The topic of describing a job you would never want to do is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to express personal preferences, provide reasons, and discuss work-related topics. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam.
Describe a skill you are currently trying to improve can also be a related topic that may come up in your IELTS Speaking test, so it’s worth preparing for both.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about work and jobs. Here are some possible questions:
- What kind of work do you do?
- Do you enjoy your job? Why/Why not?
- What types of jobs are popular in your country?
- Are there any jobs you would never want to do?
Let’s focus on the last question as it directly relates to our main topic. Here’s a sample answer:
Examiner: Are there any jobs you would never want to do?
Candidate: Absolutely. One job I would never want to do is being a high-rise window cleaner. The thought of dangling from ropes hundreds of feet above the ground is terrifying to me. I have a fear of heights, so this job would be my worst nightmare. Plus, the safety risks involved are just too much for me to handle mentally.
This answer demonstrates good vocabulary use (terrifying, fear of heights, worst nightmare) and clearly expresses the candidate’s personal feelings about the job.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to our topic:
Describe a job you would never want to do
You should say:
- What the job is
- Why you wouldn't want to do it
- What skills or qualities are needed for this job
- How this job affects society
You will have 1-2 minutes to talk about this topic.
You will have 1 minute to prepare what you are going to say.Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I’d like to talk about a job I would never want to do, which is being a sewage worker. This job involves maintaining and cleaning underground sewage systems in cities.
The main reason I wouldn’t want to do this job is the unpleasant working environment. Sewage workers have to deal with foul odors and potentially harmful substances on a daily basis. It’s not just the smell that bothers me, but also the health risks associated with exposure to sewage.
To do this job, one needs to have physical strength and stamina as it involves a lot of manual labor. They also need to be detail-oriented to spot any issues in the sewage system. A strong stomach is definitely a must-have quality for this job.
Despite its challenges, this job is crucial for society. Sewage workers play a vital role in maintaining public health and preventing diseases by ensuring proper waste management. Without them, our cities would face serious sanitation problems.
In conclusion, while I have great respect for sewage workers and their contribution to society, it’s not a job I could ever see myself doing due to the challenging working conditions.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to discuss a profession I would never consider pursuing: that of a deep-sea welder. This highly specialized occupation involves conducting underwater welding operations at extreme depths, often in the oil and gas industry.
The primary reason I’m averse to this career is the inherent danger it poses. Deep-sea welders work in an incredibly hostile environment, facing immense pressure, near-total darkness, and the constant risk of equipment failure. The psychological toll of being isolated in such treacherous conditions is equally daunting. Moreover, the long periods away from family and the irregular work schedule make it an unappealing prospect for me personally.
This profession demands an extraordinary skill set. Besides advanced welding techniques, deep-sea welders must possess exceptional diving abilities and a thorough understanding of marine engineering. They need to be extremely level-headed under pressure and have impeccable problem-solving skills. Physical fitness and mental resilience are also crucial, given the demanding nature of the job.
Despite my personal reservations, I acknowledge the critical role deep-sea welders play in our society. They are instrumental in maintaining offshore infrastructure, which is vital for energy production and marine research. Their work ensures the safety and efficiency of underwater structures, contributing significantly to maritime industries and, by extension, the global economy.
In conclusion, while I have immense respect for the bravery and expertise of deep-sea welders, the combination of extreme danger, challenging working conditions, and prolonged separation from loved ones makes it a career path I could never envision for myself.
Deep-sea welder performing underwater welding
Follow-up Questions:
- What are some other dangerous jobs you wouldn’t want to do?
- Do you think dangerous jobs should be paid more? Why or why not?
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
I think firefighters and police officers are other dangerous jobs I wouldn’t want to do. They face life-threatening situations regularly. As for pay, I believe dangerous jobs should be paid more because workers are risking their lives for their work. They deserve compensation for the high stress and hazards they face.
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
Other perilous professions I’d eschew include bomb disposal experts and war correspondents. These roles involve imminent danger and require exceptional courage. Regarding compensation, I firmly believe that individuals in high-risk occupations should receive commensurate remuneration. The psychological burden and physical jeopardy they endure warrant substantial financial recognition. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance to prevent economic coercion forcing people into dangerous work solely for monetary gain.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Examiner: Why do you think some people choose to do dangerous jobs?
