The topic of self-driving cars and their ethical implications in accident scenarios is becoming increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This theme has appeared in recent test papers and is likely to continue featuring prominently due to its societal importance. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze how to approach it effectively for different band scores.
Some people believe that self-driving cars should be programmed to protect passengers at all costs in accident scenarios, while others argue that minimizing overall harm should be the priority. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that self-driving cars should prioritize passenger safety
- Discuss the opposing view that minimizing overall harm should be the priority
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Self-driving cars represent a significant leap in transportation technology, but they also bring forth complex ethical dilemmas, particularly in potential accident scenarios. While some argue that these vehicles should be programmed to protect passengers at all costs, others contend that minimizing overall harm should be the primary concern. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own stance on this contentious issue.
Those who advocate for prioritizing passenger safety argue that it is the car manufacturer’s duty to protect the individuals who have placed their trust in the vehicle. They contend that if people believe self-driving cars might sacrifice them for the greater good, adoption rates would plummet, potentially delaying the widespread implementation of a technology that could save countless lives in the long run. Moreover, they argue that it is ethically untenable to expect individuals to purchase vehicles that might choose to harm them in certain circumstances.
On the other hand, proponents of minimizing overall harm assert that self-driving cars should be programmed to make decisions that result in the least total damage or loss of life. They argue that this utilitarian approach is more ethically sound and aligns with how we expect human drivers to behave in emergency situations. For instance, if a car must choose between hitting a group of pedestrians or swerving and risking the life of its single passenger, many would argue that sparing multiple lives is the more ethical choice.
In my opinion, while both arguments have merit, I believe that minimizing overall harm should be the guiding principle in programming self-driving cars. The potential to save more lives and reduce total suffering aligns with broader ethical frameworks and societal values. However, I also believe that this approach should be coupled with robust safety features and transparent communication about the car’s decision-making processes. This would help maintain public trust while still prioritizing the greater good.
In conclusion, the ethical implications of self-driving cars in accident scenarios present a complex challenge with no easy solutions. While protecting passengers is crucial for public acceptance, I believe that programming these vehicles to minimize overall harm is the most ethically sound approach. As this technology continues to develop, ongoing dialogue and careful consideration of these ethical dilemmas will be essential to ensure that self-driving cars contribute positively to society.
(Word count: 378)
Ethical dilemma of self-driving cars in accident scenarios
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay would likely receive a Band 8-9 score for the following reasons:
Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both views and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices. Ideas flow logically from one paragraph to the next.
Lexical Resource: The essay demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary used accurately and appropriately. Examples include “contentious issue,” “utilitarian approach,” and “ethical frameworks.”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex sentence structures accurately. It shows good control of grammar and punctuation throughout.
Critical Thinking: The essay demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the topic, presenting balanced arguments and a well-reasoned personal opinion.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Self-driving cars are becoming more common, but they bring up difficult questions about safety. Some people think these cars should always protect the passengers first, while others believe they should try to cause the least harm overall in accidents. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
People who say passenger safety should come first have some good points. They think car companies should protect the people who buy and use their cars. If people worry that self-driving cars might choose to harm them to save others, they might not want to buy these cars. This could slow down the use of a technology that could save many lives in the long run. Also, it seems unfair to ask people to buy cars that might decide to hurt them in some situations.
On the other hand, those who argue for minimizing overall harm also make sense. They believe self-driving cars should be programmed to make choices that result in the least total damage or loss of life. This is similar to how we expect human drivers to act in emergencies. For example, if a car has to choose between hitting several pedestrians or risking the life of one passenger, many would say saving more lives is better.
In my opinion, I think trying to minimize overall harm is the better approach. While protecting passengers is important, saving more lives seems more ethical. However, I also think car companies need to make their cars as safe as possible and be clear about how the cars make decisions. This could help people trust self-driving cars more.
To conclude, the question of how self-driving cars should handle accident scenarios is complicated. Both protecting passengers and minimizing overall harm are important considerations. I believe focusing on causing the least harm overall is the best approach, but it’s crucial to keep improving safety features and be transparent about how these cars work.
(Word count: 329)
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay would likely receive a Band 6-7 score for the following reasons:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the discussion and personal opinion could be more developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay. There are fewer advanced words and phrases.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with generally good control of grammar. However, it lacks the variety and sophistication of the Band 8-9 essay.
Critical Thinking: The essay presents both views and offers a personal opinion, but the analysis is less nuanced and in-depth compared to the higher band essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Ethical implications (noun phrase) – /ˈeθɪkəl ˌɪmpləˈkeɪʃənz/ – the moral consequences or aspects of a situation or action
- Dilemma (noun) – /dɪˈlemə/ – a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives
- Utilitarian (adjective) – /juːˌtɪlɪˈteəriən/ – designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive
- Contentious (adjective) – /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial
- Prioritize (verb) – /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/ – designate or treat (something) as more important than other things
- Untenable (adjective) – /ʌnˈtenəbl/ – not able to be maintained or defended against attack or objection
- Transparent (adjective) – /trænsˈpærənt/ – open to public scrutiny; easy to perceive or detect
- Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
- Plummet (verb) – /ˈplʌmɪt/ – fall or drop straight down at high speed
- Robust (adjective) – /rəʊˈbʌst/ – strong and healthy; vigorous
Ethical decision-making process in autonomous vehicles
In conclusion, the ethical implications of self-driving cars in accident scenarios present a challenging topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key elements of a high-scoring essay and practicing with sample questions, you can improve your ability to tackle this and similar topics effectively. Remember to always address all parts of the question, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and demonstrate critical thinking in your response.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The impact of autonomous vehicles on employment in the transportation sector
- The role of government regulations in the development and implementation of self-driving car technology
- The potential benefits and drawbacks of widespread adoption of self-driving cars for urban planning and infrastructure
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.