The topic of “long-term effects of automation on employment” is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. It’s a subject that frequently appears in actual exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests due to its global significance. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2.

Analyzing the Essay Question

Let’s consider the following question, which is based on real IELTS exam topics:

Some people believe that the increasing use of automation in various industries will lead to widespread unemployment in the long term. Others argue that automation will create new job opportunities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question requires you to:

1. Discuss the view that automation will cause widespread unemployment
2. Discuss the opposing view that automation will create new job opportunities
3. Provide your own opinion on the matter

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, followed by detailed analyses.

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

High Band Score Essay

Automation has been a topic of heated debate in recent years, with some fearing widespread job losses while others anticipate new employment opportunities. In my opinion, while automation will undoubtedly disrupt certain industries, its overall impact on employment will be more nuanced, leading to a transformation rather than a decline in job opportunities.

Those who argue that automation will cause widespread unemployment have valid concerns. Many routine and repetitive jobs, particularly in manufacturing and data processing, are already being replaced by machines and algorithms. For instance, assembly line workers and data entry clerks are finding their roles increasingly obsolete as robots and AI systems take over these tasks more efficiently. This trend is likely to accelerate, potentially leaving millions of workers without traditional employment options.

On the other hand, proponents of automation argue that it will create new job opportunities. As technology advances, new industries and roles emerge that were previously unimaginable. The rise of social media, for example, has created entire career paths such as social media managers and content creators. Similarly, the growth of e-commerce has led to increased demand for logistics and delivery services. Moreover, the development and maintenance of automated systems themselves require a workforce of engineers, technicians, and programmers.

In my view, the reality lies somewhere between these two perspectives. While certain jobs will undoubtedly be lost to automation, new opportunities will arise. The key challenge will be in managing this transition effectively. Governments and educational institutions must focus on reskilling and upskilling programs to prepare workers for the jobs of the future. Additionally, we may need to reconsider our concept of work itself, potentially moving towards shorter work weeks or universal basic income to distribute the benefits of increased productivity more equitably.

In conclusion, the long-term effects of automation on employment will be complex and multifaceted. While job displacement is a genuine concern, the potential for new job creation and increased productivity should not be overlooked. The ultimate outcome will depend on how well society adapts to these changes, emphasizing lifelong learning and flexible skill development to ensure a workforce that can thrive alongside automation.

(Word count: 345)

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates several qualities that contribute to its high band score:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. Each paragraph focuses on a specific point, and there are clear links between ideas.

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. For example, “nuanced,” “obsolete,” “proponents,” “reskilling,” and “multifaceted.”

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and appropriately. It includes complex sentences and various tense forms.

5. Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with explanations and examples.

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

Medium Band Score Essay

Nowadays, many people are worried about the effects of automation on jobs. Some think it will cause a lot of unemployment, while others believe it will create new jobs. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.

On one hand, automation can lead to job losses. Many factories now use robots instead of human workers to do tasks like assembling products or packaging. This means that many people who used to do these jobs are no longer needed. Also, in offices, computers can now do tasks like data entry faster than humans. This trend might continue and cause more unemployment in the future.

Factory Automation

However, others argue that automation will create new job opportunities. As new technologies are developed, new types of jobs are needed to make and maintain these technologies. For example, we now have jobs like app developers and social media managers that didn’t exist before. Also, when businesses use automation, they can become more productive and might expand, which could create more jobs in other areas.

In my opinion, automation will change the job market, but it won’t necessarily cause widespread unemployment. I think the key is for people to learn new skills that are needed in an automated world. Governments and companies should provide training programs to help workers adapt to new technologies.

In conclusion, while automation may cause some job losses, it also has the potential to create new opportunities. The most important thing is for society to prepare for these changes and help workers develop the skills they need for the future job market.

(Word count: 269)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates several qualities that place it in the Band 6-7 range:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be developed more fully.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. There are some cohesive devices used, but they could be more sophisticated.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is generally appropriate, but lacks the range and sophistication of a higher band score essay. There are some good phrases like “widespread unemployment” and “adapt to new technologies.”

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control. However, it lacks the variety and complexity of a higher band score essay.

5. Development of Ideas: Main ideas are present and supported, but the development is not as thorough or nuanced as in a higher band score essay.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Automation (noun) /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃn/: The use of machines or computers instead of people to do a job.

2. Obsolete (adjective) /ˈɒbsəliːt/: No longer used because something new has been invented.

3. Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/: Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.

4. Reskilling (noun) /riːˈskɪlɪŋ/: The process of learning new skills so you can do a different job, or of training people to do a different job.

5. Upskilling (noun) /ʌpˈskɪlɪŋ/: The process of learning new skills or of teaching workers new skills.

6. Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/: Having many different aspects or features.

7. Disrupt (verb) /dɪsˈrʌpt/: To prevent something, especially a system, process, or event, from continuing as usual or as expected.

8. Proponent (noun) /prəˈpəʊnənt/: A person who advocates a theory, proposal, or course of action.

9. Universal Basic Income (noun phrase) /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl ˈbeɪsɪk ˈɪnkʌm/: A government program in which every adult citizen receives a set amount of money regularly.

10. Lifelong learning (noun phrase) /ˌlaɪflɒŋ ˈlɜːnɪŋ/: The ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons.

Conclusion

The long-term effects of automation on employment is a complex and evolving topic that is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. To prepare for this and similar topics, consider practicing with variations such as:

• The impact of artificial intelligence on job markets
• The role of education in preparing for an automated workforce
• The ethical implications of replacing human workers with machines
• The potential economic benefits and drawbacks of widespread automation

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about memorizing essays, but understanding how to structure your arguments, use appropriate vocabulary, and develop your ideas clearly and coherently. Practice writing your own essays on this topic and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for your IELTS exam.

For more insights on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:

• The Impact of Automation on Global Jobs
• Automation’s Effect on Labor in Developing Countries
• Automation and Low-Skilled Jobs