Candidate (Band 6-7): I think there are several reasons why people might choose dangerous jobs. Some people are natural thrill-seekers and enjoy the adrenaline rush that comes with risky work. Others might be attracted by the higher pay that often comes with dangerous jobs. Sometimes, it’s about family tradition, like if someone’s parents were firefighters, they might follow in their footsteps. Also, some people feel a strong sense of duty to help others, which motivates them to take on risky jobs like being a police officer or a soldier.
Candidate (Band 8-9): The motivations behind choosing perilous professions are multifaceted and often deeply personal. For some individuals, it’s an innate predisposition towards risk-taking – they thrive on the adrenaline surge associated with high-stakes situations. Financial incentives undoubtedly play a role, as hazardous occupations frequently offer lucrative compensation packages to offset the inherent risks. We shouldn’t underestimate the power of familial legacy either; many individuals follow in the footsteps of relatives, perpetuating a lineage of service in fields like law enforcement or firefighting. Moreover, a profound sense of altruism or civic duty often underpins these career choices. Many are driven by an unwavering commitment to societal welfare, viewing their personal risk as a necessary sacrifice for the greater good. Lastly, some may perceive dangerous professions as a path to social prestige or a means of proving their mettle, seeing these roles as the ultimate test of their courage and capabilities.
Examiner: How do you think technology might change dangerous jobs in the future?
Candidate (Band 6-7): I believe technology will have a big impact on dangerous jobs in the future. Robots and drones might be used more often to do risky tasks, which could make some dangerous jobs safer for humans. For example, robots could be sent into burning buildings instead of firefighters. Virtual reality might be used for training, allowing people to practice dangerous situations without actually being in danger. Also, protective equipment will probably get better, with smart materials that can protect workers more effectively.
Candidate (Band 8-9): The intersection of technology and hazardous occupations is likely to yield profound transformations in the coming years. We’re already witnessing the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence in various high-risk sectors, which promises to mitigate human exposure to dangerous situations. For instance, autonomous drones are increasingly being deployed for tasks like infrastructure inspection, reducing the need for humans to work at precarious heights. Advanced simulators utilizing virtual and augmented reality will revolutionize training protocols, allowing professionals to hone their skills in hyper-realistic yet safe environments. Moreover, the evolution of smart personal protective equipment (PPE) incorporating nanotechnology and real-time biometric monitoring will offer unprecedented levels of safety. We may also see the emergence of exoskeletons enhancing human capabilities in physically demanding roles. However, it’s crucial to consider the ethical implications of these advancements, such as potential job displacement and the need to maintain human expertise in critical decision-making processes.
Describe a person you know who has great time management skills can be another interesting topic to explore in your IELTS preparation, as it relates to professional skills and personal qualities.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To score high in your IELTS Speaking test when discussing jobs you would never want to do, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
Occupational hazards /ˌɒkjəˈpeɪʃənəl ˈhæzədz/ (noun): Risks associated with a particular job or profession.
Example: “Deep-sea welding comes with numerous occupational hazards, including decompression sickness.”Perilous /ˈperələs/ (adjective): Full of danger or risk.
Example: “Working as a war correspondent is a perilous job that requires immense courage.”To eschew /ɪsˈtʃuː/ (verb): To deliberately avoid or keep away from something.
Example: “I would eschew any career that involves working at great heights due to my acrophobia.”Treacherous /ˈtretʃərəs/ (adjective): Hazardous or dangerous because of presenting hidden or unpredictable dangers.
Example: “The treacherous conditions faced by miners make it a job I could never consider.”Aversion /əˈvɜːʃn/ (noun): A strong dislike or disinclination.
Example: “I have a strong aversion to jobs that require handling dangerous chemicals.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing jobs you would never want to do:
Be specific: Instead of general statements, provide concrete examples and reasons for your choices.
Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary related to work, risk, and personal preferences.
Show depth of thought: Discuss not only why you wouldn’t want the job, but also acknowledge its importance to society.
Practice speaking fluently: Work on reducing hesitations and fillers in your speech.
Develop your answers: Aim to speak for the full time given, especially in Part 2, by elaborating on each point.
Stay relevant: Ensure your answers directly address the questions asked.
Use idiomatic expressions: Incorporate natural English expressions to demonstrate language proficiency.
Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, show your ability to analyze topics from different perspectives.
Remember, consistent practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Consider recording yourself answering sample questions to identify areas for improvement.
Describe a job you find interesting but wouldn’t want to do is another topic that can help you practice discussing careers and personal preferences in your IELTS preparation.