The IELTS Reading section is designed to test a range of reading skills, including reading for gist, main ideas, detail, skimming, understanding logical argument, and recognizing writers’ opinions, attitudes, and purpose. Topics in this section are diverse, and current issues like technology and social implications often appear. Given the rising significance of AI in various fields, “The Implications of AI in Law Enforcement” becomes a highly relevant topic for IELTS Reading.

Historically, similar themes have been explored in IELTS, and this trend is likely to continue given the increasing reliance on AI technologies globally. In this article, we provide a comprehensive reading practice centered on this topic, along with questions, answers, and detailed explanations to help you master your IELTS Reading skills.

IELTS Reading Practice: The Implications of AI in Law Enforcement

Reading Passage

The Implications of AI in Law Enforcement

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming various sectors, and law enforcement is no exception. The deployment of AI in policing includes applications such as predictive policing, facial recognition, and automated decision-making. These advancements promise increased efficiency and accuracy but also raise significant ethical and legal concerns.

Predictive policing leverages data analysis to predict potential criminal activity and allocate resources more effectively. By analyzing patterns from historical data, AI systems can identify high-risk areas and suggest preventive measures. However, critics argue that predictive policing can reinforce existing biases within the criminal justice system, particularly if the data used is skewed or incomplete.

Facial recognition technology (FRT) is another AI application widely adopted by law enforcement agencies. FRT enables quick identification of individuals by comparing real-time images with stored databases. While it has led to successful identifications and arrests, its accuracy varies, sometimes leading to false positives – particularly among minority communities. Privacy advocates highlight concerns about the pervasive surveillance culture that FRT can foster, potentially infringing on individual privacy rights.

facial recognition

Automated decision-making in judicial processes, such as using AI to recommend sentences or parole decisions, aims to minimize human error and inconsistency. Nevertheless, the opacity of AI algorithms – often referred to as the “black box” problem – poses a challenge. Stakeholders are concerned about transparency and accountability, emphasizing the need to understand how decisions are made and ensuring they are fair and unbiased.

The implications of AI in law enforcement extend beyond the technology itself. Legal frameworks must evolve to address these new challenges, ensuring that AI applications are used responsibly. Public awareness and discussion about these technologies are vital for developing policies that balance innovation with fundamental civil liberties.

Questions

1. Multiple Choice:

1. What is one major advantage of predictive policing mentioned in the text?
   • A. It eliminates all forms of bias.
   • B. It accurately predicts every crime.
   • C. It helps in allocating resources more effectively.
   • D. It ensures complete transparency in data use.

2. True/False/Not Given:

1. Predictive policing only uses real-time data to make predictions.
2. Facial recognition technology has never led to false positive identifications.
3. Automated decision-making aims to reduce human error in judicial processes.

3. Sentence Completion:

1. One ethical concern about predictive policing is that it can _____.
2. Facial recognition technology is criticized for potentially infringing on _____.

4. Matching Information:
Match each AI application with its associated benefit and concern:

• Predictive policing
• Facial recognition
• Automated decision-making

Benefits:

• Effective resource allocation
• Quick identification of individuals
• Minimized human error in judicial processes

Concerns:

• Bias reinforcement
• Privacy infringement
• Algorithm transparency

Answers and Explanations

1. Multiple Choice:

1. C. The text mentions that predictive policing helps in allocating resources more effectively.

2. True/False/Not Given:

1. False. The text indicates that predictive policing uses historical data, not exclusively real-time data.
2. False. The text explicitly states that facial recognition technology sometimes leads to false positives.
3. True. The text specifies that automated decision-making aims to minimize human error in judicial processes.

3. Sentence Completion:

1. reinforce existing biases.
2. individual privacy rights.

4. Matching Information:

• Predictive policing:

  • Benefit: Effective resource allocation
  • Concern: Bias reinforcement

• Facial recognition:

  • Benefit: Quick identification of individuals
  • Concern: Privacy infringement

• Automated decision-making:

  • Benefit: Minimized human error in judicial processes
  • Concern: Algorithm transparency

Common Mistakes

Many test-takers incorrectly assume that advanced technologies like AI are infallible and free from biases. It is crucial to understand that the data fed into AI systems can amplify existing societal prejudices. Another frequent error is overlooking the importance of context when identifying True/False/Not Given statements. Ensure you read statements thoroughly and consider whether the text explicitly supports, contradicts, or does not address the statement.

Vocabulary

• Predictive policing: (noun) /prɪˈdɪktɪv ˈpɒlɪsiŋ/. The use of data, algorithms, and AI to forecast potential criminal activity.
• Facial recognition technology: (noun) /ˈfeɪʃəl rɪˈkɒɡnɪʃən tɛkˈnɒlədʒi/. A technology that identifies individuals by analyzing facial features.
• Automated decision-making: (noun) /ˈɔːtəmeɪtɪd dɪˈsɪʒən ˈmeɪkɪŋ/. The use of AI systems to make decisions without human intervention.
• Bias reinforcement: (noun) /ˈbaɪəs rɪˌɪnˈfɔːsmənt/. The perpetuation or strengthening of existing prejudices.
• Algorithm transparency: (noun) /ˈælɡərɪðəm trænsˈpærənsi/. The clarity and openness about how decisions are made by AI systems.

Grammar Focus

• Relative Clauses:
  • Structure: “[Noun/Pronoun] + [Relative Pronoun] + [Verb]…”
  • Example: “Predictive policing, which uses data analysis, can help allocate resources more effectively.”
• Passive Voice:
  • Structure: “[Object] + [Be] + [Past Participle] + [by]…”
  • Example: “Facial recognition technology is widely adopted by law enforcement agencies.”

Tips for High Reading Scores

1. Skimming and Scanning:

   • Skim the text to get a general idea of the content and structure.
   • Scan for keywords or phrases related to the questions.

2. Time Management:

   • Allocate time wisely, ensuring you have ample time to double-check answers.

3. Practice Regularly:

   • Regular practice with a variety of texts improves speed and comprehension.

4. Note Keywords:

   • Identify and highlight keywords in questions and texts to find relevant information efficiently.

5. Understand the Context:

   • Consider the context and purpose of the text to accurately answer questions.

By following these tips and practicing with high-quality materials, you can significantly improve your IELTS Reading performance and confidently tackle current and relevant topics, including AI’s impact on society.