The topic of automation’s impact on manufacturing jobs has become increasingly relevant in recent years, making it a popular subject for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. As an experienced IELTS instructor, I’ve noticed this theme appearing more frequently in actual tests and predict it will continue to be a significant topic in future exams. Let’s explore this subject through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you excel in your IELTS writing task.
Analyzing the Essay Question
Let’s focus on a commonly encountered question related to this topic:
Some people think that the increasing use of automation in manufacturing will lead to significant job losses. Others believe it will create new job opportunities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question presents a balanced argument about the effects of automation on employment in the manufacturing sector. It requires you to:
- Discuss the view that automation will cause significant job losses
- Examine the perspective that automation will create new job opportunities
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, along with detailed analyses.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Level
The rapid advancement of automation technology in manufacturing has sparked a heated debate about its impact on employment. While some argue that it will lead to widespread job losses, others contend that it will generate new opportunities. In my opinion, while automation may initially displace some workers, it will ultimately create more diverse and skilled job roles in the long run.
Those who fear job losses due to automation have valid concerns. Undeniably, many repetitive and low-skilled manufacturing jobs are at risk of being replaced by machines. For instance, assembly line workers who perform routine tasks may find their positions obsolete as robots can perform these functions more efficiently and with fewer errors. This shift could lead to significant unemployment in regions heavily dependent on traditional manufacturing industries, causing economic and social challenges.
On the other hand, proponents of automation argue that it will create new job opportunities. As manufacturing processes become more technologically advanced, there will be an increased demand for skilled workers to design, operate, and maintain these automated systems. This could lead to the emergence of roles such as robotics engineers, data analysts, and AI specialists within the manufacturing sector. Moreover, the increased productivity resulting from automation could lead to business expansion, potentially creating more jobs in other areas of the company, such as sales, marketing, and customer service.
In my view, while the transition to automated manufacturing may cause short-term disruption, it will ultimately lead to a more dynamic and skilled workforce. The key lies in proactive measures to manage this transition effectively. Governments and industries should invest in retraining programs to equip workers with the skills needed for the new job landscape. Additionally, education systems should be adapted to prepare future generations for careers in automation and related fields.
In conclusion, The Impact Of Automation On Manufacturing Jobs is complex and multifaceted. While it may eliminate certain types of jobs, it also has the potential to create new and more fulfilling career opportunities. The challenge lies in managing this transition to ensure that the benefits of automation are widely shared across society.
(Word count: 329)
Impact of automation on manufacturing jobs
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its high band score:
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Structure: The essay follows a clear and logical structure, with a strong introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion.
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Task Response: All parts of the question are fully addressed, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas flow smoothly with effective use of linking words and phrases. Each paragraph has a clear central topic.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. For example, “rapid advancement,” “sparked a heated debate,” “repetitive and low-skilled,” “obsolete,” “proactive measures.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors. For instance, “While some argue that it will lead to widespread job losses, others contend that it will generate new opportunities.”
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-explained and supported with relevant examples.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Level
The use of automation in manufacturing is becoming more common, and this has led to different opinions about its effect on jobs. Some people think it will cause many people to lose their jobs, while others believe it will create new job opportunities. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, automation can replace workers who do simple, repetitive tasks in factories. For example, robots can now do many jobs on assembly lines faster and more accurately than humans. This means that companies might not need as many workers as before, which could lead to unemployment. This is a big problem for people who have worked in factories for many years and may not have other skills.
However, others argue that automation will create new types of jobs. As factories become more high-tech, they will need people who can design, operate, and fix the new machines. This could lead to new jobs like robot programmers or maintenance technicians. Also, if companies can produce more goods with automation, they might grow bigger and need more workers in other areas like sales or customer service.
In my opinion, I think automation will change the job market in manufacturing, but not necessarily in a bad way. While some jobs might disappear, new ones will be created. The important thing is for workers to learn new skills so they can adapt to these changes. Governments and companies should provide training programs to help workers prepare for new types of jobs in automated factories.
To conclude, automation in manufacturing will have both positive and negative effects on jobs. It’s important for society to manage these changes carefully to ensure that the benefits of automation are shared by everyone.
(Word count: 295)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates characteristics typical of a Band 6-7 level:
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Structure: The essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs addressing both views, and a conclusion. However, the development of ideas is less sophisticated compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and providing an opinion. However, the ideas are less fully developed than in a higher band essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally coherent, but the use of cohesive devices is less skillful and varied compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Lexical Resource: There is a sufficient range of vocabulary, but it is less precise and sophisticated than in the higher band essay. For example, “becoming more common” instead of “rapid advancement.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, but with less variety and control than the Band 8-9 essay.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant and supported, but the level of detail and explanation is not as thorough as in the higher band essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Automation (noun) /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃn/: The use of machines and computers to do work that was previously done by people.
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Obsolete (adjective) /ˈɒbsəliːt/: No longer used or needed; outdated.
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Proactive (adjective) /prəʊˈæktɪv/: Acting in advance to deal with an expected difficulty.
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Displace (verb) /dɪsˈpleɪs/: To force something or someone out of their usual or original position.
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Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/: Having many different aspects or features.
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Transition (noun) /trænˈzɪʃn/: The process of changing from one state or condition to another.
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Retraining (noun) /riːˈtreɪnɪŋ/: The process of learning new skills, especially to be able to do a different job.
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Dynamic (adjective) /daɪˈnæmɪk/: Characterized by constant change, activity, or progress.
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Productivity (noun) /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/: The rate at which goods are produced or work is completed.
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Disruption (noun) /dɪsˈrʌpʃn/: Disturbance or problems which interrupt an event, activity, or process.
Conclusion
The impact of automation on manufacturing jobs is a complex and evolving topic that is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. By understanding different perspectives on this issue and practicing with sample essays like those provided, you can improve your ability to write a well-structured, coherent, and insightful response.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The broader impact of automation on the job market across various industries.
- The role of education in preparing workers for an automated future.
- The ethical implications of replacing human workers with machines.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about memorizing sample essays, but about developing your ability to analyze complex issues and express your thoughts clearly and coherently. We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for your IELTS exam.
To further enhance your understanding of automation’s impact on various sectors, you might find it helpful to read about the impact of automation on the retail industry and how automation is reshaping the logistics industry. These articles provide valuable insights that can enrich your essays on related topics.
