On 24th of June 2017, a number of my students did the test and reported the following Writing Task 2 questions:
- Scientists predict that in the future cars will be driven by computers.
What are the reasons behind this? Is it a positive or negative development? - Some people prefer travelling alone when they experience a new country or culture, while others prefer having some company.Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- Doctors recommend that older people do regular exercise. However, many older people do not take enough exercise.
What are the reasons for this? What can be done to encourage older people to exercise more?
One of my students produced an excellent sample answer, which you can read below.
Scientists predict that in the future cars will be driven by computers.
What are the reasons behind this?
Is it a positive or negative development?
In the coming years, experts believe that vehicles will be driven autonomously by computers. The main reason for this is the development of artificial intelligence that specialises in manoeuvring cars. This should be seen as a positive development because it will prevent accidents and save lives.
In the past few years, there has been an explosion in the advancement of autonomous
vehicles due to A.I. Advanced computer learning means that cars and other vehicles can move from point A to point B without the need for human interference. Due to the nature of these self-learning computers, the more they drive, the better they become and this will soon mean that it will be quite normal for people to be driven by computers. For example, Google, Tesla, and Apple all have autonomous driving projects, with Tesla announcing that all of its vehicles will be self-driving within 5 years.
This should be welcomed because, despite some initial safety concerns, it will ultimately save lives. This is because most collisions are due to human error and as machine learning gets better and better it will completely eliminate human involvement. This will mean that incidents such as drink driving, falling asleep at the wheel and speeding become a thing of the past. For instance, Elon Musk of Tesla Motors announced that its ‘Auto Pilot’ system has logged over 10 million miles with only one accident. Similar distances with people driving would have resulted in far more road traffic accidents.
In conclusion, the emergence of computer-controlled transportation will inevitably become the new standard in driving as computers learn more and should be viewed positively as it will improve safety standards.
For more help with your writing, please go to our Task 2 resource page.
Chris , can the main reason be given as electric cars being eco friendly unlike combustion engine cars that emit poisonous fumes ?
As the question is stating that scientists are predicting that cars will be driven by computers, describing how electric cars are more eco-friendly should not be your main argument. It is, however, relevant and supportive of your main ideas.
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These autonomous things will make people lazy.
HI Chris! I’m wondering what’s the structure when answering questions like – is this a positive or negative development? do we need to approach or answer it like it’s a agree or disagree question? or we need to answer both the positive or negative developments? Thank you so much!
Amazing new ideas,,, perfect answer
Chris what if the information that we provide is old.. maybe sth we read quite some time ago and is not up to date.. . do examiners cross verify the information provided in the essay?
I don’t think they will check the facts of the information which we share, they check our English skills in coherence ,Grammar & Cohesion.