The topic of automation’s impact on the job market is increasingly relevant in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. This subject has appeared in various forms in past IELTS Writing Task 2 questions and is likely to remain a popular theme in future exams. Given its significance, it’s crucial for IELTS candidates to be well-prepared to discuss this topic comprehensively.
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question related to this theme:
Some people think that the increasing use of technology, such as robots and artificial intelligence, to do work that was previously done by humans will lead to unemployment in many job sectors. Others believe that it will create new jobs. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question asks you to discuss two opposing views on the impact of automation on employment:
- Automation will lead to unemployment in many sectors.
- Automation will create new job opportunities.
You’re required to explore both perspectives and then provide your own opinion. This is a classic example of a discussion + opinion essay type in IELTS Writing Task 2.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The rapid advancement of technology, particularly in robotics and artificial intelligence, has sparked a debate about its impact on employment. While some argue that this technological revolution will result in widespread job losses, others contend that it will generate new employment opportunities. In my opinion, while there may be short-term disruptions, the long-term effect of automation will likely be the creation of new and diverse job roles.
Those who fear job losses due to automation have valid concerns. Many traditional jobs, especially in manufacturing and low-skilled service sectors, are indeed at risk of being replaced by machines. For instance, assembly line workers in factories or cashiers in supermarkets are increasingly being substituted by robots and self-checkout systems. This trend could potentially lead to significant unemployment in certain industries, causing economic hardship for many workers who may find it challenging to quickly adapt to new roles.
On the other hand, proponents of technological progress argue that automation will create new job opportunities. They point out that throughout history, technological advancements have always led to the emergence of new industries and job roles. The digital revolution, for example, has given rise to entirely new career paths such as social media managers, app developers, and data analysts – jobs that didn’t exist a few decades ago. Furthermore, the development and maintenance of automated systems itself requires a workforce of engineers, technicians, and IT professionals.
In my view, while the transition may be challenging, the overall impact of automation on the job market will likely be positive in the long run. The key lies in our ability to adapt and reskill the workforce to meet the demands of the evolving job market. Governments and educational institutions must focus on developing programs that equip people with the skills needed for future jobs, such as critical thinking, creativity, and technological literacy. Additionally, as routine tasks are automated, human workers can focus on roles that require empathy, complex problem-solving, and innovation – areas where machines are still limited.
In conclusion, while automation may displace some traditional jobs, it is likely to create new opportunities that we may not even envision yet. The challenge for society is to manage this transition effectively, ensuring that the benefits of technological progress are shared widely and that workers are supported in adapting to the changing nature of work.
(Word count: 377)
Automation and the Job Market
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The increasing use of technology like robots and AI in the workplace is a hot topic these days. Some people think it will cause a lot of unemployment, while others believe it will create new jobs. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, it’s true that many jobs might be lost because of automation. Machines can do many tasks faster and more accurately than humans, especially in factories and simple service jobs. For example, we already see self-checkout machines in supermarkets replacing human cashiers. This could lead to many people losing their jobs, which is a big problem.
However, others say that new technology always creates new types of jobs. In the past, when computers became common, many new jobs were created that didn’t exist before. We now have jobs like computer programmers and IT support staff. The same thing could happen with robots and AI. We might need people to design, build, and fix these new machines.
In my opinion, I think both views have some truth. In the short term, some people will probably lose their jobs to machines, which is worrying. But in the long run, I believe new jobs will be created. The important thing is for people to learn new skills so they can do these new jobs. Governments and schools should help people learn these new skills.
To conclude, while automation might cause some job losses initially, it will likely lead to new job opportunities in the future. The key is to prepare people for these changes by providing the right education and training.
(Word count: 275)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure – introduction, body paragraphs discussing each view, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. This organization is crucial for achieving a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion: Notice the use of linking words and phrases like “On one hand”, “However”, “For example”, “To conclude”. These help to connect ideas smoothly.
Lexical Resource: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and phrases (e.g., “rapid advancement”, “sparked a debate”, “economic hardship”), while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of complex structures, while the lower band essay uses simpler structures but still maintains grammatical accuracy.
Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, discussing both views and giving an opinion. The higher band essay provides more detailed examples and a more nuanced opinion.
Vocabulary to Remember
Automation (noun) /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃn/: The use of machines or computers to do work that was previously done by people.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) (noun) /ˌɑːtɪˈfɪʃl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/: The development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence.
Displace (verb) /dɪsˈpleɪs/: To take the place of something or someone.
Reskill (verb) /riːˈskɪl/: To learn new skills or to teach workers new skills.
Adapt (verb) /əˈdæpt/: To change to suit different conditions or needs.
Technological literacy (noun phrase) /ˌteknəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˈlɪtərəsi/: The ability to use, manage, understand, and assess technology.
Empathy (noun) /ˈempəθi/: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/: The action or process of innovating; a new method, idea, product, etc.
In conclusion, the impact of automation on the job market is a complex and evolving topic that requires careful consideration. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, remember to practice writing essays on this and related topics. You might encounter variations of this question, such as discussing the impact of automation on specific industries or debating the role of government in managing technological unemployment.
To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your ideas and writing style, preparing you for success in your IELTS exam. Good luck with your preparation!
