According to a recent analysis by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), artificial intelligence (AI) is projected to impact almost 40% of all jobs. The managing director of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, stated that in most scenarios, AI is likely to worsen overall inequality. She emphasized the need for policymakers to address this concerning trend and prevent the technology from further exacerbating social tensions. The IMF report suggests that AI will have a greater impact on jobs in advanced economies, with around 60% of jobs being affected. While some workers may benefit from the integration of AI and experience increased productivity, others may face job losses and wage reductions. In low-income countries, the IMF predicts that AI will impact only 26% of jobs. However, the lack of infrastructure and skilled workforce in these countries could lead to increased inequality among nations.

The IMF analysis also highlights the potential disproportionate impact of AI on different groups of workers. Higher-income and younger workers may see a significant increase in their wages after adopting AI, while lower-income and older workers could fall behind. To address this issue, the IMF suggests that countries should establish comprehensive social safety nets and offer retraining programs for vulnerable workers. By doing so, the transition to AI can be made more inclusive, protecting livelihoods and curbing inequality.

The discussion around AI has gained momentum, with global business and political leaders gathering at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The regulation of AI is also becoming a priority in many countries. The European Union recently reached a provisional deal on comprehensive laws to regulate the use of AI, while China has already introduced national regulations on AI development and deployment. In the United States, President Biden signed an executive order requiring developers to share safety results related to AI with the government. These efforts aim to ensure the safe and responsible development of AI technology.

In conclusion, the IMF’s analysis highlights the significant impact that AI is expected to have on jobs, with potential consequences for inequality. Policymakers are urged to address this trend and implement measures to protect vulnerable workers and promote inclusivity. The regulation of AI is also gaining traction globally, with countries taking steps to ensure the responsible use of this technology.

Original news source: AI to hit 40% of jobs and worsen inequality, IMF says (BBC)

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Ask students to read the article and write a summary of the main points. They should aim to condense the information into a few sentences, highlighting the key ideas and arguments presented in the article. Afterward, have students share their summaries with a partner or in small groups and discuss any similarities or differences in their summaries.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into groups and assign each group a specific question related to the article. For example, “Do you agree with the IMF’s suggestion of establishing social safety nets and retraining programs for vulnerable workers?” Have each group conduct a mini opinion poll within the class, asking their assigned question to different students. After gathering responses, each group should present their findings to the class and engage in a discussion about the various opinions expressed.

– Headline Creation
Instructions: Ask students to create attention-grabbing headlines for the article. They should aim to capture the main idea or key takeaway in a concise and engaging manner. Afterward, have students share their headlines with the class and discuss the different approaches taken. This activity encourages students to think critically about the content and practice summarizing complex information in a succinct way.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Select 10-15 vocabulary words from the article and write them on separate slips of paper. Divide the class into pairs or small groups and distribute the vocabulary words equally among them. Each group should take turns selecting a word and drawing a quick sketch to represent it without using any letters or numbers. The other group members must guess the word based on the drawing alone. This activity helps reinforce vocabulary retention and encourages creative thinking.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into two groups, assigning one group to discuss the pros of AI’s impact on jobs and the other group to discuss the cons. Give students time to prepare their arguments, considering the points raised in the article as well as their own opinions and experiences. Then, have each group present their arguments to the class and engage in a respectful debate, exploring the different perspectives and potential implications of AI on jobs and inequality.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. According to the IMF analysis, what percentage of jobs is projected to be impacted by AI?
2. How does the managing director of the IMF believe AI will affect overall inequality?
3. Which countries does the IMF report suggest will be most impacted by AI in terms of job loss?
4. What potential impact does the IMF analysis highlight on different groups of workers?
5. What suggestions does the IMF make to address the potential inequality caused by AI?
6. What recent actions have been taken by the European Union, China, and the United States regarding the regulation of AI?
7. What is the main message of the IMF’s analysis regarding AI and its impact on jobs?
8. What are the potential consequences if policymakers do not address the impact of AI on inequality?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

According to a recent analysis by the International (1)______ Fund (IMF), artificial intelligence (AI) is projected to impact almost 40% of all jobs. The managing director of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, stated that in most scenarios, AI is likely to worsen overall inequality. She emphasized the need for policymakers to address this concerning (2)______ and (3)______ the technology from further exacerbating social tensions. The IMF report suggests that AI will have a greater impact on jobs in advanced economies, with around 60% of jobs being affected. While some workers may benefit from the (4)______ of AI and experience increased productivity, others may face job losses and wage reductions. In low-income countries, the IMF predicts that AI will impact only 26% of jobs. However, the lack of infrastructure and skilled workforce in these countries could lead to increased inequality among (5)______.

The IMF analysis also highlights the potential disproportionate impact of AI on different groups of workers. Higher-income and younger workers may see a significant increase in their wages after adopting AI, while lower-income and older workers could fall behind. To (6)______ this (7)______, the IMF suggests that countries should (8)______ (9)______ social safety nets and offer (10)______ programs for vulnerable workers. By doing so, the transition to AI can be made more inclusive, protecting livelihoods and curbing inequality.

