innovationn.C1
创新，革新
technological innovation · drive innovation
Rapid innovation in AI has outpaced the development of ethical guidelines.
人工智能的快速创新已超过了伦理准则的制定速度。
学完能做到
- 就技术进步的伦理边界论证
- 在乐观与审慎间取衡
- 领会关于技术伦理的社论中隐含的批判语气
- 在写作中使用让步与hedging表达审慎立场
词汇 core 14 · expansion 22 · chunks 10
核心词 core
ethicaladj.C1
伦理的，道德的
ethical dilemma · ethical framework
The use of facial recognition technology raises serious ethical questions.
面部识别技术的使用引发了严重的伦理问题。
dilemman.C1
困境，两难境地
face a dilemma · moral dilemma
Policymakers often face a dilemma between privacy and security.
决策者常常在隐私与安全之间面临两难困境。
disruptv.C1
扰乱，使中断
disrupt the industry · disruptively innovative
Streaming services have disrupted traditional television.
流媒体服务已经打破了传统电视的格局。
surveillancen.C2
监视，监控
mass surveillance · surveillance camera
The expansion of surveillance has been justified on security grounds.
监控的扩大被以安全为由合理化。
inequalityn.C1
不平等
social inequality · growing inequality
Technological change can exacerbate inequality if not managed carefully.
如果管理不善，技术变革会加剧不平等。
accountableadj.C1
负有责任的
hold someone accountable · accountable for
Tech companies must be held accountable for the algorithms they deploy.
科技公司必须对其部署的算法负责。
transparencyn.C1
透明度
demand transparency · lack of transparency
Greater transparency is needed in how personal data is used.
个人数据的使用方式需要更高的透明度。
biasn.C1
偏见，偏向
algorithmic bias · unconscious bias
Algorithmic bias can lead to unfair outcomes in hiring.
算法偏见可能导致招聘中的不公平结果。
regulationn.B2
法规，监管
government regulation · tighten regulation
Effective regulation is essential to curb the excesses of the tech industry.
有效的监管对遏制科技行业的过度行为至关重要。
underminev.C1
逐渐削弱
undermine trust · undermine confidence
Repeated data breaches undermine public trust in digital services.
反复出现的数据泄露事件削弱了公众对数字服务的信任。
compromisev./n.C1
妥协；危及
compromise on · compromise security
We must not compromise on fundamental rights in the name of progress.
我们不能以进步的名义在基本权利上妥协。
autonomyn.C1
自主权，自治
personal autonomy · loss of autonomy
Automated decision-making can erode individual autonomy.
自动化决策会侵蚀个人自主权。
radicaladj.C1
激进的，彻底的
radical change · radical transformation
The digital revolution has brought about radical changes in how we live and work.
数字革命给我们的生活和工作方式带来了彻底的变化。
扩展词库 expansion
algorithmicadj.C2
算法的
algorithmic decision-making
oversightn.C1
监督，监管
regulatory oversight
utilitarianadj.C2
功利主义的
a utilitarian approach
dystopianadj.C2
反乌托邦的
a dystopian future
prerogativen.C2
特权，权利
the prerogative of
encroachv.C2
侵犯，侵占
encroach on privacy
inequitableadj.C2
不公平的
inequitable distribution
marginalisev.C2
边缘化
marginalised groups
pervasiveadj.C2
弥漫的，遍布的
pervasive influence
exacerbatev.C2
加剧
exacerbate the problem
paradigmn.C2
范式，典范
paradigm shift
profoundadj.C1
深远的
profound impact
consensusn.C1
共识
reach a consensus
precautionaryadj.C2
预防的
precautionary principle
intrusiveadj.C1
侵扰的
intrusive technology
indispensableadj.C1
不可或缺的
indispensable tool
discernv.C2
辨别
difficult to discern
entrenchedadj.C2
根深蒂固的
entrenched interests
compliancen.C1
合规
ensure compliance
safeguardv./n.C1
保障
safeguard rights
unprecedentedadj.C1
前所未有的
unprecedented scale
pragmaticadj.C1
务实的
pragmatic approach
词块 / 生存短语 chunks
double-edged sword双刃剑
Technology is a double-edged sword, offering both solutions and new risks.
