Automation and its effects on employment in emerging economies have become a hot topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This subject has appeared frequently in recent years, reflecting its relevance to global economic trends. As automation continues to reshape industries worldwide, it’s likely to remain a popular theme in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze high-scoring responses to help you prepare for this challenging topic.
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that the increasing use of automation (such as robots and artificial intelligence) will lead to significant job losses in developing countries. Others believe it will create new job opportunities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question asks you to consider the dual impact of automation on job markets in developing nations. It requires you to:
- Discuss the view that automation will cause significant job losses
- Explore the perspective that automation will create new job opportunities
- Present and justify your own opinion on the matter
Remember to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced argument before stating your position.
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Sample
The rapid advancement of automation technologies, including robotics and artificial intelligence, has sparked a heated debate about their impact on employment in developing countries. While some argue that these innovations will lead to widespread job losses, others contend that they will generate new opportunities. In my opinion, while automation may initially disrupt some industries, it ultimately has the potential to create more jobs and boost economic growth in developing nations.
Those who fear job losses due to automation have valid concerns. Many traditional manufacturing and low-skilled service jobs are indeed at risk of being replaced by machines. For instance, in textile factories across Southeast Asia, robots are increasingly taking over tasks once performed by human workers. This trend could lead to significant unemployment in sectors that have historically been major employers in developing countries.
However, proponents of automation argue that it will create new job opportunities, and there is substantial evidence to support this view. As industries adopt new technologies, they require workers with different skill sets to develop, maintain, and operate these systems. This shift creates demand for roles such as software developers, data analysts, and robotics engineers. Moreover, automation often leads to increased productivity and economic growth, which can indirectly create jobs in other sectors of the economy.
Furthermore, automation can enhance the competitiveness of developing countries in the global market. By adopting advanced technologies, these nations can produce goods more efficiently and at lower costs, potentially attracting more foreign investment and creating new industries. For example, countries like India and the Philippines have become global hubs for IT services and business process outsourcing, largely due to their embrace of digital technologies.
In my view, while the transition may be challenging, automation ultimately offers more opportunities than threats to developing countries. The key lies in how these nations adapt to technological changes. Governments and educational institutions must focus on upskilling and reskilling the workforce to meet the demands of an automated economy. By investing in STEM education, promoting digital literacy, and fostering innovation, developing countries can position themselves to benefit from the automation revolution rather than be left behind.
In conclusion, although automation may cause short-term disruptions in some job markets, its long-term effects are likely to be positive for developing countries. The challenges it presents can be mitigated through proactive policies and education initiatives, while the opportunities it offers can drive economic growth and create new, higher-skilled jobs. As such, developing nations should embrace automation while ensuring their workforce is prepared for the jobs of the future.
(Word count: 411)
Band 6-7 Essay Sample
The increasing use of automation, such as robots and artificial intelligence, has become a major topic of discussion when it comes to job markets in developing countries. Some people think it will cause many people to lose their jobs, while others believe it will create new job opportunities. In my opinion, automation will have both positive and negative effects, but overall it will create more jobs than it eliminates.
On one hand, it’s true that automation can lead to job losses in some areas. For example, in factories, robots can now do many tasks that were previously done by human workers. This means that some low-skilled workers might lose their jobs. In developing countries where many people work in manufacturing, this could be a big problem.
However, there are also good reasons to believe that automation will create new job opportunities. When companies use more technology, they need people who can design, build, and maintain these machines and systems. This creates new jobs for engineers, technicians, and IT professionals. Also, when businesses become more efficient because of automation, they can grow and hire more people in other areas.
Another important point is that automation can help developing countries compete better in the global market. If they can produce things more efficiently and at lower costs, they might attract more business from other countries. This could lead to more jobs in export-oriented industries.
In my view, while some jobs will be lost to automation, more new jobs will be created. The key is for people in developing countries to learn new skills that are needed in an automated world. Governments should invest in education and training programs to help workers adapt to new technologies.
To conclude, automation will bring both challenges and opportunities to job markets in developing countries. While some traditional jobs may disappear, new types of jobs will emerge. If developing countries can prepare their workforce for these changes, they can benefit from the advantages of automation and create more employment opportunities in the long run.
(Word count: 329)
Band 5-6 Essay Sample
Nowadays, many people are talking about automation and how it affects jobs in developing countries. Some think it will cause many people to lose their jobs, but others say it will make new jobs. I think both sides have good points, but I believe automation will be mostly good for jobs in the end.
First, it’s true that some jobs might be lost because of automation. In factories, robots can do work that people used to do. This means some workers might lose their jobs, which is bad for them and their families.
But automation can also make new jobs. When companies use robots and computers, they need people who know how to make and fix these machines. This means new jobs for people who study technology. Also, when businesses use machines, they can make more things and maybe hire more people to sell these things.
I think automation will be good for developing countries in the long run. It can help these countries make things better and cheaper, so they can sell more to other countries. This could mean more jobs in new kinds of work.
It’s important for people in developing countries to learn new skills. If they learn about computers and technology, they can get the new jobs that come with automation. The government should help people learn these new skills.
In conclusion, while some jobs might be lost because of automation, I think more new jobs will be created. Developing countries should try to use automation to make their businesses better and help their people learn new skills for the future.
(Word count: 254)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic, warranting a high band score:
- Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly presenting the writer’s own opinion.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “robotics engineers” and “business process outsourcing.”
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of complex structures used accurately, with only minor errors.
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay shows good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the discussion of each viewpoint is less developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the linking between ideas could be more sophisticated.
- Lexical Resource: There is a good range of vocabulary, but it’s less precise and varied compared to the higher band essay.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with generally good control of grammar and punctuation.
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates basic writing skills but lacks the depth and sophistication required for higher scores:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, but the discussion of each viewpoint is limited and somewhat superficial.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but paragraphing and linking could be improved.
- Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate but limited, with some repetition.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Sentences are generally simple, with limited use of complex structures. There are some grammatical errors, but they don’t impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Automation (noun) /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃn/: The use of machines and 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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Disrupt (verb) /dɪsˈrʌpt/: To interrupt something and stop it from continuing as it should.
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Upskilling (noun) /ˈʌpˌskɪlɪŋ/: The process of learning new skills or teaching workers new skills.
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Competitiveness (noun) /kəmˈpetətɪvnəs/: The ability of a company or a country to compete successfully with others.
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Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/: A new idea, method, or device.
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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 total number of people who are employed or able to work in a country or company.
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Outsourcing (noun) /ˈaʊtsɔːsɪŋ/: The practice of obtaining goods or services from an outside supplier, especially in place of an internal source.
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STEM (acronym) /stem/: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics – educational disciplines focused on technical knowledge.
Conclusion
The impact of automation on job creation in developing countries is a complex and nuanced topic that’s likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To excel in essays on this subject, it’s crucial to consider multiple perspectives, provide specific examples, and articulate a clear, well-supported opinion.
As you prepare for your IELTS exam, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of government in managing technological unemployment
- The importance of education reform in the age of automation
- The potential of automation to reduce economic inequality in developing nations
- The ethical implications of replacing human workers with machines
Remember, the key to improving your IELTS Writing score is consistent practice and thoughtful reflection on your work. We encourage you to write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This will not only help you refine your skills but also contribute to a valuable discussion on this important issue.