When preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to be ready for a wide range of topics. One common theme that often appears is describing influential people in your life, particularly those who have impacted your career decisions. This article will guide you through answering questions related to “Describe A Person Who Influenced Your Decision To Pursue A Career” across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about your career or people who have influenced you. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: Do you have a role model in your professional life?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. My high school chemistry teacher has been a significant role model for me. She inspired me to pursue a career in science.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I’ve been fortunate to have several role models throughout my professional journey, but the one who stands out is my high school chemistry teacher, Mrs. Thompson. Her passion for science and ability to make complex concepts accessible ignited my curiosity and ultimately steered me towards a career in biochemistry.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Cue Card
Describe a person who influenced your decision to pursue a career.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What career you decided to pursue
- Explain how this person influenced your decision
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
The person who influenced my decision to pursue a career is my uncle, John. He’s my father’s younger brother, and I’ve known him since I was a child. We often spent time together during family gatherings and holidays.
I decided to pursue a career in software engineering, largely due to my uncle’s influence. He works as a senior software developer at a well-known tech company.
My uncle influenced my decision in several ways. Firstly, he always talked enthusiastically about his work, which made me curious about the field. He would explain to me how software could solve real-world problems, which I found fascinating. Additionally, he encouraged me to start learning coding at a young age and even gifted me my first programming book.
His success in the field also played a role in my decision. Seeing how he enjoyed his work and the opportunities it provided him made me consider software engineering as a viable and exciting career path.
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
The individual who played a pivotal role in shaping my career decision is my uncle, John. He’s my father’s younger sibling, and I’ve had the privilege of knowing him since my earliest childhood memories. Our relationship has always been close, characterized by frequent interactions during family gatherings, holidays, and occasional weekend visits.
I ultimately decided to embark on a career in software engineering, a choice that was heavily influenced by my uncle’s professional journey and passion for technology. He currently holds a position as a senior software developer at a cutting-edge tech company, where he’s been for over a decade.
My uncle’s influence on my career decision was multi-faceted and profound. First and foremost, his unbridled enthusiasm for his work was infectious. He would often regale me with stories about the projects he was working on, painting vivid pictures of how software solutions could address complex real-world challenges. This ignited a spark of curiosity within me, prompting me to delve deeper into the world of technology.
Moreover, my uncle took an active role in nurturing my interest. He recognized my aptitude for logical thinking and problem-solving at an early age and encouraged me to channel these skills into coding. He didn’t just offer verbal encouragement; he took concrete steps to foster my growth. For instance, he gifted me my first programming book when I was just 12 and spent countless hours patiently guiding me through my initial coding attempts.
Perhaps most importantly, my uncle served as a living example of the potential and fulfillment that a career in software engineering could offer. Observing his professional trajectory – the intellectual stimulation he derived from his work, the tangible impact of his projects, and the lifestyle his career afforded him – provided me with a compelling vision of what my future could look like in this field.
In essence, my uncle’s influence transcended mere career advice. He opened my eyes to the exciting possibilities within the tech industry, equipped me with foundational knowledge, and instilled in me a passion for creating innovative solutions through code. His guidance and example were instrumental in steering me towards a path that has proven to be both challenging and immensely rewarding.
Career influence
Follow-up Questions
- How important do you think role models are in choosing a career?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I believe role models are quite important in career choices. They can provide guidance and inspiration, showing us what’s possible in a particular field.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I firmly believe that role models play a crucial role in career selection. They serve as living examples of success in a particular field, providing tangible proof of what can be achieved. Moreover, role models often offer invaluable insights into the realities of a profession, helping individuals make more informed decisions. Their influence can be particularly impactful during formative years, when young people are exploring various career paths and trying to envision their future selves.
- Do you think people should follow exactly in their role models’ footsteps?
Band 6-7 Answer:
No, I don’t think people should follow their role models exactly. It’s important to learn from them but also to find your own path and develop your own style.
Band 8-9 Answer:
While role models can be incredibly inspiring, I don’t believe it’s advisable to follow in their footsteps exactly. Each individual has their own unique set of skills, circumstances, and aspirations. The true value of a role model lies in their ability to motivate and guide, rather than provide a precise blueprint to be replicated. It’s more beneficial to extract key principles and attitudes from role models, adapting these to one’s own situation and goals. This approach allows for personal growth and innovation, potentially leading to even greater achievements than those of the role model.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think the influence of role models on career choices has changed over the years?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think the influence of role models has changed. With social media, we now have access to many more potential role models from different fields. This gives people more options when considering career choices.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Indeed, I believe the influence of role models on career choices has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. The advent of social media and the digital revolution has dramatically expanded our access to potential role models across various fields and geographical locations. This unprecedented exposure has both positive and negative implications.
