Artificial Intelligence and Employment Some people believe that the increasing use of artificial intelligence and machines will improve people's lives, while others are concerned about its consequences. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This IELTS Writing Task 2 answer was marked Band 8 on the four official criteria. All four criteria were marked at 8. The biggest single improvement: Develop the drawbacks more broadly: after "students rely on AI-generated answers", add a concrete workplace or social consequence so the discussion is not centred mainly on education.
How it was marked
| Criterion | Band | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Task Response | 8 | The essay fully addresses both perspectives and presents a clear, consistent position that AI improves life when used responsibly, as shown by "I believe that excessive reliance on them can undermine critical thinking". Ideas are well developed through examples such as "ChatGPT and Claude" and students relying on "AI-generated answers", although the negative consequences are explored more narrowly than the potential benefits. |
| Lexical Resource | 8 | The essay uses a wide and precise range of vocabulary, including "widespread adoption", "delegate decisions", "independent judgement", and "technological advances", with accurate collocations and an appropriate academic style. A small amount of repetition of terms such as "AI", "technology", and "independent" prevents the language from being fully effortless and maximally flexible. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 8 | The essay demonstrates a wide range of accurate structures, including concessive clauses in "While these technologies offer considerable benefits", conditional reasoning in "if their use is not carefully managed", and complex noun clauses such as "that society can benefit from technological advances". Errors are extremely rare, and the sentences remain clear throughout, though the range could be made slightly more flexible through greater variation in sentence openings. |
| Coherence & Cohesion | 8 | The response has a clear four-part progression from the benefits of AI to its risks, a qualified opinion, and a conclusion, with effective paragraphing around transitions such as "Nevertheless" and "In my opinion". Cohesion is generally natural and precise, although the final paragraph repeats the position already expressed in "where they genuinely conflict". |
The answer
A learner answer, not a model answer — study what the marks reward, don't copy it.
The question of whether the growing use of artificial intelligence and machines improves people's quality of life has become increasingly contentious. While these technologies offer considerable benefits in terms of efficiency and convenience, I believe that excessive reliance on them can undermine critical thinking and human independence if their use is not carefully managed.
Those who advocate the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence argue that it can simplify everyday tasks, save time, and improve safety. Tools such as ChatGPT and Claude enable users to obtain information, organise their work, and solve routine problems with minimal effort. Moreover, intelligent systems integrated into household appliances can perform repetitive tasks and detect potential hazards, allowing people to manage their daily responsibilities more efficiently. From this standpoint, technological progress represents a valuable opportunity to improve living standards and make everyday life more convenient.
Nevertheless, these benefits should not overshadow the potential drawbacks of excessive dependence on AI. When individuals routinely delegate decisions and problem-solving tasks to intelligent systems, they may become less inclined to exercise independent judgement. This is particularly concerning when students rely on AI-generated answers instead of analysing information or developing their own arguments. Over time, such habits may limit opportunities to practise critical thinking, creativity, and independent decision-making. However, these consequences are not inevitable; they are more likely to arise when technology replaces intellectual effort rather than supporting it.
In my opinion, technological convenience and human independence need not be mutually exclusive, yet where they genuinely conflict, the development of critical thinking and self-reliance should prevail. Responsible approaches to AI use, ranging from human-machine collaboration to clear limits on its use in education, demonstrate that society can benefit from technological advances without sacrificing essential intellectual skills.
In conclusion, although the arguments in favour of artificial intelligence are undeniably compelling, the enduring importance of human independence and critical thinking should not be overlooked. It is therefore imperative that technological progress be guided by a commitment to using AI responsibly while preserving people's ability to think and act independently.
How this answer could score higher
- Develop the drawbacks more broadly: after "students rely on AI-generated answers", add a concrete workplace or social consequence so the discussion is not centred mainly on education.
- Make examples more specific and explanatory: expand "detect potential hazards" by naming a hazard and explaining how this directly improves people's lives.
- Reduce repetition in the conclusion and vary phrasing around "critical thinking" and "independent" by using a fresh, precise final implication such as "AI should strengthen rather than replace human judgement."
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