IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays: Why AI Ethics Should Be Taught in Schools (Band 7, 8, and 6)

IELTS Mentor

3 months ago

AI ethics is becoming an increasingly important topic in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. As artificial intelligence continues to play a larger role in our daily lives, it’s crucial to consider the ethical implications of these advancements. This topic has been gaining traction in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, reflecting its relevance in contemporary society. Based on recent trends and the importance of the subject, it’s likely that questions related to AI ethics in education will appear more frequently in future IELTS exams.

Let’s examine a potential IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:

Some people believe that the ethics of artificial intelligence should be taught in schools. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

Analyzing the Question

This question asks for your opinion on whether AI ethics should be incorporated into school curricula. To answer effectively, you should:

Clearly state your position (agree, disagree, or partially agree)
Provide reasons and examples to support your stance
Consider potential counterarguments
Conclude by summarizing your main points and restating your position

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8)

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our lives, influencing everything from social media algorithms to healthcare diagnostics. Given its pervasive nature, I strongly agree that the ethics of AI should be taught in schools. This essay will explore the reasons behind this stance and its potential impact on future generations.

Firstly, educating students about AI ethics would foster critical thinking skills essential for navigating an increasingly AI-driven world. By understanding the ethical implications of AI, such as bias in machine learning algorithms or privacy concerns in data collection, students can make more informed decisions about their interactions with technology. This knowledge empowers them to question and challenge AI systems they encounter, promoting responsible development and use of these technologies.

Moreover, introducing AI ethics in schools would prepare students for future careers in which AI will likely play a significant role. As AI continues to transform industries, professionals in various fields will need to grapple with ethical dilemmas related to its implementation. By instilling an understanding of AI ethics early on, we equip the next generation with the tools to navigate these complex issues in their professional lives.

Additionally, teaching AI ethics in schools could contribute to a more equitable and just society. As AI systems increasingly influence decision-making processes in areas such as hiring, lending, and criminal justice, it’s crucial that future developers and policymakers understand the potential for bias and discrimination in these systems. By fostering awareness of these issues, we can work towards creating more fair and inclusive AI technologies.

ai-ethics-education

Some may argue that AI ethics is too complex a subject for school-age children or that it should be reserved for specialized higher education. However, I believe that basic concepts of AI ethics can be introduced at age-appropriate levels, much like how we teach other ethical and technological concepts. Starting with simple ideas and building complexity over time would allow students to develop a robust understanding of the subject.

In conclusion, the integration of AI ethics into school curricula is not only beneficial but necessary in our rapidly evolving technological landscape. By equipping students with the knowledge to critically evaluate AI systems, preparing them for future careers, and fostering a more equitable society, we invest in a future where technology serves humanity’s best interests. As AI continues to shape our world, it is imperative that we shape the minds that will guide its development.

[Word count: 377]

Explanation of Band 8 Score

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a Band 8 response:

Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with well-developed ideas and relevant examples.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “Firstly,” “Moreover,” “Additionally”).
Lexical Resource: It uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control (e.g., “pervasive nature,” “foster critical thinking skills,” “grapple with ethical dilemmas”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are used effectively without errors.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 7)

In today’s digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prevalent in our daily lives. As a result, there is a growing debate about whether AI ethics should be taught in schools. I strongly believe that incorporating AI ethics into the educational curriculum is crucial for preparing students for the future.

One of the main reasons for teaching AI ethics in schools is to develop critical thinking skills among students. By understanding the ethical implications of AI, such as privacy concerns and potential biases, students can learn to question and analyze the technology they use daily. This awareness will help them make informed decisions about their interactions with AI systems in the future.

Furthermore, introducing AI ethics in schools can prepare students for future careers. As AI continues to transform various industries, professionals in many fields will need to understand and address ethical issues related to AI. Early exposure to these concepts can give students a competitive edge in the job market and help them navigate complex ethical situations in their future workplaces.

Teaching AI ethics can also contribute to creating a more responsible and ethical society. As future developers, policymakers, and users of AI technology, students need to understand the potential impacts of AI on society. This knowledge can help prevent the development and use of AI systems that may perpetuate discrimination or cause harm to certain groups of people.

