The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people in our lives, including those who excel in their professions. One common topic is “Describe a person who is very skilled at their job.” This article will provide you with valuable insights and examples to help you tackle this subject confidently and score high on your IELTS Speaking test.
IELTS Speaking Test
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask you general questions about work and skills. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you think it’s important to be skilled at your job?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I believe it’s quite important to be skilled at your job. Having good skills helps you perform better and can lead to more opportunities in your career.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I firmly believe that being highly skilled in one’s profession is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it enhances job performance and productivity, which is beneficial for both the individual and the organization. Secondly, possessing exceptional skills often leads to career advancement opportunities and increased job satisfaction. Moreover, in today’s competitive job market, being skilled sets you apart from others and can provide job security.
Q: What skills do you think are important for most jobs?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think communication skills and problem-solving abilities are important for most jobs. Being able to work well with others and find solutions to challenges is useful in many professions.
Band 8-9 Answer:
In my opinion, there are several universally valuable skills that are applicable across various professions. Effective communication is paramount, as it facilitates collaboration and ensures clear understanding among colleagues and clients. Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities are also essential, enabling professionals to navigate challenges efficiently. Additionally, adaptability and a willingness to learn are increasingly important in our rapidly evolving work environments. Lastly, I believe emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in fostering positive workplace relationships and managing stress effectively.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Now, let’s move on to Part 2, where you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our main topic:
Describe a person who is very skilled at their job.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What their job is
- How you know about their skills
- And explain why you think they are skilled at their job
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to talk about my former university professor, Dr. Sarah Thompson, who is exceptionally skilled in her role as a marine biologist and educator.
Dr. Thompson has been working in marine biology for over two decades, specializing in coral reef ecosystems. Her job involves conducting research, publishing scientific papers, and teaching undergraduate and graduate students.
I became aware of her remarkable skills during my time as her student. Her lectures were always captivating and informative, demonstrating her profound knowledge of marine ecosystems. What truly set her apart was her ability to explain complex concepts in an accessible manner, making even the most intricate biological processes easy to understand.
I believe Dr. Thompson is highly skilled at her job for several reasons. Firstly, her research contributions are groundbreaking. She has published numerous papers in prestigious scientific journals, and her work on coral bleaching has been cited extensively by other researchers in the field. Secondly, her teaching abilities are exceptional. She has a unique talent for engaging students and inspiring a passion for marine biology. Her innovative teaching methods, such as virtual reality dive experiences, demonstrate her commitment to embracing new technologies to enhance learning.
Moreover, Dr. Thompson’s skills extend beyond the classroom and laboratory. She is adept at securing research grants, which is crucial in academia. Her ability to communicate complex scientific findings to non-specialists has made her a sought-after speaker at environmental conferences and public events.
In conclusion, Dr. Thompson’s combination of extensive knowledge, research acumen, teaching excellence, and public engagement skills make her stand out as someone who is truly skilled at her job. Her work not only advances scientific understanding but also inspires the next generation of marine biologists.
Follow-up Questions
- How did Dr. Thompson’s skills influence your own career choices?
- Can you describe a specific instance where her expertise was particularly evident?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Dr. Thompson’s skills had a big impact on my career. Her passion for marine biology inspired me to pursue a similar path. I remember a field trip where she identified various species of coral and explained their ecological importance, which really showed her expertise.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Dr. Thompson’s exceptional skills and passion for marine biology profoundly influenced my career trajectory. Her ability to bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and real-world applications inspired me to pursue a career in environmental conservation. A particularly memorable instance of her expertise was during a research expedition to the Great Barrier Reef. Her astute observations and rapid identification of subtle changes in coral health demonstrated her unparalleled knowledge of marine ecosystems. This experience not only showcased her expertise but also ignited my own passion for coral reef conservation.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: How do you think technology is changing the skills required in many professions?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Technology is definitely changing the skills needed in many jobs. People now need to be good with computers and digital tools. It’s also important to be able to learn new things quickly because technology keeps changing.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Technology is fundamentally reshaping the skill requirements across various professions. Digital literacy has become a prerequisite in most fields, with professionals needing to be adept at using various software and digital tools specific to their industries. Moreover, the rapid pace of technological advancement necessitates a heightened ability to adapt and learn continuously.
