Automation in the manufacturing sector is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This topic has appeared in various forms over the past few years and is likely to continue being relevant due to its global significance. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see questions related to the effects of automation on employment, productivity, and economic growth in the manufacturing industry.
Let’s examine a sample question that reflects this theme:
Some people think that the increasing use of automation in manufacturing will lead to economic problems. Others believe it will create more job opportunities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the potential economic problems caused by automation in manufacturing
- Explain how automation might create more job opportunities
- Provide a personal opinion on the issue
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a Band 8-9 level response.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
The rapid advancement of technology has led to increased automation in various industries, particularly in manufacturing. While some argue that this trend may result in economic challenges, others believe it will generate new employment opportunities. In my opinion, although automation may cause short-term disruptions, its long-term benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks.
Those who are concerned about the economic impact of automation in manufacturing often point to job displacement as a primary issue. As machines take over tasks previously performed by humans, many workers may find themselves unemployed, leading to increased social inequality and reduced consumer spending power. Moreover, the concentration of wealth in the hands of companies that own and operate automated systems could exacerbate economic disparities.
On the other hand, proponents of automation argue that it will create new job opportunities in various sectors. The development, maintenance, and operation of automated systems require skilled workers, leading to the emergence of new roles in fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and data analysis. Furthermore, increased productivity and efficiency in manufacturing could lead to economic growth, potentially creating jobs in other industries as the overall economy expands.
In my view, while the transition to automated manufacturing may cause temporary economic challenges, the long-term benefits are likely to be substantial. Governments and educational institutions should focus on retraining and upskilling programs to help workers adapt to the changing job market. Additionally, the increased productivity and innovation resulting from automation could lead to the development of new industries and services, ultimately creating more employment opportunities than those lost to machines.
In conclusion, the impact of automation on manufacturing is a complex issue with both potential risks and rewards. By implementing proactive policies to support workers and foster innovation, societies can harness the benefits of automation while mitigating its negative consequences.
(Word count: 309)
Economic impact of automation in manufacturing
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
The increasing use of automation in manufacturing is a topic of debate. Some people think it will cause economic problems, while others believe it will create more job opportunities. In this essay, I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, automation in manufacturing can lead to economic problems. The main issue is that many workers may lose their jobs as machines replace them. This can cause unemployment and reduce people’s income, which might lead to less spending and slow down the economy. Also, if only big companies can afford automation, small businesses might struggle to compete, causing more economic problems.
On the other hand, automation can create new job opportunities. As factories become more automated, they need people to design, build, and maintain the machines. This can create new jobs in technology and engineering. Additionally, if automation makes manufacturing more efficient, products might become cheaper, which could increase demand and create jobs in other areas like sales and marketing.
In my opinion, while automation may cause some short-term economic problems, it will likely create more opportunities in the long run. However, it is important for governments and companies to help workers learn new skills so they can find jobs in the changing economy. This could include providing training programs or supporting education in technology-related fields.
To conclude, automation in manufacturing has both potential risks and benefits for the economy. By preparing for the changes and helping workers adapt, we can make the most of the opportunities that automation brings while minimizing the negative effects.
(Word count: 263)
Band 5-6 Sample Essay
Nowadays, many factories use machines instead of people to make things. Some people think this is bad for the economy, but others say it will make more jobs. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
First, using machines in factories can cause problems. Many workers might lose their jobs because machines do their work. This is bad because people without jobs cannot buy things, which is not good for the economy. Also, only big companies can buy expensive machines, so small companies might have trouble.
However, machines in factories can also make new jobs. Someone needs to make the machines and fix them when they break. This means there will be new jobs for people who know about technology. Also, if machines make things faster and cheaper, more people might buy them, which could make more jobs in shops.
I think that using machines in factories will probably be good in the future, even if it causes some problems now. It is important for the government to help workers learn new skills so they can find different jobs. This way, people can work with the new machines instead of losing their jobs.
In conclusion, using machines in factories has good and bad points for the economy. If we help workers learn new things, we can make the most of the good parts of using machines.
(Word count: 218)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent language use and coherent organization. It:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with well-developed ideas
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately (e.g., “exacerbate,” “proponents,” “retraining and upskilling”)
- Employs a variety of complex sentence structures
- Presents a clear position throughout the response
- Uses cohesive devices effectively
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows a good attempt at addressing the task with some development of ideas. It:
- Covers the main points but with less depth than the Band 8-9 essay
- Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some errors (e.g., “slow down the economy”)
- Includes a mix of simple and complex sentence structures
- Presents a clear overall position
- Uses some cohesive devices but less effectively than the higher band essay
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay addresses the task in a basic way with limited development of ideas. It:
- Covers the main points but with minimal elaboration
- Uses simple vocabulary with some repetition
- Relies mostly on simple sentence structures
- Presents a position but it’s not always clear
- Uses basic cohesive devices with some inaccuracies
IELTS Writing Task 2 – Automation in Manufacturing
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Automation (noun) – /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃn/ – The use of machines or computers to do work that was previously done by people
- Displacement (noun) – /dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/ – The act of forcing something out of its usual place
- Productivity (noun) – /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/ – The rate at which goods are produced or work is completed
- Innovation (noun) – /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – A new idea, method, or device
- Upskilling (noun) – /ˈʌpˌskɪlɪŋ/ – The process of learning new skills or teaching workers new skills
- Efficiency (noun) – /ɪˈfɪʃnsi/ – The ability to do something well or achieve a desired result without wasting energy, time, or money
- Disparity (noun) – /dɪˈspærəti/ – A great difference
- Proactive (adjective) – /prəʊˈæktɪv/ – Acting in advance to deal with an expected difficulty
- Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – To make less severe, serious, or painful
- Adaptive (adjective) – /əˈdæptɪv/ – Able to change to suit different conditions
In conclusion, the impact of automation on the manufacturing sector is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. As you practice, consider exploring related themes such as how automation is affecting jobs in the service sector or the impact of automation on employment rates in rural areas. These topics may appear in future IELTS exams, so it’s beneficial to be prepared.
To further improve your writing skills, try composing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you apply the vocabulary and structures demonstrated in the sample essays, enhancing your ability to tackle similar questions in the actual IELTS test.