The discussion around AI has gained momentum, with global business and political leaders gathering at the (11)______ Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The regulation of AI is also becoming a priority in many countries. The European Union recently reached a provisional deal on comprehensive laws to regulate the use of AI, while China has already introduced (12)______ regulations on AI development and deployment. In the United States, President Biden signed an executive order requiring developers to share safety results related to AI with the government. These efforts aim to ensure the safe and responsible development of AI (13)______.

In conclusion, the IMF’s analysis highlights the significant impact that AI is expected to have on jobs, with potential consequences for inequality. Policymakers are urged to address this trend and implement (14)______ to protect vulnerable workers and (15)______ inclusivity. The regulation of AI is also gaining (16)______ globally, with countries taking steps to ensure the responsible use of this technology.
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💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs?
2. How would you feel if your job was replaced by AI technology?
3. Do you think AI will worsen overall inequality? Why or why not?
4. What measures do you think policymakers should take to address the potential consequences of AI on jobs?
5. How do you think the integration of AI will affect productivity in the workplace?
6. Do you believe that AI will have a greater impact on jobs in advanced economies compared to low-income countries? Why or why not?
7. What do you think are the challenges that low-income countries face in dealing with the impact of AI on jobs?
8. How do you think AI will affect different groups of workers, such as higher-income and lower-income workers?
9. What are your thoughts on the suggestion of establishing comprehensive social safety nets and retraining programs for vulnerable workers?
10. Do you think the regulation of AI is necessary? Why or why not?
11. What are some potential benefits and drawbacks of regulating the use of AI?
12. How do you think the responsible development of AI technology can be ensured?
13. What role do you think international cooperation should play in addressing the impact of AI on jobs and inequality?
14. How do you think the global business and political leaders gathering at the World Economic Forum can contribute to addressing the challenges of AI?
15. What are your predictions for the future of AI and its impact on society?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. artificial
2. inequality
3. exacerbating
4. integration
5. productivity
6. infrastructure
7. vulnerable
8. disproportionate
9. comprehensive
10. retraining
11. livelihoods
12. curbing
13. momentum
14. provisional
15. deployment

Meanings:
(A) The act of reducing or holding back the increase or spread of something
(B) The means of securing the necessities of life
(C) The effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry
(D) Temporary and subject to change or formalization
(E) The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
(F) Out of proportion; too much or too little in comparison with something else
(G) Capable of being hurt, damaged, or negatively affected
(H) The process of teaching or learning new skills
(I) The process of combining with another to form a whole
(J) Thorough and complete in coverage or scope
(K) The force or speed with which something moves
(L) Making a problem or negative situation worse
(M) The state of not being equal, especially in status and opportunities
(N) Made by human skill or effort rather than occurring naturally
(O) The act of putting something into use or action
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. According to the IMF analysis, what percentage of jobs is projected to be impacted by AI?
(a) Almost 60%
(b) Almost 26%
(c) Almost 40%
(d) Almost 100%

2. Who is the managing director of the IMF?
(a) Joe Biden
(b) Xi Jinping
(c) Angela Merkel
(d) Kristalina Georgieva

3. Which group of workers may see a significant increase in wages after adopting AI?
(a) Higher-income and younger workers
(b) Lower-income and older workers
(c) Workers in low-income countries
(d) Workers in advanced economies

4. What is one suggestion made by the IMF to address the potential inequality caused by AI?
(a) Increase taxes on AI technology
(b) Ban the use of AI in the workplace
(c) Provide financial incentives for AI adoption
(d) Establish comprehensive social safety nets

5. Which country recently reached a provisional deal on comprehensive laws to regulate the use of AI?
(a) China
(b) European Union
(c) United States
(d) Switzerland

6. What is the purpose of the executive order signed by President Biden?
(a) Banning the use of AI in the United States
(b) Requiring developers to share safety results related to AI with the government
(c) Promoting the development of AI technology
(d) Establishing social safety nets for vulnerable workers

7. What is one potential consequence of AI on jobs in low-income countries?
(a) Increased inequality among nations
(b) Higher wages for all workers
(c) Decreased productivity
(d) More job opportunities for skilled workers

8. What is the main message of the IMF’s analysis?
(a) AI will have no impact on jobs or inequality
(b) AI will only impact jobs in low-income countries
(c) AI is expected to impact a significant number of jobs and worsen inequality
(d) AI will lead to equal wages for all workers

