Automation and its effects on employment in developing countries is a topic of growing importance in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared in various forms over the past few years, and its relevance is likely to increase as technology continues to reshape global economies. Let’s explore this theme through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare for your IELTS exam.
Analyzing the Topic
The impact of automation on job markets in developing nations is a complex and multifaceted issue. It touches on aspects of technology, economics, social change, and workforce development. IELTS examiners often present this topic to test candidates’ ability to discuss global trends and their consequences.
Based on recent IELTS exams and trending global issues, we can expect questions that ask about:
- The positive and negative effects of automation on employment
- Government policies to address job displacement due to automation
- The skills needed in developing countries to adapt to an automated workforce
- The balance between technological progress and job security
Let’s focus on a specific question that encapsulates these themes:
Some people believe that the increasing use of automation in developing countries will lead to significant job losses. Others argue that it will create new opportunities. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Question Analysis
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the viewpoint that automation will cause job losses in developing nations
- Explore the counter-argument that automation will create new opportunities
- Present your own opinion on the issue
Remember to provide specific examples and fully develop your ideas to achieve a high band score.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay Sample
Automation impact on job market
The rapid advancement of automation technology has sparked a heated debate about its impact on employment in developing countries. While some argue that increased automation will result in widespread job losses, others contend that it will generate new opportunities. In my opinion, while automation will undoubtedly disrupt traditional employment patterns, its overall effect will be more positive than negative if managed properly.
Those who fear job losses due to automation have valid concerns. In many developing nations, a significant portion of the workforce is employed in low-skilled, repetitive jobs that are prime candidates for automation. For instance, in textile manufacturing hubs like Bangladesh, the introduction of automated sewing machines could potentially displace thousands of garment workers. Similarly, in countries with large agricultural sectors, such as India, automated farming equipment could reduce the need for manual labor. These job losses could lead to increased unemployment and social unrest if not addressed proactively.
On the other hand, proponents of automation argue that it will create new opportunities and drive economic growth. Automation can increase productivity and efficiency, making developing countries more competitive in the global market. This increased competitiveness can attract foreign investment and create new industries. For example, the rise of e-commerce in countries like Indonesia has led to the creation of numerous jobs in logistics, customer service, and IT support. Additionally, as automation takes over routine tasks, there will be a growing demand for workers with skills in operating, maintaining, and programming automated systems.
In my view, the impact of automation on job markets in developing countries will ultimately depend on how it is managed. Governments and businesses must invest heavily in education and training programs to equip workers with the skills needed in an automated economy. This could include fostering creativity, critical thinking, and technological literacy. Furthermore, policies that promote innovation and entrepreneurship can help create new job opportunities that complement automated systems rather than compete with them.
In conclusion, while automation poses challenges to traditional employment in developing nations, it also offers significant opportunities for growth and development. By focusing on skill development and embracing the potential of new technologies, developing countries can harness automation to create more diverse, resilient, and productive economies. The key lies in proactive planning and investment in human capital to ensure that the benefits of automation are widely shared across society.
(Word count: 378)
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates several qualities that contribute to a high band score:
-
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly presenting the writer’s opinion.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. Each paragraph focuses on a specific point, and ideas are logically connected using cohesive devices (e.g., “On the other hand”, “Furthermore”).
-
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Examples include “proactively”, “foster”, “harness”, and “resilient”.
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors. It uses conditional sentences, relative clauses, and different tenses effectively.
-
Development and Examples: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples, such as the textile industry in Bangladesh and e-commerce in Indonesia.
Band 6-7 Essay Sample
Automation is becoming more common in developing countries, and this has led to debates about its effects on jobs. Some people think it will cause many people to lose their jobs, while others believe it will create new job opportunities. I think both views have some truth, but overall automation will bring more benefits than problems.
Those who worry about job losses have some good reasons. Many jobs in developing countries are simple and repetitive, which makes them easy to replace with machines. For example, in factories, robots can do the work of many human workers. This could lead to unemployment for many people who don’t have other skills.
However, automation can also create new jobs and help the economy grow. When companies use machines, they can make more products faster and cheaper. This can help them sell more things to other countries and make more money. With this extra money, they might be able to create new types of jobs. Also, someone needs to build and fix the machines, so this creates jobs too.
I believe that automation will be good for developing countries in the long run, but it will cause some problems at first. Governments need to help people learn new skills so they can find different jobs. They should also encourage new businesses that use technology in smart ways. This way, countries can benefit from automation without leaving too many people without work.
In conclusion, while automation might cause some job losses, it also brings new opportunities. The important thing is for countries to prepare for these changes by helping workers adapt to new types of jobs. If they do this well, automation can help developing countries grow and improve their economies.
(Word count: 295)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates several qualities that contribute to a Band 6-7 score:
-
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and presenting an opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. However, the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
-
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but lacks the precision and sophistication of higher band scores. There is some attempt to use less common vocabulary (e.g., “repetitive”, “unemployment”).
-
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 structures are less varied than in the Band 8-9 essay.
-
Development and Examples: The essay provides some examples and explanations, but they are less specific and developed compared to the higher band essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
-
Automation (noun) /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃn/: The use of machines and computers to do work that was previously done by people.
-
Displace (verb) /dɪsˈpleɪs/: To take the place of someone or something, especially in a job or position.
-
Proactively (adverb) /prəʊˈæktɪvli/: Acting in advance to deal with an expected difficulty.
-
Competitiveness (noun) /kəmˈpetətɪvnəs/: The ability of a company or country to compete successfully with others.
-
Resilient (adjective) /rɪˈzɪliənt/: Able to recover quickly from difficulties.
-
Harness (verb) /ˈhɑːnɪs/: To control and use the force or strength of something to produce power or achieve something.
-
Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/: The introduction of new ideas, methods, or things.
-
Entrepreneurship (noun) /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜːʃɪp/: The activity of setting up businesses and taking on financial risks in the hope of profit.
-
Complement (verb) /ˈkɒmplɪment/: To add to something in a way that enhances or improves it.
-
Adapt (verb) /əˈdæpt/: To change or adjust to new conditions.
Conclusion
The impact of automation on job markets in developing nations is a complex and evolving topic that is 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 in developing economies
- The potential for automation to reduce or exacerbate income inequality in developing nations
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just knowledge of the topic, but the ability to structure your ideas clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide relevant examples to support your arguments.
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and get feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.
