The topic of artificial intelligence in healthcare decision-making has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. Based on analysis of past exam questions from 2019-2023, this theme appears approximately every 4-5 months, particularly in countries with advanced healthcare systems like Australia and the UK. Understanding the role of artificial intelligence in global healthcare systems is crucial for IELTS candidates.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Healthcare Decision Making Systems
Analyzing the Essay Question
Some people believe that artificial intelligence should be used to make important healthcare decisions instead of human doctors. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
This question requires candidates to evaluate the role of AI in medical decision-making and express their stance on whether AI should replace human doctors in making critical healthcare decisions. The topic connects with the role of artificial intelligence in modern medicine.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare has sparked debate about whether AI systems should supersede human physicians in making crucial medical decisions. While I acknowledge AI’s potential benefits, I strongly disagree with the notion that it should completely replace human doctors in this critical role.
First and foremost, healthcare decisions often require a nuanced understanding of human emotions and circumstances that AI systems currently cannot fully comprehend. Human doctors possess emotional intelligence and empathy, allowing them to consider patients’ personal situations, family histories, and psychological states when making treatment decisions. These aspects of patient care are fundamental to impact of artificial intelligence on the healthcare industry but remain challenging for AI to replicate.
Moreover, medical decisions frequently involve complex ethical considerations that require human judgment. While AI can process vast amounts of medical data and identify patterns, it lacks the moral reasoning capabilities necessary for making sensitive decisions about end-of-life care or resource allocation during emergencies. Human doctors can weigh ethical implications and make decisions that align with societal values and professional ethics.
However, I believe the optimal approach lies in combining AI’s analytical capabilities with human expertise. AI systems can enhance decision-making by providing data-driven insights and identifying patterns that humans might miss, while doctors can interpret these insights within the broader context of patient care. This synergistic relationship represents the future of advantages of integrating AI into healthcare systems.
In conclusion, while AI should play a supportive role in healthcare decision-making, it should not completely replace human doctors. The future of healthcare lies in harmoniously combining technological capabilities with human judgment and empathy.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
In recent years, artificial intelligence has become very important in healthcare. Some people think AI should make important medical decisions instead of doctors. I disagree with this idea because human doctors are still very necessary.
The main reason is that doctors have experience and emotions that computers don’t have. When doctors talk to patients, they can understand their feelings and problems better than AI. For example, a doctor can see when a patient is worried or scared and help them feel better. AI cannot do this because it is just a computer program.
Also, doctors can think about different things when making decisions. They don’t just look at medical information but also think about the patient’s family, job, and life situation. AI only looks at data and numbers, which is not enough for making good healthcare decisions.
However, AI can be helpful for doctors. It can process lots of information quickly and help doctors find problems faster. But it should only help doctors, not replace them. For instance, AI can suggest treatments, but doctors should make the final decision.
In conclusion, I think AI should not replace doctors in making healthcare decisions. Instead, doctors should use AI to help them make better decisions for their patients.
Band Score Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Analysis:
- Sophisticated vocabulary usage (supersede, nuanced, synergistic)
- Clear position with well-developed arguments
- Excellent paragraph organization and cohesion
- Complex sentence structures
- Relevant examples and explanations
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic argument structure
- Some repetition in ideas
- Limited use of complex sentences
- Basic examples provided
Key Vocabulary
- supersede (v) /suːpəˈsiːd/ – to replace something older or less useful
- nuanced (adj) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle differences
- synergistic (adj) /ˌsɪnəˈdʒɪstɪk/ – working together to produce enhanced results
- ethical implications (n) /ˈeθɪkəl ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃənz/ – moral consequences
- empathy (n) /ˈempəθi/ – ability to understand others’ feelings
Consider practicing with similar topics like AI in education or AI in public service decision-making. Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
