Automation in the Workforce - TOEFL Reading Practice Test

To ace the TOEFL iBT^® exam, mastering academic texts in English is crucial for success in the TOEFL Reading section. This segment mirrors the challenges of reading in English-speaking academic environments, assessing skills like identifying main ideas, extracting details, making inferences, and recognising text structure. Consistent practice is the key to excelling in this section. 

Our practice tests closely mimic the format and writing style of the actual exam, ensuring that you feel prepared and self-assured on  the test day. Therefore, join us in taking the TOEFL Practice Test centered on the passage 'Automation in the Workforce' to familiarise yourself with the test format and note the areas for improvement!

Reading Instructions

• You have 15 minutes to read the following passage and answer all 10 questions related to it.  
• Most questions are worth 1 point. The directions indicate how many points you will receive for that specific question. 
• The specific section/paragraphs have been provided again with the question for ease of understanding and quick solution.
• Some questions include a word or phrase that is highlighted in the question as well as in the paragraph for quick reference. 

The rise of automation has significantly changed the workforce situation, especially over the past few decades. Automation, defined as the use of technology to perform tasks traditionally done by human labor, has gained popularity due to improvements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and machine learning. These technologies have allowed machines to take on increasingly complicated tasks, transforming industries from manufacturing to services. As organizations combine automated systems into their operations, they experience greater efficiency, prompting a critical assessment of the role of human workers in todays economy.

One of the most important impacts of automation is its effect on productivity. Research shows that automated systems can operate continuously without the need for breaks, leading to important increases in output. For example, in the manufacturing sector, robots can assemble products with a speed and precision that far exceed human capabilities. This shift has reduced production costs and increased the availability of goods. However, while productivity gains are clear, they raise questions about the lasting nature of such growth. Critics argue that an over-reliance on automation may worsen economic differences, as the benefits of increased productivity may not be fairly shared among the workforce, potentially leading to a widening gap between skilled and unskilled workers.

The integration of automation into the workforce has sparked a contentious debate regarding job loss. As machines increasingly take over tasks previously done by humans, concerns about job loss have escalated. For example, in the retail sector, the introduction of self-checkout systems has reduced the need for cashiers, while in agriculture, automated machinery has cut down the demand for seasonal workers. Even though supporters of automation argue that it creates new job opportunities in technology and maintenance, the transition may not be seamless. Workers in low-skilled positions may find it particularly challenging to adjust to the evolving job market, leading to increased unemployment and potential social unrest. Historical data from previous technological revolutions, such as the Industrial Revolution, suggests that while new jobs were created, many workers faced significant hardships during the transition.

However, supporters of automation contend that it can improve job quality by relieving workers from boring and physically demanding tasks. By automating routine processes, employees can focus on more complex and creative aspects of their jobs, potentially leading to greater job satisfaction. For instance, in the healthcare sector, automation can assist with administrative tasks, allowing medical professionals to dedicate more time to patient care. Furthermore, automation can improve workplace safety by taking over hazardous tasks, thereby reducing the risk of injury. This perspective suggests that rather than eliminating jobs, automation may redefine them, creating a workforce that is more skilled and involved. However, this optimistic view must be tempered with the understanding that not all workers will benefit equally from these changes.

The effects of automation extend beyond individual job roles to include broader economic and social changes. As industries evolve, there is a pressing need for educational institutions to adjust their curricula to prepare future workers for an automated world. Skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and technological proficiency are becoming increasingly essential. Also, policymakers must consider the potential effects of automation on income inequality and social mobility. Strategies such as retraining programs and social safety nets may be necessary to support workers affected by automation, ensuring that the transition to a more automated economy is fair. Historical examples, like the creation of job-related training programs during the Industrial Revolution, highlight the importance of active measures in reducing the negative effects of technological change.

To sum up, while automation in the workforce presents numerous advantages, including increased productivity and improved job quality, it also poses important challenges, particularly concerning job loss and economic inequality. The ongoing evolution of technology requires a thorough approach that balances the benefits of automation with the need for a strong workforce. As society manages this complex landscape, it is crucial to foster dialogue among stakeholders, including businesses, educators, and policymakers, to ensure that the future of work is inclusive and sustainable. The questions surrounding automation remain open-ended, inviting further inquiry into its long-term effects on individuals and society as a whole. As we move forward, it is imperative to consider not only the technological advancements but also the human element that supports the workforce.

