Lesson 33: Theme: AI & Automation (2026)
discuss AI and automation confidently with topical vocabulary and impersonal reporting structures.
Why this matters
AI and automation are among the hottest 2026 Part 3 themes. Examiners will probe jobs, ethics, and the future. Impersonal "it is said that…" structures let you discuss general opinions without claiming everything as personal fact.
The Tip/Trick
Attribute general claims with reporting structures. Instead of stating opinions as fact, say "it's often argued that…", "many people believe…", then give your own view. This sounds balanced and academic.
- Before: "AI is dangerous. It take job. People no have work."
- After: "It's often claimed that AI will wipe out jobs, but I'd argue it's more likely to reshape them than eliminate them."
Grammar Focus — Reporting verbs + passive ("it is said that")
Rule: It is said/believed/argued that + clause attributes views impersonally; X is thought to + base is a neat variant. Reference: the "Reporting verbs + passive ("it is said that")" section.
- "It's widely believed that automation will hit factory work first."
- "AI is thought to boost productivity."
- "It's often argued that machines lack genuine creativity."
Vocabulary Cluster — AI & automation (2026)
Add to under "AI & automation (2026)".
- to automate routine tasks — let machines do them — "AI can automate routine tasks."
- to replace human workers — substitute people — "Robots may replace human workers."
- to augment / assist humans — help rather than replace — "AI should augment humans."
- to reshape the job market — change it fundamentally — "AI is reshaping the job market."
- ethical concerns — moral worries — "There are real ethical concerns."
- to upskill / reskill — learn new skills — "Workers will need to reskill."
- a double-edged sword — good and bad — "AI is a double-edged sword."
- the human touch — personal/emotional element — "Some jobs need the human touch."
Drill these as flashcards — flip, then grade yourself.
Answer Outline
- Attribute a common view: "It's often argued that ____."
- Your stance: "Personally, though, I'd say ____."
- Reason + example: "because ____ — take ____, for instance."
- Balanced close: "So on the whole, ____."
Model Answers: 5.0 vs 7.0
Question: Will artificial intelligence replace human jobs?
Band 5.0: "Yes, AI will take many job. Robot work faster than human. So people lose job. But some job still need human. It is problem."
Band 7.0: "It's widely believed that AI will wipe out millions of jobs, and to some extent that's true for routine, repetitive work. Personally, though, I'd argue it's more likely to reshape the job market than destroy it — automating the boring tasks while creating demand for new roles. Take healthcare, for instance: AI can read scans, but patients still need the human touch. So on the whole, the real challenge is helping people reskill rather than fearing the technology itself."
What changed:
- Reporting structure: "It's widely believed that…".
- Topical collocations: "reshape the job market", "automating… tasks", "the human touch", "reskill".
- Balanced, example-led argument.
- "AI take job" → "AI takes jobs" (3rd-person -s + plural).
- Stating opinion as absolute fact → soften with reporting verbs.
- "more faster" → "faster".
Your Turn (Record)
Task: Answer 3 questions, using a reporting structure in each: (1) Will AI replace teachers? (2) Should we worry about AI making decisions for us? (3) Which jobs are safest from automation? ⏱ ~4 min.
Your turn — record & get scored
Part 3- Will AI replace teachers?
- Should we worry about AI making decisions for us?
- Which jobs are safest from automation?
Self-Check + Spaced Review
Done when:
- I used ≥1 reporting structure ("it's argued that…").
- I used ≥4 AI/automation collocations.
- I gave a balanced, example-led answer.
Spaced review:
- From Lesson 29: grade your certainty about AI's future.
- From Lesson 27: contrast two views with whereas.