The IELTS Reading test is a critical component of the IELTS exam, designed to assess a candidate’s ability to understand and interpret written English. In recent years, topics related to technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), have gained prominence in reading passages. One such relevant topic is, “What are the social implications of increasing use of AI in healthcare?” This theme is not only contemporary but also frequently discussed in academic and professional circles, making it a plausible subject for the IELTS Reading test.
Understanding such subjects helps test-takers prepare for potential questions and improve their comprehension skills. Moreover, given the rise of AI in various sectors, including healthcare, it’s likely that this topic will continue to appear in future exams.
Practice Test: AI in Healthcare
Reading Passage
Title: The Social Implications of Increasing Use of AI in Healthcare
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming numerous sectors, with healthcare being one of the most impacted. The integration of AI in healthcare systems is not without its social implications, which must be examined thoroughly.
One of the primary social implications is the potential for improved accessibility to healthcare services. AI-driven applications can assist in diagnosing illnesses, suggesting treatment plans, and even predicting health trends on a larger scale. These applications can be particularly valuable in remote and underprivileged areas where healthcare professionals are scarce. For instance, AI chatbots and virtual assistants can provide preliminary medical advice, reducing the burden on hospitals and clinics.
Nevertheless, the widespread adoption of AI in healthcare also raises significant ethical and privacy concerns. Patient data is the backbone of AI systems in healthcare, and the protection of this sensitive information becomes paramount. As AI systems gather extensive patient data, the risk of data breaches and misuse grows, potentially leading to identity theft and other malicious activities. Ensuring robust data security measures is critical to maintaining public trust.
Another notable social implication is the shift in employment dynamics within the healthcare sector. While AI can perform tasks traditionally handled by human professionals, this could lead to job displacement, particularly for roles involving routine tasks. Conversely, AI’s integration also creates new employment opportunities in AI system maintenance, data analysis, and cybersecurity, amongst others. However, this transition necessitates significant upskilling and retraining of the workforce.
Moreover, the social divide between those who can afford AI-enhanced healthcare and those who cannot may widen. Advanced AI treatments and personalized medicine typically come with high costs, potentially exacerbating existing health inequities. Policymakers need to address these disparities to ensure equitable access to AI-augmented healthcare services.
The use of AI in healthcare, while promising, must be approached with caution to mitigate these social implications. Continuous dialogue among technologists, healthcare professionals, patients, and policymakers is essential to harness AI’s potential benefits while safeguarding societal values.
Questions
1. Multiple Choice
-
What is a primary benefit of AI in healthcare according to the passage?
a. Reducing healthcare costs.
b. Increasing employment opportunities.
c. Improving accessibility to healthcare services.
d. Providing personalized medicine. -
What is a significant ethical concern associated with AI in healthcare?
a. Development costs of AI systems.
b. Risk of job displacement.
c. Protection of patient data.
d. Lack of AI professionals. -
How might AI exacerbate existing health inequities?
a. By replacing human jobs.
b. By providing advanced treatments that are costly.
c. By increasing data breaches.
d. By predicting health trends inaccurately.
2. Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)
- AI chatbots can entirely replace healthcare professionals in remote areas.
- Data security is critical to maintaining public trust in AI healthcare systems.
- All AI-driven healthcare services are affordable to the general public.
3. Matching Information
Match the following statements (A-F) with the corresponding paragraph (1-5):
A. AI’s role in remote healthcare
B. Employment dynamics affected by AI
C. Ethical issues and data privacy
D. Healthcare accessibility benefits from AI
E. AI causing social divide
F. Policymakers’ responsibility
4. Summary Completion
Complete the following summary with words from the passage.
The integration of AI in healthcare has led to improved 1 in remote areas and raised significant 2 and privacy concerns. While AI can lead to job displacement, it also creates new 3 opportunities. Policymakers must address these disparities to ensure 4 access to AI-enhanced healthcare.
5. Short-answer Questions
- What is one potential advantage of AI-driven applications in underprivileged areas?
- Why are robust data security measures critical in AI healthcare systems?
- How can AI create new employment opportunities in the healthcare sector?
Answer Keys
1. Multiple Choice
- c. Improving accessibility to healthcare services.
- c. Protection of patient data.
- b. By providing advanced treatments that are costly.
2. Identifying Information
- False
- True
- False
3. Matching Information
A – Paragraph 1
B – Paragraph 3
C – Paragraph 2
D – Paragraph 1
E – Paragraph 4
F – Paragraph 4
4. Summary Completion
- accessibility
- ethical
- employment
- equitable
5. Short-answer Questions
- AI-driven applications can provide preliminary medical advice, reducing the burden on healthcare facilities.
- Robust data security measures are essential to protect against data breaches and misuse, maintaining public trust.
- AI creates new employment opportunities in areas such as AI system maintenance, data analysis, and cybersecurity.
Key Vocabulary
- Accessibility (noun) /ˌæksəˈbɪlɪti/: The quality of being easy to obtain or use.
- Preliminary (adjective) /prɪˈlɪmɪnəri/: Denoting an action or event preceding or done in preparation for something more important.
- Displacement (noun) /dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/: The moving of something from its place or position.
- Equitable (adjective) /ˈɛkwɪtəbl/: Fair and impartial.
Grammar Structures
Passive Voice:
- “The integration of AI in healthcare systems is not without its social implications.”
Modals of Necessity:
- “Ensuring robust data security measures is critical to maintaining public trust.”
Advice for IELTS Reading Preparation
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice with varied reading materials enhances comprehension skills.
- Expand Vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with technical terminology related to current topics like AI and healthcare.
- Understand Question Types: Get comfortable with different question types by practicing past papers.
- Improve Skimming and Scanning Skills: These skills help in quickly locating information within the text.
- Be Mindful of Time: Practice under timed conditions to manage time effectively during the actual test.
By addressing timely and relevant topics such as the social implications of AI in healthcare, you can gain a nuanced understanding and increase your readiness for the IELTS Reading test.