We’re also seeing an increased demand for skills that complement technology rather than compete with it. For instance, while AI can process vast amounts of data, human skills like critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and creative problem-solving are becoming more valuable. Additionally, the ability to interpret and communicate insights from data has become crucial in many fields.
Interestingly, technology is also creating new specializations within traditional professions. For example, in law, we now have experts in cybersecurity law, and in medicine, professionals specializing in AI-assisted diagnostics. This trend underscores the need for interdisciplinary knowledge and the ability to bridge technological understanding with domain expertise.
Q: Do you think formal education or practical experience is more important for developing job skills?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think both are important, but practical experience might be more valuable. You learn a lot by doing things in real situations. However, formal education gives you a good foundation of knowledge to build on.
Band 8-9 Answer:
This is a nuanced issue that defies a one-size-fits-all answer. Both formal education and practical experience play crucial roles in developing job skills, but their relative importance can vary depending on the profession and individual circumstances.
Formal education provides a structured framework for learning, offering theoretical knowledge and foundational skills that are essential in many fields. It also develops critical thinking and research abilities, which are transferable across various professions. Moreover, in certain fields like medicine or law, formal education is indispensable due to licensing requirements and the need for standardized knowledge.
On the other hand, practical experience offers invaluable real-world application of knowledge. It provides insights into the nuances and complexities of a profession that textbooks often can’t capture. Practical experience also helps develop soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving in context.
Ideally, I believe the most effective skill development comes from a synergy of both formal education and practical experience. Many successful educational models, such as co-op programs or internships integrated into degree courses, recognize this and aim to provide both. This blended approach allows individuals to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, reinforcing learning and preparing them more comprehensively for their careers.
In conclusion, while the balance may shift depending on the specific job or industry, both formal education and practical experience contribute significantly to developing a well-rounded, skilled professional.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:
Adept /əˈdept/ (adjective): Very skilled or proficient at something.
Example: She is adept at managing complex projects.Exemplary /ɪɡˈzempləri/ (adjective): Serving as a desirable model; very good.
Example: His exemplary work ethic set a high standard for the entire team.Proficient /prəˈfɪʃənt/ (adjective): Competent or skilled in doing or using something.
Example: He is proficient in several programming languages.To excel /ɪkˈsel/ (verb): To be exceptionally good at or proficient in an activity or subject.
Example: She excels in creative problem-solving.Expertise /ˌekspərˈtiːz/ (noun): Expert skill or knowledge in a particular field.
Example: His expertise in artificial intelligence is widely recognized in the industry.Innovative /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ (adjective): Featuring new methods; advanced and original.
Example: Her innovative approach to teaching has revolutionized the department.To demonstrate /ˈdemənstreɪt/ (verb): To clearly show the existence or truth of something.
Example: The project demonstrated her exceptional leadership skills.Aptitude /ˈæptɪtjuːd/ (noun): A natural ability to do something.
Example: He has a natural aptitude for languages.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a skilled professional:
Use specific examples: Provide detailed anecdotes that illustrate the person’s skills.
Employ a range of vocabulary: Use synonyms and varied expressions to describe skills and abilities.
Demonstrate critical thinking: Explain why you consider the person skilled, not just stating that they are.
Use appropriate tenses: Ensure you use past, present, and future tenses accurately when discussing the person’s career and achievements.
Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses or hesitations.
Show enthusiasm: Convey genuine interest in the topic through your tone and expressions.
Develop your answers: Provide thorough responses, especially in Parts 2 and 3, to showcase your language abilities fully.
By following these guidelines and incorporating sophisticated vocabulary, you’ll be well-equipped to excel in your IELTS Speaking test when discussing skilled professionals or any related topics.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, check out our articles on describing a person who has influenced your professional growth and describing a time when you improved your digital skills.