On the positive side, individuals now have the opportunity to gain insights into a much wider array of careers and success stories. This broadened perspective can inspire people to consider paths they might not have been aware of previously, potentially leading to more diverse and fulfilling career choices.
However, this abundance of role models also presents challenges. The curated nature of social media can create unrealistic expectations about certain careers, potentially leading to disillusionment when reality doesn’t match the polished online persona. Additionally, the sheer volume of information and influences available can be overwhelming, making it more difficult for some to make decisive career choices.
Furthermore, the concept of a role model itself has evolved. Whereas previously, role models were often limited to family members, teachers, or local community leaders, now they can be global figures, industry disruptors, or even social media influencers. This shift has expanded the definition of success and career paths, potentially leading to more innovative and unconventional career choices.
In essence, while role models continue to play a crucial role in shaping career decisions, the nature of their influence has become more complex and multi-faceted, reflecting the interconnected and rapidly evolving world we live in.
Examiner: How can schools and universities better prepare students for making career decisions?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Schools and universities can better prepare students by offering career counseling services and organizing job fairs. They should also invite professionals from different fields to give talks about their careers.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Schools and universities can play a pivotal role in equipping students with the tools and knowledge necessary for making informed career decisions. There are several strategies these institutions could implement to enhance their effectiveness in this area.
Firstly, integrating career education into the curriculum from an early age is crucial. This doesn’t mean pushing children to choose a career prematurely, but rather fostering an awareness of the diverse career options available and the skills required for different professions. This could involve project-based learning that simulates real-world job scenarios, helping students understand the practical applications of their studies.
Secondly, schools and universities should prioritize experiential learning opportunities. This could include internships, job shadowing programs, and cooperative education arrangements with local businesses. These experiences provide students with valuable insights into different career paths and help them develop practical skills that are highly valued in the job market.
Moreover, institutions should offer comprehensive career counseling services. These services should go beyond simply administering aptitude tests and should include one-on-one mentoring, workshops on job search strategies, and guidance on developing essential soft skills like communication and leadership.
Another effective strategy is to foster stronger connections with alumni networks. Alumni can serve as valuable resources, offering real-world perspectives on various career paths and potentially providing internship or job opportunities.
Lastly, schools and universities should stay abreast of emerging trends in the job market and adapt their programs accordingly. This might involve introducing courses in emerging fields like artificial intelligence or sustainable energy, or incorporating digital literacy across all disciplines to prepare students for an increasingly technology-driven workplace.
By implementing these strategies, educational institutions can better equip students to navigate the complex landscape of career choices and empower them to make decisions that align with their skills, interests, and the realities of the job market.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
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Pivotal role (adjective + noun)
Pronunciation: /ˈpɪvətl roʊl/
Meaning: A crucial or very important function in a situation
Example: My mentor played a pivotal role in shaping my career path. -
To embark on (phrasal verb)
Pronunciation: /ɪmˈbɑːrk ɒn/
Meaning: To start or begin a new project or journey
Example: After graduating, I decided to embark on a career in marketing. -
Infectious enthusiasm (adjective + noun)
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈfekʃəs ɪnˈθjuːziæzəm/
Meaning: Excitement or passion that easily spreads to others
Example: Her infectious enthusiasm for science inspired many of her students. -
To nurture (verb)
Pronunciation: /ˈnɜːrtʃər/
Meaning: To encourage or help develop
Example: Good managers nurture the talents of their team members. -
Tangible impact (adjective + noun)
Pronunciation: /ˈtændʒəbl ˈɪmpækt/
Meaning: A real or visible effect
Example: The new policy had a tangible impact on employee satisfaction. -
To steer towards (phrasal verb)
Pronunciation: /stɪər təˈwɔːrdz/
Meaning: To guide or direct in a particular direction
Example: My interest in technology steered me towards a career in IT.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing influential people in your career choices:
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Prepare diverse examples: Have several examples ready of people who have influenced you, not just in your career but in various aspects of life.
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Practice elaboration: Don’t just state facts; explain the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind your statements. This shows depth of thought and improves your fluency.
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses.
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Maintain coherence: Ensure your ideas flow logically, especially in Part 2’s long turn. Use linking words to connect your points smoothly.
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Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to analyze and reflect on experiences, particularly in Part 3 discussions.
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Stay relevant: Always keep your responses relevant to the question asked, avoiding the temptation to recite memorized scripts.
Remember, authenticity is key. While it’s important to prepare, your responses should sound natural and personal. Regular practice with a variety of topics will help you feel more confident and perform better on test day.
For more tips on how to excel in describing influential people in your IELTS Speaking test, check out our guide on how to describe a person who has a positive influence on others in IELTS Speaking.
