IELTS Writing Task 2 · Discussion (both views and your opinion) · General Training

Artificial Intelligence and Job Displacement: Discuss Both Views

The question

Some people believe that artificial intelligence will create more jobs than it destroys, while others fear it will lead to mass unemployment. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

About 40 minutes. Write at least 250 words.

Plan before you write

Position:
While technological advancement will inevitably render certain roles obsolete, it will simultaneously catalyse the emergence of novel industries, ultimately resulting in a net positive for the global labour market.
Paragraph 2:
The fear of mass unemployment is rooted in the automation of repetitive manual and analytical tasks that previously required human intervention.
Paragraph 3:
The rise of artificial intelligence will foster economic growth by creating sophisticated roles that demand human creativity, empathy, and technical oversight.
  1. Give each view its own paragraph, explained fairly even where you disagree.
  2. Say where you stand in the introduction and again in the conclusion; the question asks for your opinion.
  3. Do not merge the two views into one paragraph; examiners look for both to be developed.

Band 8 sample essay

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence into the workplace has sparked a contentious debate regarding its long-term impact on employment. While some observers express profound anxiety about the potential for widespread job displacement, others maintain that this transition will stimulate economic expansion and generate new career opportunities. This essay will examine both perspectives, ultimately arguing that the benefits of technological evolution will outweigh the associated risks.

Those who foresee an era of mass unemployment point to the increasing proficiency of algorithms in performing routine tasks. As machine learning models become more sophisticated, they are capable of replacing human workers in sectors such as manufacturing, data entry, and even basic administrative support. For instance, the transition to automated warehouse systems has significantly reduced the demand for manual labour in logistics, leading to concerns that machines will render large segments of the workforce redundant and exacerbate economic inequality.

Conversely, many experts contend that artificial intelligence will act as a catalyst for industrial innovation rather than a terminal threat to employment. New technologies historically drive the creation of roles that were previously inconceivable, requiring unique human attributes like strategic decision-making and emotional intelligence. A pertinent example is the burgeoning field of AI ethics and system maintenance, which has emerged entirely due to the development of these technologies, providing high-skilled employment for thousands of professionals who oversee the responsible deployment of such tools.

In summary, although the automation of specific tasks poses a genuine challenge to existing job structures, the broader economic outlook remains optimistic. By shifting the focus towards human-centric roles and high-level technical oversight, society can adapt to this transformation. I believe that through proactive reskilling initiatives, the integration of artificial intelligence will foster a more dynamic and productive global economy.

289 words. Use the structure and the vocabulary, not the sentences.

Why this scores Band 8

This essay achieves Band 8 by maintaining a clear, consistent position throughout while addressing both sides with balanced, logical arguments and sophisticated vocabulary. A Band 6 response typically fails to provide a clear opinion or relies on repetitive, simplistic language and lacks specific examples to support the theoretical claims.

Vocabulary from the essay

render
To cause someone or something to become something
contentious
Causing or likely to cause an intense argument
redundant
No longer needed or useful in a job
catalyst
Something that causes an important event to happen
burgeoning
Beginning to grow or increase rapidly in size
inconceivable
Impossible to imagine or believe to be true
proactive
Creating or controlling a situation by causing change
reskilling
Teaching employees new skills for a different job

Write this one yourself and get a band

Forty minutes, then a band for task response, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences that cost you marked.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of essay is "Artificial Intelligence and Job Displacement: Discuss Both Views"?

Discussion (both views and your opinion). Give each view its own paragraph, explained fairly even where you disagree.

How long should the answer be?

At least 250 words. This sample is 289 words, written to fit 40 minutes with five minutes left to check grammar.

What is the difference between a Band 6 and a Band 8 answer here?

This essay achieves Band 8 by maintaining a clear, consistent position throughout while addressing both sides with balanced, logical arguments and sophisticated vocabulary. A Band 6 response typically fails to provide a clear opinion or relies on repetitive, simplistic language and lacks specific examples to support the theoretical claims.

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