The topic of automation and job displacement in service industries has become increasingly relevant in recent years, making it a popular subject for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This theme has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a significant topic in future tests. Given its importance in today’s rapidly evolving job market, it’s crucial for IELTS candidates to be well-prepared to discuss this subject.
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic and explore sample essays for different band scores.
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that machines and robots will eventually take over many jobs in the service industry, leading to unemployment. Others believe that new jobs will be created as technology advances. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question asks you to discuss two contrasting viewpoints on the impact of automation on employment in the service industry. It’s crucial to:
- Explain both perspectives
- Provide examples or reasons to support each view
- Give your own opinion
- Use a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay for Band 8
Technological advancements have sparked a debate about the future of employment in the service sector. While some argue that automation will lead to widespread job losses, others contend that it will create new opportunities. In my opinion, while there will be significant disruption in the short term, the long-term impact of automation on employment will likely be positive.
Those who fear job displacement have valid concerns. Many routine tasks in the service industry are already being automated, from self-checkout kiosks in supermarkets to chatbots in customer service. This trend is likely to accelerate, potentially affecting millions of jobs in sectors such as retail, hospitality, and transportation. For instance, the introduction of self-driving vehicles could render many taxi and truck drivers redundant, causing significant unemployment in these areas.
On the other hand, proponents of technological progress argue that automation will generate new types of jobs. Historically, technological revolutions have always created more jobs than they have destroyed. For example, the rise of e-commerce has led to a boom in logistics and delivery jobs. Similarly, the growth of artificial intelligence is creating demand for data scientists, machine learning engineers, and AI ethicists – roles that didn’t exist a decade ago. Moreover, automation often leads to increased productivity and economic growth, which can stimulate job creation in other sectors.
In my view, while the transition may be challenging, the overall impact of automation on employment will likely be positive in the long run. However, it is crucial for societies to manage this transition effectively. This could involve retraining programs to help workers adapt to new roles, policies to ensure the benefits of automation are distributed fairly, and education systems that focus on developing skills that complement rather than compete with machines.
In conclusion, while automation will undoubtedly disrupt many existing jobs in the service industry, it also has the potential to create new and potentially more fulfilling roles. The key lies in how we as a society choose to adapt to and shape this technological revolution.
(Word count: 310)
Analysis of Band 8 Essay
This essay demonstrates the qualities expected of a Band 8 response:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly presenting the writer’s own opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. It uses cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “On the other hand”, “Moreover”, “In conclusion”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “widespread job losses”, “redundant”, “proponents”, “artificial intelligence”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It uses a wide range of structures with flexibility and accuracy. There are no noticeable errors.
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Many people are worried that machines and robots will take over jobs in the service industry, causing unemployment. However, others think that new jobs will be created as technology improves. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, it’s true that many jobs in the service industry are being replaced by machines. For example, we can now see self-service checkouts in supermarkets, which means fewer cashiers are needed. Also, many customer service tasks are now done by chatbots or automated phone systems. This could lead to many people losing their jobs, especially those with lower skills.
On the other hand, new technology often creates new types of jobs. When computers were first invented, people worried about job losses, but instead, many new jobs were created. The same thing could happen with robots and AI. For example, we might need more people to design, build, and fix these machines. Also, as some tasks become automated, workers might be able to focus on more interesting and complex tasks that machines can’t do.
In my opinion, while some jobs will be lost to automation, overall, I think new jobs will be created. However, it’s important for people to be ready to learn new skills and adapt to changes in the job market. Governments and companies should provide training to help workers move into new roles.
In conclusion, while automation may cause some job losses in the service industry, it’s likely that new jobs will also be created. The key is to be prepared for these changes and to develop skills that will be valuable in the future job market.
(Word count: 273)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates the qualities expected of a Band 6-7 response:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both viewpoints and the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, though the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8 essay.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, though less varied and precise than in a higher band essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control.
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Development of Ideas: Main ideas are supported, though the level of detail and explanation is less than in a Band 8 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Automation (noun) /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃn/ – the use of machines and computers to do work that was previously done by people
- Displacement (noun) /dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/ – the act of forcing something out of its usual place
- Redundant (adjective) /rɪˈdʌndənt/ – no longer needed or useful; superfluous
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) (noun) /ˌɑːtɪfɪʃl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/ – the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence
- Adaptation (noun) /ædæpˈteɪʃn/ – the process of changing to suit different conditions
- Productivity (noun) /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/ – the rate at which goods are produced or work is completed
- Disruption (noun) /dɪsˈrʌpʃn/ – disturbance or problems which interrupt an event, activity, or process
- Retraining (noun) /riːˈtreɪnɪŋ/ – the process of learning new skills, especially to be able to do a different job
- Economic growth (noun phrase) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈɡrəʊθ/ – an increase in the amount of goods and services produced per head of the population over a period of time
- Job market (noun phrase) /ˈdʒɒb ˌmɑːkɪt/ – the availability of employment and labor
Conclusion
The topic of automation and job displacement in service industries is likely to remain relevant for future IELTS exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The impact of AI on specific industries (e.g., healthcare, education)
- The role of government in managing technological unemployment
- The skills needed for the future job market
- The ethical implications of replacing human workers with machines
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and support your points with relevant examples. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare for the exam.