The IELTS Reading section tests your ability to understand complex texts and identify specific information. One topic that has been gaining prominence in recent years is the impact of automation on employment. This article will provide you with a sample IELTS Reading passage on “The Effects of Automation on Job Displacement,” along with questions and detailed explanations to help you prepare for your exam.
Based on recent trends and the increasing relevance of automation in various industries, it’s highly likely that this topic will continue to appear in future IELTS exams. Let’s dive into a practice passage to sharpen your reading skills and expand your knowledge on this crucial subject.
Sample IELTS Reading Passage
The Effects of Automation on Job Displacement
Automation, the use of technology to perform tasks previously carried out by humans, has been a driving force of economic progress for centuries. From the Industrial Revolution to the current era of artificial intelligence and robotics, automation has consistently reshaped the labor market, leading to both job creation and displacement. As we stand on the cusp of what many call the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the pace and scale of automation-driven change are accelerating, prompting intense debate about its long-term effects on employment.
Historically, automation has led to the elimination of certain jobs while simultaneously creating new ones. For instance, the advent of automobiles rendered horse-drawn carriage drivers obsolete but gave rise to a vast automotive industry with numerous new professions. However, the current wave of automation, characterized by machine learning, big data, and advanced robotics, is different in its potential to affect a wider range of jobs across various skill levels.
Low-skilled and routine jobs are particularly vulnerable to automation. Assembly line workers, cashiers, and data entry clerks are among those at highest risk of displacement. A study by the McKinsey Global Institute estimates that up to 800 million jobs worldwide could be automated by 2030. This projection has raised concerns about widespread unemployment and growing inequality.
However, the impact of automation is not limited to low-skilled work. Increasingly sophisticated algorithms are now capable of performing tasks that were once thought to require human judgment, such as analyzing legal documents or diagnosing medical conditions. This development suggests that even high-skilled professions may not be immune to the effects of automation.
Despite these challenges, many economists argue that automation will ultimately create more jobs than it destroys. They point to historical precedents and emphasize that automation often leads to increased productivity and economic growth, which in turn generates new employment opportunities. For example, the rise of e-commerce has eliminated some traditional retail jobs but has created many new roles in logistics, web design, and data analysis.
Moreover, automation is likely to augment human capabilities rather than entirely replace human workers in many fields. The concept of “cobots” – collaborative robots designed to work alongside humans – exemplifies this trend. In healthcare, for instance, AI can assist doctors in diagnosing diseases more accurately, but it cannot replace the empathy and complex decision-making skills of human medical professionals.
The key to navigating the challenges posed by automation lies in education and reskilling. As routine tasks become increasingly automated, the demand for workers with technical, creative, and interpersonal skills is likely to grow. Governments and businesses must invest in programs that help workers adapt to the changing job market, focusing on skills that are complementary to, rather than competing with, automation technologies.
In conclusion, while automation will undoubtedly displace some jobs, it also has the potential to enhance productivity, create new industries, and improve living standards. 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.
Questions
True/False/Not Given
- Automation has been influencing the job market since the Industrial Revolution.
- The current wave of automation affects a broader range of jobs compared to previous technological advancements.
- High-skilled professions are completely safe from the effects of automation.
- E-commerce has created more jobs than it has eliminated in the retail sector.
- Collaborative robots are designed to replace human workers entirely.
Multiple Choice
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According to the McKinsey Global Institute, by 2030:
A) 800 million jobs will be created worldwide
B) Up to 800 million jobs could be automated globally
C) 800 million workers will lose their jobs to automation
D) 800 million new jobs will be needed due to automation -
The passage suggests that the best approach to deal with automation-related job displacement is:
A) Banning the use of automation technologies
B) Focusing on education and reskilling programs
C) Limiting the development of artificial intelligence
D) Encouraging workers to stay in low-skilled jobs
Matching Headings
Match the following headings to the appropriate paragraphs in the passage. There are more headings than paragraphs, so you will not use all of them.
- Paragraph 2
- Paragraph 4
- Paragraph 6
Headings:
A) Historical comparisons of job market changes
B) The universality of automation’s impact
C) Collaborative technologies in the workplace
D) Potential solutions to automation challenges
E) The unique nature of current automation trends
F) Economic arguments supporting automation
Answer Key and Explanations
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True
Explanation: The passage states, “From the Industrial Revolution to the current era of artificial intelligence and robotics, automation has consistently reshaped the labor market.” -
True
Explanation: The text mentions, “However, the current wave of automation, characterized by machine learning, big data, and advanced robotics, is different in its potential to affect a wider range of jobs across various skill levels.” -
False
Explanation: The passage indicates that even high-skilled professions may be affected by automation: “This development suggests that even high-skilled professions may not be immune to the effects of automation.” -
Not Given
Explanation: While the passage mentions that e-commerce has created new jobs, it doesn’t explicitly state whether more jobs were created than eliminated in the retail sector. -
False
Explanation: The text defines “cobots” as “collaborative robots designed to work alongside humans,” not to replace them entirely. -
B
Explanation: The passage states, “A study by the McKinsey Global Institute estimates that up to 800 million jobs worldwide could be automated by 2030.” -
B
Explanation: The final paragraph emphasizes the importance of education and reskilling: “The key to navigating the challenges posed by automation lies in education and reskilling.” -
E
Explanation: Paragraph 2 discusses how the current wave of automation differs from previous technological advancements. -
B
Explanation: Paragraph 4 expands on how automation affects not just low-skilled jobs but also high-skilled professions. -
C
Explanation: Paragraph 6 introduces the concept of “cobots” and discusses how automation can augment human capabilities rather than replace workers entirely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlooking key qualifiers: Pay attention to words like “may,” “could,” or “suggests,” which indicate possibility rather than certainty.
- Making assumptions: Stick to the information provided in the text and avoid drawing conclusions based on your own knowledge or opinions.
- Misinterpreting contrasting ideas: Be careful when the passage presents different viewpoints or contrasts historical trends with current developments.
- Falling for distractors: In multiple-choice questions, some options may be partially correct but not the best answer. Read all options carefully before choosing.
Vocabulary
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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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Displacement (noun) /dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/: The act of moving someone or something from their usual place or position.
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Obsolete (adjective) /ˈɒbsəliːt/: No longer used or useful; out of date.
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Augment (verb) /ɔːɡˈment/: To make something greater by adding to it.
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Reskilling (noun) /riːˈskɪlɪŋ/: The process of learning new skills or of teaching workers new skills.
Grammar Focus
Complex sentences with subordinate clauses:
“As we stand on the cusp of what many call the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the pace and scale of automation-driven change are accelerating, prompting intense debate about its long-term effects on employment.”
This sentence uses a subordinate clause (“As we stand…”) to provide context for the main clause. It’s a common structure in academic writing to present complex ideas.
Tips for Success in IELTS Reading
- Practice time management: Allocate your time wisely between reading the passage and answering questions.
- Skim and scan effectively: Quickly identify main ideas and locate specific information.
- Develop your vocabulary: Regularly learn new words and their contexts, especially those related to technology and employment.
- Read actively: Underline key points and make brief notes as you read to improve comprehension and recall.
- Pay attention to transition words: These can help you understand the structure and flow of ideas in the passage.
By practicing with passages like this one on the effects of automation on job displacement, you’ll be better prepared to tackle similar topics in your IELTS Reading test. Remember to apply these strategies consistently in your practice sessions to maximize your performance on test day.