技术是一把双刃剑，既提供解决方案也带来新的风险。
at the expense of以牺牲...为代价
Efficiency should not come at the expense of fairness.
效率不应以公平为代价。
keep pace with跟上
Regulations struggle to keep pace with rapid technological change.
法规难以跟上迅速的技术变革。
raise ethical concerns引发伦理关切
The use of AI in recruitment raises ethical concerns about fairness.
人工智能在招聘中的应用引发了有关公平性的伦理关切。
open up a can of worms打开潘多拉魔盒/引发一连串问题
Allowing genetic editing could open up a can of worms ethically.
允许基因编辑可能会在伦H5上打开潘多拉魔盒。
walk a fine line小心平衡
Regulators must walk a fine line between innovation and protection.
监管者必须在创新与保护之间小心平衡。
unintended consequences非预期后果
Poorly designed algorithms can have unintended consequences for society.
设计不佳的算法可能对社会产生非预期后果。
in the long run从长远来看
Investing in ethical AI will pay off in the long run.
投资于合乎伦理的人工智能从长远看会有回报。
strike a balance达到平衡
We need to strike a balance between progress and precaution.
我们需要在进步与预防之间达到平衡。
by the same token同理，同样地
Technology can empower citizens; by the same token, it can be used to oppress them.
技术能赋权公民；同样地，它也能被用来压迫他们。
语法 语言升级点
Hedging to express cautious stanceC1
用于表达谨慎、留有余地的观点，避免绝对化，体现学术/论证的严密性。
modals: may, might, could; adverbs: arguably, potentially, seemingly; phrases: it could be argued that, there is a risk that, to a certain extent; verbs: appear, seem, tend
在讨论科技伦理等复杂议题时，使用hedging（不确定性表达）让论点显得更成熟、更具思辨性。例如：The benefits of AI could, arguably, outweigh the risks. 这比直说 AI 肯定利大于弊更有说服力。
例句
The rapid adoption of automation may exacerbate existing inequalities, at least in the short term.
自动化的迅速普及可能会加剧现有的不平等，至少在短期内如此。
It could be argued that a precautionary approach is warranted given the scale of the risks.
可以说，鉴于风险之大，采取预防性的做法是合理的。
常见错误
✗ Technology always improves life. → ✓ Technology tends to improve life, but this is by no means guaranteed.
绝对化的陈述在思辨性写作中显得幼稚，hedging使语气更稳健。
↑ 提分：8.5分的hedging要避免机械地叠加词汇，而是根据论证需求自然嵌入，如用「arguably」暗示争议、用「may prove」表达不确定性，让语言既精准又有分寸。
Reflective closureC2
在结尾时对讨论进行深层反思或升华，不是简单总结而是提出洞见或条件性展望，展现思想的深度。
总结句常用表达：In the final analysis, ...；Ultimately, ...；What this suggests is that ...；The key, then, is to ...；搭配让步或条件句：While ... may be true, ...；Unless ..., ... will ...
高分段文章结尾往往不止于复述观点，而是将问题引向更宏观的思考，或点明关键条件。例如：The key, then, is not to slow innovation but to ensure it serves the many, not just the few. 这种反思性收束能提升整篇文章的格局。
例句
Ultimately, the ethical challenge of AI is not technical but human: it tests our ability to align innovation with the values we claim to hold.
归根结底，人工智能的伦理挑战不是技术性的，而是人性的：它考验我们能否让创新与我们所宣称的价值观保持一致。
What this suggests is that transparency, while necessary, is insufficient on its own — it must be coupled with robust accountability.
这表明，透明度虽是必要的，但还不够，它必须与有力的问责制相结合。
常见错误
✗ In conclusion, technology has both good and bad sides. → ✓ In conclusion, while technology presents us with unprecedented power, the wisdom with which we wield it will determine whether it becomes a force for good or a source of peril.
