Read the passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the questions from 12 to 21.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly emerging as one of the most transformative technologies of the twenty-first century. [I] Researchers and policymakers increasingly view AI as a force capable of reshaping economies, scientific research, and everyday life. [II] From digital assistants to complex data analysis, intelligent systems are gradually becoming ubiquitous in modern societies. [III] Supporters argue that these tools can enhance productivity and expand human knowledge, while critics warn that unchecked innovation may create new risks. [IV]
One major dimension of AI progress lies in its growing ability to automate cognitive tasks that once required human expertise. Through machine learning, systems analyze enormous datasets and gradually refine their performance without direct programming. This capacity already supports applications such as speech recognition, medical imaging, and financial forecasting. As algorithms become more sophisticated, organizations expect substantial productivity gains and faster decision-making processes. Nevertheless, experts caution that societies must carefully manage these transitions in order to mitigate disruption in labor markets and professional training systems worldwide today increasingly.
Artificial intelligence is also transforming critical sectors such as healthcare and transportation. In medicine, advanced algorithms can examine vast collections of clinical data and identify patterns that physicians might overlook. These insights may enable earlier disease detection and more personalized treatment strategies. Similarly, in transport, autonomous vehicles rely on sensors, cameras, and predictive software to interpret complex road environments. Advocates argue that such technologies could reduce accidents and improve logistical efficiency. However, their widespread adoption still requires rigorous testing, transparent regulation, and sustained public trust across societies.
While the benefits of AI appear considerable, its expansion also provokes serious ethical and social debates. Automation may displace workers whose jobs depend on routine procedures, thereby intensifying economic inequality in vulnerable communities. Furthermore, powerful surveillance systems equipped with intelligent analytics could enable governments or corporations to monitor citizens in increasingly pervasive ways. For this reason, scholars argue that policymakers must establish robust guidelines capable of scrutinizing emerging technologies. Careful governance will determine whether artificial intelligence ultimately strengthens human welfare or generates profound societal disruption in future.
(Adapted from https://therealielts.vn)
