Use automation, displacement, augmentation, reskilling accurately in context
Read and discuss a topic-specific article at B2 level
Practise speaking fluently on automation and the workforce
Complete written exercises with vocabulary in context
Teaching Notes
Warm-up: allow 8-10 min, let personal answers develop
Article: read together or have students read silently first
Vocabulary match: good for pair work
Speaking: encourage full sentences, not one-word answers
Exit questions: 5-min closer, no prep needed
Timing Guide
Warm-up: 8 min
Article + comprehension: 12 min
Vocabulary + match: 10 min
Exercises: 10 min
Speaking + discussion: 15 min
Exit + recap: 5 min
Teacher Question Bank
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B2 · Lesson 16 · Automation and the Workforce
The Future of Work
Automation and the Workforceautomationdisplacementaugmentation
Getting started
Warm-Up Questions
Click the button to get your first question
Read & Understand
Article
The Future of Work
The future of work is one of the defining debates of our time. Automation and artificial intelligence are already transforming industries — from manufacturing to finance to healthcare. Some economists predict that up to 40% of current jobs will be significantly changed or eliminated within two decades. Others argue that technology creates as many jobs as it destroys, pointing to the emergence of roles that did not exist ten years ago. What seems clear is that cognitive and creative skills will be increasingly valued, while routine and manual tasks face the greatest risk of automation. The workers most likely to thrive are those who embrace continuous learning, develop adaptable skills, and maintain professional resilience in the face of constant disruption.
💡 Did you know? The World Economic Forum predicts that 65% of children entering primary school today will work in job types that do not yet exist.
Topic: Automation and the Workforce
Key words
Vocabulary
01
automation
the use of machines or AI to perform tasks previously done by humans
02
displacement
being replaced or forced out of a position
03
augmentation
enhancing human capabilities with technology
04
reskilling
learning new skills to adapt to changing job demands
05
gig economy
a labour market based on short-term contracts and freelance work
06
hybrid
combining two different elements — here, office and remote work
07
redundant
no longer needed, especially in a job context
08
cognitive
relating to mental processes such as thinking and learning
09
disruption
a significant change that overturns existing systems
010
resilience
the ability to recover and adapt to change
Match the Words
Click a word on the left, then click its definition on the right.
automation
displacement
augmentation
reskilling
gig economy
hybrid
redundant
cognitive
disruption
resilience
relating to mental processes such as thinking and learning
learning new skills to adapt to changing job demands
enhancing human capabilities with technology
a significant change that overturns existing systems
combining two different elements — here, office and remote work
no longer needed, especially in a job context
the ability to recover and adapt to change
a labour market based on short-term contracts and freelance work
the use of machines or AI to perform tasks previously done by humans
being replaced or forced out of a position
Say it right
Pronunciation
automation
AUT-oma-tion
displacement
DISP-lace-ment
augmentation
AUGM-enta-tion
reskilling
RES-kil-ling
gig economy
GIG economy
hybrid
HYB-rid
Read & Discuss
Short Dialogue
A:
I've been thinking a lot about automation recently.
B:
Really? What's your take on it?
A:
I think the issue of displacement is often misunderstood.
B:
I agree. Most people don't consider the impact of augmentation.
A:
Exactly. And when you add reskilling into the mix, it gets complicated.
B:
So what do you think the solution is?
A:
Honestly? It requires both individual action and systemic change.
B:
That's a fair point. It's never just one or the other.
Comprehension
What topic are they discussing?
What does person B agree with?
What does person A say the solution requires?
Practice
Exercises
Gap Fill
Complete each sentence using vocabulary from today's lesson.
1. is transforming manufacturing and logistics.
2. Job due to AI is a growing concern.
3. AI helps workers be more productive.
4. programmes help workers transition to new roles.
5. The offers flexibility but limited security.
Error Correction
Find and correct the mistake in each sentence.
The automation of data has raise serious concerns.
Despite of the challenges, they succeeded.
The report, that was published last year, is relevant.
She suggested to review the reskilling more carefully.
Speaking practice
Speaking Prompts
Discuss with your partner
Do you think your current role could be automated in the next 10 years? Why or why not?
What new skills are you developing to stay relevant in your field?
Is the gig economy a freedom or a trap? Defend your position.
Summarise today's topic in 3 sentences using vocabulary from this lesson.
Grammar focus: Future perfect and future continuous: By 2030, AI will have replaced 30% of rout... — can you give an example?
Open discussion
Discussion Generator
More Questions
Use with pairs or whole class · Encourage full answers
