B2 – Upper Intermediate
In a time of swift technological progress and the widespread impact of artificial intelligence, the nature of the labor market is changing dramatically. There is no denying that automation and artificial intelligence have revolutionized many industries, but there is a fascinating subset of occupations that are resisting the increasing digital takeover.
Read the article to learn about the jobs that AI will never be able to replace, demonstrating the timeless essence of mankind’s capabilities in an age of unprecedented advancement in technology.
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20230507-the-jobs-ai-wont-take-yet
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “on the horizon” mean in the sentence, “For the most part, the humans have prevailed. Now, say some experts, with AI ubiquity on the horizon, the threat’s being realised: the robots really are coming for some jobs.”? Give 2 synonyms and use ‘on the horizon’ in your own sentence.
- What does “caveat” mean in the sentence, “The experts issue their warnings with a caveat: there are still things AI isn’t capable of – tasks that involve distinctly human qualities, like emotional intelligence and outside-the-box thinking.”? Use this in your own sentence.
- What does “fall under the umbrella” mean in the sentences, “Many trade jobs – think electricians, plumbers, welders and the like – fall under this umbrella.”? Use this idiom in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Can you give examples of jobs that require complex decision-making in unpredictable and dynamic environments, as well as why AI struggles to match human versatility? Please elaborate.
- In what ways do professions requiring high levels of emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills remain beyond the reach of current AI capabilities?
- What significance does compassion serve in positions which involve providing care to others, and how does the human connection make caregiving professions less vulnerable to automation?
- Can you discuss the importance of intuition and gut feeling in decision-making within certain professions, and why these qualities are challenging for AI to replicate?
- In what ways is your sector experiencing the influence of artificial intelligence? Please share.