简单平分秋色的结尾缺乏深度，反思性收束要求将讨论提升到原则层面。
↑ 提分：用一句话将具体辩论推及普遍原则，往往能让结尾产生共鸣。避免陈词滥调，追求原创性的提炼。
阅读 Reading general interest
The Double-Edged Sword of AI
Artificial intelligence promises to transform every aspect of our lives, from healthcare to transport. But as its capabilities grow, so too do the ethical dilemmas it poses.
On one hand, AI can process vast amounts of data to spot patterns that humans miss, leading to earlier disease diagnosis or more efficient energy use. It can automate dangerous jobs, reducing workplace injuries. Yet these same systems can also perpetuate bias. If the data used to train an algorithm reflects historical inequalities, the AI may amplify them — for instance, unfairly denying loans to certain groups.
Another concern is surveillance. AI-powered cameras can now identify individuals in a crowd, raising fears about constant monitoring by governments or corporations. While such tools can improve public safety, they also risk creating a society where everyone feels watched.
Perhaps the deepest worry is about autonomy. As machines make more decisions for us — from what news we see to who gets hired — our own ability to exercise critical judgment may weaken. We risk becoming passive consumers of algorithmic choices, rather than active citizens.
There are no easy answers. Regulation and ethical guidelines are emerging, but they lag behind the speed of innovation. The challenge is to harness AI’s potential while safeguarding human values — a task that requires vigilance, transparency, and a shared understanding that progress, if left unchecked, can come at a cost.
perpetuate使持续存在amplify放大，加剧vigilance警惕
TFNG1.The writer is confident that AI will ultimately benefit humanity.
✅ FALSE — 文中最后一段指出没有简单答案，且强调进步可能带来代价，语气并非自信乐观。
MCQ2.According to the passage, what is a major risk of AI-powered surveillance?
- A It is too expensive to implement.
- B It could create a feeling of being constantly watched.
- C It always fails to improve public safety.
✅ B — 第三段提到 ...raising fears about constant monitoring... risking creating a society where everyone feels watched.
gap_fill3.The writer says that regulation and ethical guidelines ______ behind the pace of innovation.
✅ lag — 最后一段：Regulation and ethical guidelines are emerging, but they lag behind the speed of innovation.
matching4.The phrase 'if left unchecked' suggests the writer’s attitude is one of _______.
✅ caution / concern — 该短语暗示进步若无节制则会带来风险，表达出忧虑的态度。
💡 技巧：8.5档阅读要关注作者隐含的语气：通过「promises to」, 「yet」, 「fears」, 「risk」, 「no easy answers」 等词，把握其既不否定技术也不盲目乐观的审慎立场。注意区分作者引述的他人观点与自己的判断。
听力 Listening Section 2 · UK
情景：社区讲座上，一位科技伦理专家谈论人工智能的利弊，并与听众互动（Section 2，独白为主）。
Speaker
Good evening, everyone. Tonight I want to explore a topic that affects us all, whether we realise it or not — the ethics of artificial intelligence. AI is often presented as either a utopian dream or a dystopian nightmare, but the reality, as usual, is far more nuanced.
Speaker
Take healthcare, for example. AI can now diagnose certain cancers more accurately than human doctors. That’s a genuine breakthrough. But then consider the data these systems rely on. If the data is biased — and much of it is — then the AI may end up providing worse care for certain groups. We are, in effect, automating inequality.
Speaker
Another area is facial recognition. It can help find missing persons, but it also enables mass surveillance. The technology is essentially neutral; the ethical weight lies in how we choose to use it. Regrettably, public debate often lags behind technological rollout.
Speaker
So what’s to be done? I’d argue we need what some call ‘ethics by design’ — building values like fairness and transparency into AI from the start, rather than trying to fix things later. Easier said than done, of course, but there are promising initiatives.
Audience member
But isn’t there a risk that too much regulation will stifle innovation?
Speaker
A fair point. It’s a delicate balance. But I’d counter that clear ethical guidelines can actually foster innovation by building public trust. If people distrust a technology, they’ll resist it. So regulation, done right, can be an enabler, not a barrier.
