Some people think that robots are very important to human's future development, while others think they are dangerous and have negative effects on society.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 2 question on IELTSX. Some people think that robots are very important to human's future development, while others think they are dangerous and have negative effects on society.

Robots Important Human Future vs Dangerous Negative Effects - IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Write at least 250 words.

A student's answer to this task, and the feedback on it

Written by an IELTSX user under exam conditions and published unedited and anonymously. Band 9 · 345 words.

There is an ongoing debate concerning the role of robots in human life. While some argue that robots will become indispensable to future human development, I concur with those who contend that their widespread use poses serious risks and may ultimately have a detrimental impact on society.

Admittedly, robots can substantially enhance efficiency by alleviating the human workload. This, in turn, enables individuals to devote more time to their professional ambitions and personal priorities. In an era characterised by mounting responsibilities—including housework, child rearing, and the constant need to manage competing demands—robots may serve as valuable assistants in everyday life. For example, households in the United States that have incorporated robotic technology into their daily routines often report improvements in productivity and time allocation. As a result, economic forecasts suggest that national income levels may continue to rise in the coming decades. This example illustrates how robots can contribute positively to human development. Nevertheless, such outcomes cannot be universally replicated, particularly in societies that lack the financial, technological, or regulatory capacity to manage advanced automation effectively.

Despite these advantages, I remain aligned with those who believe that excessive reliance on robots may give rise to long-term dangers. When individuals become overly dependent on machines for domestic responsibilities and childcare, they may assume that increased free time will automatically translate into meaningful personal or professional advancement. In reality, this dependency may prove counterproductive, fostering complacency, diminishing essential life skills, and potentially undermining physical well-being. Moreover, robots are designed, programmed, and updated by external specialists whose objectives are not always transparent to end users. In extreme circumstances, system modifications could transform robots from benign tools into sources of harm. Such risks extend beyond individual households and may generate broader societal repercussions. Consequently, although robots may initially appear harmless and beneficial, they could evolve into adversaries if left insufficiently regulated.

In conclusion, while robots can allow people to concentrate more fully on their long-term priorities rather than routine tasks, they also represent a significant threat, as their operation and development remain largely beyond the complete control of users.

Examiner feedback

This is an exceptional piece of writing that meets all the criteria for Band 9. The author demonstrates a mature ability to balance two opposing viewpoints while maintaining a clear, nuanced personal stance. The language is sophisticated, precise, and flows with the natural rhythm of a highly proficient English speaker.

Task Response - 9

The essay fully addresses all parts of the task by exploring both the potential benefits (importance to development) and the risks (danger/negative effects) associated with robots. - The position is clear, consistent, and sophisticated, arguing that while efficiency gains exist, the risks of dependency and lack of control are more significant. - Ideas are fully extended; for instance, the author doesn't just say robots are dangerous, but explains why* (dependency, loss of skills, and external programming control).

Coherence & Cohesion - 9

Paragraphing is skillfully managed, with each paragraph containing a clear central topic that contributes to the overall argument. - Cohesive devices such as 'Admittedly,' 'In turn,' and 'Consequently' are used naturally and do not attract undue attention. - There is a seamless logical progression from the acknowledgment of benefits to the deep dive into potential societal risks.

Lexical Resource - 9

The candidate uses a wide range of vocabulary with natural and sophisticated control. - Terms like 'indispensable,' 'detrimental impact,' 'alleviating the human workload,' 'fostering complacency,' and 'benign tools' demonstrate high-level precision. - Collocations are native-like (e.g., 'mounting responsibilities,' 'competing demands,' 'universally replicated').

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 9

The essay demonstrates a wide range of complex structures with full flexibility and accuracy. - Use of conditional structures, passive voice, and complex subordinate clauses is effortless. - Punctuation is flawless, and there are no grammatical errors throughout the text.

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