The Effects of Artificial Intelligence on Jobs B2 Writing Practice Tests Rules & Examples

How to Write a For-and-Against Essay: The Effects of Artificial Intelligence on Jobs

A for-and-against essay is a formal piece of academic writing in which you present both the advantages and disadvantages of a given topic in a balanced and objective way. This type of essay is a core task in the Cambridge B2 First (FCE) examination and is also widely used in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

In this lesson, you will learn how to write a well-structured, balanced for-and-against essay on the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and its effects on employment. This is a highly relevant topic in today's rapidly changing world — one that affects workers, businesses, and governments across the globe.

Real-life contexts where this writing style is used:

• University application essays and academic coursework
• Opinion columns in newspapers and online journals
• Business reports evaluating new technology
• Cambridge B2 First (FCE) Part 2 Writing examination

Essential Writing Rules & Sentence Structure

1. The Four-Paragraph Structure

A strong B2 for-and-against essay follows a clear and predictable structure. Examiners expect you to organise your ideas logically across four paragraphs:

• Paragraph 1 — Introduction: Introduce the topic and state the purpose of the essay. Do not give your personal opinion here.
• Paragraph 2 — Arguments in favour (advantages): Present the positive effects with supporting evidence or examples.
• Paragraph 3 — Arguments against (disadvantages): Present the negative effects with supporting evidence or examples.
• Paragraph 4 — Conclusion: Summarise both sides and offer a balanced, reasoned personal verdict.

2. Writing a Strong Introduction

Your introduction should engage the reader immediately and clearly introduce the topic. Avoid giving your opinion. Use impersonal structures to establish an objective tone:

• It is widely argued that...
• In recent years, the question of... has become increasingly significant.
• Artificial intelligence is a subject that has generated considerable debate...

3. Writing Effective Topic Sentences

Each body paragraph must begin with a clear topic sentence that signals the main idea of the paragraph. This helps the reader follow your argument and demonstrates cohesion.

• Advantages paragraph: There are several compelling arguments in favour of the growing use of AI in the workplace.
• Disadvantages paragraph: On the other hand, there are significant concerns regarding the impact of AI on employment.

4. Using Concession Clauses

Concession clauses show that you can acknowledge the opposing viewpoint, which demonstrates critical thinking — an essential skill at B2 level. Use the following structures:

• While it is true that AI creates new industries, it also eliminates a significant number of existing roles.
• Despite the fact that automation increases productivity, many workers face redundancy as a result.
• Although AI offers clear economic benefits, the social consequences must not be overlooked.

5. Passive Structures for Formal Register

In a formal essay, avoid using "I think" or "I believe" in the body paragraphs. Instead, use passive and impersonal structures to maintain an objective, academic tone:

• It is widely believed that...
• It has been estimated that millions of jobs could be replaced by automation.
• Concerns have been raised about the long-term effects on the workforce.

6. Punctuation with Discourse Markers

Sentence adverbs and discourse markers that begin a sentence or clause must be followed by a comma. This is one of the most common punctuation errors at B2 level:

• ✅ Furthermore, AI is capable of performing repetitive tasks far more efficiently than humans.
• ✅ Nevertheless, the displacement of workers remains a serious concern.
• ✅ Consequently, governments must invest in retraining programmes.

Useful Linking Words (Connectors)

Using a variety of discourse markers is essential for achieving a high score at B2 level. The table below presents the most important connectors for a for-and-against essay, organised by function.

Model Writing Sample: The Effects of Artificial Intelligence on Jobs

Read the following model essay carefully. Notice how it is organised, how connectors are used, and how a formal register is maintained throughout.

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📝 Annotated Model Essay (approximately 175 words)

[INTRODUCTION — Introduce the topic; do not give a personal opinion]
In recent years, artificial intelligence has transformed the way in which many industries operate. The question of whether this technological revolution is ultimately beneficial or harmful to the workforce has generated considerable debate among economists, politicians, and workers alike.

[BODY PARAGRAPH 1 — Arguments in favour / Advantages]
There are several compelling arguments in favour of AI in the workplace. First and foremost, it is capable of performing repetitive and dangerous tasks with greater speed and accuracy than humans, thereby reducing workplace accidents. Furthermore, the development of AI has created entirely new industries, such as software engineering and data analysis, generating employment opportunities that did not previously exist.

[BODY PARAGRAPH 2 — Arguments against / Disadvantages]
On the other hand, significant concerns have been raised about job displacement. It has been estimated that millions of roles in manufacturing, retail, and transport could be automated within the next decade. Consequently, many workers — particularly those in low-skilled positions — may find themselves without employment. Moreover, the new jobs created by AI frequently require specialised qualifications that displaced workers do not possess.

