Advances in Technology and Automation Have Reduced the Need for Manual Labour- IELTS Writing Task 2

Advances in technology and automation have reduced the need for manual labour. Therefore working hours should be reduced. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Outline

Essay Type

Opinion essay

Introduction

Sentences 1&2 –

Technology and its innovations play a pervasive role in the lives of people today. A commonly held notion is that advancements in technology can diminish workloads and lessen the need for manual labour which calls for a reduction in working hours.

Sentence 3 – I agree with this statement and in the following essay, I will explain why working hours should be curtailed.

Body Paragraphs:

Paragraph 1 – Reduction in working hours due to automation can lead to better work-life balance for employees.

Paragraph 2 – Automation of jobs causing lessened working hours can also be favourable for employee productivity.

Paragraph 3 – However, it should be borne in mind that automation of jobs can also cause unemployment for some people and is not suitable for all industries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I believe that while automation of jobs engendered by technological progress and the subsequent lessening of working hours is largely beneficial, it is not without its problems. Introducing automation should be done bearing in mind the needs of the specific industry and the workers involved.

Sample Essay

Technology and its innovations have become deeply enmeshed in the lives of people today. A commonly held notion is that advancements in technology can diminish workloads and lessen the need for manual labour, which calls for a reduction in working hours. I agree with this statement and in the following essay, I will explain why working hours should be curtailed.

To begin with, scaling down working hours can lead to better work-life balance for employees. Spending less time working will enable people to focus on their avocations outside work and also spend time with family and fulfil familial commitments. Research regarding the introduction of the four-day work week, for example, has shown promising outcomes for employee contentment and well-being.

Moreover, reduction of working hours helps cut down costs and boost productivity. Employees are more engaged with their work and are less likely to make aberrations. The production of work has become economical in terms of time and money, with more industries than ever being mechanised. With more spare time on their hands, employees are more fulfilled and happier, which indicates propitious outcomes for their productivity.

However, the cutback in manual labour due to technological advancements also has certain drawbacks. Firstly, the mechanisation of jobs eradicates certain job roles rather than creating them, which leads to unemployment and other adverse implications. Secondly, the automation of jobs does not apply to all industries, such as handicrafts and cottage industries which hinges on the manual labour of proficient craftsmen.

In conclusion, I believe that while the advent of the automation of jobs fomented by technological progress and the subsequent lessening of working hours is largely beneficial, it is not without its problems. Introducing automation should be done bearing in mind the needs of the specific industry and the workers involved.

Vocabulary

• Enmesh

Meaning – Entangle or involve
Example – The fishes were enmeshed in the nets cast by the fishermen on trawlers.

•  Contentment

Meaning – Satisfaction
Example – Sheila experienced a feeling of contentment at having successfully baked and frosted her first cake.

•  Promising

Meaning – Likely to succeed or turn out well
Example – The teachers predicted that Lily would have a promising career after finishing school.

•  Eradicate

Meaning – Eliminate or do away with
Example – Smallpox has been successfully eradicated with the advancement of modern medicine.

• Proficient

Meaning – Adept or skilled
Example – Not only was he an immensely talented actor, but he was also proficient in singing.

•  Mechanise

Meaning – To make something mechanical or automatic
Example – The advent of tractors and other technology mechanised farming, reducing manual labour.

• Aberration

Meaning – Lapse or error
Example – The defeat of Spain, the previous winners, was considered to be something of an aberration in football.

• Foment

Meaning – Induce or instigate
Example – She knew exactly how to foment a conflict between the other members of the group.

•  Advent

Meaning – Arrival
Example – The advent of war meant hardship was becoming increasingly common.

•  Curtail

Meaning – Reduce or cut short
Example – Her stay was curtailed by a fire that originated in the hotel.