, I believe that the use of drones in military operations can be justified under certain circumstances, provided strict regulations are in place.

Those who support the use of military drones argue that these unmanned aircraft offer significant tactical benefits. Firstly, drones can conduct reconnaissance missions and gather crucial intelligence without risking the lives of human pilots. This capability is particularly valuable in hostile territories where traditional aircraft would be vulnerable to anti-aircraft fire. Secondly, precision-guided drone strikes can potentially reduce civilian casualties compared to conventional bombing campaigns, as operators can make more informed decisions based on real-time data. Lastly, the cost-effectiveness of drones allows military forces to maintain a presence in conflict zones without the need for large-scale troop deployments, potentially reducing the overall human cost of warfare.

On the other hand, critics contend that the use of military drones raises serious ethical concerns. One primary argument is that the remote nature of drone warfare may desensitize operators to the consequences of their actions, leading to a ‘video game’ mentality that devalues human life. Additionally, there are concerns about the accuracy of drone strikes and the potential for collateral damage, as evidenced by incidents where civilians have been mistakenly targeted. Furthermore, some argue that the use of drones in extraterritorial operations violates international law and sovereignty, setting a dangerous precedent for future conflicts.

In my opinion, while the ethical concerns surrounding military drones are valid and should not be dismissed, their use can be justified if stringent protocols and oversight mechanisms are implemented. Governments should establish clear rules of engagement for drone operations, ensuring that they are only deployed in situations where the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Moreover, there should be robust accountability measures in place to investigate any incidents of civilian casualties or misuse. By striking a balance between military necessity and ethical considerations, nations can harness the strategic advantages of drone technology while minimizing its negative impacts.

In conclusion, the debate over military drone usage highlights the complex interplay between technological advancement and ethical responsibility in modern warfare. As this technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for international bodies to develop comprehensive guidelines that address both the potential benefits and risks associated with drone operations.

Military drones ethical debate illustration

Analysis of Band 8 Essay

This essay demonstrates the qualities expected of a Band 8 response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating a personal opinion.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Paragraphing is appropriate, and cohesive devices are used effectively.

3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Complex phrases like “contentious issue,” “tactical benefits,” and “stringent protocols” demonstrate advanced language use.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures accurately. Sentence structures are diverse and well-controlled.

5. Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant supporting ideas and examples.

Sample Essay – Band 7

The use of drones in military operations has sparked a heated debate in recent years. While some argue that these unmanned aircraft provide significant advantages, others believe their use is unethical. This essay will discuss both viewpoints and offer my personal opinion on this controversial issue.

Supporters of military drones often point to their strategic benefits. One key advantage is that drones can carry out dangerous missions without putting pilots’ lives at risk. This is particularly important in hostile environments where manned aircraft might be shot down. Additionally, drones can provide real-time surveillance and intelligence gathering, which can help military leaders make more informed decisions. Some also argue that drone strikes can be more precise than traditional bombing, potentially reducing civilian casualties in conflict zones.

On the other hand, critics argue that the use of military drones raises serious ethical concerns. One major issue is the potential for civilian deaths in drone strikes, as there have been cases where innocent people were mistakenly targeted. Another concern is that the remote nature of drone warfare might make it easier for operators to detach themselves from the reality of killing, leading to a lack of accountability. Some also worry that the widespread use of drones could lower the threshold for armed conflict, making it easier for countries to engage in war.

In my opinion, while military drones do offer some advantages, their use should be strictly regulated and limited. I believe that the potential for civilian casualties and the ethical implications of remote warfare outweigh the strategic benefits in many cases. However, I also recognize that drones can be valuable for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering, where they do not directly engage in combat.

To conclude, the debate over military drone use highlights the complex ethical challenges posed by new technologies in warfare. While drones may offer tactical advantages, their use must be carefully considered and regulated to minimize harm and uphold ethical standards in armed conflicts.

Military drone control room

Analysis of Band 7 Essay

This essay demonstrates the qualities expected of a Band 7 response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both viewpoints and a personal opinion.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The ideas are organized logically, with clear paragraphing and appropriate use of cohesive devices.

3. Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used with generally good control. Some less common items like “surveillance” and “accountability” are used effectively.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence structures is used with good control. There are no significant errors that impede communication.

5. Development of Ideas: Main ideas are extended and supported, though not as fully as in the Band 8 essay.

Sample Essay – Band 6

In recent years, the use of drones for military purposes has become a big topic of discussion. Some people think it’s okay to use these unmanned aircraft in war, while others say it’s not right. This essay will look at both sides of this issue and give my own thoughts.

People who support military drones say they have many good points. First, drones can do dangerous jobs without putting pilots in danger. This means fewer soldiers might die in wars. Also, drones can watch enemy areas for a long time and give important information to army leaders. Some people think drones can be more accurate than normal bombs, which might hurt fewer civilians.

But there are also people who think using military drones is wrong. They worry that drones might kill innocent people by mistake, which has happened before. Another problem is that drone pilots might not feel as bad about killing because they are far away from the fighting. Some people also think that if drones make war easier, countries might start more wars.

I think that while drones can be useful, we need to be very careful about how we use them. The risk of hurting innocent people is very serious, and we shouldn’t ignore it. But I also think drones can be good for watching enemy areas and getting information without fighting.

In conclusion, the use of military drones is a difficult issue with good and bad points. We need to think carefully about how to use this technology in a way that doesn’t cause more harm than good.

Analysis of Band 6 Essay

This essay demonstrates the qualities expected of a Band 6 response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, presenting both views and a personal opinion, but with less depth than higher band scores.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but cohesive devices are simple and repetitive (e.g., frequent use of “also” and “but”).

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but lacks sophistication. There’s some repetition (e.g., “people think”) and limited use of less common words.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Sentences are generally error-free but are mostly simple in structure. There’s limited use of complex sentences.

5. Development of Ideas: Main ideas are present but not fully developed. Some points lack specific examples or deeper explanation.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Drone (noun) – /drəʊn/ – An unmanned aircraft controlled remotely
2. Ethical (adjective) – /ˈeθɪkəl/ – Relating to moral principles or right conduct
3. Reconnaissance (noun) – /rɪˈkɒnɪsəns/ – Military observation of a region to locate an enemy or ascertain strategic features
4. Collateral damage (noun phrase) – /kəˈlætərəl ˈdæmɪdʒ/ – Unintended damage or casualties in a military operation
5. Sovereignty (noun) – /ˈsɒvrəntɪ/ – The power of a country to govern itself
6. Extraterritorial (adjective) – /ˌekstrəteriˈtɔːriəl/ – Operating or existing outside of a country’s territory
7. Accountability (noun) – /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/ – The fact or condition of being responsible for one’s actions
8. Precision-guided (adjective) – /prɪˈsɪʒən ˈɡaɪdɪd/ – Accurately directed to a specific target
9. Desensitize (verb) – /diːˈsensətaɪz/ – To make someone less likely to feel shock or distress
10. Oversight (noun) – /ˈəʊvəsaɪt/ – The action of overseeing something, especially to ensure it is done correctly

These words and phrases can help you express complex ideas related to military drone usage more effectively in your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay.

In conclusion, the ethical considerations surrounding the use of drones for military purposes present a challenging and nuanced topic for IELTS candidates. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more questions exploring various aspects of drone usage, not only in military contexts but also in civilian applications such as logistics and public spaces.

It’s important to note that this topic is closely related to broader discussions about AI’s role in modern military technologies and the risks of AI in warfare. Future IELTS questions might explore these interconnected themes, so it’s beneficial to consider the wider implications of technological advancements in military applications.

To practice and improve your writing skills, try composing your own essay on this topic or a related one, such as:

• Do the benefits of using drones in civilian applications outweigh the potential risks to privacy and security?
• Should international laws be updated to address the use of autonomous weapons in warfare?

Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement can significantly enhance your preparation for the IELTS Writing Task 2.