As an experienced IELTS instructor, I’ve noticed that topics related to technology and its impact on employment frequently appear in IELTS Writing Task 2. One such topic that has gained significant traction in recent years is “how automation is changing the job market.” This theme has appeared in various forms across multiple IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject due to its relevance in our rapidly evolving technological landscape.
To help you prepare for this potential topic, I’ve selected a question that closely mirrors those seen in actual IELTS exams. We’ll analyze this question, provide sample essays for different band scores, and offer insights into vocabulary and essay structure. Let’s dive in!
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that in the future, machines will do most of the work and humans will have very little to do. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
This question directly addresses the impact of automation on the job market. It requires you to consider the future of work and express your opinion on whether machines will dominate the workforce, leaving humans with minimal roles. Let’s break down the key elements:
- Topic: The future of work in relation to automation
- Task: Express your agreement or disagreement with the given statement
- Focus: The extent to which machines will replace human workers
- Perspective: Your personal view on this prediction
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring example.
Sample Essay (Band 8-9)
High Band Score Essay
The rapid advancement of technology has led some to predict a future where machines dominate the workforce, relegating humans to minor roles. While I agree that automation will significantly impact the job market, I disagree with the notion that humans will have “very little to do” in the future.
Undoubtedly, machines and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing numerous industries. Automated systems are increasingly taking over repetitive and routine tasks, from manufacturing to data analysis, often with greater efficiency and accuracy than their human counterparts. This trend is likely to continue, with more sophisticated AI potentially replacing even complex cognitive tasks. For instance, AI-powered legal assistants are already capable of reviewing contracts and predicting case outcomes, tasks once exclusively performed by human lawyers.
However, I believe that this technological shift will create new opportunities rather than render humans obsolete. As certain jobs become automated, new roles will emerge that require uniquely human skills such as creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving. The rise of social media marketing, user experience design, and data science are prime examples of job categories that didn’t exist a few decades ago but are now in high demand. Furthermore, the development, maintenance, and ethical oversight of AI systems will create entirely new career paths.
Moreover, human input will remain crucial in fields that require empathy, nuanced judgment, and interpersonal skills. Healthcare, education, and social services, for instance, are areas where the human touch is irreplaceable, even as technology enhances these sectors. A robot may be able to diagnose a disease, but it cannot provide the emotional support and personalized care that a human doctor or nurse can offer.
In conclusion, while machines will undoubtedly play an increasingly significant role in the future job market, I disagree that this will leave humans with little to do. Instead, I believe we will see a shift in the nature of human work, with a greater emphasis on skills that machines cannot easily replicate. The key to thriving in this evolving landscape will be adaptability and continuous learning, ensuring that humans remain an integral and valuable part of the workforce.
(Word count: 329)
Futuristic job market with robots and humans working together
Analysis of High Band Score Essay
This essay demonstrates several characteristics of a high band score (8-9) response:
Task Achievement: The essay directly addresses the question, clearly stating the writer’s position and providing a balanced discussion of both sides of the argument.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. Each paragraph focuses on a specific point, and there are effective transitions between ideas.
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Complex terms related to technology and employment are used naturally.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly.
Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Key strengths of this essay include:
- A clear introduction that sets out the writer’s position
- Well-developed body paragraphs that explore different aspects of the issue
- A strong conclusion that summarizes the main points and offers a forward-looking perspective
- Effective use of topic sentences and supporting details
- Sophisticated vocabulary and sentence structures
Sample Essay (Band 6-7)
Medium Band Score Essay
Some people believe that in the future, machines will do most of the work and humans will have very little to do. I partially agree with this view because while machines will certainly take over many jobs, I think humans will still have important roles to play in the workforce.
It’s true that machines and computers are becoming more advanced and are able to do many tasks that humans used to do. For example, in factories, robots can now assemble products much faster and more accurately than human workers. Also, in offices, software can do things like data entry and basic customer service, which used to be done by people. This trend is likely to continue as technology gets even better.
However, I don’t think humans will be left with nothing to do. There are many jobs that require human skills that machines can’t easily replicate. Creative jobs like artists, writers, and designers will still need human imagination and originality. Also, jobs that need emotional intelligence, like therapists, teachers, and social workers, are hard for machines to do well. Humans are also needed to develop and maintain the machines and software that are being used more and more.
Additionally, as some jobs disappear because of machines, new types of jobs that we can’t even imagine yet might be created. This has happened before in history. For example, 100 years ago, no one could have predicted jobs like social media manager or app developer, but these are common jobs now.
In conclusion, while I agree that machines will do more work in the future, I don’t think humans will be left with very little to do. The types of jobs humans do may change, but there will still be important roles for people in the workforce.
(Word count: 294)
Analysis of Medium Band Score Essay
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a Band 6-7 response:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses the question and presents a clear position, though the argument could be more fully developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. There are some basic linking words, but more sophisticated cohesive devices could be used.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with some attempts at using less common words. However, the range could be wider and more precise.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: There’s a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, with generally good control of grammar. Some more sophisticated structures could elevate the score.
Development of Ideas: Main points are relevant and supported with examples, though some ideas could be elaborated further.
Key areas for improvement:
- More detailed examples and explanations to support main points
- Use of more sophisticated vocabulary and idiomatic language
- Greater variety in sentence structures
- More nuanced discussion of the topic, considering potential counterarguments
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Automation (noun) – /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃn/ – The use of largely automatic equipment in a system of manufacturing or other production process.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) (noun) – /ˌɑːtɪfɪʃl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/ – The theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence.
Obsolete (adjective) – /ˈɒbsəliːt/ – No longer produced or used; out of date.
Cognitive (adjective) – /ˈkɒɡnətɪv/ – Related to the mental processes of perception, memory, judgment, and reasoning.
Empathy (noun) – /ˈempəθi/ – The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Adaptability (noun) – /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ – The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.
Interpersonal skills (noun phrase) – /ˌɪntəˈpɜːsnl skɪlz/ – The ability to communicate or interact well with other people.
Revolutionize (verb) – /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/ – To change (something) radically or fundamentally.
Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.
Ethical oversight (noun phrase) – /ˈeθɪkl ˈəʊvəsaɪt/ – The supervision and monitoring of practices to ensure they adhere to moral principles and standards.
Conclusion
The topic of automation and its impact on the job market is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, consider practicing with similar questions such as:
- “Some argue that automation will lead to widespread unemployment. Others believe it will create new job opportunities. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
- “To what extent do you think education systems need to change to prepare students for a job market increasingly influenced by automation and AI?”
- “Some people believe that governments should provide support for workers displaced by automation. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about knowing the topic, but also about structuring your essay well, using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and developing your ideas clearly and coherently.
I encourage you to practice writing essays on this topic and share them in the comments section below. This active practice is one of the most effective ways to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam. Good luck with your preparation!