IELTS Speaking Part 3: Will AI Take Our Jobs?

Right, we've been talking about technology at work.

Let's consider some more general questions now.

Sure, I'm ready. Go ahead!

Do you think artificial intelligence will replace many jobs?

Hmm, that's a big question...

I'd say it'll transform jobs rather than simply replace them.

Routine tasks are the most vulnerable, obviously.

Data entry, for instance, is already largely automated.

And what about creative professions?

Oh, that's where it gets interesting!

A few years ago, everyone assumed artists were safe.

Now AI churns out decent illustrations in seconds!

Still, I'd argue it lacks genuine intent.

That's an intriguing distinction. Could you expand on it?

Well... a human artist is trying to say something.

The machine is just predicting what looks plausible.

People can sense that difference, at least for now.

Some would call that rather optimistic, wouldn't they?

Ha, fair point! I may well be.

Who should support workers who lose their jobs to automation?

Um, that's tricky,

but I think the burden falls mainly on governments.

Retraining schemes need to be far more ambitious.

Shouldn't companies bear some of the cost?

Oh, absolutely! They reap the benefits, after all.

How might education need to change, then?

Ugh, schools still reward memorising facts!

Machines do that far better than we ever could.

We should be nurturing critical thinking and adaptability instead.

Thank you. That's the end of the speaking test.

Oh, already? That flew by!

It often does. Good luck with your results.

Thanks so much. I really enjoyed that!