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. In low-income countries, the IMF predicts that AI will impact only 26% of jobs due to the lack of infrastructure and skilled workforce.
2. The managing director of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, believes that AI is unlikely to worsen overall inequality.
3. The regulation of AI is becoming a priority globally, with the European Union, China, and the United States taking steps to ensure responsible development and use of AI technology.
4. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently conducted an analysis on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on jobs.
5. The IMF report suggests that AI will have a greater impact on jobs in advanced economies, with around 60% of jobs being affected.
6. The IMF suggests that countries should not establish comprehensive social safety nets and offer retraining programs to protect vulnerable workers during the transition to AI.
7. The IMF analysis highlights the potential disproportionate impact of AI on different groups of workers, with higher-income and younger workers benefiting more.
8. According to the IMF analysis, AI is projected to impact less than 40% of all jobs.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What percentage of jobs is projected to be impacted by artificial intelligence, according to the IMF analysis?
2. How does the IMF report suggest that AI will affect jobs in advanced economies versus low-income countries?
3. What groups of workers may see a significant increase in wages after adopting AI, according to the IMF analysis?
4. What measures does the IMF suggest countries should take to address the potential inequality caused by AI?
5. What efforts are being made by countries to regulate the use of AI and ensure its safe and responsible development?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. According to the IMF analysis, almost 40% of all jobs are projected to be impacted by AI.
2. The managing director of the IMF believes that AI is likely to worsen overall inequality.
3. The IMF report suggests that AI will have a greater impact on jobs in advanced economies.
4. The IMF analysis highlights the potential disproportionate impact of AI on different groups of workers, with higher-income and younger workers potentially benefiting while lower-income and older workers could fall behind.
5. The IMF suggests that countries should establish comprehensive social safety nets and offer retraining programs for vulnerable workers to address potential inequality caused by AI.
6. The European Union reached a provisional deal on comprehensive laws to regulate the use of AI, China has introduced national regulations on AI development and deployment, and the United States signed an executive order requiring developers to share safety results related to AI with the government.
7. The main message of the IMF’s analysis is that policymakers need to address the potential impact of AI on jobs and inequality and implement measures to protect vulnerable workers and promote inclusivity.
8. If policymakers do not address the impact of AI on inequality, there could be increased social tensions, job losses, wage reductions, and a widening gap between different groups of workers.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Monetary
(2) trend
(3) prevent
(4) integration
(5) nations
(6) address
(7) issue
(8) establish
(9) comprehensive
(10) retraining
(11) World
(12) national
(13) technology
(14) measures
(15) promote
(16) traction
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. artificial
Answer: (N) Made by human skill or effort rather than occurring naturally

2. inequality
Answer: (M) The state of not being equal, especially in status and opportunities

3. exacerbating
Answer: (L) Making a problem or negative situation worse

4. integration
Answer: (I) The process of combining with another to form a whole

5. productivity
Answer: (C) The effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry

6. infrastructure
Answer: (E) The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise

7. vulnerable
Answer: (G) Capable of being hurt, damaged, or negatively affected

8. disproportionate
Answer: (F) Out of proportion; too much or too little in comparison with something else

9. comprehensive
Answer: (J) Thorough and complete in coverage or scope

10. retraining
Answer: (H) The process of teaching or learning new skills

11. livelihoods
Answer: (B) The means of securing the necessities of life

12. curbing
Answer: (A) The act of reducing or holding back the increase or spread of something

13. momentum
Answer: (K) The force or speed with which something moves

14. provisional
Answer: (D) Temporary and subject to change or formalization

15. deployment
Answer: (O) The act of putting something into use or action
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. According to the IMF analysis, what percentage of jobs is projected to be impacted by AI?
Answer: (c) Almost 40%

2. Who is the managing director of the IMF?
Answer: (d) Kristalina Georgieva

3. Which group of workers may see a significant increase in wages after adopting AI?
Answer: (a) Higher-income and younger workers

4. What is one suggestion made by the IMF to address the potential inequality caused by AI?
Answer: (d) Establish comprehensive social safety nets

5. Which country recently reached a provisional deal on comprehensive laws to regulate the use of AI?
Answer: (b) European Union

6. What is the purpose of the executive order signed by President Biden?
Answer: (b) Requiring developers to share safety results related to AI with the government

7. What is one potential consequence of AI on jobs in low-income countries?
Answer: (a) Increased inequality among nations

8. What is the main message of the IMF’s analysis?
Answer: (c) AI is expected to impact a significant number of jobs and worsen inequality
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. In low-income countries, the IMF predicts that AI will impact only 26% of jobs due to the lack of infrastructure and skilled workforce. (Answer: True)
2. The managing director of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, believes that AI is unlikely to worsen overall inequality. (Answer: False)
3. The regulation of AI is becoming a priority globally, with the European Union, China, and the United States taking steps to ensure responsible development and use of AI technology. (Answer: True)
4. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently conducted an analysis on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on jobs. (Answer: False)
5. The IMF report suggests that AI will have a greater impact on jobs in advanced economies, with around 60% of jobs being affected. (Answer: True)
6. The IMF suggests that countries should not establish comprehensive social safety nets and offer retraining programs to protect vulnerable workers during the transition to AI. (Answer: False)
7. The IMF analysis highlights the potential disproportionate impact of AI on different groups of workers, with higher-income and younger workers benefiting more. (Answer: True)
8. According to the IMF analysis, AI is projected to impact less than 40% of all jobs. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