As an IELTS Writing Task 2 expert, I’ve observed that topics related to automation and its impact on industries have become increasingly prevalent in recent exams. This trend is likely to continue, given the rapid technological advancements and their profound effects on various sectors. Let’s explore a sample question that reflects this theme and analyze how to craft a high-scoring response.
Automation changing industry standards
Analyzing the Question
Let’s examine a question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that the increasing use of automation (such as robots and artificial intelligence) will lead to significant job losses. Others believe that automation will create more jobs than it eliminates. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question addresses a crucial aspect of how automation changes industry standards. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that automation leads to job losses
- Explore the perspective that automation creates more jobs
- Provide a personal opinion on the matter
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
The rapid advancement of automation technologies, including robotics and artificial intelligence, has sparked a heated debate about their impact on employment. While some argue that these innovations will result in significant job losses, others contend that they will ultimately create more employment opportunities than they eliminate. In my opinion, while automation will undoubtedly disrupt certain industries and job roles, its overall effect will be a net positive for employment in the long term.
Those who fear job losses due to automation have valid concerns. Historically, we have seen how mechanization in agriculture and manufacturing has reduced the need for manual labor. In today’s context, self-checkout kiosks in retail stores, automated customer service systems, and AI-driven data analysis tools are examples of how technology is replacing tasks once performed by humans. This trend is likely to continue and even accelerate, potentially affecting millions of jobs across various sectors.
However, proponents of automation argue that it will create more jobs than it eliminates. They point out that new technologies often give rise to entirely new industries and job categories that were previously unimaginable. For instance, the rise of the internet led to the creation of numerous jobs in web development, digital marketing, and e-commerce. Similarly, the growth of AI and robotics is expected to generate demand for roles such as AI trainers, robot maintenance technicians, and automation specialists. Moreover, as automation increases productivity and reduces costs, businesses may expand, leading to job creation in other areas.
In my view, while the transition may be challenging for some workers in the short term, the long-term effects of automation on employment are likely to be positive. History has shown that technological advancements, despite initial disruptions, tend to create more opportunities and improve overall living standards. However, it is crucial that governments and educational institutions proactively address this shift by implementing policies and programs to retrain workers and prepare the workforce for the jobs of the future.
In conclusion, automation will undoubtedly change industry standards and the nature of work. While it may eliminate certain jobs, it also has the potential to create new and more fulfilling roles. The key lies in our ability to adapt and harness these technological advancements for the benefit of society as a whole.
(309 words)
Band 6-7 Essay
The increasing use of automation, such as robots and artificial intelligence, has become a hot topic of debate. Some people think it will cause many people to lose their jobs, while others believe it will create more jobs than it takes away. In my opinion, automation will have both positive and negative effects on employment, but overall it will create more opportunities.
Those who worry about job losses have some good reasons. We can already see how machines are doing work that people used to do in factories and offices. For example, robots are now used in car manufacturing, and AI can answer customer service questions. This might mean that some people will lose their jobs, especially those who do repetitive tasks.
On the other hand, automation can also create new jobs. When new technologies come, they often make new types of work that didn’t exist before. For instance, when computers became common, many new jobs were created in IT and software development. The same thing could happen with automation. We might need people to design, build, and fix robots, or to work with AI systems.
I think that while some jobs will disappear because of automation, more new jobs will be created. However, these new jobs might require different skills. It’s important for people to learn new things and be ready to change their careers if needed. Governments and companies should help workers learn new skills so they can find jobs in the changing job market.
In conclusion, automation will change how we work, but I believe it will create more jobs than it eliminates in the long run. The challenge is to make sure people are prepared for these changes and can benefit from the new opportunities that automation will bring.
(282 words)
Key Points to Consider When Writing
Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced argument.
Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases, such as “sparked a heated debate,” “disrupt certain industries,” and “harness these technological advancements.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still effectively communicates the main ideas.
Grammar: Both essays demonstrate good control of grammar, but the Band 8-9 essay uses more complex structures, such as “While it may eliminate certain jobs, it also has the potential to create new and more fulfilling roles.”
Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and a more balanced argument.
Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay has smoother transitions between ideas and paragraphs, creating a more cohesive overall argument.
Vocabulary to Remember
Automation (noun) /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃn/: The use of machines or computers to do work that was previously done by people.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) (noun) /ˌɑːtɪfɪʃl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/: The development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence.
Disrupt (verb) /dɪsˈrʌpt/: To cause disorder or turmoil in.
Mechanization (noun) /ˌmekənaɪˈzeɪʃn/: The introduction of machines or automatic devices into a process, especially to replace human labor.
Productivity (noun) /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/: The effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input.
Proactive (adjective) /prəʊˈæktɪv/: Creating or controlling a situation rather than just responding to it after it has happened.
Harness (verb) /ˈhɑːnɪs/: To control and use (a force or source of energy) to produce power or achieve a particular effect.
Transition (noun) /trænˈzɪʃn/: The process or period of changing from one state or condition to another.
Conclusion
Writing about how automation changes industry standards requires a balanced approach, considering both the potential job losses and the creation of new opportunities. To excel in IELTS Writing Task 2, focus on developing a clear structure, using varied vocabulary, and providing specific examples to support your arguments.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The impact of automation on specific industries (e.g., manufacturing, healthcare, education)
- The role of governments in managing the transition to an automated workforce
- The ethical implications of increasing automation in the workplace
Remember to practice regularly and don’t hesitate to share your essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.