[CONCLUSION — Balanced verdict with personal stance]
On balance, whilst AI undeniably poses challenges for the modern workforce, its potential to drive economic growth and improve working conditions cannot be dismissed. Taking everything into account, the most effective approach would be for governments to invest in comprehensive retraining programmes, ensuring that workers are equipped to thrive in an AI-driven economy.

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Word count: 176 words

Essay Structure at a Glance

Key Phrases & Sentence Starters

Introducing the Topic

• In recent years, the question of ... has become a subject of considerable debate.
• It is widely acknowledged that artificial intelligence is transforming...
• The impact of AI on the job market has attracted growing attention from...
• Few issues in modern society have provoked as much discussion as...

Presenting Arguments & Evidence

• One of the most significant advantages of AI is that...
• It has been estimated that... / It has been reported that...
• There is compelling evidence to suggest that...
• A further benefit worth considering is...
• Proponents of AI argue that... / Supporters of this view claim that...

Contrasting & Conceding Points

• On the other hand, it must be acknowledged that...
• While it is true that AI creates economic opportunities, it also...
• Despite the fact that automation improves efficiency, many workers...
• Critics of AI, however, contend that...
• Whereas AI excels in technical fields, it is less effective in...

Concluding & Recommending

• On balance, it would appear that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
• Taking everything into account, it is clear that a balanced approach is required.
• In conclusion, whilst the challenges posed by AI are real, they are not insurmountable.
• It is therefore recommended that governments and businesses work together to...
• Ultimately, the key to managing AI's impact lies in...

Common Writing Mistakes to Avoid

Study the following errors carefully. These are among the most frequent mistakes made by B2 learners in formal essay writing.

❌ AI is changing the workforce, it is creating new jobs and eliminating old ones.
✅ AI is changing the workforce. It is creating new jobs whilst simultaneously eliminating many existing ones.
Explanation: The original sentence is a comma splice — two independent clauses joined incorrectly with only a comma. Use a full stop, a conjunction (and, but, whilst), or a semicolon to separate two independent clauses.

❌ Despite of the fact that AI is efficient, many workers are worried.
✅ Despite the fact that AI is efficient, many workers remain concerned about their future.
Explanation: "Despite" is never followed by "of". Use "despite + noun/noun phrase" or "in spite of + noun/noun phrase". "Despite of" does not exist in standard English.

❌ However many jobs are lost, new ones will be created by technology.
✅ However, many jobs may be lost as a result of automation. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that new roles will emerge in the technology sector.
Explanation: "However" used as a sentence adverb must be followed by a comma and cannot be used as a conjunction (replacing "although" or "even though"). Do not confuse "However," (sentence adverb) with "however" in the structure "However + adjective/adverb + subject + verb..."

❌ I think that AI is bad for workers because it takes their jobs away and they can't get new ones.
✅ It is widely argued that AI poses a significant threat to workers, particularly those in low-skilled roles, as the new positions created frequently require specialised qualifications.
Explanation: In a formal for-and-against essay, avoid informal language ("bad", "takes away", "can't"), contractions ("can't"), and first-person opinion phrases ("I think"). Use impersonal and passive structures to maintain a formal register throughout.

Writing Checklist & Practice Task

B2 For-and-Against Essay Checklist

Before you submit your essay, review it carefully using the checklist below. Tick each box once you are satisfied:

• ✅ My essay has four clear paragraphs: introduction, advantages, disadvantages, and conclusion.
• ✅ My introduction introduces the topic without stating my personal opinion.
• ✅ Each body paragraph begins with a clear topic sentence.
• ✅ I have used a variety of discourse markers and connectors (not just "also" and "but").
• ✅ I have used at least one concession clause (e.g. despite the fact that / while it is true that).
• ✅ My register is consistently formal — no contractions, no phrasal verbs, no informal vocabulary.
• ✅ I have used passive and impersonal structures to maintain an objective tone.
• ✅ All discourse markers that begin a sentence are followed by a comma.
• ✅ I have avoided comma splices (two independent clauses joined only by a comma).
• ✅ My conclusion offers a balanced, reasoned verdict — not simply a repetition of earlier points.
• ✅ My essay is between 140 and 190 words.

Practice Task

Now write your own for-and-against essay in response to the following Cambridge B2 First-style writing prompt:

You have recently attended a college seminar on the future of work. Your teacher has asked you to write a for-and-against essay on the following statement:

"Artificial intelligence will ultimately do more harm than good to the global job market."

Write your essay in 140–190 words.

Remember to:

• Introduce the topic clearly without expressing a personal opinion
• Present arguments both for and against the statement
• Use a range of formal connectors and discourse markers
• Conclude with a balanced, reasoned verdict
• Maintain a consistently formal register throughout

Now test your writing mechanics and sentence skills in the exercises below.