IELTS Writing Task 2 prompt
Some people believe that artificial intelligence (AI) is helpful in our daily lives. Others worry it may bring negative effects in the future. What are the advantages of AI? Do the disadvantages outweigh the benefits?
Source practice test: IELTS Writing Test 5
Band 9 model answer
Expert-level response
Artificial intelligence is already embedded in ordinary life, from translation apps to medical screening tools. Although it creates serious risks around employment, privacy and accountability, I do not believe these drawbacks outweigh the benefits if governments regulate its use carefully.
The most persuasive advantage of AI is its ability to process complex information faster than humans can. In healthcare, machine-learning systems can scan thousands of images and flag early signs of disease, allowing doctors to intervene sooner. In daily life, AI also helps people translate languages, avoid traffic, detect fraud and complete repetitive administrative tasks. These gains are not merely convenient; they can save time, reduce human error and make expert support available to people who would otherwise lack it, including patients in remote areas.
The disadvantages are real. Some routine jobs are likely to disappear as software becomes cheaper than human labour, and poorly designed algorithms can make unfair decisions about loans, hiring or policing. AI also depends on enormous quantities of personal data, so misuse could threaten privacy on a large scale. These problems explain why many people fear the technology rather than the tool itself.
Nevertheless, the answer should be control, not rejection. Previous technologies, including electricity and the internet, also disrupted work and society, but they became valuable when rules and institutions adapted. With transparency requirements, data protection and retraining programmes, AI can be used as an assistant rather than an unchecked replacement for human judgement. Overall, its benefits outweigh its disadvantages, provided public policy keeps pace with innovation.
Why this meets Band 9
- Directly answers both questions: advantages are explained and the outweigh judgement is clear.
- Examples are concrete but not invented as personal evidence, which keeps the argument credible.
- Paragraphing is skilful, with each paragraph advancing a distinct part of the response.
- Lexis is flexible and accurate: 'accountability', 'machine-learning systems', 'unchecked replacement'.
Band 6 sample answer
Competent but limited response
AI is becoming common in many parts of life. Some people think it helps people, while others are afraid about future problems. I believe AI has more advantages than disadvantages, but it must be controlled.
There are several benefits of AI. It can do some work very quickly, so people can save time. For instance, phones can translate sentences, maps can show the fastest road, and websites can answer customers without waiting. AI is also useful in hospitals because computers may find some disease earlier than people. Students can use it to check grammar or find basic information, although they should not copy everything. These examples show that AI can make life easier and safer.
However, AI may also bring problems. Many workers can lose their jobs if machines do the same work for less money. This may happen first to drivers, shop assistants and office workers who do simple tasks. Another problem is privacy because companies collect a lot of information from users. Sometimes AI can also make a wrong decision and people do not know who is responsible. These disadvantages are serious and government should not ignore them.
In conclusion, I think the benefits are bigger because AI helps people in health, study and daily tasks. But if there are no strong rules, it can become dangerous. Governments and companies should use it carefully and help workers learn new skills. People should also learn how to use AI correctly, not depend on it for every decision. This will make the technology more useful.
Why this sits around Band 6
- The position is clear and relevant, but development relies on broad examples rather than deeper explanation.
- Ideas are sequenced clearly, though cohesion is basic and repetitive.
- Vocabulary is sufficient for the task, but collocations such as 'afraid about future problems' are less natural.
- There is a mix of sentence types, with minor grammar issues that do not block meaning.
How can I avoid sounding memorised in an IELTS AI essay?
Use the prompt's exact task as your structure. For this question, explain practical advantages, explain risks, then make a clear outweigh judgement. Avoid generic technology paragraphs that could fit any topic.