The topic of automation’s impact on the global workforce is increasingly relevant in today’s rapidly evolving job market. This subject has appeared in various forms in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions over the past few years, and it’s likely to continue being a popular theme due to its ongoing significance. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare for your IELTS exam.
Analyzing the Task 2 Question
For this article, we’ll focus on the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people think that the increasing use of automation (such as robots and artificial intelligence) will lead to significant job losses. Others believe it will create new job opportunities. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question is typical of IELTS Task 2 essays, requiring candidates to discuss multiple perspectives on a complex issue and provide their own viewpoint. It’s crucial to address both sides of the argument and clearly state your position.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Level
Here’s a high-scoring sample essay that addresses the question effectively:
The rapid advancement of automation technologies, including robotics and artificial intelligence, has sparked a heated debate about its impact on employment. While some argue that these innovations will result in widespread job losses, others contend that they will generate new opportunities. In my opinion, while automation will undoubtedly eliminate certain jobs, it will ultimately create more employment prospects and drive economic growth.
Those who fear job losses due to automation have valid concerns. Many routine and repetitive tasks across various industries are already being performed by machines, potentially displacing workers in manufacturing, customer service, and even some white-collar professions. For instance, self-checkout kiosks in supermarkets have reduced the need for cashiers, while AI-powered chatbots are increasingly handling customer inquiries, potentially affecting call center employees.
However, proponents of automation argue that it will create new job opportunities, and I tend to agree with this perspective. Historically, technological advancements have led to the creation of entirely new industries and job categories. The rise of the internet, for example, gave birth to web developers, digital marketers, and data analysts – roles that didn’t exist a few decades ago. Similarly, the growth of automation is likely to generate demand for robotics engineers, AI specialists, and automation maintenance technicians.
Moreover, automation can enhance productivity and efficiency, potentially leading to economic growth and increased demand for goods and services. This, in turn, could create more jobs in various sectors. For example, as automated manufacturing processes reduce production costs, companies may expand their operations, requiring additional staff in areas such as design, marketing, and customer support.
It’s important to note that the impact of automation will not be uniform across all sectors and skill levels. While low-skilled, repetitive jobs are at higher risk of being automated, roles that require creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving are less likely to be replaced by machines. This underscores the need for workforce adaptation and continuous learning to remain relevant in the changing job market.
In conclusion, while automation will undoubtedly disrupt certain job categories, I believe its overall impact on employment will be positive. The key lies in preparing for this transition through education, skills development, and policies that support workers in adapting to the evolving job market. By embracing the potential of automation while addressing its challenges, we can harness its benefits to create a more prosperous and innovative global economy.
(Word count: 392)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates several qualities that contribute to its high band score:
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Clear structure: The essay has a well-defined introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, and a conclusion that summarizes the main points and restates the author’s opinion.
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Balanced argument: Both perspectives are discussed, with specific examples provided for each view.
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Personal opinion: The author clearly states their position and supports it with logical reasoning.
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Coherence and cohesion: Ideas flow smoothly, with appropriate use of linking words and phrases.
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Lexical resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “rapid advancement,” “heated debate,” “widespread job losses,” “economic growth”).
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Grammatical range and accuracy: Various complex sentence structures are used correctly, demonstrating a high level of grammatical control.
Impact of Automation on Workforce
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Level
Here’s a sample essay that would typically score in the Band 6-7 range:
Nowadays, the use of automation, like robots and AI, is becoming more common in many industries. Some people think this will cause many people to lose their jobs, while others believe it will create new job opportunities. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, it’s true that automation can replace some jobs. In factories, robots can do many tasks faster and more accurately than humans. This means fewer workers are needed. Also, in offices, computers can do a lot of work that people used to do, like data entry or simple customer service. This could lead to job losses in these areas.
However, automation can also create new jobs. When new technologies are developed, we need people to design, build, and maintain them. For example, we now have jobs like app developers and social media managers that didn’t exist before. Similarly, as we use more robots and AI, we’ll need more engineers and technicians to work with these systems.
Additionally, automation can make businesses more efficient and profitable. This could allow companies to expand and hire more people in other roles. For instance, if a company saves money by using robots in its factory, it might use that money to hire more salespeople or researchers.
In my opinion, while automation will change the job market, it won’t necessarily reduce the total number of jobs. Instead, it will change the types of jobs available. People will need to learn new skills to work with new technologies. This means education and training will be very important in the future.
To conclude, automation will have both positive and negative effects on jobs. While some jobs may disappear, new ones will be created. The key is to prepare for these changes by developing skills that complement, rather than compete with, automation technologies.
(Word count: 309)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates several characteristics of a Band 6-7 level response:
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Adequate task response: The essay addresses both views and provides a clear opinion, though the ideas could be developed more fully.
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Coherence and cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, with clear paragraphing and some use of cohesive devices.
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Lexical resource: There is a mix of common and more sophisticated vocabulary, though there’s less range and precision compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Grammatical range and accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with generally good control of grammar, though there’s less variety in structure compared to higher band scores.
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Examples: The essay provides some examples, but they could be more specific and detailed.
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Development of ideas: Ideas are presented clearly, but could be explored in more depth.
Key Vocabulary for This Topic
Here are some useful vocabulary items related to the topic of automation and its impact on the workforce:
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Automation (noun) /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃn/: The use of machines or computers to do work that was previously done by people.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) (noun) /ˌɑːtɪfɪʃl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/: The development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence.
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Displace (verb) /dɪsˈpleɪs/: To move something or someone from their usual place or position.
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Productivity (noun) /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/: The rate at which goods are produced or work is completed.
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Workforce (noun) /ˈwɜːkfɔːs/: The people engaged in or available for work, either in a country or area or in a particular company or industry.
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Adapt (verb) /əˈdæpt/: To change, or to change something, to suit different conditions or uses.
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Skill set (noun) /skɪl set/: A range of skills or abilities, especially a range of skills and abilities that a particular job requires.
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Efficiency (noun) /ɪˈfɪʃnsi/: The quality of doing something well with no waste of time or money.
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Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/: A new idea, method, or device.
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Obsolete (adjective) /ˈɒbsəliːt/: No longer in use or no longer useful.
Conclusion
The Impact Of Automation On The Global Workforce is a complex and evolving topic that’s likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for this and similar topics, practice writing essays that discuss multiple perspectives, provide specific examples, and clearly state your own opinion.
Some potential related questions you might encounter could include:
- Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of increased automation in healthcare.
- Some people believe that governments should regulate the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- How can education systems best prepare students for a job market increasingly influenced by automation and AI?
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about having knowledge on the topic, but also about organizing your ideas clearly, using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and directly addressing all parts of the question.
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This is an excellent way to apply what you’ve learned and get feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!