The IELTS Reading module, acknowledged for its rigor and the diversity of its passages, often encompasses contemporary and thought-provoking topics. AI, and its implications on ethics and morality, remains a recurrent subject meshed within modern textual discussions. Analyzing past IELTS exams and trending global issues, this topic stands poised to feature prominently. This article delves into creating a detailed Reading passage aligned with the IELTS format, providing ample material for your preparation.
IELTS Reading Passage: The Ethical and Moral Implications of AI
Below is a simulated IELTS Reading passage segment focusing on the ethical and moral implications of AI. This passage is categorized under Medium Text.
Reading Passage
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of modern society, seeping into various sectors, from healthcare to finance. Yet, alongside its remarkable capabilities, AI brings forth significant ethical and moral dilemmas. The implications of AI on ethics and morality warrant an in-depth exploration, given its potential to reshape fundamental societal norms.
One profound concern lies in the possible bias embedded within AI algorithms. AI systems, trained on vast datasets, may inadvertently incorporate societal prejudices present in the data. Consequently, these biases can perpetuate and amplify discrimination, especially in critical areas such as law enforcement, job recruitment, and access to financial services. For instance, AI-driven hiring tools might favor certain demographic groups over others based on historical employment data, thereby exacerbating existing inequalities.
Moreover, the deployment of AI in surveillance and privacy contexts raises substantial ethical questions. Countries have begun leveraging AI for extensive surveillance, invoking fears of privacy invasion and unauthorized monitoring. Such surveillance technologies could potentially erode individual freedoms, leading to a society under constant observation. This scenario portends a dystopian future wherein personal autonomy is sacrificed at the altar of security.
ai surveillance
The ethical quandary extends to the decision-making autonomy granted to AI systems. Autonomous vehicles, for instance, are faced with moral dilemmas in real-time traffic situations. Should a self-driving car prioritize the safety of its passengers or nearby pedestrians in an unavoidable accident? Delegating such moral decisions to AI underscores the necessity for creating robust ethical guidelines and frameworks to govern AI behavior.
AI’s potential to replace human labor force raises yet another moral conundrum. The automation of jobs not only threatens employment rates but also challenges the ethical aspect of workforce displacement. While AI-driven automation promises efficiency gains, it concurrently risks widening the socio-economic divide. Thus, balancing technological advancement with job preservation remains a pivotal challenge for policymakers.
In sum, AI’s burgeoning role in society necessitates a vigilant examination of its ethical and moral ramifications. Crafting regulatory frameworks and ethical standards to mitigate adverse effects while harnessing AI benefits stands as the imperative endeavor for the modern era.
Questions
1. Multiple Choice:
What is a significant ethical concern mentioned regarding AI algorithms?
a) AI’s inability to perform complex tasks
b) AI’s potential for embedded bias
c) AI’s high operational costs
d) AI’s requirement for constant monitoring
2. True/False/Not Given:
AI in surveillance strictly enhances security without any drawbacks.
a) True
b) False
c) Not Given
3. Matching Information:
Match the application of AI with the potential ethical implication.
i. Hiring tools
ii. Autonomous vehicles
iii. Surveillance technologies
a) Privacy invasion
b) Job displacement disputes
c) Bias and discrimination
4. Summary Completion:
Complete the summary using words from the passage.
AI has shown promise in multiple sectors but poses ethical challenges. In critical domains like [blank1], AI may inadvertently include biases, leading to [blank2]. Privacy concerns arise from AI-driven [blank3] technologies, which could undermine individual freedoms.
5. Short-answer Questions:
What is one ethical challenge associated with AI replacing human jobs?
Answer Keys
Answer: b) AI’s potential for embedded bias
Explanation: The passage discusses how AI algorithms may incorporate societal prejudices, leading to potential discrimination.Answer: b) False
Explanation: The text highlights substantial ethical questions and potential erosions of individual freedoms related to AI surveillance.Answer:
i – c) Bias and discrimination
ii – a) Privacy invasion
iii – b) Job displacement disputes
Explanation: These matchings align with specific ethical implications discussed in the provided examples.Answers:
- Blank1: law enforcement
- Blank2: discrimination
- Blank3: surveillance
Explanation: Keywords from the passage fill the blanks correctly to maintain context integrity.
Answer: The automation of jobs threatens employment rates and challenges the workforce displacement ethics.
Common Mistakes and Tips
Common Mistakes:
- Misinterpreting keywords and context.
- Overlooking specific instructions in questions.
- Misaligning summary completions with passage content.
Tips:
- Scanning and Skimming: Quickly locate and underline keywords within the text.
- Contextual Reading: Always read a few sentences around the keyword to ensure accurate comprehension.
- Practice: Regularly practice different question types under timed conditions.
Vocabulary List
- Autonomy (n.) /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/: The right or condition of self-government.
- Prejudice (n.) /ˈprɛdʒʊdɪs/: Preconceived opinion not based on reason or actual experience.
- Dystopian (adj.) /dɪsˈtoʊpiən/: Relating to an imagined state where everything is unpleasant or bad.
- Algorithm (n.) /ˈælɡərɪðəm/: A process or set of rules followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations.
Grammar Points
Relative Clauses:
- Usage: “AI systems, trained on vast datasets, may…,”
- Structures: relative pronouns (who, which, that) plus verb.
- Example: “The book, which was on the table, is mine.”
Conclusion
For optimum results in the IELTS Reading section, strategic practice supplemented with real-world contexts—like the ethical and moral implications of AI—proves invaluable. Engage regularly with varied reading materials, harness diverse question types, and above all, remain curious about contemporary issues.
