TechnologyDiscussion (Both Views + Opinion)
IELTS Essay: AI Benefit or Threat (Band 9 vs 6.5)
In short
Below is a full Band 9 model answer to this IELTS Writing Task 2 question, the same question written at Band 6.5, and a criterion-by-criterion breakdown of exactly what separates them — so you can see what to change in your own writing. Then check your essay with the free tool.
The question
Some people believe that artificial intelligence will mainly benefit society, while others fear it poses a serious threat. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
How to approach a Discussion (Both Views + Opinion) question
A discussion question asks you to do two distinct things: present both views fairly, and give your own opinion. Devote one body paragraph to each view, then make sure your position is clear — either woven through or stated plainly in the conclusion. The classic mistake is discussing both sides but forgetting to give an opinion at all, which directly costs Task Response marks.
The plan
- 01Introduction: introduce the debate and state a qualified opinion — AI will do more good than harm if it is well regulated.
- 02Body 1: the optimistic view — AI advances medicine and science and takes over dangerous, repetitive work.
- 03Body 2: the pessimistic view — job losses, misinformation and biased data; frame these as reasons for oversight, not abandonment.
- 04Conclusion: restate that the benefits will prevail provided regulation and cooperation manage the risks.
Band 9 model answer
Artificial intelligence has advanced so rapidly that opinion is sharply divided: optimists see a powerful engine of progress, while pessimists warn of an existential danger. Having weighed both positions, I am persuaded that AI is likely to do far more good than harm, provided its development is properly regulated.
Those who welcome AI point to its extraordinary capacity to solve problems that have long defied human effort. In medicine, algorithms can now detect tumours on a scan earlier and more reliably than an experienced radiologist, while in science they accelerate the discovery of drugs and materials that might otherwise take decades to find. By shouldering repetitive and dangerous tasks, these systems also free workers to concentrate on creative and interpersonal roles that machines cannot replicate. From this perspective, AI is simply the latest tool to amplify human potential.
The opposing camp, however, raises concerns that cannot be brushed aside. The same automation that boosts productivity threatens to render millions of jobs obsolete, and the ability of AI to generate convincing misinformation could corrode public trust and even destabilise democracies. Sceptics further fear that systems trained on flawed data will entrench existing prejudices at a vast scale. I share these anxieties, yet I regard them as arguments for careful oversight rather than reasons to abandon the technology altogether.
In conclusion, while the risks posed by artificial intelligence are real and demand robust safeguards, its potential to advance medicine, science and productivity is too valuable to forgo. With thoughtful regulation and international cooperation, I firmly believe its benefits will ultimately prevail over its dangers.
The same question at Band 6.5
Nowadays, artificial intelligence is becoming more and more popular in our society. Some people think that AI will bring many benefit for us, but other people believe it is a big threat. In this essay I will discuss both view, and give my own opinion.
On one side, many people believe AI is very helpful. For example, in hospital, AI can help doctor to find the disease faster and this can save many life. In addition, AI like chatbot can answer our question anytime and help us to find information very quickly on the internet. Also, AI can do the difficult and boring job that human don't want to do, like in factory. Because of this, people can have more free time and the work become more easy and fast.
On the other side, some people worry that AI is dangerous. The main problem is that AI will take many job from people, so a lot of worker will lose their job and become unemployment. Also, AI can be use for bad thing, like making fake news and video, and this can trick many people. Some people also afraid that in the future AI will become too powerful and human cannot control it. This make many people feel scared about the future.
In conclusion, AI have both good and bad side. In my opinion, I think AI will benefit our society more, but only if the government make good rule to control it. If we use AI in careful way, it will help us a lot in the future.
What separates them, criterion by criterion
| Criterion | Band 9 | Band 6.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Task Response | Discusses both views fully and states a clear, qualified opinion — 'AI is likely to do far more good than harm, provided its development is properly regulated'. | Covers both views and does give an opinion, but each side is presented in general terms and only lightly developed. |
| Coherence & Cohesion | Uses varied, natural transitions such as 'The opposing camp, however', 'From this perspective' and 'yet I regard them as'. | Frames the essay mechanically ('On one side', 'On the other side', 'Also') and adds points in a list. |
| Lexical Resource | Deploys precise collocation: 'render millions of jobs obsolete', 'entrench existing prejudices' and 'amplify human potential'. | Repeats simple words and misuses form ('very helpful', 'many benefit', 'bad thing'). |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | Controls complex structures, e.g. 'systems trained on flawed data will entrench existing prejudices at a vast scale'. | Uses mostly simple sentences with errors such as 'AI have', 'many job' and 'AI can be use'. |
Examiner's note
Both answers discuss the two views and offer an opinion, but the Band 9 develops each side with specific, credible detail and reaches a nuanced, clearly signalled position, while the 6.5 stays at the level of general statements. Lexis and grammar separate them most: the 9 handles precise collocation and complex sentences accurately, whereas the 6.5 leans on high-frequency vocabulary and makes steady errors ('AI have', 'many benefit') that keep it firmly mid-band.
Vocabulary from the Band 9 answer
| Word / phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| sharply divided | strongly split into two opposing groups |
| an existential danger | a threat to survival itself |
| defied human effort | resisted every attempt people made to solve it |
| shouldering tasks | taking on and carrying the burden of tasks |
| render obsolete | make something no longer useful or needed |
| corrode public trust | gradually destroy people's confidence |
| entrench existing prejudices | fix existing biases firmly in place |
| robust safeguards | strong protective measures or rules |
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to give my own opinion in a 'discuss both views' essay?
Yes. The instruction 'give your own opinion' is compulsory, and leaving it out caps your Task Response. State your view in the introduction and reinforce it in the conclusion.
Should I write more about the view I agree with?
Keep both views clearly developed, but you may give a little more weight to the side you favour. The key is that the opposing view is still explained fairly, not dismissed in a single line.
Can my opinion be a balanced or conditional one?
Yes. A nuanced position — for example 'beneficial provided it is properly regulated' — is perfectly acceptable and often sounds mature, as long as your stance is stated clearly and stays consistent.