Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Effectively Describe an Important Job in Society

In IELTS Speaking exams, candidates are often asked to discuss various aspects of society, including important professions. The topic “describe a job that you think is important in society” is a common one that has appeared in past tests and is likely to continue being relevant in future exams. This article will guide you through answering this question effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about jobs and work. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. What kind of jobs do you think are important in society?
2. Do you think all jobs are equally important? Why or why not?
3. What job would you like to do in the future?

Let’s focus on answering the first question:

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe there are many crucial jobs in society, but some that stand out to me are teachers, healthcare workers, and environmental scientists. These professions play vital roles in educating future generations, maintaining public health, and addressing critical environmental issues that affect us all. Each of these jobs contributes significantly to the well-being and progress of our society in unique ways.”

Describe a new development in your country that has created new job opportunities can also be an interesting topic to discuss in relation to important professions in society.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe a job that you think is important in society

You should say:
- What the job is
- What people in this job do
- Why you think it is important
- And explain how this job benefits society

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about the job of a teacher, which I believe is incredibly important in society. Teachers are responsible for educating students of all ages, from young children to adults. Their main tasks include preparing lesson plans, delivering lectures, assessing student progress, and providing guidance and support.

Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the future of our society by imparting knowledge and skills to the next generation. They not only teach academic subjects but also help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and social skills.

I think teaching is important because education is the foundation of personal and societal growth. A well-educated population is better equipped to face challenges, innovate, and contribute positively to the community.

This job benefits society in numerous ways. Firstly, it ensures the continuity of knowledge and culture across generations. Secondly, it helps create a skilled workforce that can drive economic growth and technological advancement. Lastly, good education can lead to better social outcomes, such as reduced crime rates and improved public health awareness.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to discuss the profession of environmental scientists, which I consider to be of paramount importance in our society today. These professionals are at the forefront of understanding and addressing the complex environmental challenges we face globally.

Environmental scientists engage in a diverse range of activities, including conducting field research, analyzing data on pollution levels and ecosystem health, developing sustainable resource management strategies, and advising policymakers on environmental regulations. They often specialize in areas such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, or waste management.

The significance of this role cannot be overstated in our current context of rapid climate change and environmental degradation. Environmental scientists provide the scientific basis for understanding these issues and developing effective solutions. Their work is crucial in informing public policy, guiding corporate sustainability efforts, and raising public awareness about environmental concerns.

The benefits of this profession to society are multifaceted and far-reaching. Firstly, environmental scientists contribute to the preservation of our planet’s biodiversity and natural resources, which are essential for human survival and well-being. Their research and recommendations help in mitigating the impacts of climate change, potentially averting catastrophic consequences for communities worldwide. Moreover, their work in areas such as renewable energy and sustainable agriculture is instrumental in transitioning towards a more sustainable and resilient global economy. By promoting environmental stewardship, they also play a vital role in ensuring a healthier and safer living environment for current and future generations.”

Environmental scientist analyzing data

Follow-up questions:

1. What challenges do people in this profession face?
2. How has this job changed over the years?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):

“Environmental scientists face numerous challenges in their profession. One of the most significant is the politicization of environmental issues, which can make it difficult to implement evidence-based policies. They also grapple with the complexity of environmental systems, requiring interdisciplinary approaches and sophisticated modeling techniques. Additionally, securing funding for long-term research projects can be challenging, especially when the benefits may not be immediately apparent. Lastly, the emotional toll of working on pressing issues like climate change, which can sometimes feel overwhelming, is a personal challenge many in this field face.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. How do you think the importance of different jobs in society has changed over time?
2. Do you think some professions are overvalued or undervalued in today’s society? Why?
3. How might technological advancements affect the job market in the future?

Let’s focus on the first question:

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“The perceived importance of different jobs in society has certainly evolved over time, largely due to changes in technology, economic structures, and social values. For instance, in the past, agricultural jobs were considered paramount as food production was a primary concern. However, with industrialization and technological advancements, we’ve seen a shift towards valuing jobs in manufacturing, and more recently, in the service and technology sectors.

