TEACHER’S NOTES

WORKSHEETS, ACTIVITIE S & GA ME S Artificial Intelligence

Activity Type Introduction

Reading and Writing In this persuasive essay writing practice worksheet, students
Exercises: matching, read and discuss a text on the topic of artificial intelligence and
creating an essay outline, then plan and write a persuasive essay on the topic.
gap-fill, writing an essay,
peer review and feedback Procedure
Speaking Activity: guided Give each student a copy of the four-page worksheet.
discussion, listing,
communicative practice Students start by reading a text on the topic of artificial intelligence.
(group work)
Students then match words from the text to their definitions.

Focus Exercise A - Answer key

Persuasive essay writing
practice 1. inequities 2. unchecked 3. autonomy 4. exacerbate
5. array 6. viable 7. realm 8. mimic

Aim Next, in small groups, students discuss the pros and cons of AI
and list them in a table.
To practice writing a
persuasive essay on Working alone, students then choose a for or against stance on
the topic of artificial the issue of AI and prepare a persuasive essay outline that argues
intelligence. their stance.

Remind students that they are not writing a discussion essay.

Preparation Therefore, they should only discuss one position that is either
Make one copy of the for or against AI. The one exception to this is when they briefly
four-page worksheet for address the opposing view in the counterargument and refutation.
each student.
Following that, students complete advice about essay writing with
the words provided.
Level
Exercise E - Answer key
Upper-intermediate (B2)
1. e 2. g 3. b 4. d 5. f 6. a 7. h 8. c
Time Next, students use their outline to write a persuasive essay on
90 minutes the topic of AI.

Finally, students swap papers with a partner and use a checklist

to review and provide feedback on their partner's essay.

Note: This resource can be edited using a PDF editor.

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 PERSUASIVE ESSAYS

WORKSHEETS, ACTIVITIE S & GA ME S Artificial Intelligence

A. Read the text about artificial intelligence (AI).

Artificial intelligence or AI refers to machines and systems that have the ability to mimic
human cognitive functions such as learning, problem-solving, and adapting to environmental
conditions. AI has these features of human intelligence due to its ability to reason, plan, process
natural language, and perceive the world around it. This humanlike intelligence allows AI to
perform tasks that were normally only able to be done by people. AI also has the capacity to
continuously improve and learn by itself by collecting and analysing data.

AI is no longer something restricted to the realm of science fiction and is becoming part of our
everyday lives. It is not uncommon for companies such as banks to use chatbots to provide
customer service by answering very basic inquiries. Virtual assistants such as Siri and Alexa
can, by responding to simple voice commands, provide people with help in their daily lives. For
instance, they can be asked to turn on the lights, look up an important appointment, or even find
the quickest route to work or school. This is all without users having to pick up a smartphone or
open a laptop. AI can also learn people's TV viewing and music listening preferences and make
useful recommendations based on their previous viewing and listening behaviour.

Despite the many benefits it has the potential to bring, AI is controversial due to concerns
people have about the potential dangers posed by unethical or uncontrolled use of artificial
intelligence. There are many in society who fear AI and have a vision of high-functioning
human-like robots taking over the world. Opponents of AI warn about the dangers of the
unchecked development of artificial intelligence. These critics worry that AI may evolve to the
point of superintelligence and ultimately seek autonomy from human control. They also fear
the degree to which technological automation and a reliance on algorithmic processing may
threaten jobs and exacerbate existing socioeconomic inequities. Conversely, proponents
see the development of AI as non-threatening and dismiss claims of human labour being
made redundant. Rather, they see AI as having the potential to significantly enhance human
capabilities and productivity. Those who advocate the continued development of AI see it as a
viable way of managing an array of challenges in computer science, data analysis, research,
and production.

In short, AI exhibits some of the characteristics of human intelligence, it is already being used
to make life easier, but there is debate as to whether it promises more harm than good.

B. Write the words in bold from the text next to their definitions.

1. A situation where there are unfair outcomes between various people and or groups ...............

2. When something bad happens, but it is not stopped ...............

3. The right to control or govern oneself ...............

4. To make something worse ...............

5. A large number of different things ...............

6. To describe something as being effective and able to succeed ...............

7. An area of knowledge or activity ...............

8. Having the same qualities and abilities as something else ...............

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 PERSUASIVE ESSAYS

WORKSHEETS, ACTIVITIE S & GA ME S Artificial Intelligence

C. In groups, discuss the pros and cons of AI and list them in the table.

AI Pros AI Cons

D. Choose a for or against stance on AI and use the outline to plan a five-paragraph
essay that argues your point of view (BP refers to body paragraph).

Thesis statement: ........................................................................................................

BP 1 Topic sentence: .....................................................................................................

Supporting idea 1: ........................................................................................................

Supporting idea 2: ........................................................................................................

BP 2 Topic sentence: .....................................................................................................

Supporting idea 1: ........................................................................................................

Supporting idea 2: ........................................................................................................

BP 3 Topic sentence: .....................................................................................................

Counter argument: .......................................................................................................

Refutation: ..................................................................................................................

E. Complete the advice about essay writing with the words below.

a. support b. state c. summarise d. key e. important f. examples g. end h. conclusion

The most (1) ....................... sentence in an introduction is the thesis statement. It usually
comes at the (2) ....................... of the introduction. The thesis statement should clearly (3)
....................... the argument, position, or central idea that will be developed throughout the
essay. The body paragraphs are where (4) ....................... ideas are developed with evidence,
explanations, and (5) ....................... Each body paragraph should have a specific focus and
every sentence should (6) ....................... the thesis statement. The (7) ....................... is
just as important as the rest of the essay. Do not present any new ideas in the conclusion. Only
(8) .......................... the main points and rephrase the thesis statement.

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 PERSUASIVE ESSAYS

WORKSHEETS, ACTIVITIE S & GA ME S Artificial Intelligence

F. Now, use your outline to write an essay that argues your stance on the issue of AI.

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 PERSUASIVE ESSAYS

WORKSHEETS, ACTIVITIE S & GA ME S Artificial Intelligence

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G. Now, swap essays with a partner and use the checklist below to review and provide
feedback on their writing.

1. The thesis statement clearly states a stance on the topic ........

2. Topic sentences clearly state the main idea (argument) in each body paragraph ........

3. Body paragraphs contain no irrelevant ideas or sentences ........

4. Vocabulary usage is generally varied and accurate ........

5. There is a mix of simple, compound and complex sentences ........

6. Spelling, punctuation and grammar are generally accurate ........

7. Linking words and phrases are used to make clear connections between ideas ........

8. The conclusion paraphrases the thesis statement and summarises the main points ........

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