As an experienced IELTS instructor, I’ve observed that topics related to automation and its impact on the workforce frequently appear in IELTS Writing Task 2. This trend is likely to continue, given the rapid advancements in technology and their profound effects on various industries. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you excel in your IELTS Writing Task 2.
Analyzing the Topic and Selecting a Prompt
After reviewing recent IELTS exams and considering current global trends, I’ve identified a relevant prompt that closely resembles questions seen in actual tests:
Some people believe that the increasing use of automation in various industries will lead to widespread unemployment among skilled workers. Others argue that automation will create new job opportunities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This prompt addresses a crucial aspect of the automation debate: its impact on employment, particularly for skilled workers. It’s a balanced question that requires candidates to consider multiple perspectives, making it an excellent representation of IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts.
Analyzing the Prompt
Before we dive into sample essays, let’s break down the key elements of this prompt:
- Two contrasting views are presented:
- Automation will cause widespread unemployment among skilled workers
- Automation will create new job opportunities
- The task is to discuss both views
- You must also provide your own opinion
To effectively answer this prompt, you’ll need to:
- Explain how automation could lead to job losses in certain sectors
- Discuss how automation might create new types of jobs
- Provide examples to support both viewpoints
- Present your personal stance on the issue, backed by logical reasoning
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Automation and skilled labor
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Essay:
The rapid advancement of automation technology has sparked a heated debate about its potential impact on the job market, particularly for skilled workers. While some argue that increased automation will lead to widespread unemployment, others contend that it will generate new employment opportunities. In my opinion, while automation may indeed displace some workers in the short term, its long-term effects are likely to be more positive, creating new and evolving roles in the workforce.
Those who fear job losses due to automation have valid concerns. Many industries, from manufacturing to finance, are increasingly adopting automated systems that can perform tasks more efficiently and accurately than humans. For instance, in the automotive industry, robotic assembly lines have replaced many manual laborers. Similarly, in the financial sector, algorithmic trading systems are taking over roles traditionally held by human traders. This trend could potentially lead to significant job displacement, especially for workers whose skills become obsolete in the face of technological advancements.
However, proponents of automation argue that it will create new job opportunities, and there is substantial evidence to support this view. As new technologies emerge, they often create entirely new industries and job categories. For example, the rise of social media has led to the creation of roles such as social media managers and content creators, which didn’t exist a decade ago. Moreover, the development and maintenance of automated systems require skilled professionals, leading to an increased demand for roles such as robotics engineers, data scientists, and AI specialists. Additionally, automation often leads to increased productivity and economic growth, which can indirectly create jobs across various sectors.
In my view, while the short-term disruption caused by automation is a genuine concern, the long-term benefits are likely to outweigh the drawbacks. History has shown that technological advancements, though initially disruptive, tend to create more jobs than they eliminate over time. The key lies in adapting to these changes through education and reskilling programs. Governments and businesses should focus on preparing the workforce for the jobs of the future, emphasizing skills that complement rather than compete with automation, such as creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving.
In conclusion, automation’s impact on skilled labor is likely to be transformative rather than purely destructive. While it may lead to job losses in some areas, it will also create new opportunities in others. The challenge for society is to manage this transition effectively, ensuring that the benefits of automation are widely shared and that workers are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly automated world.
(Word count: 411)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates the qualities expected of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion. It offers a nuanced perspective, acknowledging short-term challenges while focusing on long-term benefits.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. Each paragraph has a central idea, and there’s a logical progression of thoughts. Cohesive devices (e.g., “However,” “Moreover,” “In conclusion”) are used effectively to link ideas.
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Complex terms relevant to the topic (e.g., “algorithmic trading,” “robotic assembly lines”) are used naturally. There’s good use of collocations (e.g., “heated debate,” “widespread unemployment”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately. It includes complex sentences and various tense forms without noticeable errors.
Development and Support: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, showing in-depth understanding of the topic.
This essay would likely score in the Band 8-9 range due to its sophisticated approach to the topic, clear argumentation, and excellent use of language.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Essay:
Nowadays, automation is becoming more common in many industries. Some people think this will cause many skilled workers to lose their jobs, while others believe it will create new job opportunities. In my opinion, automation will have both positive and negative effects on employment.
On one hand, it’s true that automation can lead to job losses. When machines can do tasks faster and more accurately than humans, companies might decide to replace workers with automated systems. For example, in factories, robots are now doing jobs that used to be done by human workers. This can be a big problem for people who lose their jobs and don’t have other skills.
However, automation can also create new types of jobs. As we use more machines and computers in work, we need people who can design, build, and fix these systems. This means there are new jobs for engineers and technicians. Also, when companies save money by using automation, they might use that money to expand their business and hire more people for other roles.
In my view, while automation might cause some job losses in the short term, it can lead to more jobs and better work in the long run. The important thing is for people to learn new skills that are needed in a world with more automation. Governments and companies should help workers to retrain so they can find new jobs.
To conclude, automation has both good and bad effects on employment for skilled workers. While some jobs may disappear, new ones will be created. The key is to prepare for these changes by developing new skills that are valuable in an automated workplace.
(Word count: 276)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a Band 6-7 response:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and offering a personal opinion. However, the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Basic cohesive devices are used (e.g., “On one hand,” “However”), but the linking of ideas is less sophisticated than in higher band essays.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with some attempt at using less common words (e.g., “automated systems”). However, the range is more limited compared to the Band 8-9 essay, and there’s less precision in word choice.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control. There are no major grammatical errors, but the range of structures is less varied than in higher band essays.
Development and Support: Main points are supported with examples, but the ideas are less fully explored compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
This essay would likely score in the Band 6-7 range. It demonstrates a good understanding of the task and presents relevant ideas, but lacks the sophistication and depth of higher band essays.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Automation (noun) – /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃn/ – The use of machines or computers to do work that was previously done by people.
Displacement (noun) – /dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/ – The act of forcing something out of its usual place.
Obsolete (adjective) – /ˈɒbsəliːt/ – No longer used because something newer and better has been invented.
Reskilling (noun) – /riːˈskɪlɪŋ/ – The process of learning new skills so you can do a different job.
Transformative (adjective) – /trænsˈfɔːmətɪv/ – Causing a major change to something or someone.
Productivity (noun) – /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/ – The rate at which goods are produced or work is completed.
Disruptive (adjective) – /dɪsˈrʌptɪv/ – Causing trouble and therefore stopping something from continuing as usual.
Algorithmic (adjective) – /ˌælɡəˈrɪðmɪk/ – Relating to or using a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or accomplishing a task.
Adaptation (noun) – /ˌædæpˈteɪʃn/ – The process of changing to suit different conditions.
Workforce (noun) – /ˈwɜːkfɔːs/ – The total number of people who are able to work in a country or company.
Conclusion
The topic of automation and its impact on skilled labor is a complex and evolving issue that’s likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for this and similar topics, consider practicing with variations such as:
- The role of government in managing the transition to an automated workforce
- The ethical implications of replacing human workers with machines
- The potential impact of automation on income inequality
- The importance of education reform in preparing for an automated future
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about memorizing essays, but understanding the issues and being able to articulate your thoughts 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 approach to learning will help you develop the skills needed to tackle any IELTS Writing Task 2 prompt with confidence.