MCQ1.What does the speaker mean by ‘automating inequality’?
- A using AI to reduce social inequality
- B AI systems mirroring and magnifying existing biases
- C replacing human workers with machines
✅ B — 因为 biased data 会导致 AI 对某些群体提供更差的护理，从而复制不公平。
gap_fill2.The speaker says that public debate often ______ behind technological rollout.
✅ lags — Regrettably, public debate often lags behind technological rollout.
MCQ3.How does the speaker respond to the concern about regulation stifling innovation?
- A By agreeing that it is a serious risk.
- B By arguing that regulation can build trust and thus encourage innovation.
- C By suggesting that innovation is more important than ethics.
✅ B — speaker 说 clear ethical guidelines can foster innovation by building public trust。
gap_fill4.The speaker advocates for ‘ethics by design’, which means building values like _______ and transparency into AI systems from the start.
✅ fairness — building values like fairness and transparency into AI from the start
💡 技巧：Section 2 的独白中常有观点对比和让步。注意听表示细微差别的词：」the reality is far more nuanced」, 「a genuine breakthrough... but」, 「regrettably」, 「easier said than done」，这些标记着演讲者的审慎立场。
写作 Writing Task 2 (essay) · 目标 250 词
Some people think that technological progress has created more ethical problems than it has solved, while others believe it is the key to overcoming humanity's greatest challenges. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
It is often claimed that each new technological leap brings a corresponding ethical burden, be it in the form of privacy erosion, algorithmic bias, or job displacement. Conversely, others maintain that only through innovation can we tackle issues like climate change and disease. Both perspectives have merit, but I would argue they are less contradictory than they seem.
Those who warn of technology's ethical pitfalls point to instances where progress has been allowed to outpace oversight. Facial recognition software, for example, can enhance security but also enable mass surveillance; automated hiring systems promise efficiency yet may inadvertently discriminate. This line of thinking insists that without robust frameworks, innovation runs the risk of entrenching inequality rather than alleviating it – and arguably, history offers ample evidence.
On the other hand, advocates of technological progress highlight its transformative potential. Renewable energy technologies, for instance, are central to decarbonising economies, while medical AI can diagnose conditions with unprecedented accuracy. From this vantage point, the ethical imperative is not to slow down but to accelerate, ensuring that life-saving breakthroughs reach those in need.
In my view, the opposition is somewhat artificial. Technology itself is a tool, morally neutral until deployed. The real question is not whether progress is good or bad, but how it is governed. The key, then, is to institute accountable, transparent systems that steer innovation towards shared benefit. Only by doing so can we harness the power of technology without being enslaved by its unforeseen consequences.
逐句标注
语法“be it in the form of privacy erosion, algorithmic bias, or job displacement”使用虚拟语气/倒装结构 be it ，体现句式灵活性与地道感。
任务“This line of thinking insists that...”精准概括上一方的核心主张，使论证清晰。
词汇“arguably, history offers ample evidence”arguably 作为 hedging 副词，增加分寸感。
衔接“From this vantage point, ...”高级衔接短语，表示从另一方视角出发。
CC/TA“The key, then, is to...”反思性收束，将对立的双方统一到「治理」这一关键上。
语法“Only by doing so can we harness...”Only + 状语前置的倒装句，强调条件，符合8.5分语法特征。
🎯 本档语言特征：文章重新框定了问题（不是优劣之分而是治理之责），立场鲜明而有深度；句式多变（倒装、分词从句、虚拟语气be it）；hedging 自然（arguably, in my view, somewhat）；词汇精准（pitfalls, oversight, entrenching, transformative, imperative, enslaved）；几乎无错误，整体达到band 8.5-9水平。
↑ 再上一档：此范文已是达档门的上界基准。写同类话题时，核心是避免非黑即白，转而强调治理与平衡。语言上可借鉴be it … or …结构，以及Only by doing so can we…的倒装句式，但全篇倒装不超过两处。
口语 Speaking
Part 1
Q: How has technology changed the way you work or study?
