Automation And Workforce Changes In The Global Economy have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. As an IELTS instructor, I’ve noticed a growing trend in questions related to this subject, reflecting its significance in our rapidly evolving world. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore sample essays at different band levels, providing you with the tools to excel in your IELTS writing task.
Analyzing the Topic and Its Relevance
The intersection of automation and workforce changes is a hot topic in IELTS exams, appearing with increasing frequency over the past few years. Based on my analysis of recent exam patterns and trends reported on reputable IELTS websites, I predict this theme will continue to be a staple in future tests. Let’s examine a question that encapsulates this topic:
Some people think that in the future, machines will do most of the work currently done by humans. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question directly addresses the core issues of automation and its impact on the workforce, making it an excellent representation of the topic.
Dissecting the Question
Before we dive into sample essays, let’s break down the key elements of this question:
- Topic: The future role of machines in the workforce
- Task: To agree or disagree with the statement
- Key points to consider:
- Current work done by humans
- Potential for machine automation
- Implications for the future workforce
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
The rapid advancement of technology has led many to speculate about a future where machines dominate the workforce. While I agree that automation will play an increasingly significant role in various industries, I believe that human involvement will remain crucial in many aspects of work.
Undoubtedly, machines are already taking over numerous tasks previously performed by humans. In manufacturing, robotic assembly lines have replaced many manual laborers, increasing efficiency and precision. Similarly, in the service sector, we see self-checkout kiosks and AI-powered customer service chatbots handling tasks once exclusively managed by human employees. This trend is likely to continue as artificial intelligence and robotics become more sophisticated.
However, it’s important to recognize that human skills such as creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving remain difficult to replicate in machines. Jobs that require these qualities, such as therapists, artists, and strategic planners, are less likely to be fully automated. Moreover, as technology advances, new job categories emerge that require human oversight and interaction with machines. For instance, the rise of data science has created a demand for professionals who can interpret and make decisions based on machine-generated analytics.
Furthermore, the human touch remains essential in many fields where empathy and personal connection are valued. Healthcare, education, and hospitality are examples where, despite technological advancements, human presence is often preferred and sometimes necessary. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the irreplaceable nature of human interaction in these sectors.
In conclusion, while machines will undoubtedly take over many current human jobs, I believe that the workforce of the future will be characterized by a synergy between human skills and machine capabilities, rather than a complete takeover by automation. The key for future generations will be to adapt and develop skills that complement, rather than compete with, machine abilities.
(Word count: 298)
Future workforce synergy
Band 6-7 Essay
In recent years, there has been a lot of discussion about machines taking over human jobs in the future. While I agree that automation will become more common in many industries, I don’t think machines will completely replace human workers.
It’s true that machines are already doing many jobs that humans used to do. For example, in factories, robots are now assembling cars and other products. In supermarkets, we can see self-checkout machines instead of human cashiers. These changes are happening because machines can work faster and make fewer mistakes than humans in some tasks.
However, there are many jobs that machines cannot do as well as humans. Jobs that need creativity, like artists or writers, are hard for machines to do. Also, jobs that require emotional understanding, like teachers or counselors, are better done by humans. Machines don’t have feelings or the ability to understand complex human emotions.
Another point is that as technology improves, new types of jobs are created. For example, we now have jobs like social media managers or app developers that didn’t exist before. These new jobs often involve working with technology, but still need human skills to do them well.
In conclusion, while machines will definitely do more work in the future, I don’t think they will replace humans completely. Instead, I believe that humans will need to learn new skills to work alongside machines and do the jobs that machines can’t do.
(Word count: 237)
Band 5-6 Essay
Many people think machines will do most of the work in the future instead of humans. I partly agree with this idea because machines are getting better, but I also think humans are still important for many jobs.
Machines are already doing some jobs better than humans. In factories, robots can make things faster and without getting tired. In shops, we can use machines to pay for things without a human cashier. This is good because it can make things cheaper and faster for customers.
But some jobs are hard for machines to do. Jobs that need creativity like making art or music are difficult for machines. Also, jobs where we need to understand people’s feelings, like being a teacher or a doctor, are better when done by humans. Machines don’t have feelings, so they can’t understand how people feel.
Also, as we make new technology, we create new jobs for humans. For example, we now have people who fix computers or make websites. These jobs didn’t exist before, but now they are important.
In conclusion, I think machines will do more work in the future, but humans will still be needed for many jobs. We will need to learn new skills to work with machines and do the jobs that machines can’t do well.
(Word count: 206)
Analyzing the Essays
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
- Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a nuanced view of the topic.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy.
Key strengths:
- Sophisticated argument acknowledging both sides of the issue
- Well-developed ideas with specific examples
- Precise use of language and complex sentence structures
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay shows good competence in writing, with some areas for improvement:
- Task Response: The main ideas are relevant and the position is clear, though the development of ideas could be more thorough.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There’s a clear overall progression, but the use of cohesive devices could be more sophisticated.
- Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used, with some attempts at less common lexical items.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with generally good control.
Areas for improvement:
- More in-depth development of ideas
- Use of more sophisticated cohesive devices
- Expansion of vocabulary range
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates a modest attempt at addressing the task:
- Task Response: The essay addresses the task, but the development of ideas is limited.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There’s a basic organizational structure, but cohesive devices are simple and repetitive.
- Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task but limited in range.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Simple structures are used accurately, but more complex structures are attempted with less success.
Areas for improvement:
- More detailed explanation and examples
- Use of more varied sentence structures
- Expansion of vocabulary to include more topic-specific terms
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Automation (noun) /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃn/ – The use of machines to do work that was previously done by humans
- Workforce (noun) /ˈwɜːkfɔːs/ – The total number of people who work in a company or industry
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) (noun) /ˌɑːtɪfɪʃl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/ – The development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence
- Synergy (noun) /ˈsɪnədʒi/ – The interaction of two or more agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects
- Empathy (noun) /ˈempəθi/ – The ability to understand and share the feelings of another
- Irreplaceable (adjective) /ˌɪrɪˈpleɪsəbl/ – Not able to be replaced; unique
- Adapt (verb) /əˈdæpt/ – To change or adjust to new conditions
- Innovative (adjective) /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ – Introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking
Conclusion
The topic of automation and workforce changes in the global economy is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The impact of AI on job security
- The role of education in preparing for a technology-driven job market
- The ethical implications of replacing human workers with machines
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about memorizing essays, but understanding how to construct a well-argued response. Practice writing your own essays on this topic and feel free to share them in the comments section for feedback. This active engagement will significantly improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in your IELTS exam.
