Automation and its impact on employment opportunities is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared in various forms over the past few years and is likely to continue being relevant in future exams. Let’s explore this subject through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare for your IELTS test.
Analyzing the Task 2 Question
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:
Some people think that automation is reducing employment opportunities. Others believe that it is creating new jobs. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss how automation is reducing job opportunities
- Explain how automation is creating new jobs
- Provide your personal perspective on the issue
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, followed by detailed analyses.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Technological advancements, particularly in automation, have sparked a heated debate about their impact on the job market. While some argue that automation is diminishing employment prospects, others contend that it is generating new career opportunities. In my opinion, while automation does eliminate certain jobs, it simultaneously creates new roles, ultimately leading to a transformation rather than a reduction in employment opportunities.
On one hand, automation undeniably displaces workers in various sectors. Manufacturing, for instance, has seen a significant reduction in human labor as robots and automated systems take over assembly lines. Similarly, self-checkout kiosks in retail stores and automated customer service systems have reduced the need for cashiers and call center operators. These developments have left many workers, especially those in low-skilled positions, facing unemployment or the need for significant reskilling.
However, it is crucial to recognize that automation also creates new job opportunities. The development, maintenance, and supervision of automated systems require skilled professionals such as robotics engineers, data analysts, and AI specialists. Moreover, automation often leads to increased productivity and economic growth, which can indirectly create jobs in other sectors. For example, as e-commerce grows due to automated warehouses and logistics, it creates opportunities in areas like digital marketing, web development, and last-mile delivery services.
In my view, while the short-term disruption caused by automation is significant, the long-term effects are likely to be positive. History has shown that technological advancements, from the Industrial Revolution to the rise of computers, have ultimately led to net job creation and improved living standards. The key lies in society’s ability to adapt through education and reskilling programs, ensuring that workers can transition into new roles created by automation.
In conclusion, automation is a double-edged sword in terms of employment. While it eliminates certain jobs, it also creates new opportunities and has the potential to drive economic growth. The challenge for society is to manage this transition effectively, ensuring that the benefits of automation are broadly shared and that workers are equipped with the skills needed for the jobs of the future.
(Word count: 329)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that align with Band 8-9 criteria:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (e.g., “On one hand”, “However”, “In conclusion”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “diminishing employment prospects”, “simultaneously creates”, “significant reduction”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly (e.g., complex sentences, passive voice, conditional structures).
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In recent years, automation has become a big topic of discussion when it comes to jobs. Some people think it’s taking away jobs, while others believe it’s creating new ones. I think both sides have valid points, but overall, automation is changing the job market rather than just reducing opportunities.
Firstly, it’s true that automation is replacing some jobs. In factories, robots are now doing work that people used to do. This means fewer jobs for factory workers. We can also see this in supermarkets where self-checkout machines are replacing some cashiers. This is a problem for people who lose their jobs and need to find new work.
However, automation is also creating new types of jobs. We need people to design, build, and fix the machines and robots. There are also new jobs in fields like data analysis and computer programming because of automation. These new jobs often pay better than the jobs that were replaced, which can be good for the economy.
In my opinion, while automation does cause some job losses, it also brings new opportunities. The important thing is to help people learn new skills so they can do the new jobs that automation creates. Governments and companies should provide training programs to help workers adapt to these changes.
To conclude, automation is changing the job market in both positive and negative ways. While some jobs are lost, new ones are created. The key is to manage this change well and make sure people are prepared for the new types of jobs that automation brings.
(Word count: 265)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates qualities that align with Band 6-7 criteria:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated (e.g., “Firstly”, “However”, “To conclude”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay (e.g., “big topic”, “taking away jobs”, “good for the economy”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control, though with less flexibility than the Band 8-9 essay.
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Development of Ideas: Main points are supported with examples, but the explanations are less detailed and nuanced compared to the higher band essay.
Key Vocabulary
Here are some important vocabulary items from the essays, along with their definitions and pronunciations:
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Automation (noun) /ˌɔː.təˈmeɪ.ʃən/: The use of machines and computers to do work that was previously done by people.
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Displacement (noun) /dɪˈspleɪs.mənt/: The act of forcing something or someone out of their usual or original position.
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Reskilling (noun) /ˌriːˈskɪl.ɪŋ/: The process of learning new skills or of teaching workers new skills.
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Productivity (noun) /ˌprɒd.ʌkˈtɪv.ə.ti/: The rate at which goods are produced or work is completed.
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Transition (noun) /trænˈzɪʃ.ən/: The process of changing from one state or condition to another.
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Adaptation (noun) /ˌæd.æpˈteɪ.ʃən/: The process of changing to suit different conditions.
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Disruption (noun) /dɪsˈrʌp.ʃən/: The action of preventing something from continuing in its usual way.
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Innovation (noun) /ˌɪn.əˈveɪ.ʃən/: The development of new ideas, products, or methods.
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Obsolescence (noun) /ˌɒb.səˈles.əns/: The process of becoming outdated or no longer used.
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Upskilling (noun) /ˈʌpˌskɪl.ɪŋ/: The process of learning new skills or teaching employees new skills.
Conclusion
The impact of automation on employment opportunities is a complex and evolving topic that is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. When addressing this issue, it’s important to consider both the job losses in traditional sectors and the creation of new roles in emerging fields. A balanced approach, discussing both perspectives and providing a nuanced personal opinion, is key to crafting a strong essay.
For practice, try writing your own essay on one of these related topics:
- Some argue that governments should provide financial support to workers displaced by automation. Do you agree or disagree?
- To what extent do you think education systems need to change to prepare students for a future job market influenced by automation?
- Discuss the potential social and economic impacts of widespread job losses due to automation.
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your points with relevant examples. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!