The topic of “automation risks for workforce” has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts, reflecting its growing importance in our rapidly evolving global economy. Based on recent trends and expert predictions, we can expect this theme to appear more frequently in future IELTS exams. To help you prepare effectively, let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS tests and provide sample essays for different band scores.
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?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on the future impact of automation on the workforce. It’s important to:
- Clearly state your position (agree, disagree, or partially agree)
- Provide reasons and examples to support your view
- Consider potential counterarguments
- Conclude by summarizing your main points
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9
Technological advancements have led many to believe that machines will eventually replace human workers in most industries. While I agree that automation will significantly transform the job market, I do not think it will completely eliminate the need for human labor.
Undoubtedly, machines are increasingly capable of performing tasks once exclusive to humans. In manufacturing and logistics, robots have already taken over many repetitive and physically demanding jobs, improving efficiency and reducing costs. Similarly, artificial intelligence is making inroads into knowledge-based professions, with algorithms now capable of analyzing legal documents and diagnosing medical conditions. These developments suggest a future where machines handle a substantial portion of current human work.
However, there are several reasons why human workers will remain essential. Firstly, many jobs require emotional intelligence, creativity, and complex problem-solving skills that machines currently cannot replicate. For instance, roles in counseling, artistic design, and strategic planning still rely heavily on human intuition and empathy. Secondly, as technology eliminates some jobs, it also creates new ones. The rise of social media, for example, has spawned entirely new career paths such as content creation and digital marketing.
Moreover, the human touch remains crucial in many service-oriented industries. While chatbots and automated systems can handle basic customer inquiries, people often prefer interacting with human representatives for more complex or sensitive matters. This human element adds value that machines cannot easily replace.
In conclusion, while machines will undoubtedly transform the workforce and take over many current human jobs, I believe that human skills and input will remain vital in numerous sectors. The key lies in adapting to this changing landscape by developing skills that complement rather than compete with machine capabilities.
(Word count: 276)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates the qualities required for a high band score:
- Clear position: The writer partially agrees with the statement, providing a nuanced view.
- Coherent structure: The essay follows a logical progression with clear paragraphs.
- Well-developed ideas: Each point is thoroughly explained with relevant examples.
- Sophisticated vocabulary: The essay uses a range of advanced words and phrases accurately.
- Grammar and sentence structure: It employs a variety of complex sentences without errors.
- Task response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, providing a balanced argument.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7
Many people believe that in the future, machines will do most of the work that humans do now. I partly agree with this statement because while machines will take over many jobs, humans will still be needed for some types of work.
It’s true that machines are becoming more advanced and can do many jobs faster and better than humans. For example, in factories, robots can work 24/7 without getting tired, which makes production faster and cheaper. Also, computers can process a lot of information quickly, which is useful in fields like finance and data analysis. This means that many jobs that humans do now might be done by machines in the future.
However, there are some jobs that machines probably can’t do as well as humans. Jobs that need creativity, like artists and writers, or jobs that need human interaction, like teachers and counselors, will still need people. Machines don’t have emotions or the ability to think in new and different ways like humans can. Also, even if machines do most of the work, we will still need humans to control and fix the machines.
Another point is that as some jobs disappear because of machines, new jobs might be created. For example, we now have jobs like social media manager or app developer that didn’t exist before. So, while machines might take some jobs, they might also create new opportunities for humans.
In conclusion, I think machines will do a lot of work in the future, but humans will still be important for many jobs. We need to learn new skills to work with machines instead of being replaced by them.
(Word count: 269)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates the qualities of a Band 6-7 response:
- Clear position: The writer partially agrees with the statement.
- Coherent structure: The essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
- Developed ideas: Main points are supported with examples, though not as extensively as in the Band 8-9 essay.
- Vocabulary: The essay uses some less common vocabulary, but not as sophisticated as the higher band essay.
- Grammar: There are no major errors, but the sentence structures are less varied and complex.
- Task response: The essay addresses the main parts of the question but could provide more depth in the arguments.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Automation (noun) /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃn/: The use of machines and computers to do work that was previously done by people.
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Artificial intelligence (noun) /ˌɑːtɪfɪʃl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/: The development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence.
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Obsolete (adjective) /ˈɒbsəliːt/: No longer in use or no longer useful.
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Paradigm shift (noun) /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/: A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
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Upskilling (noun) /ˈʌpskɪlɪŋ/: The process of learning new skills or teaching workers new skills.
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Disruptive technology (noun) /dɪsˈrʌptɪv tekˈnɒlədʒi/: An innovation that significantly alters the way that consumers, industries, or businesses operate.
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Redundancy (noun) /rɪˈdʌndənsi/: The state of being no longer needed or useful in a job.
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Adaptability (noun) /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/: The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.
Conclusion
The topic of automation risks for the workforce 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 specific industries (e.g., healthcare, education)
- The role of governments in managing workforce transitions due to automation
- The importance of lifelong learning in an era of rapid technological change
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. By doing so, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question on this topic in your IELTS exam.
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.