Automation’s Impact on Job Markets – Summarize Written Text PTE Sample Practice

The topic of “Automation’s impact on job markets” frequently appears in the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE Speaking & Writing test. Examining this topic allows candidates to understand how technology reshapes industries and influences employment trends. This article will provide practice prompts and example answers to help you master this essential component of the PTE.

PTE Summarize Written Text Sample Practice Prompts: Automation’s Impact on Job Markets

Prompt 1:

Automation has dramatically altered the landscape of various industries. Manufacturing and retail, once heavily reliant on human labor, are increasingly being dominated by machines and algorithms. Robots are replacing workers in assembly lines, while sophisticated software systems are taking over roles in data analysis, customer service, and even decision-making processes. While automation increases efficiency and reduces costs for businesses, it also raises concerns about job displacement and economic inequality. Experts argue that while some jobs are lost to automation, new opportunities in technology, engineering, and data science are being created, encouraging the workforce to upskill and adapt to evolving demands.

Task: Summarize the paragraph in one sentence.

Sample Answers:

1. High-level Response (Band 79-90):

Automation is transforming industries by replacing human labor with robots and software, prompting both job displacement and the creation of new opportunities that require upskilling in technology.

Content: Fully captured the key ideas, including the impact on industries, job displacement, and the importance of upskilling.
Form: Met the word count requirement.
Grammar: A complex sentence is used accurately without errors.
Vocabulary: Appropriate use of terms like “transforming,” “job displacement,” and “upskilling.”
Spelling: Flawless.

2. Mid-level Response (Band 65-78):

Automation is changing industries by replacing workers with machines and creating new roles for skilled jobs.

Content: Covers key points but lacks depth on the creation of opportunities in specific fields such as technology, engineering, and data science.
Form: Meets requirements but is brief.
Grammar: Grammatically correct but simpler in structure.
Vocabulary: The language is accurate but not varied.
Spelling: No issues.

3. Low-level Response (Band 50-64):

Automation is taking jobs.

Content: Minimal coverage of the topic—important points like industry transformation, efficiency, and new job creation were missed.
Form: Far too short.
Grammar: Simple with no errors, but lacks complexity.
Vocabulary: Very basic language.
Spelling: No issues.

Prompt 2:

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and robotics signifies the next phase of industrial automation. While machines excel at repetitive, manual tasks, they are now progressing towards roles that involve cognitive skills such as problem-solving and decision-making. This shift is expected to have a profound effect on job markets worldwide. While some economists predict massive unemployment, others believe that automation will create new employment opportunities in technology sectors, provided the workforce is willing to reskill. The transition, however, may not be easy, as it requires significant investments in education and training.

Task: Summarize the paragraph in one sentence.

Sample Answers:

1. High-level Response (Band 79-90):

Advances in AI and robotics are changing job markets by moving beyond manual tasks to cognitive roles, raising concerns about unemployment, but also creating opportunities for those willing to reskill.

Content: A complete summary that includes all major points (AI shift, job displacement, reskilling).
Form: Adequate length and structure.
Grammar: Complex sentence structure with no grammatical errors.
Vocabulary: Adequate use of advanced terms like “cognitive roles,” “unemployment,” and “reskill.”
Spelling: Correct.

2. Mid-level Response (Band 65-78):

AI and robots are advancing in job markets by doing both manual and cognitive tasks and may cause unemployment and require reskilling.

Content: Covers key points but lacks fluency and sophistication in describing the effects of automation.
Form: Adequate.
Grammar: Simple but correct.
Vocabulary: Adequate but lacks variety and complexity.
Spelling: No errors.

3. Low-level Response (Band 50-64):

AI and robots are taking jobs.

Content: Missed addressing key points like cognitive roles or reskilling.
Form: Too short.
Grammar: Simple, with limited vocabulary.
Spelling: Correct.

Key Vocabulary and Grammar

Here is a list of 10 essential vocabulary words from the prompts above, along with their meanings and usage examples:

1. Automation /ɔːtəˈmeɪʃən/ – The use of machines or technology to perform tasks.
   Example: Automation in factories is reducing manual labor.

2. Displacement /dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/ – The act of moving something from its usual place, especially workers in this context.
   Example: Automation is causing worker displacement in the manufacturing sector.

3. Efficiency /ɪˈfɪʃənsi/ – Performing tasks without wasting time or resources.
   Example: Automation enhances operational efficiency by reducing human errors.

4. Unemployment /ʌnɪmˈplɔɪmənt/ – The state of being without a job.
   Example: Automation may contribute to growing unemployment rates in certain industries.

5. Reskill /ˌriːˈskɪl/ – Learning new skills to keep up with changes in the job market.
   Example: Workers need to reskill to adapt to new technologies.

6. Cognitive /ˈkɒgnɪtɪv/ – Related to thinking, understanding, and mental activities.
   Example: Robots are now capable of performing cognitive tasks previously done by humans.

7. Investment /ɪnˈvɛstmənt/ – Putting resources, such as money or effort, into something to earn a return.
   Example: Investment in education will be critical for reskilling workers in the age of automation.

8. Opportunity /ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪti/ – A set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something.
   Example: Automation will open up new employment opportunities in technology.

9. Algorithm /ˈælɡərɪðəm/ – A process or set of rules followed by a computer to solve a problem.
   Example: Algorithms are taking over many roles in industries like retail and finance.

10. Inequality /ˌɪnɪˈkwɒlɪti/ – The state of not being equal, especially in wealth or opportunities.
    Example: Automation could widen economic inequality as certain jobs disappear.

Conclusion

The topic of Automation’s impact on job markets is a frequent theme in the Summarize Written Text section of the PTE test, reflecting real-world concerns as technology transforms how we work. Practicing with these examples will sharpen your ability to effectively summarize complex ideas, a crucial skill for achieving a high score. Read more about the relevant industrial shifts in our article on the effects of automation on economy.