IELTS Writing Task 2: Automation And Jobs — Band 9.0 Sample with Full Breakdown
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Prompt
Some people believe that automation will lead to significant job losses, while others argue that it will create new opportunities. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Model Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): Addresses the task but presents a limited position. The arguments are simplistic and lack development.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition and unclear references.
- Lexical Resource (LR): Uses some appropriate vocabulary but with frequent errors and limited range.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Attempts complex sentences but with frequent errors and awkward phrasing.
Answer
Automation is becoming more common in many industries. Some people think this will cause job losses, while others believe it will create new jobs. I think both views are correct.
On one hand, automation can lead to job losses. For example, factories now use robots instead of people. This means fewer jobs for humans. Also, computers can do many office jobs better than people. This can make some jobs disappear.
On the other hand, automation can create new jobs. For example, someone must program and maintain the robots. Also, new technologies often create new industries. This can lead to new jobs that did not exist before.
In conclusion, automation can cause job losses, but it can also create new jobs. We need to prepare for these changes.
Band 7.0 Answer
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with relevant arguments. The response addresses the task but lacks depth in some areas.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Some cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary with some errors. The range is sufficient but not extensive.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with some errors.
Answer
The impact of automation on employment is a contentious issue. While some argue that automation will lead to job losses, others believe it will create new opportunities. Both perspectives have merit.
Those who believe automation will lead to job losses point to the increasing use of robots in manufacturing. For instance, many factories have replaced human workers with automated machinery. This trend is not limited to manufacturing; it extends to the service sector as well. Automated check-out systems in supermarkets and self-service kiosks in restaurants are examples of how automation is reducing the need for human labor.
Conversely, proponents of automation argue that it creates new jobs. The development and maintenance of automated systems require skilled workers. For example, programmers, engineers, and technicians are needed to design, install, and repair automated machinery. Additionally, automation can lead to the creation of entirely new industries, such as the tech industry, which has generated millions of jobs worldwide.
In my opinion, while automation may lead to job losses in certain sectors, it also creates new opportunities. The key is to ensure that workers are adequately trained to adapt to these changes. Governments and educational institutions should invest in programs that equip people with the skills needed to thrive in an automated world.
Band 8.0 Answer
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with relevant arguments and examples. The response addresses the task with depth and detail.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of appropriate vocabulary with few errors. The range is extensive and sophisticated.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors.
Answer
The advent of automation has sparked a heated debate regarding its impact on employment. While some contend that automation will result in significant job losses, others argue that it will generate new opportunities. Both viewpoints warrant examination.
Advocates of the notion that automation will lead to job losses cite the widespread adoption of automated systems in various industries. For instance, the manufacturing sector has witnessed a substantial reduction in human labor due to the implementation of robotic systems. This trend is not confined to manufacturing; it is also evident in the service sector, where automated check-out systems and self-service kiosks have become ubiquitous. The proliferation of these technologies has undoubtedly led to job displacement in certain areas.
Conversely, proponents of the view that automation creates new jobs highlight the need for skilled workers to develop, maintain, and repair automated systems. The tech industry, for example, has experienced exponential growth, generating a plethora of jobs for programmers, engineers, and technicians. Furthermore, automation has spurred the creation of entirely new industries, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, which offer a myriad of employment opportunities.
In my view, while automation may lead to job losses in certain sectors, it also creates new opportunities. The key to mitigating the negative effects of automation lies in equipping workers with the necessary skills to adapt to these changes. Governments and educational institutions should prioritize the development of programs that foster a workforce capable of thriving in an automated world.
Band 9.0 Answer
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): Presents a clear, insightful position with relevant arguments and examples. The response addresses the task with depth, detail, and sophistication.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Cohesive devices are used effectively and appropriately.
- Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of appropriate, sophisticated vocabulary with minimal errors. The range is extensive and precise.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors. The language is precise and sophisticated.
Answer
The rapid advancement of automation technologies has ignited a contentious debate regarding their impact on employment. While some contend that automation will result in significant job losses, others argue that it will generate new opportunities. A nuanced examination of both perspectives is warranted.
