Automation and its impact on the future of work is a highly relevant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent exam trends, this subject has appeared frequently and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners. Let’s examine a real IELTS question that touches on this theme:
Some people think that in the future all jobs will be done by robots and machines. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on whether all jobs will be automated in the future. Key points to consider:
- The statement is extreme (“all jobs”)
- You need to state your level of agreement/disagreement
- Discuss the extent to which automation might replace human workers
- Consider jobs that may be difficult to automate
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
While automation and artificial intelligence are undoubtedly transforming the workplace, I strongly disagree with the notion that all jobs will eventually be performed by robots and machines. Although many roles will certainly be affected by technological advancements, there are several reasons why human workers will remain essential in numerous fields.
Firstly, many jobs require complex cognitive abilities and emotional intelligence that machines currently cannot replicate. For instance, roles in counseling, creative arts, and high-level strategic planning rely heavily on uniquely human traits such as empathy, intuition, and abstract thinking. These skills are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to program into machines. Additionally, jobs that involve unpredictable environments or require adaptability, such as emergency response or diplomacy, are likely to remain in human hands for the foreseeable future.
Secondly, as technology advances, new job categories are emerging that require human oversight and interaction with automated systems. The field of AI ethics, for example, necessitates human experts to ensure that machine learning algorithms are developed and deployed responsibly. Similarly, roles in robot maintenance, programming, and human-machine interface design will become increasingly important. These positions demonstrate how automation can create new opportunities for human workers rather than simply replacing them.
Lastly, there is a strong societal preference for human interaction in many sectors. In healthcare, education, and customer service, people often prefer dealing with other humans who can provide empathy, nuanced communication, and personalized attention. While chatbots and automated systems may handle routine tasks, complex or sensitive situations typically require a human touch.
In conclusion, while automation will undoubtedly reshape the job market, it is highly unlikely that all jobs will be taken over by robots and machines. The unique capabilities of human workers, the emergence of new technology-related roles, and the societal demand for human interaction ensure that people will continue to play a vital role in the workforce of the future. The key lies in adapting to technological changes and developing skills that complement, rather than compete with, automated systems.
(Word count: 329)
Humans and robots collaborating in a futuristic workplace
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In recent years, there has been a lot of discussion about robots and machines taking over jobs from humans. While I agree that automation will have a big impact on the job market, I don’t think all jobs will be done by robots in the future.
One reason why some jobs will still be done by humans is that many tasks require creativity and emotional intelligence. For example, jobs like teachers, counselors, and artists need human qualities that robots can’t easily copy. Machines are good at following rules and doing repetitive tasks, but they struggle with things that need imagination or understanding human emotions.
Another point is that new jobs are being created because of technology. As we develop more advanced machines, we need people to design, program, and fix them. These new jobs show that humans and machines can work together instead of machines completely replacing humans. Also, some people prefer talking to real humans in areas like customer service or healthcare, so there will still be a need for human workers in these fields.
However, it’s true that many jobs are at risk of being automated. Factory work, data entry, and even some professional jobs like accounting might be done by machines in the future. This means that people will need to learn new skills and be ready to change careers as the job market changes.
In conclusion, while automation will change many jobs, I don’t agree that all jobs will be done by robots and machines. Humans have unique abilities that are hard to replicate, and there will always be new jobs created by technology. The key is to adapt and learn skills that complement technology rather than compete with it.
(Word count: 276)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowadays, many people think robots and machines will do all jobs in the future. I don’t agree with this idea completely. I think some jobs will be done by robots, but not all of them.
First, robots are good at some things. They can work in factories and do dangerous jobs better than humans. They don’t get tired and can work all day. This means some jobs like making cars or working in warehouses might be done by robots in the future.
But, there are many jobs robots can’t do well. Jobs that need creativity or caring for people are hard for robots. For example, teachers, nurses, and artists need to understand human feelings. Robots can’t do this easily. Also, some jobs need people to make important decisions, like judges or business leaders. We can’t trust robots to make these big choices.
Another thing is that new jobs are created because of technology. People need to make and fix robots. So, even if some jobs are lost, new ones will come. This means humans will still have work to do.
In conclusion, I think robots and machines will do some jobs in the future, but not all of them. Humans are still needed for many important tasks. We should learn new skills to work with technology, not be replaced by it.
(Word count: 213)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position
- Presents well-developed ideas with logical organization
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and flexibly
- Demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Uses cohesive devices effectively
- Presents a clear progression throughout the response
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed/unclear
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary with some inaccuracies
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors
- Has adequate paragraph organization but may lack overall progression
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but development may be limited, repetitive or unclear
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary; errors may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Uses only a limited range of structures with some accuracy
- Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression
- May make noticeable errors in spelling and/or word formation
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Automation (noun) – /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃn/ – the use of machines and computers to do work that was previously done by people
- Artificial intelligence (noun) – /ˌɑːtɪˈfɪʃl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/ – the development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence
- Cognitive abilities (noun phrase) – /ˈkɒɡnətɪv əˈbɪlətiz/ – mental skills used in the process of acquiring knowledge and understanding
- Empathy (noun) – /ˈempəθi/ – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another
- Intuition (noun) – /ˌɪntjuˈɪʃn/ – the ability to understand something instinctively, without conscious reasoning
- Adaptability (noun) – /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions or changes
- Oversight (noun) – /ˈəʊvəsaɪt/ – the action of overseeing something, especially to ensure that it is done correctly
- Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
Automation's impact across different job sectors
In conclusion, the topic of automation and its impact on the future of work is likely to remain a significant theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The benefits and drawbacks of increasing automation in the workplace
- How education systems should adapt to prepare students for an automated future
- The ethical considerations of replacing human workers with machines
Remember to analyze each question carefully, plan your response, and practice using a range of relevant vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS exam.