It’s changed things hugely, to be honest. I can access information almost instantly, and I can collaborate with people across time zones. That said, it can be a double-edged sword — you’re always connected, so it’s harder to switch off. I try to set boundaries, but it’s a constant effort.
💡 使用「double-edged sword」词块和让步「that said」，表达自然且有分寸。
Q: Do you think people are too dependent on technology?
I’d say there’s some truth to that. We rely on smartphones for everything from navigation to remembering phone numbers. But I’m not sure ‘too dependent’ is the right phrase — it’s more that we’ve integrated technology so deeply that it’s hard to see where the dependency ends and the tool begins. The real issue, perhaps, is whether we control it or it controls us.
💡 用「I」d say there」s some truth to that」开头，然后深化问题，结尾提出反思性问题，提升回答的深度。
Part 2 · 提示卡
Describe a technological development that you think has raised important ethical questions. You should say: what the development is, how it is used, what ethical concerns it has raised, and explain how you think these concerns should be addressed.
I’m going to talk about facial recognition technology, which has become increasingly widespread over the past few years. It works by scanning someone’s face and matching it against a database — it’s used for everything from unlocking your phone to police surveillance.
On the surface, it seems very convenient, and in some cases it can genuinely improve security, for instance by finding a missing child. But the ethical worries are quite profound. The main one for me is privacy: once these cameras are everywhere, you have to assume you’re being watched at all times, which fundamentally changes how we behave in public. Then there’s the issue of bias — many systems are less accurate for women and people of colour, which can lead to wrongful arrests or discrimination.
I think addressing this requires a combination of regulation and design. First, there need to be clear laws about when and how this technology can be used — no secret mass surveillance, for example. Second, the people developing these systems need to test them rigorously for bias and be transparent about the results. Ultimately, it’s about accountability: if a system makes a mistake, there must be a way to hold someone responsible. Otherwise, we’re just crossing our fingers, which isn’t good enough.
💡 回答覆盖了四点，使用了核心词汇（profound, bias, surveillance, accountability），并在结尾用「crossing our fingers」这种地道表达总结，展现出审慎但务实的态度。
Part 3
Q: Should companies be allowed to use AI to make decisions about hiring or lending?
In principle, I’m not against it, because AI can reduce human bias in some cases. But — and it’s a big ‘but’ — it depends entirely on how the system is designed and regulated. If the algorithms are opaque and no one checks them for fairness, then you’re just automating bias, which is arguably worse. So I’d say yes, but only with rigorous oversight and clear avenues for appeal if things go wrong.
💡 回答既肯定又严格限定条件，「in principle... but」结构体现了成熟的批判性思维；「avenues for appeal」是精准搭配。
Q: Do you think the benefits of technological progress always outweigh the risks?
Not always, no. With some technologies — like renewable energy — the benefits are enormous and the risks relatively limited. But with others, especially in biotech or AI, the risks can be profound and long-term. I think the key is that we can’t just assume benefits will outweigh risks by default. It takes conscious effort, through ethics and governance, to steer things in the right direction. So my answer is: it’s not guaranteed, but it’s within our power to make it so.
💡 使用「I think the key is that...」进行反思性收束，最后一句「it」s not guaranteed, but it」s within our power」是典型的8.5分总结，展现审慎的乐观。
高频短语
a double-edged sword — 双刃剑，用于描述既有好处也有坏处的事物。
cross our fingers — 祈求好运，此处用于表示靠运气不可取。
the key is to... — 关键在于...，用于引出核心解决方案。
it’s within our power to... — 我们有能力...，表达积极的能动性。
应试策略
8.5档写作与口语的关键在于展现对复杂问题的多维理解，而非简单站队。使用让步（that said, while... may be true）和反思性收束（the key, then, is to...）来深化观点。阅读和听力中，要训练捕捉隐含态度和限定词（如 arguably, seemingly, potentially），这往往是难题所在。
本档提分建议
达到8.5分，需要让考官看到你不仅能正确使用高级词汇和语法，更能精准把控它们带来的微妙语气差异。练习时，多关注程度副词、让步从句、条件倒装，并模仿地道表达，使语言既严谨又自然。