# Debating AI in the Workplace: ESL Listening Dialogue (C1)

> Free C1 ESL listening dialogue. Two professionals discuss whether AI will replace or empower workers. Script, vocabulary, questions and AI audio.

Canonical: https://zenmic.com/esl/dialogues/ai-at-work/
Last updated: 2026-10-20

CEFR C1 • Society English

A C1 English listening dialogue. Two professionals discuss whether AI will replace or empower workers. Use it for listening practice, role play or homework, and generate the audio in a US, UK or Australian accent.

Opens the Studio with this script loaded and a voice for each speaker. Change any line or accent, then generate the MP3 for your class. No sign-up needed to try.

## Dialogue Script (2 speakers)

Tariq: I'm genuinely worried that AI will displace millions of office workers within a decade. Claire: I'd argue it's more likely to augment most jobs rather than replace them. Tariq: Maybe in creative fields. But roles built on routine tasks, like data entry or basic customer support, are clearly at risk. Claire: Granted. Yet historically, automation has created more jobs than it destroyed, just different ones. Tariq: Historically, yes. But the pace of change now is unprecedented. People can't retrain overnight. Claire: That's a fair point. The transition is the real problem, not the technology itself. Tariq: So, by and large, we agree the outcome depends on policy. Claire: Precisely. Without serious investment in retraining, the benefits will be very unevenly shared.

Want your own version? The AI writes a fresh script and casts a voice for every speaker. [Make a New One Like This →](https://zenmic.com/studio/?template=esl-listening-dialogue&topic=C1+listening+dialogue%3A+Debating+AI+in+the+Workplace.+Two+professionals+discuss+whether+AI+will+replace+or+empower+workers.)

## Key Vocabulary

to automate

To make a process happen by machine.

to augment

To make something bigger or better by adding to it.

to be displaced

To lose your job because of change.

by and large

Generally; on the whole.

## Comprehension Questions

1. Which jobs does Tariq think are at risk?
2. What is Claire's view of AI?
3. What do they both think is essential?

Tip: after you generate the audio, open its **Lesson view** for a printable transcript, vocabulary list and quiz with answers.

## How to Use It in Class

- **Before listening:** pre-teach the key vocabulary and ask students to predict what happens.
- **First listen:** students answer the comprehension questions without the script.
- **Second listen:** give out the script and have students underline useful phrases.
- **Speaking:** pairs role-play the dialogue, then change one detail and improvise.

## More C1 Dialogues

[📚 C1 Academic Seminar Debate Two students debate whether university education should be free.](https://zenmic.com/esl/dialogues/academic-debate/) [🎙️ C1 A Media Interview With a CEO A journalist challenges a CEO about a product recall.](https://zenmic.com/esl/dialogues/media-interview/) [🔬 C1 Discussing a Research Proposal With a Supervisor A PhD student and supervisor refine the scope of a research proposal.](https://zenmic.com/esl/dialogues/research-supervisor/) [🗣️ C1 Networking and Small Talk at a Conference Two professionals strike up a conversation between sessions and swap contacts.](https://zenmic.com/esl/dialogues/conference-small-talk/)

[← All ESL listening dialogues](https://zenmic.com/esl/dialogues/)

## Need This at a Different Level?

Change the level, the situation or the target words. ZenMic writes a new dialogue and voices it in a minute.

[Make a Custom Dialogue →](https://zenmic.com/studio/?template=esl-listening-dialogue&topic=C1+listening+dialogue%3A+Debating+AI+in+the+Workplace.+Two+professionals+discuss+whether+AI+will+replace+or+empower+workers.)