IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

In the future all cars, buses and trucks will be driverless. The only people travelling inside these vehicles will be passengers.

Do you think the advantages of driverless vehicles outweigh the disadvantages?

Sample Answer 1:

In the face of rapid technological advancements, the emergence of driverless vehicles has become a reality and it is projected that within a couple of decades, all cars will operate without human intervention. From my perspective, the benefits of driverless cars will far outweigh the potential drawbacks.

Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that driverless cars pose certain risks, including accidents and casualties, in the event of technology malfunction. As these vehicles are controlled by software and technology, the risk of devastating accidents due to bugs or hacking cannot be entirely eliminated. Furthermore, not all roads, particularly those in developing nations with poor infrastructure and insufficient road signals, are suitable for autonomous vehicles to operate smoothly.

However, the benefits of driverless cars far outweigh the potential risks. In terms of road safety, technology-made mistakes are significantly fewer than those made by human drivers. According to statistics, human drivers are responsible for hundreds, if not thousands, of casualties each day worldwide. With the introduction of autonomous cars, accidents would reduce dramatically, making roads safer for all. Additionally, millions of hours could be saved each day as individuals would no longer need to spend time driving, leading to increased productivity and a boost in the national economy.

In conclusion, driverless vehicles offer numerous benefits such as road safety and economic benefits. While there are potential drawbacks, these can be mitigated through proper regulation and addressing software-related issues. Overall, driverless cars represent a revolutionary technology that has the potential to greatly benefit society.

Sample Answer 2:

As technological advancements continue to accelerate, the emergence of autonomous vehicles has become a tangible reality, with projections suggesting that within the next several decades, all cars will operate without the need for human intervention. In my opinion, the advantages of these driverless cars will far outweigh any potential drawbacks.

One of the primary drawbacks of autonomous cars is the risk of accidents and casualties resulting from technology malfunctions. The vehicles are controlled by software and technology, and while efforts are being made to minimize the potential for bugs or hacking, the possibility of devastating accidents cannot be entirely eliminated. Additionally, not all roads, particularly those in developing nations with inadequate infrastructure, are suitable for the operation of these vehicles.

Nevertheless, when it comes to road safety and casualties, technology-related mistakes are significantly fewer than those made by human drivers. Despite isolated incidents involving accidents with driverless cars, it is important to note that human drivers are responsible for a vast number of casualties on a daily basis worldwide. The widespread implementation of autonomous cars has the potential to greatly reduce accidents and improve road safety for all. Furthermore, the elimination of the need for human drivers would result in the saving of millions of hours each day, increasing productivity and boosting the national economy.

In conclusion, while there are potential drawbacks to the widespread use of driverless vehicles, the advantages, particularly in terms of road safety and economic benefits, far outweigh any potential negatives. It is expected that through proper regulation and addressing software-related issues, we can fully realize the benefits of this revolutionary technology.