IELTS Writing Task 2 (24 June 2017): Scientists predict that cars will be driven by computers, not people in the near future. Why? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

(250 words) Scientists envision a future where cars steer themselves while passengers sleep. This essay presents several grounds for this prediction and discusses the pros and cons of this reality.

Advancing technology is the most important driving force behind the future of autonomous cars. What's more, competition among automakers plays an important role in realising the vision of self-driving cars.

As regards the cons, when cars are programmed to navigate without human intervention, human drivers will lose jobs. This adds burden on the economy because of soaring unemployment. The impact on families of these unemployed drivers can be severe due to a loss of major family incomes. Furthermore, self-driving cars are prone to hacks. This scenario is frightening as cyber-terrorists may gain access to car systems, kidnapping school children (travelling together on school buses) or causing massive road accidents.

Regardless of the disadvantages, autonomous cars will bring a lot of advantages. Firstly, people will be able to spend their travelling time working or taking a rest. This is good for their health because driving can cause tiredness; in addition, people can use their time more efficiently. Secondly, self-driving cars may be safer than those driven by humans because cars do not drink, get sleepy or distracted.

In conclusion, it goes without saying that driverless cars are just around the corner as many deep-pocketed companies are pouring money into the technology. Just as any other game-changing inventions, autonomous cars may transform the world we are living in ways that go beyond our imagination.