Today, we’re seeing increased recognition of jobs related to environmental protection, mental health, and digital technology. This shift reflects our growing awareness of environmental issues, the importance of mental well-being, and the central role of technology in our lives.

At the same time, some traditional jobs, like teaching and healthcare, have maintained their importance, though their nature has changed with new technologies and methodologies. I believe this evolution will continue as our society faces new challenges and opportunities.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“The relative importance ascribed to different professions in society has undergone significant transformations over time, reflecting broader socioeconomic and technological shifts. This evolution is intrinsically linked to changing societal needs, values, and challenges.

In agrarian societies, farmers and craftsmen were held in high esteem due to their direct contribution to survival and quality of life. The Industrial Revolution then elevated the status of engineers and factory workers, as manufacturing became the cornerstone of economic growth. The 20th century saw the rise of financial services and management roles, coinciding with the growth of global capitalism.

In recent decades, we’ve witnessed a marked shift towards valuing knowledge-based and creative professions. The advent of the digital age has catapulted software developers, data scientists, and AI specialists to the forefront of the job market. Simultaneously, there’s been a growing recognition of the importance of caregiving professions, including nurses and elderly care workers, as populations in many countries age.

Moreover, the looming climate crisis has heightened the perceived importance of environmental scientists, renewable energy experts, and sustainability consultants. This reflects a broader societal shift towards prioritizing long-term environmental stewardship over short-term economic gains.

Interestingly, some professions, such as teachers and healthcare workers, have maintained their importance throughout these shifts, though their roles have evolved. The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the critical nature of these jobs, along with often overlooked roles like delivery drivers and grocery store workers.

Looking ahead, I anticipate that jobs related to emerging technologies like quantum computing, biotechnology, and space exploration will gain prominence. Additionally, as we grapple with complex global challenges, interdisciplinary roles that bridge traditional boundaries between fields may become increasingly valued.

This ongoing evolution underscores the dynamic nature of our economy and the need for adaptability in the workforce. It also highlights the importance of continual learning and skill development to remain relevant in an ever-changing job market.”

Evolution of important jobs in society

Describe a time you visited a famous landmark can provide interesting insights into how different professions contribute to preserving and showcasing cultural heritage.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your responses and aim for higher band scores, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Paramount /ˈpærəmaʊnt/ (adjective): More important than anything else.
   Example: “The role of healthcare workers is paramount in maintaining public health.”

2. Multifaceted /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
   Example: “The benefits of environmental scientists to society are multifaceted and far-reaching.”

3. Intrinsically /ɪnˈtrɪnsɪkli/ (adverb): In an essential or natural way.
   Example: “The importance of different jobs is intrinsically linked to societal needs.”

4. Catapult /ˈkætəpʌlt/ (verb): To thrust or move quickly or suddenly.
   Example: “Technological advancements have catapulted software developers to the forefront of the job market.”

5. Grapple with (phrasal verb): To struggle or contend with.
   Example: “Environmental scientists grapple with complex ecosystem interactions daily.”

Describe a time when you felt nervous before doing something can be related to starting a new, important job, providing another angle to discuss the significance of certain professions.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve high scores in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing important jobs in society:

1. Develop a broad understanding of various professions and their societal impacts.
2. Practice explaining complex ideas clearly and concisely.
3. Use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and grammatical structures accurately.
4. Provide specific examples to support your points.
5. Show awareness of current global issues and how they relate to different professions.
6. Practice speaking on this topic for 2-3 minutes without repetition or hesitation.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about memorizing answers, but developing the ability to communicate effectively on a wide range of topics. Regular practice and expanding your general knowledge will significantly enhance your performance.

Describe an area of science that interests you can be an excellent way to demonstrate your knowledge about important scientific professions and their impact on society.

IELTS Speaking practice session

By following these guidelines and incorporating the provided vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss important jobs in society in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember to stay informed about current events and societal trends to enrich your responses further.