In Ielts task 2 you are looking to build a clear and connected argument. For band 8 task response, it says:
To present a well-developed response you will need to develop a clear and organised piece of writing.
You will need to argue a point successfully, and to do this you must include the following:
- your claim e.g. Computers are more reliable than humans;
- your reasons e.g. They can deal with large amounts of information and are not prone to making mistakes;
- your evidence e.g. This can be seen in large assembly plants where there are few injuries and high productivity
- your argument We should invest in building automated workforces.
In the ‘to what extent’ or ‘do you agree’ questions you might only support one side of the argument and in that case you will have to organised your answer with enough support.
I think there are three main points in support of greater use of computers (Claim)
Firstly, all countries need to be productive to develop their economies. (Reason)
Faster decision making and quicker calculations lead to greater efficiency and higher productivity (support).
The second point is a practical one (another claim)
If we leave decisions to humans then emotions are likely to play a part. (Reason)
Computers are infallible to emotion and bias and will not make poor judgements based on emotion. (support)
The third and less mentioned point is that computers can be programmed to be creative (claim).
Humans are blessed with creativity but computers can be programmed to replicate tasks such as making art or composing poetry. (reason)
This has been evidenced by Aida, a female android artist has been able to create beautiful pieces of art which are extremely valuable. (further support)
A modern workforce with a mainly automated component is therefore essential to human progress (argument).
Aim to do this in your writing. You will also extend by giving examples. Now try to do as I have with the opposite argument: humans do not need robots to make humanity progress.
Here is some useful signposting language you can use:
The main/principal argument for/against … is (that) …
One of the main/ principal arguments for/ against … is
(that) …
The first point to be considered/made is (that) …
There is no doubt that …
It seems clear that .. .
It is obvious that ….
ALISTAIR BROWN: As a writing and speaking examiner for more than 10 years, I bring a lot of experience. I have seen the frustrations that students have with IELTS from a career where I have actively guided and corrected students’ studies. I am looking for the most effective ways to teach IELTS as I understand students’ needs.