IELTS Writing Task 2 — Technology & AI Essay

IELTS Writing Task 2 — Technology & AI Essay

Technology is the #1 most repeated topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. In my years studying English linguistics, I found that students who understand the why behind examiner expectations score significantly higher than those who just memorise phrases. This lesson gives you both.

Why Technology Essays Are Tricky

Technology questions often ask you to evaluate trade-offs — benefits vs. risks, individual vs. society, present vs. future. Examiners penalise essays that are one-sided unless the task asks for your opinion only.

Common question types:
- "The internet has brought more harm than good. To what extent do you agree?"
- "Artificial intelligence will replace most jobs in the future. Discuss both views and give your opinion."
- "Some people argue that technology has made communication less personal. Do you agree?"

The Band 7 Technology Vocabulary Set

These phrases lift your Lexical Resource score. Learn them in context, not as a list.

Paragraph-by-Paragraph Framework

Introduction: Paraphrase the topic, then state your position.

"The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has sparked considerable debate about its long-term impact on employment. While I acknowledge the disruption technology causes, I firmly believe its overall benefits outweigh the drawbacks."

Body 1 — The main advantage (use a real statistic or example)

"Firstly, AI has dramatically increased productivity across sectors. In manufacturing, robots can produce goods with greater precision and at lower cost than human workers, enabling companies to offer more affordable products. The McKinsey Global Institute estimates that automation could boost global GDP by up to $13 trillion by 2030, suggesting the economic gains are substantial."

Body 2 — The main concern + nuance

"Nevertheless, the displacement of workers in routine industries is a legitimate concern. Factory workers, truck drivers, and data entry clerks face genuine risks of redundancy. However, history shows that technological revolutions — from the printing press to the industrial revolution — ultimately created more jobs than they destroyed, albeit in different sectors. The key is investment in retraining programmes."

Conclusion:

"In conclusion, while AI poses real short-term challenges for certain workers, the wider economic and social benefits it generates make it a net positive for society. Governments and businesses must work together to manage the transition through education and reskilling."

5 Examiner Tips for Technology Essays

1. Always define the scope — "technology" is too vague. Specify: AI, social media, automation, biotechnology.
2. Use conditional language — "If governments invest in retraining, the risks can be mitigated." This shows sophisticated thinking.
3. Avoid absolute statements — "AI will destroy all jobs" is a Band 5 claim. "AI may displace certain categories of work" is Band 7+.
4. Include a real-world example — a country, company, or study. You don't need the exact figure — approximate is fine.
5. Your conclusion must match your introduction — if you say "agree" in paragraph 1, don't change to "partially agree" in paragraph 4.

Practice Question

"Some people think that the development of artificial intelligence will have a positive impact on society. Others believe it is dangerous and difficult to control. Discuss both views and give your own opinion."

Write 250–270 words using the framework above. Time yourself: 40 minutes total (5 planning + 32 writing + 3 checking).