The topic of technology’s impact on the future of work is increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This theme has appeared frequently in recent years and is likely to continue as a popular subject due to its global significance. Let’s explore a real IELTS question on this topic and analyze sample essays at different band scores.
IELTS Writing Task 2 sample question and responses
Analyzing the Question
Let’s examine a question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that in the future there will be fewer jobs for humans because of the rapid development of technology. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question requires candidates to:
- Understand the relationship between technological advancement and employment.
- Form an opinion on whether technology will reduce job opportunities for humans.
- Provide reasons and examples to support their viewpoint.
- Discuss potential counterarguments.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
The rapid advancement of technology has led to widespread concerns about its impact on future employment opportunities. While some argue that technological progress will significantly reduce jobs for humans, I partially disagree with this viewpoint. Although certain sectors may experience job losses, I believe that technology will also create new employment opportunities and transform existing roles.
Undoubtedly, automation and artificial intelligence are replacing some human jobs, particularly in manufacturing and routine administrative tasks. For instance, assembly line workers in automobile factories have been largely supplanted by robots, which can perform repetitive tasks with greater precision and efficiency. Similarly, self-checkout systems in supermarkets have reduced the need for human cashiers. These examples illustrate how technology can indeed eliminate certain job categories.
However, I contend that technological progress also generates new employment opportunities. The tech industry itself has created millions of jobs that didn’t exist a few decades ago, such as app developers, data scientists, and social media managers. Moreover, as technology evolves, it often transforms existing roles rather than eliminating them entirely. For example, while ATMs reduced the need for bank tellers, many banks repurposed their staff to focus on customer service and financial advisory roles, which require human empathy and complex decision-making skills that machines cannot easily replicate.
Furthermore, technology often enhances human productivity rather than replacing workers entirely. In fields like healthcare, artificial intelligence assists doctors in diagnosing diseases more accurately, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for medical professionals. Instead, it allows them to focus on more complex cases and patient care. This synergy between human expertise and technological capabilities can lead to improved outcomes and potentially create more specialized roles in various industries.
In conclusion, while technology will undoubtedly change the employment landscape, I believe its impact will be more nuanced than simply reducing jobs for humans. The key to thriving in this evolving job market will be adaptability and continuous learning. By embracing new technologies and developing skills that complement rather than compete with machines, humans can ensure their continued relevance in the workforce of the future.
(Word count: 330)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
Task Response: The writer clearly addresses all parts of the question, presenting a nuanced view that partially disagrees with the statement. They discuss both job losses and new opportunities created by technology.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. Ideas flow logically, and cohesive devices (e.g., “Undoubtedly,” “However,” “Moreover”) are used effectively.
Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “supplanted,” “repurposed,” “synergy”). They demonstrate the ability to use less common words and phrases naturally.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex structures used accurately. There’s a good mix of simple and compound-complex sentences, with no noticeable errors.
Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the topic.
Band 6-7 Essay
In recent years, technology has developed very quickly, and some people think this will cause fewer jobs for humans in the future. I partly agree with this idea because while some jobs may disappear, new ones will also be created.
It’s true that some jobs are being replaced by machines and computers. For example, in factories, robots are now doing work that humans used to do. This is because robots can work faster and don’t need breaks or salaries. Also, in offices, some tasks like data entry are now done by computer programs. This means fewer people are needed for these kinds of jobs.
However, I believe that technology also creates new job opportunities. As new technologies are developed, we need people to design, build, and maintain them. For instance, the growth of social media has created jobs like social media managers and content creators. These jobs didn’t exist 20 years ago. Additionally, technology often changes jobs rather than completely removing them. For example, while ATMs do some of the work of bank tellers, banks still need people to help customers with more complex issues.
Moreover, technology can help people do their jobs better rather than replace them entirely. In education, for example, teachers can use computers and the internet to make their lessons more interesting and to reach more students. This doesn’t mean we don’t need teachers anymore, but it changes how they work.
In conclusion, while technology may reduce some types of jobs, it also creates new opportunities and changes how we work. I believe the key is for people to learn new skills and adapt to these changes. This way, humans can continue to find work even as technology advances.
(Word count: 290)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay demonstrates good writing skills but falls short of the highest band scores:
Task Response: The writer addresses the main parts of the question and presents a clear position. However, the ideas could be explored in more depth.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Cohesive devices are used, but not always with full flexibility.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate and adequate for the task. There’s some attempt to use less common vocabulary (e.g., “data entry”), but the range is more limited compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control. There are no major errors, but the range of structures is less varied than in higher band essays.
Development of Ideas: Main points are supported with examples, but the level of explanation and analysis is not as deep or sophisticated as in the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Automation (noun) /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃn/ – the use of machines and computers to do work that was previously done by humans
Artificial Intelligence (AI) (noun) /ˌɑːrtɪˈfɪʃl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/ – the development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence
Obsolete (adjective) /ˈɒbsəliːt/ – no longer in use or no longer useful
Adaptability (noun) /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions
Upskilling (noun) /ˈʌpˌskɪlɪŋ/ – the process of learning new skills or teaching workers new skills
Workforce (noun) /ˈwɜːrkfɔːrs/ – the total number of people who are able to work in a country or company
Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – a new idea, device, or method
Disruptive technology (noun phrase) /dɪsˈrʌptɪv tekˈnɒlədʒi/ – an innovation that significantly alters the way that consumers, industries, or businesses operate
Job displacement (noun phrase) /dʒɒb dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/ – the elimination of jobs due to technological or economic changes
Digital literacy (noun phrase) /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – the ability to use information and communication technologies effectively
Conclusion
The impact of technology on the future of work is a complex and evolving topic that is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. To prepare for this and similar topics, consider practicing with variations such as:
- The role of education in preparing workers for a technology-driven future
- The ethical implications of replacing human workers with AI and robots
- The potential for technology to create economic inequality through job displacement
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about knowing the topic, but also about structuring your essay well, using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and developing your ideas with relevant examples and explanations.
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.