The topic of automation’s impact on low-income jobs has become increasingly relevant in recent years, making it a popular subject for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on past exam trends and the growing importance of this issue, there’s a high probability that you may encounter a question related to this theme in your IELTS test. Let’s explore a sample question and provide model essays to help you prepare effectively.
Analyzing the Task
Some people think that the increasing use of automation (such as robots) to do work in many industries will cause severe unemployment among low-skilled workers. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question asks for your opinion on whether the rise of automation will lead to significant job losses for low-skilled workers. It’s an agree/disagree type question, which means you need to clearly state your position and support it with relevant arguments and examples.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The rapid advancement of technology has led to increased automation in various industries, raising concerns about its impact on employment, particularly for low-skilled workers. While I acknowledge that automation poses challenges for certain job sectors, I disagree that it will cause severe unemployment among low-skilled workers overall.
Undoubtedly, automation has the potential to replace some low-skilled jobs, particularly those involving repetitive tasks. For instance, assembly line workers in manufacturing plants may find their roles taken over by robots that can perform tasks more efficiently and with fewer errors. Similarly, self-checkout machines in supermarkets have reduced the need for cashiers. These examples illustrate how automation can indeed lead to job losses in specific areas.
However, I believe that the impact of automation on low-skilled employment will not be as severe as some predict for several reasons. Firstly, automation often creates new job opportunities, even for low-skilled workers. As companies adopt new technologies, they require personnel to operate, maintain, and repair these systems. For example, the rise of e-commerce has led to increased demand for warehouse workers and delivery drivers, roles that don’t necessarily require high levels of education or specialized skills.
Moreover, many low-skilled jobs involve tasks that are difficult to automate, such as those requiring human interaction, empathy, or adaptability. Caregivers, janitors, and hospitality workers, for instance, perform complex tasks that current technology cannot easily replicate. The human touch in these professions remains invaluable and irreplaceable by machines.
Additionally, governments and educational institutions are increasingly aware of the need to prepare workers for the changing job market. Many countries are implementing programs to retrain and upskill workers, helping them transition to new roles created by technological advancements. This proactive approach can mitigate the potential negative effects of automation on employment.
In conclusion, while automation will undoubtedly change the landscape of low-skilled employment, I disagree that it will cause severe unemployment. The creation of new job opportunities, the irreplaceable nature of many low-skilled roles, and efforts to adapt the workforce to new technologies will help balance the impact of automation. It is crucial, however, that society continues to address this challenge through education, retraining, and supportive policies to ensure a smooth transition in the evolving job market.
(Word count: 369)
Automation Impact on Jobs
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The increasing use of automation in many industries is a hot topic these days. Some people think it will cause a lot of unemployment for low-skilled workers. I partly agree with this idea, but I also think there are other factors to consider.
On one hand, it’s true that automation can replace some low-skilled jobs. For example, in factories, robots can now do many tasks that humans used to do. This means fewer jobs for people who worked on assembly lines. Also, in supermarkets, we see self-checkout machines, which means fewer cashier jobs. These examples show how automation can lead to job losses.
However, I don’t think automation will cause severe unemployment for all low-skilled workers. There are several reasons for this. First, some jobs are hard to automate. Jobs that need human interaction, like caregivers or waiters, can’t easily be done by machines. Robots can’t provide the same level of personal care or service that humans can.
Secondly, automation can create new jobs. When companies use new technologies, they need people to operate and maintain them. These new jobs might not need high-level skills, so low-skilled workers could do them after some training.
Lastly, I think governments and companies are aware of this issue. They are starting to provide training programs to help workers learn new skills. This can help people find new jobs even if their old jobs are taken by machines.
In conclusion, while automation will cause some job losses for low-skilled workers, I don’t think it will lead to severe unemployment. Some jobs will remain, new jobs will be created, and there are efforts to help workers adapt. However, it’s important for society to keep working on this issue to make sure the transition is smooth for all workers.
(Word count: 296)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more developed ideas and smoother transitions between paragraphs.
Language: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures. For example, “Undoubtedly, automation has the potential to replace…” compared to “On one hand, it’s true that automation can replace…” in the Band 6-7 essay.
Examples: Both essays provide relevant examples, but the Band 8-9 essay offers more specific and varied illustrations.
Argument Development: The Band 8-9 essay presents a more nuanced argument, acknowledging counterarguments and providing deeper analysis.
Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced linking words and phrases to connect ideas, enhancing overall coherence.
Vocabulary to Remember
Automation (noun) /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃn/: The use of machines and computers to do work that was previously done by people.
Unemployment (noun) /ʌnɪmˈplɔɪmənt/: The state of not having a job.
Low-skilled (adjective) /ləʊ skɪld/: Requiring little training or experience to perform.
Assembly line (noun) /əˈsembli laɪn/: A manufacturing process where a product is assembled by passing it through a series of workers or machines.
Proactive (adjective) /prəʊˈæktɪv/: Acting in advance to deal with an expected difficulty.
Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/: To make less severe, serious, or painful.
Irreplaceable (adjective) /ˌɪrɪˈpleɪsəbl/: Unable to be replaced; essential.
Upskill (verb) /ʌpˈskɪl/: To teach workers additional skills.
Transition (noun) /trænˈzɪʃn/: The process of changing from one state or condition to another.
Adaptability (noun) /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/: The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.
Conclusion
The impact of automation on low-income jobs is a complex and evolving issue that makes for an excellent IELTS Writing Task 2 topic. As you prepare for your exam, consider practicing with similar questions, such as:
- How can governments best prepare low-skilled workers for the challenges posed by increasing automation?
- Do you think the benefits of automation outweigh its potential negative effects on employment?
- To what extent should companies be responsible for retraining workers displaced by automation?
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to present a clear, well-structured argument supported by relevant examples and appropriate vocabulary. Practice writing essays on this topic and others, and don’t hesitate to share your attempts in the comments section below. This active practice will help you refine your skills and prepare you for success in your IELTS exam.
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