Unit 4: Technology & Innovation

Writing: The Impact of Automation

Task (Cambridge C1 Advanced, Part 2)

Instructions: You must answer one question. Choose the option that best fits the topic of Technology & Innovation.

Option 1: Essay Your lecturer has asked you to write an essay discussing the impact of automation and artificial intelligence on the modern workforce. Is the rise of technology a threat to job security, or does it create more opportunities for human creativity?

Option 2: Report You are a member of a local business association. You have been asked to write a report for the committee regarding the implementation of new digital technologies in local small businesses. The report should assess the benefits and drawbacks of these innovations and provide recommendations for the future.

Word count: 220–260 words.

Tips (Estrategias para el éxito)

• Structure: Para un essay, utiliza una estructura de cuatro párrafos: Introducción, Desarrollo 1 (punto A), Desarrollo 2 (punto B) y Conclusión. No saltes de una idea a otra sin transición.
• Register: Mantén un tono formal y académico. Evita contracciones (don't, won't) y lenguaje coloquial (kids, stuff, cool). Usa un vocabulario preciso y sofisticado.
• Linking: No te limites a usar and o but. Utiliza conectores de nivel C1 (Furthermore, Nevertheless, Conversely) para guiar al lector a través de tu argumento.
• Hedging (Lenguaje cauteloso): En el nivel C1, no afirmes verdades absolutas. Usa el "hedging" para sonar más profesional (It is widely believed that..., This could potentially lead to...). Esto demuestra matiz.
• Evaluación de ideas: No te limites a listar hechos. Debes analizar la importancia de cada punto. No digas solo "la IA es rápida"; di "la rapidez de la IA optimiza los procesos, aunque plantea dilemas éticos".
• Time management: En el examen, dedica 5 minutos a planificar (brainstorming), 35-40 minutos a escribir y 5 minutos finales a la revisión (spelling y grammar).

Useful language

Model answer (Essay)

Topic: The impact of automation on the workforce.

It is often asserted that the rapid advancement of automation and artificial intelligence represents a significant threat to traditional employment. While some argue that machines will render human labour obsolete, others maintain that technology serves as a catalyst for new opportunities. This essay will examine both perspectives before reaching a reasoned conclusion.

On the one hand, there is a valid concern regarding job displacement. Automation allows for the execution of repetitive tasks with greater precision and lower costs than human workers. Consequently, sectors such as manufacturing and logistics are experiencing a shift where manual roles are being phased out. If this trend continues unabated, it could lead to significant socio-economic instability for those unable to transition to new roles.

On the other hand, it is widely acknowledged that technological innovation historically creates more jobs than it destroys. While certain roles become redundant, new industries emerge, requiring specialised skills in software development, data analysis, and AI management. Furthermore, by automating mundane tasks, technology allows humans to focus on higher-level activities involving creativity, empathy, and complex problem-solving—areas where machines still struggle to compete.

In conclusion, while the transition towards an automated workforce presents undeniable challenges, it should not be viewed solely as a threat. Although certain sectors will inevitably face disruption, the potential for economic growth and the creation of more meaningful work is substantial. Ultimately, the impact will depend on how effectively societies can implement retraining programmes to prepare the workforce for a digital future.

Marking checklist

• Content: ¿Has respondido a todas las partes de la pregunta? ¿El lector queda totalmente informado sobre tu postura?
• Communicative Achievement: ¿Has mantenido el tono formal adecuado para un ensayo académico? ¿Has usado el lenguaje para expresar ideas complejas de forma clara?
• Organisation: ¿El texto fluye de manera lógica mediante el uso de párrafos y conectores? ¿Hay una progresión clara desde la introducción hasta la conclusión?
• Language: ¿Has utilizado un vocabulario variado y avanzado (C1)? ¿Has demostrado control sobre estructuras gramaticales complejas (pasivas, condicionales, inversiones) sin errores que dificulten la lectura?

Vocabulario para Writing & Speaking

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