Others think that they are dangerous and have negative effects on society. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Band 9 IELTS essay sample
While some people are of the opinion that robots will benefit human progress, others disagree with that view. They insist that advances in robotic technology will have disastrous consequences for humans. In my opinion, it depends on how robots are going to be used in future.
Robots certainly benefit us in so many ways. They can perform repetitive and monotonous jobs without any complaints. They make hardly any errors and unlike humans they do not get tired or bored. In many countries, people have already started using robots for performing mundane domestic tasks like cleaning. Robots are capable of performing much more complicated and hazardous jobs too. For example, they are already being used in mines. They can be deployed to launch rescue operations in dangerous places. Many companies also use robots in their factories. They reduce the need for human labour.
On the other hand, robotic technology is not completely safe. Robots are not sentient beings. They lack consciousness and emotions. They cannot distinguish right from wrong and they work according to the way they are programmed. Consequently, it is quite possible for a scientist with malevolent intentions to build a harmful robot. It is also possible to mess with their coding and make robots perform actions they were not meant to do. Then there is the Sci-Fi possibility of robots acquiring consciousness and turning against humans. While I do not see this ever happening, there are certainly many people who are concerned about this scenario. Large scale adoption of robotic technology will also lead to unemployment.
In short, robots are incapable of doing good or bad on their own. They work according to their programming. As long as we have laws and regulations to prevent robotic technology from falling into wrong hands, in my opinion, they are and will continue to be beneficial for humans.
Score: Band 9
Why should this essay get band 9?
It addresses all aspects of the task. The benefits and potential disadvantages of using robots are discussed in the two body paragraphs. In the introduction, the writer paraphrases the question and expresses their opinion. The points discussed in the body paragraphs support the writer’s view that robotic technology is safe if it is used for the right purposes. In the conclusion the main points are mentioned again. A wide range of simple, complex and compound sentences are used in this essay. There are hardly any grammar mistakes.
What if you believe that robots are indeed harmful to humans? In this case, you should downplay the benefits offered by robots. You should still discuss them because the task asks you to discuss both sides. In the next paragraph, highlight the potential risks of using robots. You can write about the possibility of AI building robots that can ‘think’. You should also write about how robots will lead to large scale unemployment and social unrest. Make sure that your essay supports your opinion. If you believe robots are largely beneficial, focus on the positive aspects of using them. If you believe they are bad, the emphasis should be on the potential risks of using robots.
