The topic of self-driving cars and their impact on urban transportation is becoming increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared in recent exams and is likely to continue featuring prominently due to its relevance to technological advancements and urban development. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze high-scoring responses to help you prepare effectively for this topic.

Some people believe that the widespread use of self-driving cars will revolutionize urban transport systems, while others are concerned about potential risks and drawbacks. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question requires you to:

1. Discuss the positive impacts of self-driving cars on urban transport
2. Address the concerns and potential drawbacks
3. Provide your personal opinion on the matter

Let’s examine sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring response.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

The advent of autonomous vehicles has sparked a heated debate about their potential to transform urban transportation. While proponents argue that self-driving cars will revolutionize city mobility, skeptics raise valid concerns about associated risks. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.

Advocates of self-driving technology emphasize its potential to enhance urban transport efficiency and safety. Autonomous vehicles can communicate with each other and traffic infrastructure, optimizing route planning and reducing congestion. Moreover, by eliminating human error, which accounts for a significant portion of road accidents, self-driving cars could drastically improve road safety. This technology also promises increased mobility for those unable to drive, such as the elderly or disabled, potentially fostering a more inclusive society.

Self-driving cars navigate traffic seamlessly

However, critics highlight several potential drawbacks and risks associated with widespread adoption of self-driving cars. One primary concern is the vulnerability of these vehicles to hacking or technical malfunctions, which could lead to catastrophic accidents or even be exploited for malicious purposes. Additionally, the transition period where autonomous and human-driven vehicles coexist on roads could be challenging and potentially dangerous. There are also concerns about job losses in transportation-related industries and the need for substantial infrastructure upgrades to accommodate this technology.

Cybersecurity risks of self-driving cars

In my opinion, while the concerns raised are valid and require careful consideration, the potential benefits of self-driving cars for urban transport are too significant to ignore. I believe that with proper regulation, security measures, and gradual implementation, autonomous vehicles can indeed revolutionize urban mobility. The key lies in addressing the challenges proactively and ensuring that the transition is managed responsibly.

In conclusion, self-driving cars present both exciting opportunities and notable challenges for urban transport systems. By acknowledging and addressing the potential risks while harnessing the technology’s benefits, we can work towards a safer, more efficient, and inclusive urban transportation future.

(Word count: 309)

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a high band score:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is sophisticated and precise, with phrases like “advent of autonomous vehicles,” “fostering a more inclusive society,” and “catastrophic accidents.”
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a wide range of complex structures used accurately, such as “While proponents argue… skeptics raise valid concerns” and “By eliminating human error, which accounts for…”
5. Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.

Now, let’s look at a sample essay for a lower band score.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Self-driving cars are a new technology that some people think will change how we travel in cities. Other people worry about problems that might happen. This essay will talk about both sides and give my opinion.

People who like self-driving cars say they will make transport better. These cars can talk to each other and to traffic lights, so they can find the best way to go and avoid traffic jams. Also, they don’t make mistakes like human drivers, so there might be fewer accidents. This technology can help old people or disabled people who can’t drive normal cars.

Advanced features of autonomous vehicles

But some people are worried about self-driving cars. They think hackers might attack the cars or the cars might break down, which could cause big accidents. It might also be dangerous when these cars are on the road with normal cars driven by people. Another problem is that some people might lose their jobs, like taxi drivers.

Ethical challenges of autonomous driving

I think self-driving cars can be good for cities if we are careful. We need to make sure they are safe from hackers and work well with other cars on the road. If we do this, I believe they can make transport in cities better and safer for everyone.

In conclusion, self-driving cars have good points and bad points for city transport. If we deal with the problems carefully, we can use this new technology to make our cities better places to live and travel in.

(Word count: 253)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates qualities that place it in the Band 6-7 range:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the development of ideas is less thorough compared to the higher band essay.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated.
3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate but less varied and precise compared to the Band 8-9 essay. Phrases like “make transport better” and “big accidents” are less sophisticated.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences but with less variety than the higher band essay.
5. Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented clearly but with less depth and fewer specific examples compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Autonomous vehicles (noun) – /ɔːˈtɒnəməs ˈviːɪkl̩z/ – self-driving cars
2. Revolutionize (verb) – /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/ – to change something completely and fundamentally
3. Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – the basic systems and services that a country or organization uses in order to work effectively
4. Vulnerable (adjective) – /ˈvʌlnərəbl/ – weak and easily hurt physically or emotionally
5. Proactively (adverb) – /prəʊˈæktɪvli/ – in a way that creates or controls a situation rather than just responding to it after it has happened
6. Catastrophic (adjective) – /ˌkætəˈstrɒfɪk/ – causing sudden and very great damage or destruction
7. Optimize (verb) – /ˈɒptɪmaɪz/ – to make something as good or effective as possible
8. Inclusive (adjective) – /ɪnˈkluːsɪv/ – including a wide range of people, things, ideas, etc.
9. Transition (noun) – /trænˈzɪʃn/ – the process or period of changing from one state or condition to another
10. Implement (verb) – /ˈɪmplɪment/ – to put a plan or system into operation

In conclusion, the topic of self-driving cars and their impact on urban transport is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on this and related topics, focusing on developing your ideas thoroughly, using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and organizing your thoughts coherently. Remember to always address all parts of the question and provide your own opinion when required.

For further practice, you might want to consider writing about the ethical considerations of autonomous vehicles or explore the pros and cons of artificial intelligence in daily life, as these topics are closely related and may appear in future IELTS exams. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners.