How AI will affect some job fields in the future– ESL lesson

This lesson introduces learners to the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on jobs, focusing on key vocabulary, useful phrases, and engaging conversation practice. Designed for learners of varying levels, the material covers essential terms like “AI,” “automation,” and “workforce,” alongside practical phrases for discussing predictions, opinions, and concerns about AI’s role in the workplace.

Through interactive activities, real-world examples, and structured dialogues, learners will build confidence in discussing this relevant topic. The teaching strategy includes clear steps, from vocabulary introduction to role-playing conversations, ensuring an engaging and accessible learning experience.

By personalizing discussions to learners’ own jobs or industries, the lesson makes the topic relatable and encourages critical thinking about the future of work in an AI-driven world.

At the end of the lesson, you’ll find an appendix that lists some jobs that are likely to be replaced and ho,w as well as how AI can supplement some jobs.

Basic vocabulary

Start with key terms related to AI and its impact on jobs. These words should be simple, relevant, and easy to understand.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Technology that allows machines to think or act like humans.
• Job: Work someone does to earn money.
• Automation: Using machines to do tasks without human help.
• Replace: To take the place of something or someone.
• Workforce: The group of people who work in a company or industry.
• Technology: Tools or systems, like computers or software, that solve problems.
• Skill: An ability needed to do a job well.
• Future: The time that is coming.
• Industry: A type of business, like manufacturing or healthcare.
• Change: When something becomes different.

Vocabulary for extension

• Algorithm: A set of rules a computer follows to solve problems.
• Robotics: The field of designing and using robots.
• Data: Information processed by AI systems.
• Innovation: New ideas or technology that improve things.
• Unemployment: When people lose jobs and can’t find new ones.
• Productivity: How much work is done in a certain time.
• Ethics: Moral questions about how AI is used.
• Machine learning: A type of AI that learns from data.
• Disrupt: To change an industry completely, often negatively.
• Adapt: To change in response to new conditions, like learning new skills.

Teaching tips

• Use visuals like pictures of robots or computers to explain AI and automation.
• Practice pronunciation of tricky words like “automation” (/ˌɔː.təˈmeɪ.ʃən/) or “artificial” (/ˌɑːr.tɪˈfɪʃ.əl/).
• Create a matching game: Pair words (e.g., “AI”) with definitions or images.

Useful phrases

Teach simple sentence structures for discussing AI’s impact on jobs. These phrases should be versatile and allow learners to express opinions or predictions.

Key phrases

1. Stating facts
   • “AI is changing the workforce.”
   • “Automation replaces some jobs.”
   • “Many industries use AI now.”
2. Making predictions
   • “In the future, AI will take more jobs.”
   • “Some jobs might disappear because of technology.”
   • “AI could create new jobs, too.”
3. Expressing opinions
   • “I think AI is good/bad for jobs.”
   • “I’m worried about automation in my industry.”
   • “AI can help workers, but it’s risky.”
4. Asking questions
   • “Will AI take your job?”
   • “How is AI changing your industry?”
   • “What skills do we need for the future?”

Teaching tips

• Write phrases on a board or handout and model their use with examples (e.g., “I think AI is good for jobs because it saves time.”).
• Have learners substitute their own ideas (e.g., “I think AI is bad for jobs because…”).
• Practice stress and intonation for natural delivery, like emphasizing “will” in predictions.

Example conversations

Use short, realistic dialogues to model discussions about AI and jobs. These examples progress from basic to more detailed to suit different learner levels.

Conversation 1: Basic exchange

Lila: Do you think AI will take jobs?
Sam: Yes, automation replaces some jobs.
Lila: Like what?
Sam: Jobs in factories. Machines do the work now.
Lila: That’s scary! Are there new jobs?
Sam: Yes, AI creates jobs in technology.

Conversation 2: Adding details

Mia: How is AI changing jobs?
Tomas: It’s changing many industries. For example, AI replaces drivers in some places.
Mia: Really? What other jobs?
Tomas: Cashiers and some office jobs. But AI also makes jobs, like programming for AI chatbots.
Mia: Do we need new skills?
Tomas: Yes, skills like coding are important now.

Conversation 3: More advanced

Emma: What do you think about AI taking jobs in the future?
Ahmed: I think AI will change the workforce a lot. Automation is replacing repetitive jobs.
Emma: Like what kind of jobs?
Ahmed: For example, manufacturing and data entry. But AI could create jobs in healthcare or education.
Emma: Are you worried about your job?
Ahmed: A little. I’m learning new skills to stay ready for the future.

Teaching tip

• Role-play these dialogues, switching roles to practice asking and answering.
• Encourage learners to personalize by discussing their own jobs or industries.
• In groups, have pairs create their own dialogues based on the examples.

Teaching strategy

Here’s a step-by-step plan to teach this topic effectively.

Step 1: Warm-up (5 minutes)

• Ask: “Do you use technology at work?” or “Have you seen robots in movies?” to spark interest.
• Show a short video or image of AI in action (e.g., a self-driving car or robot in a factory) to set the context.

Step 2: Vocabulary introduction (10 minutes)

• Present the vocabulary list using visuals or real-world examples (e.g., a photo of a robot for “automation”).
• Practice pronunciation and have learners repeat.
• Play a quick game: Say a word (e.g., “AI”) and ask learners to give a related word or definition.

Step 3: Phrase practice (10 minutes)

• Write key phrases on the board and model their use (e.g., “In the future, AI will take more jobs.”).
• Have learners practice by filling in blanks with their own ideas (e.g., “I think AI is ___ for jobs.”).
• Correct grammar and pronunciation as needed.

Step 4: Conversation practice (15 minutes)

• Read one example conversation aloud as a model.
• Pair learners (or role-play with them) to practice the dialogues, encouraging personalization.
• Ask follow-up questions to extend the conversation, like “What jobs do you think are safe from AI?”

Step 5: Wrap-up and personalization (5 minutes)

• Ask each learner to share one sentence about AI and jobs (e.g., “I think AI will replace factory jobs.”).
• Provide feedback on clarity and pronunciation.
• Assign homework: Write a short paragraph about how AI might affect their job or industry.

Additional tips

• Contextualize: Use real-world examples, like self-checkout machines or chatbots, to make AI relatable.
• Encourage debate: For intermediate learners, ask, “Is AI good or bad for jobs?” to spark discussion.
• Simplify for beginners: Focus on basic vocabulary and phrases like “AI takes jobs” for lower levels.
• Use multimedia: Show a short article or video about AI’s impact on jobs (e.g., from a news website) for listening practice.
• Cultural relevance: Discuss industries relevant to the learner’s country or job to make the topic personal.

Common mistakes to address

• Grammar: Learners might say “AI take jobs” instead of “AI takes jobs.” Emphasize third-person singular verbs.
• Pronunciation: Words like “automation” or “algorithm” may be mispronounced. Practice syllable stress (e.g., al-GOR-ithm).
• Word choice: Clarify “replace” (jobs taken by machines) vs. “create” (new jobs made by AI).

Example activity

For group classes, try a “Pros and cons” activity.

• Divide learners into two groups: one lists the benefits of AI for jobs (e.g., creates new jobs), the other lists the drawbacks (e.g., replaces workers).
• Each group shares their ideas using phrases like “AI is good because…” or “AI is bad because…”.
• Encourage questions between groups, like “What skills can protect jobs from AI?”

Homework or follow-up

• Writing: Write 3-5 sentences about how AI might change jobs in your country.
• Speaking: Record a short audio answering “Will AI take your job? Why or why not?”
• Research: Find a news article about AI and jobs, and summarize it in one sentence.

Appendix

Jobs likely to be replaced by AI

AI and automation are reshaping industries by performing tasks faster, cheaper, or more accurately than humans. Below is a list of jobs at high risk of being replaced by AI, along with reasons why, based on their repetitive, predictable, or data-driven nature.

1. Data entry clerks
   • Why: AI can quickly process and input large volumes of data with high accuracy, reducing the need for manual entry. Optical character recognition (OCR) and natural language processing (NLP) automate these tasks.
2. Assembly line workers
   • Why: Robotics and automated systems excel at repetitive manufacturing tasks, such as assembling parts or packaging products, with precision and efficiency, minimizing human labor in factories.
3. Cashiers
   • Why: Self-checkout systems and AI-driven payment technologies, like mobile apps and kiosks, streamline transactions in retail, reducing the need for human cashiers.
4. Telemarketers
   • Why: AI-powered chatbots and voice systems can handle scripted customer interactions, schedule calls, and process responses, often with lower costs and 24/7 availability.
5. Customer service representatives (basic roles)
   • Why: AI chatbots and virtual assistants can resolve routine inquiries, process orders, and provide support using NLP, leaving only complex cases for humans.
6. Truck drivers
   • Why: Autonomous vehicles, powered by AI, are advancing rapidly. Self-driving trucks can navigate routes, optimize fuel use, and operate continuously, reducing reliance on human drivers.
7. Bookkeepers and basic accountants
   • Why: AI tools automate financial record-keeping, tax calculations, and payroll processing with high accuracy, minimizing manual bookkeeping tasks.
8. Warehouse workers (picking and packing)
   • Why: AI-driven robots and automated systems can locate, sort, and pack items in warehouses faster than humans, as seen in companies like Amazon.
9. Travel agents
   • Why: AI-powered platforms and algorithms provide personalized travel recommendations, book flights, and compare prices, reducing the need for human agents.
10. Basic paralegals
    • Why: AI can analyze legal documents, conduct research, and identify relevant case law faster than humans, automating routine tasks in law firms.
11. Basic software testers
    • Why: AI-driven testing tools automate quality assurance processes, running repetitive test cases, identifying bugs, and validating code functionality faster and more consistently than human testers.
12. Junior IT support technicians
    • Why: AI-powered helpdesk systems and chatbots can troubleshoot common IT issues, reset passwords, and guide users through basic technical problems, reducing the need for entry-level support roles.
13. Content moderators
    • Why: AI algorithms can scan and flag inappropriate content on platforms using image recognition and NLP, performing moderation tasks at scale with fewer human moderators.