Those who posit that automation will lead to job losses point to the increasing prevalence of automated systems in various industries. For instance, the manufacturing sector has witnessed a substantial reduction in human labor due to the implementation of robotic systems. This trend is not confined to manufacturing; it is also evident in the service sector, where automated check-out systems and self-service kiosks have become ubiquitous. The proliferation of these technologies has undoubtedly led to job displacement in certain areas, particularly in roles that involve repetitive tasks.
Conversely, proponents of the view that automation creates new jobs highlight the need for skilled workers to develop, maintain, and repair automated systems. The tech industry, for example, has experienced exponential growth, generating a plethora of jobs for programmers, engineers, and technicians. Furthermore, automation has spurred the creation of entirely new industries, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, which offer a myriad of employment opportunities. These new industries not only create jobs but also drive innovation and economic growth.
In my opinion, while automation may lead to job losses in certain sectors, it also creates new opportunities. The key to mitigating the negative effects of automation lies in equipping workers with the necessary skills to adapt to these changes. Governments and educational institutions should prioritize the development of programs that foster a workforce capable of thriving in an automated world. Additionally, policies that support lifelong learning and retraining should be implemented to ensure that workers can transition smoothly into new roles.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Advent: The arrival or introduction of something new.
- Example: The advent of automation has changed the job market.
- Contentious: Causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument.
- Example: The impact of automation is a contentious issue.
- Proliferation: Rapid increase in the number or amount of something.
- Example: The proliferation of automated systems has led to job displacement.
- Ubiquitous: Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
- Example: Automated check-out systems are ubiquitous in supermarkets.
- Spur: To give an incentive or encouragement to someone.
- Example: Automation has spurred the creation of new industries.
- Nuanced: Characterized by subtle distinctions or shades of meaning.
- Example: A nuanced examination of the issue is necessary.
- Mitigate: To make less severe, serious, or painful.
- Example: Policies should be implemented to mitigate the negative effects of automation.
- Lifelong learning: The ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons.
- Example: Lifelong learning is essential in an automated world.
- Retraining: The process of teaching someone a new skill or job.
- Example: Retraining programs can help workers adapt to new roles.
- Exponential growth: Growth that increases at a constantly accelerating rate.
- Example: The tech industry has experienced exponential growth.
- Myriad: A large number of something.
- Example: New industries offer a myriad of employment opportunities.
- Ubiquitous: Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
- Example: Automated check-out systems are ubiquitous in supermarkets.
- Spur: To give an incentive or encouragement to someone.
- Example: Automation has spurred the creation of new industries.
- Nuanced: Characterized by subtle distinctions or shades of meaning.
- Example: A nuanced examination of the issue is necessary.
- Mitigate: To make less severe, serious, or painful.
- Example: Policies should be implemented to mitigate the negative effects of automation.
- Lifelong learning: The ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons.
- Example: Lifelong learning is essential in an automated world.
- Retraining: The process of teaching someone a new skill or job.
- Example: Retraining programs can help workers adapt to new roles.
- Exponential growth: Growth that increases at a constantly accelerating rate.
- Example: The tech industry has experienced exponential growth.
- Myriad: A large number of something.
- Example: New industries offer a myriad of employment opportunities.
- Ubiquitous: Present, appearing, or found everywhere.
- Example: Automated check-out systems are ubiquitous in supermarkets.
- Spur: To give an incentive or encouragement to someone.
- Example: Automation has spurred the creation of new industries.
- Nuanced: Characterized by subtle distinctions or shades of meaning.
- Example: A nuanced examination of the issue is necessary.
- Mitigate: To make less severe, serious, or painful.
- Example: Policies should be implemented to mitigate the negative effects of automation.
- Lifelong learning: The ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons.
- Example: Lifelong learning is essential in an automated world.
- Retraining: The process of teaching someone a new skill or job.
- Example: Retraining programs can help workers adapt to new roles.
Common Mistakes
- Overgeneralizing: Making broad statements without specific examples or evidence.
- Lack of Depth: Failing to explore the nuances of the topic.
- Repetition: Repeating the same ideas or phrases without adding new information.
- Poor Cohesion: Using cohesive devices incorrectly or not using them at all, leading to a disjointed response.
- Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical mistakes that detract from the overall quality of the response.
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