Automation and its effects on the job market is a highly relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. This theme has appeared in various forms in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject due to its global significance. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze high-quality responses for different band scores.

Some people believe that in the future there will be fewer job opportunities because of the development of automation. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Question

This question asks for your opinion on whether automation will reduce job opportunities in the future. Key points to consider:

• The main topic is the relationship between automation and job opportunities
• You need to state your level of agreement or disagreement
• Support your position with relevant examples and explanations
• Discuss both the potential negative and positive impacts of automation on employment

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Technological advancements, particularly in automation, have sparked debates about their impact on future employment. While some argue that automation will significantly reduce job opportunities, I believe that this view is overly pessimistic and fails to account for the dynamic nature of the job market.

Undoubtedly, automation will eliminate certain jobs, especially those involving repetitive tasks. For instance, assembly line workers in manufacturing plants may find their roles obsolete as robots take over these functions. Similarly, self-checkout systems in supermarkets are gradually reducing the need for cashiers. These examples illustrate the immediate, visible impact of automation on specific job categories.

However, it is crucial to recognize that automation also creates new job opportunities. The development, maintenance, and supervision of automated systems require skilled professionals. This shift generates demand for roles such as robotics engineers, AI specialists, and data analysts – positions that didn’t exist a few decades ago. Furthermore, automation often leads to increased productivity and economic growth, which can indirectly create jobs in various sectors.

Moreover, automation tends to augment human capabilities rather than entirely replace them in many fields. For example, in healthcare, AI-assisted diagnostic tools enhance doctors’ abilities to detect diseases accurately, but they do not replace the need for medical professionals. This synergy between human expertise and automated systems can lead to the creation of more sophisticated and fulfilling job roles.

It’s also worth noting that historically, technological advancements have always transformed the job market rather than shrinking it. The Industrial Revolution, for instance, led to the decline of agricultural jobs but gave rise to numerous industrial and service sector positions. We can expect a similar pattern with automation, where the nature of work evolves rather than disappears.

In conclusion, while automation will undoubtedly change the employment landscape, it is overly simplistic to assume it will lead to fewer job opportunities overall. The key lies in society’s ability to adapt, retrain the workforce, and harness the potential of new technologies to create innovative and meaningful employment opportunities.

Automation's impact on the future job market

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The question of how automation will affect job opportunities in the future is a complex one. While I agree that some jobs may be lost due to automation, I don’t think it will lead to fewer job opportunities overall.

Firstly, it’s true that some jobs will disappear because of automation. For example, in factories, robots are already doing work that humans used to do. This means fewer jobs for factory workers. Also, we can see self-driving cars being developed, which might reduce jobs for taxi and truck drivers in the future.

However, I believe that automation will also create new jobs. As we need people to design, build, and maintain the automated systems, there will be more jobs in technology and engineering. For instance, the growth of e-commerce has created many new jobs in areas like website design and online customer service, even though it has reduced jobs in traditional retail stores.

Additionally, automation can make some jobs easier and more productive, rather than replacing them completely. For example, in offices, computers have made many tasks faster, but we still need people to use these computers and make decisions. This means that workers might need to learn new skills, but their jobs won’t disappear entirely.

It’s also important to remember that as society changes, new types of jobs that we can’t predict now might appear. Just like how social media manager wasn’t a job 20 years ago, there might be new jobs in the future that we can’t imagine today.

In conclusion, while automation will change the job market and some jobs may be lost, I believe it will also create new opportunities. The key is for people to be ready to learn new skills and adapt to changes in the job market.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

I think automation will have a big effect on jobs in the future. Some people say there will be less jobs, but I don’t fully agree with this idea.

It’s true that some jobs will go away because of machines. For example, in factories, robots are doing work that people used to do. This means less jobs for factory workers. Also, we can see self-driving cars being made, which might mean less jobs for taxi drivers in the future.

But I think automation will also make new jobs. We need people to make and fix the machines. This means more jobs in technology. Also, some jobs will change instead of going away. Like in offices, computers make work faster, but we still need people to use the computers.

Another thing is that new types of jobs might come up that we don’t know about yet. For example, being a YouTuber wasn’t a job before, but now it is. So, there might be new jobs in the future we can’t think of now.

In conclusion, I think automation will change jobs, but not make them all go away. People will need to learn new skills to work with machines. So, there will still be jobs, but they might be different from now.

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

• Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic
• Presents a clear position with nuanced arguments
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures
• Provides specific examples and thorough explanations
• Shows excellent coherence and cohesion throughout

Band 6-7 Essay:

• Shows a good understanding of the topic
• Presents a clear overall position
• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences
• Provides some examples, though less specific than the Band 8-9 essay
• Has good overall coherence, with some minor lapses

Band 5-6 Essay:

• Addresses the main points of the question
• Has a basic structure but less sophisticated development of ideas
• Uses simpler vocabulary and sentence structures
• Provides limited examples and explanations
• Shows some coherence, but with more noticeable lapses

Key Vocabulary

1. Automation (noun) /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃn/ – the use of machines and computers to do work that was previously done by people
2. Obsolete (adjective) /ˈɒbsəliːt/ – no longer used because something new has been invented
3. Augment (verb) /ɔːɡˈment/ – to make something greater by adding to it
4. Synergy (noun) /ˈsɪnədʒi/ – the combined power of a group of things when they are working together
5. Technological advancements (noun phrase) /ˌteknəˈlɒdʒɪkl ədˈvɑːnsmənts/ – improvements in technology
6. Productivity (noun) /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/ – the rate at which goods are produced or work is completed
7. Workforce (noun) /ˈwɜːkfɔːs/ – the total number of people who are able to work in a country or company
8. Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – the introduction of new ideas or methods
9. Adapt (verb) /əˈdæpt/ – to change to suit different conditions or uses
10. Employment landscape (noun phrase) /ɪmˈplɔɪmənt ˈlændskeɪp/ – the general situation or state of employment in a particular area or field

The influence of celebrities on public behavior can also be seen as a form of automation in shaping societal norms and job markets. Just as automation influences employment trends, celebrity influence can create new career paths and alter existing ones.

In conclusion, the impact of automation on the future job market is a complex and evolving topic. While some jobs may be displaced, new opportunities are likely to emerge. To prepare for this changing landscape, it’s crucial to develop adaptable skills and embrace lifelong learning.

For further practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or related themes such as:

• The role of education in preparing for an automated workforce
• The ethical implications of replacing human workers with machines
• The potential societal impacts of widespread job automation

Feel free to share your essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare for the actual exam.

Preparing the future workforce through education and technology

The influence of celebrities on lifestyle and materialism is another interesting topic that can be related to job market changes. As automation reshapes industries, celebrity influence often drives consumer behavior and creates new job opportunities in areas like social media marketing and influencer management.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to practice regularly, analyze sample essays, and continuously expand your vocabulary and knowledge base on current global issues. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!