In the IELTS Reading exam, candidates are often presented with texts that discuss current and relevant topics. One such topic that has garnered significant attention in recent years is the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on job security. This subject matter is not only timely but also thought-provoking, providing ample material for reading comprehension exercises. Given its prominence in public discourse and its relevance to modern economics and technology, it’s plausible that this theme could appear in future IELTS exams.
Texts on AI and job security typically delve into how advancements in AI are reshaping the labor market, the types of jobs most at risk of automation, and the broader implications for workers and economies. Understanding this context can help candidates better anticipate the type of reading passages they might encounter and equip them with the vocabulary and insights needed to tackle related questions effectively.
Main Content
Reading Passage: Artificial Intelligence and Job Security
Passage (Medium Text)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various sectors of the economy, raising both optimism and concern about its impact on job security. As machines become more adept at performing tasks traditionally carried out by humans, there is growing debate over which jobs are most at risk of automation and what this means for the workforce at large.
One area where AI has made significant inroads is in the realm of customer service. Chatbots and automated service agents are now commonplace in many industries, handling routine inquiries and tasks. This trend suggests that jobs requiring repetitive and predictable tasks are particularly vulnerable to automation. A study by McKinsey Global Institute predicted that up to 30% of current work activities could be automated by 2030.
However, not all jobs are equally susceptible to automation. Positions requiring complex decision-making, creative thinking, and emotional intelligence are less likely to be affected. For example, roles in healthcare, education, and creative industries, such as writing and design, typically involve intricate human nuances that machines struggle to replicate. The advent of AI is also expected to create new job categories that do not yet exist, such as those in AI maintenance and oversight.
As businesses and economies adjust to this new landscape, workers will need to adapt by acquiring new skills that complement AI capabilities. Continuous learning and skill development are crucial to staying relevant in an increasingly automated world. Governments and educational institutions have a role to play by providing training programs and policy frameworks that support workforce transition.
Overall, while AI poses challenges to job security, it also offers opportunities for workers to engage in more meaningful and less monotonous tasks. The key will be in how societies manage the transition and harness the potential of AI to enhance the quality of work and life.
Questions
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Multiple Choice
Which sector has seen significant AI integration according to the text?
a. Healthcare
b. Education
c. Creative industries
d. Customer service -
True/False/Not Given
McKinsey Global Institute predicted that almost all work activities could be automated by 2030. -
Yes/No/Not Given
Positions that require creative thinking are likely to be affected by automation. -
Matching Information
Match the following sectors with their susceptibility to AI automation:- Healthcare
- Creative industries
- Customer service
Options: - High susceptibility
- Medium susceptibility
- Low susceptibility
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Sentence Completion
Positions requiring complex decision-making are less likely to be affected by automation because they involve ____.
Answer Keys
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d. Customer service
- Explanation: The passage mentions that “AI has made significant inroads is in the realm of customer service.”
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False
- Explanation: The text states up to 30%, not almost all, which makes the statement in the question incorrect.
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No
- Explanation: According to the passage, roles requiring creative thinking are less likely to be affected, which contradicts the statement in the question.
-
Matching Information
- Healthcare: Low susceptibility
- Creative industries: Low susceptibility
- Customer service: High susceptibility
- Explanation: The passage discusses that roles in healthcare and creative industries are less likely to be affected, while customer service is highly susceptible.
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intricate human nuances
- Explanation: The passage indicates that positions requiring complex decision-making involve intricate human nuances that machines struggle to replicate.
Common Mistakes
- Overgeneralization: Assuming that all jobs in a certain sector will be automated can lead to incorrect answers. Focus on text specifics.
- Ignoring Key Details: Pay attention to details such as percentages and specific job roles as they are often critical to answering questions accurately.
- Misunderstanding Context: Ensure you understand the broader context in which information is presented. For example, new job categories that AI may create.
Vocabulary
- Automation (noun): The use of machinery and technology to make processes operate independently of human intervention. (ɔːtəˈmeɪʃən)
- Susceptible (adj): Likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing. (səˈsɛptəbl)
- Nuances (noun): Subtle differences in meaning, expression, or sound. (nuːˈɑːns)
- Monotonous (adj): Dull, tedious, and repetitious; lacking in variety and interest. (məˈnɒtənəs)
Grammar Point
- Relative Clauses
- Definition: Clauses starting with “who,” “that,” “which,” “whose,” “where,” or “when” that provide extra information about the preceding noun.
- Example from text: “Positions that require complex decision-making are less likely to be affected.”
Advice for High Scores in Reading
- Skimming and Scanning: Quickly skim the passage to get a general idea and then scan for specific information related to the questions.
- Time Management: Allocate time wisely, as spending too much time on one passage can lead to insufficient time for others.
- Practice: Regular practice with diverse reading materials can enhance comprehension skills and vocabulary.
By integrating these strategies and focusing on the detailed analysis provided, candidates can significantly improve their reading skills and performance in the IELTS Reading exam.