IELTS Writing Task 2: Automation And Jobs — Band 8.0 Sample with Full Breakdown
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The Prompt
Some people believe that automation will lead to widespread unemployment and social problems. Others argue that it will create new jobs and improve living standards. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Band 8.0 Sample Answer
The rapid advancement of automation technology has sparked a heated debate about its impact on employment and society. While some people worry that automation will cause job losses and social issues, others believe it will create new opportunities and improve living standards. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my own view.
On one hand, automation may lead to job displacement. According to a 2026 report by Cambridge Assessment English, 40% of current jobs could be automated by 2035. This could result in unemployment and income inequality. Additionally, workers in certain industries may struggle to find new jobs, leading to social problems such as poverty and crime. For instance, factory workers who lose their jobs to robots may not have the skills needed for new jobs in tech or service industries.
On the other hand, automation can create new jobs and improve living standards. As machines take over repetitive tasks, humans can focus on more creative and complex work. This shift could lead to higher-paying jobs and a more skilled workforce. For example, the rise of automation in manufacturing has led to the creation of new jobs in robotics and AI. Furthermore, automation can improve productivity and efficiency, leading to lower prices and higher quality goods and services.
In my opinion, the benefits of automation outweigh the drawbacks. While it is true that some jobs will be lost, history has shown that technological advancements ultimately create more jobs than they destroy. To mitigate the negative effects, governments and businesses should invest in education and retraining programs to help workers adapt to the changing job market. Additionally, policies should be implemented to ensure that the benefits of automation are shared equitably.
In conclusion, while automation may cause job displacement and social problems in the short term, it has the potential to create new opportunities and improve living standards in the long run. It is crucial for society to address the challenges posed by automation and work towards a future where technology benefits everyone.
Scoring Breakdown
Task Response (TR): 8.0 - The response presents a clear position throughout the response. The arguments are relevant, extended, and supported by examples.
Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - The response is organized logically with clear paragraphs. There is a mix of cohesive devices used appropriately, although some sentences could be more varied.
Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with occasional errors. There is a wide range of vocabulary used flexibly and naturally.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with occasional errors. There is a mix of punctuation and spelling errors, but they do not impede communication.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Advancement (noun): The act of moving forward in a purposeful way. Example: The advancement of technology has changed the way we live and work.
- Sparked (verb): To cause something to start suddenly. Example: The debate was sparked by a controversial news article.
- Displacement (noun): The act of moving something from its place or position. Example: The construction of a new highway caused the displacement of many families.
- Mitigate (verb): To make something less severe or serious. Example: The government implemented policies to mitigate the effects of the economic crisis.
- Equitably (adverb): In a fair and just way. Example: The benefits of the new policy should be distributed equitably among all citizens.
- Repetitive (adjective): Done or occurring again and again in the same way. Example: The repetitive nature of the job made it boring and tedious.
- Ultimately (adverb): Finally, after a long time or a series of events. Example: After much deliberation, the committee ultimately decided to approve the project.
- Retraining (noun): The process of teaching someone new skills or knowledge. Example: The company offered retraining programs to help employees adapt to new technologies.
- Purposeful (adjective): Having or showing a clear plan or intention. Example: The purposeful way in which she approached the task impressed her colleagues.
- Flexibly (adverb): In a way that is able to change or be changed easily. Example: The new software can be used flexibly to meet the needs of different users.
- Controversial (adjective): Giving rise or likely to give rise to controversy or public disagreement. Example: The controversial decision sparked protests and debates.
- Tedious (adjective): Too long, slow, or dull; tiresome or monotonous. Example: The tedious process of filling out the forms took hours.
- Deliberation (noun): Long and careful consideration or discussion. Example: The deliberation process took several weeks before a final decision was made.
- Implement (verb): To put something such as a plan or system into effect; to start to use or apply something. Example: The new policy will be implemented next month.
- Distributed (verb): To give something out to a number of people or things. Example: The prizes were distributed to the winners at the end of the competition.
- Severe (adjective): Serious or extreme. Example: The severe weather conditions made travel difficult.
- Boring (adjective): Uninteresting or dull. Example: The lecture was so boring that many students fell asleep.
- Adapt (verb): To change or be changed so as to fit or work better in a particular situation or for a new purpose. Example: The company had to adapt to the changing market conditions.
- Approach (noun): A way of dealing with a situation or problem. Example: The new approach to teaching has been very successful.
- Impressed (adjective): Having a strong feeling of admiration or respect for someone or something. Example: The impressed audience gave the performer a standing ovation.
Common Mistakes
- Overgeneralization: Some students tend to make sweeping statements without providing sufficient evidence or examples. For instance, saying "automation will destroy all jobs" without any supporting data.
- Lack of Coherence: Some responses may present ideas in a disjointed manner, making it difficult for the reader to follow the argument. This can be avoided by using clear topic sentences and transition words.
- Inadequate Vocabulary: Using repetitive or basic vocabulary can limit the range and accuracy of the response. Students should aim to use a variety of words and phrases to express their ideas.
- Grammatical Errors: Common grammatical mistakes such as subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, and article usage can detract from the overall quality of the response. Proofreading can help catch these errors.
- Irrelevant Examples: Some students may use examples that are not directly related to the topic, which can confuse the reader and weaken the argument. It is important to choose examples that are relevant and illustrative.
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