You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Scientists predict in the near future cars will be driven by computers, not people. Do you think it is a positive or negative development? Why?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer
It is true that advances in technology have led scientists to suggest that it will not be long before computers will be driving cars. I believe that the consequences will be wholly positive.
Scientists have good reasons to believe that computer-driven cars will soon become the norm. The first computer- driven cars have been built and the technological breakthrough achieved. Already, satellite navigation systems guide many drivers to their destinations, using sophisticated software that can incorporate information about traffic congestion and delays. Thus, computers speed up journey times and ease traffic flow. It is therefore reasonable to anticipate that computers will soon assume all the functions of the human motorist. The principal benefit of driverless vehicles will be a reduction in the number of deaths and injuries on the roads.
The majority of accidents are the result of human error or irresponsibility, including such reckless behaviour as speeding and driving while intoxicated. If the control of vehicles were computerized, the roads would be safer for everyone, including cyclists and pedestrians. There would also be no need for local or national authorities to apply road safety measures, such as the installation of speed cameras or traffic calming.
A second major advantage will be to enable more people to use cars. At present, in many countries such as the UK, in order to adhere to the law, learners have to undergo extensive training and sit a rigourous test before they become qualified drivers. For the elderly and those with some physical disability or mental health problems, such as anxiety, a car driven by a computer will be an extremely beneficial application of leading-edge technology.
In conclusion, I would argue that technological achievements will result in fully-computerized cars and this should be welcomed universally as a positive development.
294 words
Vocab Highlights
Advances in technology: the improvement or developments in technology
A technological breakthrough: an important new discovery in technology
To speed up journey times: to reduce the amount of time spent travelling
To ease traffic flow: to enable traffic to move more easily
Driverless vehicles: cars and other vehicles which have the technology to drive themselves, without a person in control
Driving while intoxicated: the crime of driving a vehicle after drinking too much alcohol
To computerize something: to provide a computer or computers to do the work
Local or national authorities: government organizations acting in a local area or across a country
The installation of speed cameras: The act of putting cameras on certain roads to check that cars are not going faster than the speed limit
Traffic calming: building raised areas on roads as a means of making cars go more slowly