Directions: Once you have read the passage, answer the following questions.

Paragraph 1 

The rise of automation has significantly changed the workforce situation, especially over the past few decades. Automation, defined as the use of technology to perform tasks traditionally done by human labour, has gained popularity due to improvements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and machine learning. These technologies have allowed machines to take on increasingly complicated tasks, transforming industries from manufacturing to services. As organisations combine automated systems into their operations, they experience greater efficiency, prompting a critical assessment of the role of human workers in todays economy.

1. According to paragraph 1, what has significantly changed the workforce situation in recent decades?  
   1. The rise of automation
   2. The decline of human labour
   3. The increase in manual tasks
   4. The reduction of technology use

1. In paragraph 1, each of the following is mentioned as a reason for the popularity of automation EXCEPT:
   1. Improvements in artificial intelligence
   2. The decline of traditional manufacturing
   3. Advances in robotics
   4. Developments in machine learning
      

Paragraph 2

One of the most important impacts of automation is its effect on productivity. Research shows that automated systems can operate continuously without the need for breaks, leading to important increases in output. For example, in the manufacturing sector, robots can assemble products with a speed and precision that far exceed human capabilities. This shift has reduced production costs and increased the availability of goods. However, while productivity gains are clear, they raise questions about the lasting nature of such growth. Critics argue that an over-reliance on automation may worsen economic differences, as the benefits of increased productivity may not be fairly shared among the workforce, potentially leading to a widening gap between skilled and unskilled workers.

1. What can be inferred from paragraph 2 about the relationship between automation and economic differences? 
   1. Automation benefits all workers equally.
   2. Automation may exacerbate existing economic disparities.
   3. Automation has no impact on economic differences.
   4. Automation solely benefits skilled workers.

1. Why does the author mention the example of robots in the manufacturing sector in paragraph 2?
   1. To illustrate the limitations of human labour
   2. To highlight the speed and precision of automated systems
   3. To argue against the use of technology in production
   4. To suggest that robots will replace all human workers

Paragraph 3

The integration of automation into the workforce has sparked a contentious debate regarding job loss. As machines increasingly take over tasks previously done by humans, concerns about job loss have escalated. For example, in the retail sector, the introduction of self-checkout systems has reduced the need for cashiers, while in agriculture, automated machinery has cut down the demand for seasonal workers. Even though supporters of automation argue that it creates new job opportunities in technology and maintenance, the transition may not be seamless. Workers in low-skilled positions may find it particularly challenging to adjust to the evolving job market, leading to increased unemployment and potential social unrest. Historical data from previous technological revolutions, such as the Industrial Revolution, suggests that while new jobs were created, many workers faced significant hardships during the transition.

1. In paragraph 3, the word "contentious" is closest in meaning to:  
   1. Uncertain
   2. Controversial
   3. Unpopular
   4. Unresolved

1. Which of the following sentences best expresses the essential information in the following text from paragraph 3?

 "The integration of automation into the workforce has sparked a contentious debate regarding job loss."   

1. 1. The introduction of automation has led to a debate about job loss.
   2. Automation has eliminated all jobs in the workforce.
   3. Job loss is not a concern in the debate about automation.
   4. Workers are not affected by automation in the workforce.

Paragraphs 4

However, supporters of automation contend that it can improve job quality by relieving workers from boring and physically demanding tasks. By automating routine processes, employees can focus on more complex and creative aspects of their jobs, potentially leading to greater job satisfaction. For instance, in the healthcare sector, automation can assist with administrative tasks, allowing medical professionals to dedicate more time to patient care. Furthermore, automation can improve workplace safety by taking over hazardous tasks, thereby reducing the risk of injury. This perspective suggests that rather than eliminating jobs, automation may redefine them, creating a workforce that is more skilled and involved. However, this optimistic view must be tempered with the understanding that not all workers will benefit equally from these changes.

1. Which of the following best summarises the main idea of paragraph 4? 
   1. Automation only creates new jobs in technology.
   2. Automation can enhance job quality but may not benefit all workers equally.
   3. Automation is detrimental to job satisfaction in all sectors.
   4. Automation eliminates the need for human workers in healthcare.

