In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates are often asked to describe a job they would like to do in the future. This topic has been a recurring theme in past exams and is likely to appear in future tests as well. Being well-prepared to discuss your future career aspirations can significantly boost your chances of achieving a high score.
Describe a skill you want to learn in the future can also be closely related to your future job aspirations, making it an excellent topic to explore alongside your career goals.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about your current job or studies. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Q: What do you do for a living?
A: Currently, I’m in my final year of university, studying computer science. I’m particularly passionate about artificial intelligence and machine learning, which I hope to pursue as a career after graduation.
Part 2: Long Turn
For this section, 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 describing a future job:
Describe a job you would like to do in the future.
You should say:
- What the job is
- Why you want to do this job
- What skills or qualifications you need for this job
- How you plan to get this job
Here are sample answers for different band scores:
Band 6-7 Answer:
The job I’d like to do in the future is a software engineer. I want to do this job because I’ve always been fascinated by technology and how it can solve problems. To become a software engineer, I need strong programming skills, especially in languages like Python and Java. I also need to be good at problem-solving and teamwork. I plan to get this job by finishing my computer science degree and then applying for internships at tech companies to gain experience.
Band 8-9 Answer:
In the realm of future career aspirations, I’m particularly drawn to the field of artificial intelligence research. This profession captivates me due to its potential to revolutionize various sectors, from healthcare to environmental conservation. To excel in this role, one needs a robust foundation in mathematics, particularly in areas like linear algebra and calculus, as well as proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R. Additionally, critical thinking and creativity are paramount, as AI research often involves developing novel solutions to complex problems.
To pave my way into this field, I’m currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Computer Science with a specialization in Machine Learning. I’m also actively engaging in research projects and internships to gain hands-on experience. Furthermore, I’m committed to staying abreast of the latest developments in AI through continuous learning and participation in relevant conferences and workshops.
Follow-up questions:
Q: What challenges do you think you might face in this job?
Band 6-7 Answer: I think one of the main challenges might be keeping up with rapidly changing technology. Software development is a field that’s always evolving, so I’ll need to constantly learn new programming languages and tools.
Band 8-9 Answer: The field of AI research is rife with challenges, not least of which is the ethical considerations surrounding AI development. Ensuring that AI systems are unbiased, transparent, and beneficial to society will be a constant challenge. Additionally, the complexity of problems in AI often requires interdisciplinary collaboration, which can be challenging but also incredibly rewarding.
Describe a skill you are currently learning could be an excellent way to demonstrate your proactive approach to preparing for your future career.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s an example:
Q: How do you think job requirements will change in the future?
Band 6-7 Answer: I think job requirements will become more technology-focused in the future. Many jobs that exist now might be automated, so people will need to be good at working with computers and have skills that machines can’t easily replace, like creativity and emotional intelligence.
Band 8-9 Answer: The landscape of job requirements is likely to undergo a significant transformation in the coming years. We’re already witnessing a shift towards valuing adaptability and continuous learning over static skill sets. As artificial intelligence and automation continue to advance, there will likely be an increased emphasis on uniquely human skills such as critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving. Moreover, interdisciplinary knowledge will become increasingly valuable as many future challenges will require solutions that span multiple fields.
Describe a person who is very active could be an interesting way to discuss the qualities needed for success in your future career.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Career aspirations /kəˈrɪər ˌæspəˈreɪʃənz/ (noun phrase): Goals or ambitions related to one’s professional life.
Example: My career aspirations include becoming a leading researcher in artificial intelligence. -
To revolutionize /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/ (verb): To completely change something to make it much better.
Example: Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize many industries. -
Proficiency /prəˈfɪʃənsi/ (noun): A high degree of skill or expertise.
Example: Proficiency in programming languages is essential for a career in software development. -
To stay abreast of (idiom): To keep informed about.
Example: In the tech industry, it’s crucial to stay abreast of the latest developments. -
Interdisciplinary /ˌɪntərdɪsəˈplɪnəri/ (adjective): Involving two or more academic disciplines.
Example: Many complex problems require an interdisciplinary approach to find solutions.
Describe an item you recently purchased online could be a creative way to discuss how technology is changing various job sectors, including your future career field.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing your future job:
- Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
- Provide detailed and well-developed answers, especially in Part 2.
- Show your ability to discuss abstract ideas in Part 3.
- Practice speaking about your career aspirations regularly to improve fluency.
- Stay informed about current trends in your chosen field to provide insightful answers.
Remember, the key to success is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are all crucial factors in achieving a high score.
Describe an unusual job that you would like to try could be an interesting alternative if you want to showcase your creativity and ability to think outside the box when discussing future career options.