Automation’s influence on traditional industries is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests. Given its significance, let’s explore a sample question that closely resembles those seen in actual IELTS exams:
Some people think that the increasing use of automation in various industries is causing more problems than it solves. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires you to discuss your opinion on whether the growing use of automation in different sectors is creating more issues than it resolves. You need to:
- Clearly state your position (agree, disagree, or partially agree)
- Provide reasons and examples to support your viewpoint
- Consider potential counterarguments
- Conclude by summarizing your main points and restating your position
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
In recent years, the rapid advancement of technology has led to an increased reliance on automation across various industries. While some argue that this trend is causing more problems than it solves, I firmly believe that the benefits of automation far outweigh its drawbacks.
Firstly, automation significantly enhances productivity and efficiency in numerous sectors. By replacing repetitive and time-consuming tasks with machines, companies can produce goods and services at a much faster rate and with greater precision. For instance, in manufacturing, robotic assembly lines can work around the clock without fatigue, leading to increased output and reduced production costs. This efficiency not only benefits businesses but also consumers, who can access high-quality products at more affordable prices.
Moreover, automation plays a crucial role in improving workplace safety. Many traditional industries involve hazardous tasks that put human workers at risk. By delegating these dangerous jobs to machines, companies can drastically reduce workplace accidents and injuries. For example, in the mining industry, automated drilling and excavation systems can operate in unstable environments, minimizing the need for human presence in potentially life-threatening situations.
However, it is important to acknowledge that automation does present certain challenges, particularly in terms of job displacement. As machines take over tasks previously performed by humans, some workers may find themselves unemployed or in need of reskilling. Nevertheless, I would argue that this issue is outweighed by the new opportunities created by automation. The development, maintenance, and management of automated systems require skilled professionals, leading to the emergence of new job roles and industries.
In conclusion, while the increasing use of automation may pose some initial challenges, I strongly believe that its overall impact is positive. The enhanced productivity, improved safety, and creation of new opportunities far outweigh the temporary disruptions caused by this technological shift. As society continues to adapt to these changes, it is crucial to focus on education and training programs that prepare workers for the evolving job market.
(Word count: 309)
Band 6-7 Essay
The increasing use of automation in various industries is a topic of much debate. While some people believe it is causing more problems than it solves, I partially agree with this statement as automation has both positive and negative impacts on society.
On one hand, automation has brought significant benefits to many industries. It has increased productivity and efficiency in manufacturing and production processes. For example, factories can now produce goods faster and with fewer errors using robotic assembly lines. This has led to lower costs for consumers and higher profits for companies. Additionally, automation has improved safety in dangerous jobs like mining or handling hazardous materials, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries for workers.
However, there are also drawbacks to the widespread use of automation. One major concern is job loss. As machines take over tasks previously done by humans, many workers find themselves unemployed. This can lead to financial struggles for individuals and families, and potentially increase inequality in society. Furthermore, some argue that the reliance on automated systems can lead to a loss of human skills and creativity in certain fields.
Despite these challenges, I believe that the benefits of automation outweigh its drawbacks. While job displacement is a serious issue, new types of jobs are also being created in fields related to developing and maintaining automated systems. Moreover, automation frees up human workers to focus on more complex and creative tasks that machines cannot easily replicate.
In conclusion, although automation does cause some problems, particularly in terms of job displacement, its overall impact on industries and society is more positive than negative. It is important for governments and businesses to manage the transition to automated systems carefully, providing support and retraining opportunities for affected workers.
(Word count: 278)
Band 5-6 Essay
Nowadays, many industries are using more and more automation. Some people think this is causing more problems than it solves. I partly agree with this idea because automation has both good and bad effects.
One good thing about automation is that it makes work faster and better. For example, in factories, machines can make products very quickly and without mistakes. This means companies can make more things and sell them for less money, which is good for customers. Also, automation can do dangerous jobs that might hurt people, like working in mines or with chemicals. This keeps workers safer.
But automation also has some bad effects. The biggest problem is that it can take away jobs from people. When machines do the work, some workers lose their jobs and don’t have money. This can make life hard for them and their families. Another problem is that people might forget how to do some jobs if machines always do them.
Even though there are problems, I think automation is mostly good. It helps make things cheaper and safer. Also, while some jobs disappear, new jobs are created to make and fix the machines. People can learn new skills to do these new jobs.
In conclusion, automation has both good and bad points, but I believe it helps more than it hurts. It’s important for companies and governments to help workers learn new skills so they can find new jobs when automation changes things.
(Word count: 228)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a high-scoring response:
- Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with well-developed ideas and relevant examples.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, with some less common words and idiomatic expressions.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A variety of complex structures are used with a high degree of accuracy. Errors are rare and do not impede communication.
Band 6-7 Essay
This essay shows the features of a mid-range response:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with some development of ideas and examples.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, although some paragraphs may be better linked than others.
- Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used appropriately, with some attempts at less common words.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with generally good control and only occasional errors.
Band 5-6 Essay
This essay exhibits characteristics of a lower-scoring response:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, but some points may be underdeveloped or unclear.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but paragraphs may not always be well-linked.
- Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some inaccuracies in word choice or spelling.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mainly simple sentences are used, with some attempts at complex structures. Errors may occur but do not greatly impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Automation (noun) – /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃn/ – The use of machines or computers to do work that was previously done by people
- Efficiency (noun) – /ɪˈfɪʃnsi/ – The quality of doing something well with no waste of time or money
- Productivity (noun) – /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/ – The rate at which goods are produced or work is completed
- Displacement (noun) – /dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/ – The act of moving someone or something from their usual place or position
- Reskilling (noun) – /riːˈskɪlɪŋ/ – The process of learning new skills or of teaching workers new skills
- Integration (noun) – /ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃn/ – The process of combining two or more things to work together
- Hazardous (adjective) – /ˈhæzədəs/ – Dangerous, especially to people’s health or safety
- Precision (noun) – /prɪˈsɪʒn/ – The quality of being exact and accurate
- Disruption (noun) – /dɪsˈrʌpʃn/ – The act of preventing something from continuing in its usual way
- Adaptation (noun) – /ˌædæpˈteɪʃn/ – The process of changing to suit different conditions
Conclusion
The impact of automation on traditional industries is a complex and multifaceted topic that is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key aspects of this issue and practicing with sample essays, you can improve your ability to tackle similar questions effectively. Remember to clearly state your position, provide well-developed arguments with relevant examples, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of artificial intelligence in changing job markets
- The ethical implications of increasing automation in healthcare
- The impact of automation on small businesses versus large corporations
- The responsibility of governments in managing the transition to automated industries
To enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on the sample question provided in this article and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you refine your writing abilities and prepare you for success in the IELTS Writing Task 2.
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