The Automation Paradox

A statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.

• paradox

• claim

• fact

• opinion

In writing, it is the writer's position or opinion, on an issue

• claim

• paradox

• fact

• opinion

a statement that cannot be proven because it expresses a person's beliefs, feelings, or thoughts

• opinion

• evidence

• automation

• white-collar

a design element such as a diagram, bar graph, or pie chart that visually represents information

• opinion

• fact

• claim

• graphic feature

the automatic operation of equipment, a process, or a system

• blue-collar

• claim

• artificial intelligence

• automation

to distribute again but differently

• robustly

• expansive

• redistribute

• accomodate

broad in size, range, or degree of openness

• evidence

• fact

• expansive

• expensive

Which statement best describes the author’s central claim in “The Automation Paradox”?

• Computer automation will likely be responsible for the loss of most jobs.

• Computer automation should allow workers to avoid the need for advanced training.

• Computer automation will likely increase the number of jobs in certain fields rather than decreasing them.

• Computer automation should be welcomed like other technological advances in the past have been.

A fact that supports the author's claim in "The Automation Paradox":

• Technology fans claim that the fears that robots will lead to massive unemployment are unfounded.

• There is no argument that many jobs now held by humans will be replaced by some form of advanced technology.

• On average, since 1980, occupations with above-average computer use have grown substantially faster (0.9 percent per year).

In paragraph 11, the author implies that there is a problem with low-pay, low-skill workers losing their jobs to automation. Which of the following best describes his solution?

• Having workers get on the job training as well as promoting skill-certification programs to help workers get needed skills.

• People should just calm down about the robot apocalypse. This is evolution and people will naturally adjust.

• Policies can always help overcome the real issues. The government can solve everyone's problems with automation.

• Learning new skills is a challenge. Low-skill, low-pay workers will either rise to the challenge, or they won't. The choice is their own.