Writing Workshop

Unit 23: Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

Writing Task: The Essay

Task (Cambridge C1 Advanced, Part 2 style)

Instructions: You have read some opinions in an international technology magazine regarding the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the future of the workforce.

The opinions: * Person A: "AI will automate repetitive tasks, allowing humans to focus on more creative and meaningful work." * Person B: "The rapid development of AI threatens to create mass unemployment and widen the gap between social classes."

Write an essay discussing both these views. You should decide which of the two views is more convincing and give reasons for your opinion.

Write your essay in 220–260 words in an appropriate style.

Tips (en español)

• Structure: Divide el ensayo en cuatro párrafos claros: Introducción (contexto + tesis), Párrafo 1 (punto de vista A), Párrafo 2 (punto de vista B) y Conclusión (tu opinión final).
• Register: Mantén un tono formal y académico. Evita contracciones (use do not instead of don't) y lenguaje coloquial.
• Linking: Utiliza conectores de transición para guiar al lector (e.g., Furthermore, Conversely, Nevertheless). Esto es vital para la cohesión.
• Hedging: No afirmes cosas de forma absoluta. Usa "hedging" (lenguaje cauteloso) para sonar más sofisticado: en lugar de "AI will destroy jobs", usa "AI might lead to significant job displacement".
• Evaluación de ideas: No te limites a resumir lo que dicen las personas. Debes analizar la validez de sus argumentos. El objetivo no es repetir, sino evaluar.
• Time management: En el examen, dedica 5 minutos a planificar (brainstorming), 35 minutos a escribir y los últimos 10 minutos a revisar errores gramaticales y de ortografía.

Useful language

Model answer

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The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has ignited a global debate regarding its implications for the future of employment. While some view this technological shift as an opportunity for human advancement, others fear it may lead to widespread economic instability. This essay will examine both perspectives before concluding which view holds more weight.

On the one hand, many argue that AI will serve as a catalyst for professional growth. By automating mundane and repetitive tasks, AI could liberate the workforce from drudgery, allowing individuals to dedicate their energy to more creative, strategic, and emotionally intelligent roles. In this sense, technology does not replace humans but rather augments our innate capabilities, potentially leading to higher job satisfaction and more meaningful careers.

On the other hand, there is a legitimate concern regarding mass unemployment. The speed at which AI can learn and execute complex tasks threatens to displace workers in sectors ranging from manufacturing to data analysis. Critics argue that this could exacerbate social inequality, as those without access to advanced retraining may be left behind, widening the gap between different socioeconomic classes.

Taking everything into account, while the risks of displacement are significant, I believe the first view is more convincing. History has shown that technological revolutions typically create more jobs than they destroy, albeit in different forms. Although the transition may be turbulent, the potential for AI to enhance human productivity is unparalleled. Ultimately, the impact will depend on how society manages the retraining of the workforce.

Marking checklist

• Content: ¿Has respondido a todas las partes de la tarea? (Debes discutir ambos puntos de vista y dar tu opinión clara).
• Communicative Achievement: ¿El tono es formal y adecuado para un ensayo académico? ¿El lector queda bien informado sobre tu postura?
• Organisation: ¿El texto fluye de forma lógica mediante párrafos y conectores? ¿Hay una progresión clara desde la introducción hasta la conclusión?
• Language: ¿Has usado vocabulario avanzado (e.g., catalyst, exacerbate, unparalleled) y estructuras gramaticales complejas sin cometer errores básicos?