IELTS Writing Sample #114
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
As the world becomes technologically advanced, computers are replacing
more and more jobs.
Describe some job positions that may be lost because of computers, and discuss
at least one problem that may result.
You should write at least 250 words.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
model answer:
When computers first made their way into the business sector, everyone believed
that they would make people's jobs easier. What was not expected was that
computers would eliminate jobs. Besides contributing to unemployment, these
automated workers often exhibit inadequate job performance.
A number of jobs have been lost as a direct result of new computer technology.
Ticket agents in various transportation facilities, from subway/underground
stations to airports are virtually nonexistent these days. Bank tellers have
been greatly reduced due to automated bank machines. In addition, many call
centers/centres that have help lines are almost entirely
computerized/computerised. A few years ago I worked as a helper in our local
library. Today this position does not exist, because six new computers have been
installed. The number of positions lost to computers grows exponentially, and
unemployment continues to get worse.
While a computer may easily achieve the main tasks of these jobs, most computers
fall short when customers have a unique request or problem. A pre-paid ticket
booth does not have insight about the entertainment district and cannot offer
friendly directions to a tourist. Similarly, an automated bank machine cannot
provide assistance and reassurance to a customer who has just had his credit
card stolen. And, more often than not, automated telephone operators cannot
answer the one question that we have, and we end up waiting on the line to speak
with someone anyway. Every time I go into the library where I worked I notice
elderly people who don't know how to use the computers and can't find anyone to
help.
In the future, I believe a new business trend will evolve. As computers
eliminate jobs, new positions will have to be invented. More and more people
will go into business for themselves, and hopefully put the personal touch back
into business. I believe that the human workforce will demonstrate that it is
more valuable than computers.
(315 words)