Paragraph 5

(A) The effects of automation extend beyond individual job roles to include broader economic and social changes. (B) As industries evolve, there is a pressing need for educational institutions to adjust their curricula to prepare future workers for an automated world. (C) Skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and technological proficiency are becoming increasingly essential. (D) Also, policymakers must consider the potential effects of automation on income inequality and social mobility. Strategies such as retraining programmes and social safety nets may be necessary to support workers affected by automation, ensuring that the transition to a more automated economy is fair. Historical examples, like the creation of job-related training programmes during the Industrial Revolution, highlight the importance of active measures in reducing the negative effects of technological change.

1. In paragraph 5, there is a missing sentence. The paragraph shows four letters  (A),  (B),  (C),  (D) that indicate where the following sentence could be added. 
   

   "These skills will help workers adapt to the changing job landscape." 

   Where would the sentence best fit? 

   1. Option A
   2. Option B
   3. Option C
   4. Option D
      

Paragraph 6

To sum up, while automation in the workforce presents numerous advantages, including increased productivity and improved job quality, it also poses important challenges, particularly concerning job loss and economic inequality. The ongoing evolution of technology requires a thorough approach that balances the benefits of automation with the need for a strong workforce. As society manages this complex landscape, it is crucial to foster dialogue among stakeholders, including businesses, educators, and policymakers, to ensure that the future of work is inclusive and sustainable. The questions surrounding automation remain open-ended, inviting further inquiry into its long-term effects on individuals and society as a whole. As we move forward, it is imperative to consider not only the technological advancements but also the human element that supports the workforce.

1. What is the main purpose of the passage?
   
   
   1. To highlight the advantages of automation
   2. To summarise the challenges posed by automation
   3. To emphasise the need for dialogue among stakeholders
   4. To argue against the use of automation in the workforce

Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below. Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage. Some sentences do not belong in the summary because they express ideas that are not presented in the passage or are minor ideas in the passage. 

1. Automation in the workforce offers both benefits and challenges that must be addressed. 
   
   
   1. Automation can lead to increased productivity and improved job quality.
   2. The transition to automation may result in job loss and economic inequality.
   3. Educational institutions must adapt to prepare workers for an automated future.
   4. Automation will eliminate the need for human workers in all sectors.
   5. Policymakers should ignore the effects of automation on social mobility.

Hold on!  Before checking your answers and matching them, explore the TOEFL Exam Pattern and Syllabus!

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Automation in the Workforce

1.  Answer: A

Explanation: The passage explicitly states that "The rise of automation has significantly changed the workforce situation," making it clear that automation is the primary factor influencing changes in the workforce over recent decades.

2. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage lists improvements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and machine learning as reasons for the popularity of automation. It does not mention the decline of traditional manufacturing as a reason, making option B the correct answer.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage discusses how the benefits of increased productivity from automation may not be fairly shared, potentially leading to a widening gap between skilled and unskilled workers. This suggests that automation could worsen existing economic disparities.

4. Answer: B

Explanation: The example of robots assembling products is used to illustrate how automated systems can operate with speed and precision that far exceed human capabilities, emphasizing the advantages of automation in productivity.

5. Answer: B

Explanation: The term "contentious" refers to something that causes disagreement or controversy. In the context of the passage, it describes the debate surrounding job loss due to automation, indicating that it is a topic of dispute.

6. Answer: A

Explanation: The correct answer is option A. This sentence captures the main idea of the original sentence by summarizing that the integration of automation has sparked a debate regarding job loss, without introducing any inaccuracies.

7. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B. The paragraph discusses how automation can improve job quality by relieving workers from mundane tasks, but it also notes that not all workers will benefit equally from these changes, making option B the best summary.

8. Answer: B

Explanation: The correct answer is option B.  The missing sentence about skills helping workers adapt fits best after the mention of the need for educational institutions to adjust their curricula, as it logically follows the discussion about essential skills for future workers.

9. Answer: C

Explanation: The paragraph highlights the importance of fostering dialogue among various stakeholders to ensure that the future of work is inclusive and sustainable, which is the central theme of the paragraph.

10. Answer: A, B, C

Explanation: These three choices encapsulate the main ideas of the passage, addressing both the benefits (increased productivity and improved job quality) and challenges (job loss and the need for educational adaptation) associated with automation. Options D and E do not reflect the passage's content accurately.

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