Skills for the Future Workplace

Are the sentences true or false?

• Flexibility is another skill that will be in demand.

• Workers of the future will need to be equally competent at both basic clerical duties and higher-level problem-solving and critical thinking.

• The article argues that RPA will change the nature of the work that workers do.

• Some people fear that RPA will lead to unemployment.

• If workers can develop these skills, companies won’t need to implement RPA in the future.

Answer explanation

All statements reflect the article's view on the future of work, emphasizing the need for flexibility, competence in various skills, and concerns about RPA's impact on employment.

Choose the correct answer.

• They are workers who are not afraid of technological advances.

• And they will be successful, regardless of the job they choose.

• One such skill is the ability to solve problems and think critically.

• But the future is unpredictable and does not guarantee success.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights a crucial skill for success in any field: problem-solving and critical thinking. This ability is essential in adapting to changes and challenges in the workplace.

Which sentence mentions the time that an action will occur?

• RPA robots would be able to handle mundane, repetitive tasks, thereby lowering costs and increasing productivity.

• There is a common concern that companies employing RPA technology are only interested in cost reduction.

• We should ensure that when automation fully takes over, our workers will have the skills to become better employees and leaders of the future.

• Menial tasks are likely to be taken over by automation.

Answer explanation

The correct choice mentions the time an action will occur with the phrase "when automation fully takes over," indicating a future event related to workers' skills.

Which sentence does NOT mention the time that an action will occur?

• When robots take over our work, we will have to step up into more managerial jobs.

• Because of RPA, clerical jobs might become obsolete.

• While some industries are still debating the pros and cons of RPA, we should start developing business skills that will make us better leaders.

• As more and more companies turn to robots to do menial tasks, people without desirable business skills will lose their jobs.

Answer explanation

The sentence 'Because of RPA, clerical jobs might become obsolete.' does not specify when the action will occur, unlike the other sentences that imply a future timeframe for the actions discussed.

‘There is concern that RPA could replace all of our jobs. Focusing on such concerns could potentially stop us from exploring the advantages of RPA.’ Which word in the second sentence connects it to the first?

• focusing

• such

• potentially

• advantages

Answer explanation

The word 'such' in the second sentence refers back to the concerns mentioned in the first sentence. It connects the two ideas by indicating that focusing on those specific concerns could hinder the exploration of RPA's advantages.

‘Workers of the future will be expected to have problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Those will enable them to tackle any difficult situation and work independently to find solutions.’ Which word or words in the second sentence connect it to the first?

• those and them

• any

• work independently

• find solutions

Answer explanation

The words 'those' and 'them' in the second sentence refer back to 'problem-solving and critical thinking skills' mentioned in the first sentence, establishing a clear connection between the two ideas.

Which of the following phrases suggests the highest probability that something will happen?

• It is expected to happen.

• It is likely to happen.

• It has the potential to happen.

• It is bound to happen.

Answer explanation

The phrase 'It is bound to happen' indicates a certainty, suggesting the highest probability of occurrence. In contrast, the other phrases imply varying degrees of likelihood, making 'bound to' the strongest choice.

Which of the following phrases suggests the lowest probability that something will happen?

• It is expected to happen.

• It is likely to happen.

• It has the potential to happen.

• It is bound to happen.

Answer explanation

The phrase "It has the potential to happen" suggests the lowest probability because it indicates possibility without certainty, unlike the other phrases which imply higher likelihoods.

Put the words in the correct order to make sentences.

Answer explanation

To form correct sentences, rearrange the words based on grammatical structure, ensuring subject-verb agreement and proper use of adjectives and adverbs. This will create coherent and meaningful statements.

How do you think the workplace of the future might change? What business skills do you think will be necessary for the worker of the future to be successful?

Answer explanation

The workplace of the future will likely emphasize remote collaboration and digital skills. Workers will need adaptability, tech proficiency, and strong communication skills to thrive in this evolving environment.