The IELTS Reading section is designed to assess a range of reading skills, from understanding the main idea and finding detail to understanding logical argument and recognizing a writer’s opinion, attitude, and purpose. Among various topics that frequently appear in the IELTS Reading section, the effects of AI on job displacement have gained significant attention due to the rapid advancements in technology and their potential impacts on the workforce. Given the increasing relevance of this topic, it is plausible that similar reading passages may appear in future IELTS exams. This article provides a sample IELTS Reading practice on the topic “What are the effects of AI on job displacement?” to help candidates prepare effectively.
Practice Reading Passage
Reading Passage (Hard Text)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been heralded as a transformative force in various industries. However, with its growing capabilities, concerns about AI-induced job displacement have intensified. The primary effect of AI on the job market is the automation of tasks that were traditionally performed by humans. This shift has both positive and negative implications.
On the positive side, AI can handle mundane and repetitive tasks, freeing up human workers to engage in more creative and strategic roles. For instance, in manufacturing, AI-powered robots can perform assembly line tasks with precision and speed far beyond human capability. This efficiency can drive down production costs and lead to economic growth.
Conversely, the rise of AI is not without its drawbacks. Job displacement is a significant concern, particularly for low-skill workers who perform routine tasks. As AI becomes more sophisticated, the scope of tasks it can perform continues to expand, posing a threat to various job sectors. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, by 2025, approximately 85 million jobs might be displaced by AI and automation.
Furthermore, the transition towards an AI-driven job market requires a workforce equipped with new skills. There is a growing demand for workers proficient in technology, data analysis, and AI management. Unfortunately, the rapid pace of AI development may outstrip the ability of the education system to adapt, leading to a skills gap.
In addition, AI’s impact on job displacement varies across different regions and industries. Developed countries, with their advanced technological infrastructure, might experience less severe job displacement as compared to developing nations. Similarly, industries like healthcare and education may see less automation due to the need for human interaction and empathy.
Ultimately, the solution to mitigating AI-induced job displacement lies in proactive measures. Policymakers, educators, and businesses must collaborate to ensure that training programs and educational curricula are aligned with the evolving job market. Lifelong learning and reskilling initiatives can help workers transition into new roles that AI cannot easily replicate.
Questions
Multiple Choice (Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.)
-
According to the passage, what is one positive effect of AI on the job market?
- A. Increased unemployment rates
- B. Higher production costs
- C. Enhanced human creativity in the workplace
- D. Decline in technological infrastructure
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The report by the World Economic Forum mentions:
- A. AI will create 85 million new jobs by 2025.
- B. 85 million jobs may be lost due to AI by 2025.
- C. AI will have no significant impact on job markets.
- D. AI will improve job security for low-skill workers.
True/False/Not Given
- AI can perform assembly line tasks more accurately than humans.
- Developing countries will experience less job displacement due to AI compared to developed countries.
Matching Information
- Match the following statements (A-D) with the paragraph they belong to.
- A. The role of education in addressing job displacement.
- B. Global differences in AI’s impact on job markets.
- C. Positive effects of AI on production efficiency.
- D. Job sectors most threatened by AI.
Sentence Completion
- Workers need new _____ to compete in an AI-driven job market.
- Lifelong learning programs can help workers _____.
Answers and Explanations
- C – Enhanced human creativity in the workplace: The passage highlights that AI frees up human workers for more creative and strategic roles.
- B – 85 million jobs may be lost due to AI by 2025: The passage explicitly states this statistic from the World Economic Forum.
- True: The passage mentions that AI-powered robots can perform assembly line tasks with precision beyond human capability.
- Not Given: The passage does not specifically state that developing countries will experience less job displacement than developed countries.
-
- A: Paragraph 5
- B: Paragraph 4
- C: Paragraph 2
- D: Paragraph 3
- Skills: The passage mentions the need for workers proficient in technology, data analysis, and AI management.
- Transition into new roles: The passage states that lifelong learning and reskilling can help workers move into roles that AI cannot easily replicate.
Common Mistakes
- Misinterpreting the scope of information: Students often struggle with identifying whether certain details are ‘given’ or ‘not given’. It’s crucial to read carefully and distinguish between information explicitly stated in the text and assumptions that can be made outside the given information.
- Gloss over key vocabulary: Key terms related to the passage’s main topic can provide context that aids in answering questions correctly.
Vocabulary
- Heralded [adjective] (ˈherəldəd): Publicly announced or praised.
- Proficient [adjective] (prəˈfɪʃənt): Competent or skilled in doing or using something.
- Empathy [noun] (ˈempəTHē): The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.
- Infrastructure [noun] (ˈɪnfrəˌstrəktʃər): The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
Grammar Focus
- Comparative forms: “AI can handle tasks with precision and speed far beyond human capability” – This structure helps in making comparisons.
- Conditionals: “If policymakers, educators, and businesses collaborate, they can ensure training programs align with the job market” – Conditional sentences discuss possible outcomes based on conditions.
Advice for High IELTS Reading Scores
- Practice regularly: Consistency is key in improving reading skills. Allocate time every day to practice reading.
- Enhance your vocabulary: The more words you know, the easier it will be to understand and interpret reading passages.
- Read a variety of texts: Exposing yourself to different types of texts enhances your ability to tackle any passage you encounter in the exam.
- Use skimming and scanning techniques: Learn to quickly identify the main ideas and specific details within a text.
- Practice under exam conditions: Simulate the exam environment to manage your time effectively during the actual test.
These strategies will not only help you score well on the IELTS Reading section but also prepare you to navigate the evolving job market influenced by AI.