Why these jobs are vulnerable

• Repetitive tasks: Jobs involving predictable, rule-based work are easily automated by AI systems or robots.
• Data processing: Roles centered on handling large datasets can be performed more efficiently by AI algorithms.
• Cost efficiency: Automation reduces labor costs, making it appealing for businesses to replace human workers in high-volume, low-skill tasks.
• Technological advances: Improvements in machine learning, robotics, and NLP enable AI to take over tasks once requiring human judgment or interaction.

Jobs likely to be supplemented by AI

AI is increasingly integrated into various roles (education, customer service, etc), enhancing human capabilities rather than fully replacing workers. These jobs benefit from AI’s ability to process data, automate repetitive tasks, and provide insights, allowing humans to focus on higher-level, creative, or interpersonal aspects.

1. Doctors and healthcare professionals
   • Why: AI assists with diagnostics, analyzing medical images (e.g., X-rays, MRIs), and predicting patient outcomes using machine learning. Doctors use AI tools to enhance accuracy while retaining decision-making and patient care roles.
   • Example: AI systems like IBM Watson Health suggest treatment options based on patient data, but doctors make final decisions.
2. Teachers and educators
   • Why: AI personalizes learning through adaptive platforms, automates grading, and provides data-driven insights into student performance. Teachers focus on mentoring and fostering critical thinking.
   • Example: Tools like Duolingo use AI to tailor lessons, while teachers guide discussions and provide emotional support.
3. Software developers
   • Why: AI tools like GitHub Copilot assist with code generation, debugging, and suggesting optimizations, speeding up development. Developers focus on complex architecture and creative problem-solving.
   • Example: AI writes boilerplate code, but developers design system logic and ensure quality.
4. Data analysts
   • Why: AI automates data cleaning, visualization, and basic analysis, enabling analysts to focus on interpreting results, identifying trends, and making strategic recommendations.
   • Example: Tools like Tableau with AI integrations process large datasets, but analysts provide context for business decisions.
5. Marketing professionals
   • Why: AI analyzes consumer behavior, optimizes ad targeting, and generates content ideas. Marketers use these insights to craft creative campaigns and build brand strategies.
   • Example: AI platforms like HubSpot predict customer preferences, but marketers design emotionally resonant campaigns.
6. Financial advisors
   • Why: AI models forecast market trends, assess risks, and manage portfolios, but advisors provide personalized client advice and emotional intelligence, which AI lacks.
   • Example: Robo-advisors like Betterment handle investments, but advisors build client trust and tailor strategies.
7. Lawyers
   • Why: AI streamlines legal research, contract analysis, and case precedent identification. Lawyers focus on strategy, negotiation, and courtroom advocacy.
   • Example: AI tools like ROSS Intelligence scan legal documents, but lawyers argue cases and advise clients.
8. Customer service representatives (advanced roles)
   • Why: AI chatbots handle routine inquiries, while human agents manage complex, emotionally sensitive, or escalatory interactions requiring empathy and judgment.
   • Example: AI resolves basic queries, but humans address nuanced complaints or build customer loyalty.
9. UX/UI designers (tech industry)
   • Why: AI generates design prototypes and analyzes user behavior to optimize interfaces. Designers focus on creative vision, user empathy, and innovative aesthetics.
   • Example: Tools like Figma’s AI plugins suggest layouts, but designers ensure intuitive user experiences.
10. Journalists and content creators
    • Why: AI drafts initial reports, analyzes data for stories, or suggests headlines, allowing journalists to focus on investigative work, interviews, and narrative storytelling.
    • Example: AI tools like Automated Insights generate sports summaries, but journalists craft in-depth features.

Why these jobs are supplemented by AI

• Enhanced productivity: AI automates repetitive or data-heavy tasks, freeing workers to focus on creative, strategic, or interpersonal duties.
• Data-driven insights: AI processes vast datasets to provide actionable insights, as seen in healthcare, finance, and marketing, enhancing human decision-making.
• Collaboration with humans: These roles require skills like empathy, creativity, or complex judgment, which AI cannot fully replicate, making supplementation more likely than replacement.
• Technological integration: Advances in machine learning, NLP, and predictive analytics enable AI to support professionals, particularly in tech-driven fields like software development and data analysis.

In the end, AI will supplement many different work sectors beyond those listed. It will be beneficial for some and cost everything for others. For example, an account firm won’t need as many employees and will be able to automate most functions, thereby eliminating jobs.

Another example is the ESL industry. It is driven by profits. Rather than pay companies high premiums for often subquality teachers, people may turn to AI as a cheaper alternative as AI becomes more and more advanced. In fact, I have had students say that AI was better than the teachers.