Economic change and its impact on employment 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. Understanding how to approach this subject can significantly boost your IELTS writing score. Let’s explore a sample question and provide model essays to help you tackle this challenging topic.
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that in the future, as technology develops, many jobs will disappear, and people will have difficulty finding work. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question addresses the potential impact of technological advancement on job markets. It requires you to:
- Discuss whether technological development will lead to job losses
- Consider the difficulty people might face in finding work
- Present your opinion on the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement
Model Essay for Band 8-9
Here’s a high-scoring sample essay that effectively addresses the question:
In recent years, there has been growing concern about the impact of technological advancements on employment opportunities. While some argue that the rapid development of technology will lead to widespread job losses and difficulties in finding work, I partially agree with this statement, believing that while certain jobs may indeed disappear, new opportunities will also emerge.
Undoubtedly, technological progress has the potential to automate many existing jobs, particularly those involving repetitive tasks or manual labor. For instance, self-checkout systems in supermarkets have already reduced the need for cashiers, and automated manufacturing processes have decreased the demand for factory workers. As artificial intelligence and robotics continue to advance, we may see further displacement in sectors such as transportation, with the advent of self-driving vehicles potentially impacting professional drivers.
However, it is crucial to recognize that technological development also creates new job opportunities. The rise of the digital economy has given birth to entirely new professions, such as social media managers, data scientists, and app developers – roles that did not exist a few decades ago. Furthermore, the need for individuals who can develop, maintain, and improve new technologies will likely increase. This suggests that while some traditional jobs may disappear, the job market will evolve rather than shrink.
Moreover, human skills such as creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving remain difficult to replicate with technology. Jobs that require these skills, including healthcare professionals, teachers, and counselors, are likely to remain in demand. Additionally, as technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, there will be a growing need for professionals who can bridge the gap between technology and human interaction.
In conclusion, while technological advancement will undoubtedly change the job market, I believe the impact will be more nuanced than simply causing widespread unemployment. The key to managing this transition lies in adapting education systems and workforce training to equip people with the skills needed for the jobs of the future. By fostering lifelong learning and embracing technological change, societies can harness the benefits of innovation while mitigating its potential negative effects on employment.
(Word count: 329)
Job displacement due to technology
Model Essay for Band 6-7
Here’s a sample essay that would typically score in the Band 6-7 range:
Many people believe that technological advancements will cause many jobs to disappear in the future, making it hard for people to find work. I partly agree with this idea because while some jobs might be lost, new ones will also be created.
It’s true that technology can replace some jobs. For example, robots are now doing work in factories that people used to do. Also, self-driving cars might replace taxi drivers in the future. This could make it difficult for some people to find jobs they are used to doing.
However, technology also creates new types of jobs. For instance, we now have jobs like app developers and social media managers that didn’t exist before. As technology grows, we’ll need more people who can work with computers and machines. This means there will be new opportunities for people who learn these skills.
Also, some jobs are hard for machines to do. Jobs that need creativity or emotional understanding, like teachers or nurses, will probably still be needed. Machines can’t easily replace these human skills.
To deal with these changes, people will need to learn new skills. Schools and companies should help workers learn about new technologies. This way, people can be ready for the new jobs that will be available.
In conclusion, while technology might cause some jobs to disappear, it will also create new ones. The important thing is for people to be prepared to learn and adapt to these changes. If we do this, finding work in the future might not be as difficult as some people think.
(Word count: 262)
Key Writing Tips
Essay Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced argument.
Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases like “undoubtedly,” “advent,” and “mitigating.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still effectively communicates the main ideas.
Grammar: The higher-scoring essay demonstrates a wider range of complex structures, such as “While some argue that…” and “By fostering lifelong learning…” The Band 6-7 essay uses mostly simple and compound sentences.
Task Response: Both essays address the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and a more thorough analysis of the issue.
Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated linking words and phrases to connect ideas, while the Band 6-7 essay relies on simpler transitions.
Essential Vocabulary
- Technological advancement (noun) /ˌtek.nəˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl ədˈvɑːns.mənt/ – progress in technology
- Job displacement (noun) /dʒɒb dɪsˈpleɪs.mənt/ – the loss of jobs due to changes in technology or the economy
- Automation (noun) /ˌɔː.təˈmeɪ.ʃən/ – the use of machines or computers to do work that was previously done by people
- Artificial intelligence (noun) /ˌɑː.tɪ.fɪʃ.əl ɪnˈtel.ɪ.dʒəns/ – the development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence
- Workforce (noun) /ˈwɜːk.fɔːs/ – the total number of people who work in a company or industry
- Upskilling (noun) /ˈʌp.skɪl.ɪŋ/ – the process of learning new skills or teaching workers new skills
- Adaptability (noun) /əˌdæp.təˈbɪl.ə.ti/ – the ability to change to suit different conditions
- Digital economy (noun) /ˌdɪdʒ.ɪ.təl iˈkɒn.ə.mi/ – an economy based on digital computing technologies
- Lifelong learning (noun) /ˌlaɪf.lɒŋ ˈlɜː.nɪŋ/ – the ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge
- Labor market (noun) /ˈleɪ.bər ˌmɑː.kɪt/ – the supply of available workers in relation to available work
Conclusion
Understanding how to write about job displacement during economic change is crucial for IELTS success. This topic allows you to showcase your ability to analyze complex issues and present balanced arguments. When practicing, consider exploring related themes such as:
- The role of education in preparing for future job markets
- Government policies to address technological unemployment
- The impact of globalization on local job markets
- Ethical considerations in the development and implementation of job-replacing technologies
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Practice writing essays on this topic and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.