However, some may argue that AI ethics is too complex for school-age children to understand. While it’s true that some aspects of AI ethics can be challenging, I believe that basic concepts can be introduced at age-appropriate levels. Just as we teach children about online safety and digital citizenship, we can gradually introduce AI ethics concepts throughout their education.

In conclusion, teaching AI ethics in schools is essential for preparing students for a future where AI will play an increasingly significant role. By fostering critical thinking, preparing students for future careers, and promoting ethical awareness, we can help create a generation that uses AI responsibly and ethically. As AI continues to evolve, it’s crucial that our education system evolves with it to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

[Word count: 345]

Explanation of Band 7 Score

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a Band 7 response:

Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task and presents a clear position with relevant main ideas. However, some points could be further developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized and there is a clear overall progression. Cohesive devices are used effectively, although not always with complete flexibility.
Lexical Resource: It uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision. There are examples of less common vocabulary, though occasionally with some awkwardness.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures. There is good control of grammar and punctuation but it may lack the level of accuracy for a higher band.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 6)

Nowadays, AI is becoming more important in our lives. Some people think we should teach AI ethics in schools. I agree with this idea because it can help students understand AI better and use it safely.

One reason to teach AI ethics in schools is to help students know how to use AI properly. For example, students can learn about privacy issues when using AI apps. This knowledge can help them protect their personal information online. Also, by learning about AI ethics, students can understand how AI works and make better choices about using it.

Another reason is that learning about AI ethics can help students in their future jobs. Many jobs now use AI, so understanding its ethics can be useful. Students who know about AI ethics might have better chances to get good jobs in the future. They can also help make AI systems that are fair and don’t discriminate against people.

Teaching AI ethics in schools can also make society better. If students learn about the good and bad effects of AI, they can help create a world where AI is used in a good way. They can become responsible users and creators of AI technology.

Some people might say that AI ethics is too hard for school students to understand. But I think if we start with simple ideas and slowly teach more difficult things, students can learn it well. We can teach it like we teach other subjects, starting with basic ideas and then moving to more complex ones.

In conclusion, I believe teaching AI ethics in schools is a good idea. It can help students use AI safely, prepare for future jobs, and create a better society. As AI becomes more important in our lives, it’s necessary to teach students about its ethics.

[Word count: 294]

Explanation of Band 6 Score

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a Band 6 response:

Task Response: The essay addresses the task and presents a relevant position. However, the ideas are not always fully developed, and some points lack specific examples.
Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall structure, but the progression of ideas is not always smooth. Some cohesive devices are used, but they may be repetitive or mechanical.
Lexical Resource: The essay uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary, but there may be some inaccuracy in word choice or collocation.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. There are some errors in grammar and punctuation, but they do not impede communication.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

Artificial Intelligence (AI) (noun) /ˌɑːrtɪˈfɪʃl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/: The simulation of human intelligence in machines.
Ethics (noun) /ˈeθɪks/: Moral principles that govern a person’s behavior or the conducting of an activity.
Curriculum (noun) /kəˈrɪkjələm/: The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college.
Pervasive (adjective) /pərˈveɪsɪv/: Spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people.
Critical thinking (noun) /ˈkrɪtɪkl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/: The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment.
Bias (noun) /ˈbaɪəs/: Prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another.
Equitable (adjective) /ˈekwɪtəbl/: Fair and impartial.
Imperative (adjective) /ɪmˈperətɪv/: Of vital importance; crucial.
Discriminate (verb) /dɪˈskrɪmɪneɪt/: Recognize a distinction; differentiate.
Perpetuate (verb) /pərˈpetʃueɪt/: Make (something) continue indefinitely.

In conclusion, the topic of AI ethics in education is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays due to its increasing importance in our society. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider practicing with similar topics related to technology and education. You might encounter questions about the impact of AI on job markets, the role of technology in classrooms, or the ethical considerations of advanced technologies in various fields.

To further improve your writing skills, try composing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you apply the strategies and vocabulary discussed in this article, enhancing your ability to craft well-structured and coherent essays for your IELTS Writing Task 2.

For more insights on IELTS essay structures and tips on describing influential figures, you might find these articles helpful:

Remember, consistent practice and familiarity with a wide range of topics are key to success in the IELTS Writing Task 2. Keep exploring various subjects and refining your writing skills to achieve your desired band score.