The topic of AI and automation’s impact on employment is increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This subject has appeared in various forms over the past few years and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners due to its relevance in today’s rapidly evolving job market. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze how to craft high-scoring responses for different band levels.
Some people believe that the increasing use of technology and automation in the workplace will lead to widespread job losses. Others argue that it will create new opportunities and improve efficiency. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that technology and automation will cause job losses
- Explore the opposing view that it will create opportunities and boost efficiency
- Provide a personal opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high score. Let’s look at sample essays for different band levels.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The rapid advancement of technology and automation in various industries has sparked a heated debate about its impact on employment. While some argue that this trend will result in significant job losses, others contend that it will generate new opportunities and enhance overall efficiency. In my opinion, while there may be short-term disruptions, the long-term benefits of technological progress outweigh the potential drawbacks.
Those who fear widespread unemployment due to automation have valid concerns. Many traditional jobs, particularly in manufacturing and low-skilled sectors, are indeed at risk of being replaced by machines and AI systems. For instance, assembly line workers, cashiers, and even some administrative positions have already seen a decline in demand due to automated processes. This shift can lead to economic hardship for those who lose their jobs and may exacerbate income inequality if not properly managed.
However, proponents of technological advancement argue that it creates new job opportunities and improves productivity. As old jobs become obsolete, new roles emerge in fields such as software development, data analysis, and AI maintenance. Moreover, increased efficiency allows companies to expand their operations, potentially creating more jobs in other areas. For example, the rise of e-commerce has led to a surge in demand for logistics and delivery services, offsetting job losses in traditional retail.
In my view, while the transition may be challenging, the overall impact of technology and automation on employment is likely to be positive in the long run. History has shown that technological revolutions, from the Industrial Revolution to the Digital Age, have ultimately led to economic growth and improved living standards. The key lies in adapting our education systems and workforce training programs to equip people with the skills needed for the jobs of the future.
To mitigate the negative effects, governments and businesses must work together to implement policies that support workers during this transition. This could include retraining programs, universal basic income experiments, and incentives for companies that prioritize human-AI collaboration rather than full automation. By taking a proactive approach, we can harness the benefits of technological progress while minimizing its potential downsides.
In conclusion, while the increasing use of technology and automation in the workplace presents challenges, I believe it offers more opportunities than threats. By embracing innovation while implementing supportive policies, we can create a future where technological advancement enhances rather than diminishes employment prospects.
The effects of digital transformation on job markets offer valuable insights into this topic, providing a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between technology and employment.
(Word count: 412)
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
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Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors.
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Nowadays, technology and automation are becoming more common in many workplaces. Some people think this will cause a lot of people to lose their jobs, but others believe it will create new jobs and make work more efficient. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
On one hand, it’s true that machines and computers can now do many jobs that humans used to do. For example, in factories, robots can work faster and don’t need breaks like human workers. Also, in shops, self-checkout machines are replacing some cashiers. This means some people might lose their jobs and have trouble finding new ones, especially if they don’t have special skills.
On the other hand, new technology also creates new types of jobs. People are needed to make, fix, and control the machines. Also, when companies use technology to work faster, they might make more money and hire more people for other jobs. For instance, online shopping has created many jobs in delivery and warehouses.
In my opinion, I think technology and automation will probably create more jobs than it destroys in the long run. However, it’s important for people to learn new skills to be ready for the changing job market. Governments and companies should help workers learn these new skills so they can find good jobs in the future.
To conclude, while some jobs may disappear because of technology and automation, new opportunities will also appear. The key is to be prepared for these changes and to use technology in a way that helps both workers and businesses.
(Word count: 269)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates competence in several areas but lacks the sophistication of a higher band score:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less varied and sophisticated.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but lacks the range and precision of higher band scores.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with some errors that do not impede communication.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant but less fully extended and supported compared to the higher band essay.
AI and automation impact on job market
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Automation (noun) – /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃn/ – The use of machines or computers to do work that was previously done by people.
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Obsolete (adjective) – /ˈɒbsəliːt/ – No longer used or needed because something newer and better has been invented.
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Exacerbate (verb) – /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – To make a problem or bad situation worse.
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Proponent (noun) – /prəˈpəʊnənt/ – A person who supports or promotes something.
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Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – To make something less harmful, serious, or painful.
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Transition (noun) – /trænˈzɪʃn/ – The process of changing from one state or condition to another.
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Collaboration (noun) – /kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃn/ – The action of working with someone to produce something.
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Incentive (noun) – /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – Something that encourages a person to do something.
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Prevalent (adjective) – /ˈprevələnt/ – Widespread in a particular area or at a particular time.
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Efficiency (noun) – /ɪˈfɪʃnsi/ – The state or quality of being efficient, of working productively with minimum wasted effort or expense.
Conclusion
The topic of AI and automation’s impact on employment is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. To prepare for this and similar topics, practice writing essays that:
- Discuss both positive and negative aspects of technological advancement
- Provide balanced arguments with relevant examples
- Offer potential solutions or recommendations
Remember to use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures while maintaining coherence and cohesion throughout your essay. As a practice exercise, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.
