The ability to describe people and their professions is a crucial skill in the IELTS Speaking test. One common topic that often appears is discussing individuals with occupations different from your own. This theme allows examiners to assess your vocabulary range, fluency, and ability to express complex ideas about careers and personal experiences.
Describe a skill you have been practicing recently can also be related to career development, so it’s essential to be prepared for various job-related questions in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about work and careers. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Question: What kind of job would you like to have in the future?
Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m quite passionate about pursuing a career in environmental engineering. This field fascinates me because it combines cutting-edge technology with the vital goal of preserving our planet. I believe that as an environmental engineer, I could contribute to developing sustainable solutions for pressing issues like climate change and resource depletion. It’s a challenging field, but I’m drawn to the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the world around us.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe A Person Who Has A Very Different Job From You.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What their job is
- How you know about their job
- And explain why you think their job is different from yours
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who works as a deep-sea marine biologist. Her job is worlds apart from my role as a software developer, and I find her career absolutely fascinating.
Sarah’s primary responsibility is to study and document marine life in the deepest parts of the ocean. She spends a significant amount of time on research vessels, using state-of-the-art submersibles to explore underwater ecosystems that few humans have ever seen. Her work involves collecting specimens, analyzing data, and contributing to scientific papers that shed light on the mysteries of the deep sea.
I learned about Sarah’s job through our long-standing friendship and her captivating stories. We’ve known each other since university, and although we chose vastly different career paths, we’ve always kept in touch. She often shares breathtaking photographs and intriguing anecdotes from her expeditions, which never fail to amaze me.
The stark contrast between our jobs is evident in almost every aspect. While I spend my days in an office, writing code and debugging software, Sarah is out there braving the elements and exploring uncharted territories. My work is largely digital and abstract, dealing with virtual problems and logical constructs. In contrast, Sarah’s job is incredibly tangible and physical, involving real-world exploration and hands-on research.
Moreover, the impact and scope of our work differ significantly. My software projects, while important, typically affect users in the digital realm. Sarah’s research, on the other hand, has the potential to uncover new species, contribute to conservation efforts, and expand our understanding of the planet’s biodiversity. The high-stakes nature of her work, where a single discovery could have far-reaching implications for marine science, is something that sets her career apart from mine.
In essence, Sarah’s job as a deep-sea marine biologist represents a perfect blend of adventure, scientific inquiry, and environmental stewardship – elements that are quite different from the technical problem-solving and digital innovation that characterize my career in software development.”
Deep-sea marine biologist exploring ocean depths
Follow-up Questions
- What challenges do you think Sarah faces in her job?
Answer (Band 8-9):
“I imagine Sarah encounters numerous challenges in her role. Firstly, the physical demands of deep-sea exploration must be intense, with prolonged periods in confined spaces and the need to adapt to extreme pressure changes. Secondly, the isolation during long expeditions could be mentally taxing. Additionally, securing funding for research and managing complex logistics for deep-sea missions likely present ongoing challenges. Lastly, the unpredictable nature of marine life and ocean conditions probably requires great flexibility and resilience.”
- Do you think it’s important for people to have diverse career experiences?
Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I believe having diverse career experiences can be highly beneficial. It allows individuals to develop a broader skill set and gain different perspectives on problem-solving. Exposure to various industries can also enhance adaptability and foster creativity. However, it’s important to balance this with developing expertise in a specific field, as some careers require deep, specialized knowledge.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think technology will change the nature of work in the future?
Answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology is poised to revolutionize the workplace in numerous ways. Firstly, we’re likely to see increased automation across various sectors, which could lead to the displacement of certain jobs but also the creation of new roles focused on managing and improving these automated systems. Artificial Intelligence and machine learning will probably enhance decision-making processes and increase efficiency in many fields.
Moreover, the rise of remote work technologies is already reshaping how and where we work. This trend is likely to continue, leading to more flexible work arrangements and potentially changing the concept of the traditional office. Virtual and augmented reality might also play a significant role, especially in fields like education, healthcare, and design, enabling more immersive and collaborative experiences regardless of physical location.
However, it’s crucial to consider the potential drawbacks of these technological advancements. There might be increased inequality between those who can adapt to new technologies and those who can’t. Additionally, issues of data privacy and cybersecurity will become even more critical as our work lives become increasingly digitized.
In conclusion, while technology will undoubtedly bring significant changes to the nature of work, it’s essential that we approach this transformation thoughtfully, ensuring that the benefits are distributed equitably and that we address the challenges proactively.”
Futuristic workplace showcasing advanced technology integration
Describe a time when you completed a difficult task at work or school can be a great way to showcase your problem-solving skills and adaptability in the face of technological changes in the workplace.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Cutting-edge technology /ˈkʌtɪŋ ɛdʒ tɛkˈnɒlədʒi/ (adjective + noun): The most advanced and recently developed technology.
Example: “The company uses cutting-edge technology in their manufacturing process.”State-of-the-art /steɪt əv ði ɑːt/ (adjective): The most recent stage in the development of a product, incorporating the newest ideas and features.
Example: “The research facility is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories.”To brave the elements /breɪv ðə ˈɛlɪmənts/ (phrase): To endure difficult weather conditions.
Example: “Mountain climbers often have to brave the elements during their expeditions.”Tangible impact /ˈtændʒəbl ˈɪmpækt/ (adjective + noun): An effect that can be clearly seen or felt.
Example: “The new policy had a tangible impact on reducing carbon emissions.”To shed light on /ʃɛd laɪt ɒn/ (idiom): To help explain or clarify something.
Example: “The new research sheds light on the causes of this rare disease.”Far-reaching implications /fɑː ˈriːtʃɪŋ ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃənz/ (adjective + noun): Consequences or effects that extend beyond the immediate situation.
Example: “The discovery has far-reaching implications for our understanding of the universe.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person with a different job:
Expand your vocabulary: Learn job-specific terms and general work-related vocabulary. Use these naturally in your responses.
Practice comparison: Develop your ability to compare and contrast different professions effectively.
Provide detailed explanations: Don’t just state facts; explain your thoughts and opinions in depth.
Use a variety of sentence structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Stay relevant: Always relate your answers back to the question, maintaining coherence throughout your response.
Show genuine interest: Enthusiasm about the topic can positively impact your fluency and engagement with the examiner.
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to various job-related topics will significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test.
Describe a place you visited where things were expensive can be an interesting way to discuss different job markets and economic factors, which relates to our topic of diverse career paths.
