The topic “describe a memorable day at work or school” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate past events, express emotions, and use appropriate vocabulary. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to tackle this question effectively to achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about your work or studies. Here’s a sample question with a suggested response:
Examiner: “Do you enjoy your work/studies?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely. I find my work as a software developer incredibly fulfilling. It challenges me intellectually and allows me to constantly learn new technologies. The collaborative nature of our projects also means I get to interact with diverse colleagues, which I find immensely rewarding.”
Describe a person who makes you laugh can be another interesting topic to discuss in your IELTS Speaking test, as it allows you to showcase your ability to describe personalities and emotions.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a memorable day at work or school
You should say:
- When it was
- What happened
- Who was involved
- Why it was memorable
And explain how you felt about this day.
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a memorable day I had at work last year. It was during the launch of our company’s new mobile app. The day started early, around 7 AM, as our entire team gathered at the office. There was a palpable sense of excitement in the air.
Our team of developers, designers, and project managers had been working tirelessly for months on this app. As the lead developer, I was responsible for overseeing the final checks before the launch.
At 10 AM, we officially launched the app. The moment we pushed it live, there was a collective cheer in the office. We all huddled around our screens, watching the download numbers steadily increase.
What made this day truly memorable was the unexpected success we achieved. By evening, our app had reached the top spot in the App Store’s productivity category. It was an incredible feeling to see our hard work pay off so spectacularly.
I felt a mix of emotions that day – pride in our team’s achievement, relief that the launch went smoothly, and excitement about the future possibilities. It was a day that reaffirmed my passion for my work and reminded me why I chose this career.”
IELTS Speaking: Describing a memorable day at work
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to recount a particularly memorable day at work that occurred approximately 18 months ago. It was the culmination of our company’s most ambitious project to date – the launch of our revolutionary AI-powered mobile application.
The day commenced at the crack of dawn, with our entire cross-functional team converging at our headquarters. There was an almost electric atmosphere pervading the office, a mixture of anticipation and nervous energy.
As the technical lead, I had been instrumental in architecting the app’s complex backend systems. The day was filled with last-minute optimizations, rigorous testing, and meticulous coordination with our global server teams to ensure a seamless worldwide release.
At precisely 11:00 AM, we initiated the global rollout. The moment we deployed the app to the various app stores, there was a collective intake of breath, followed by an eruption of applause that reverberated through the office.
What etched this day indelibly in my memory was not just the launch itself, but the unprecedented response it garnered. Within hours, we were trending worldwide on social media platforms, and by evening, we had shattered our most optimistic projections for first-day downloads.
The day was a rollercoaster of emotions. I experienced an overwhelming sense of pride in our team’s collective achievement, profound relief that months of meticulous planning had paid off, and an exhilarating excitement about the potential impact of our innovation.
This day served as a powerful reminder of why I chose this field. It rekindled my passion for pushing the boundaries of technology and reinforced my belief in the power of collaborative innovation. The memory of that day continues to fuel my drive for excellence in my professional endeavors.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How do you usually celebrate achievements at your workplace?
- Do you think it’s important to have memorable experiences at work? Why or why not?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“In our organization, we have a multifaceted approach to celebrating achievements. For significant milestones, like successful product launches or exceeding annual targets, we often organize company-wide events. These might include off-site retreats or gala dinners where teams can unwind and bond in a more relaxed setting.
On a more regular basis, we have monthly ‘win’ sessions where teams showcase their accomplishments. This not only allows for recognition but also facilitates knowledge sharing across departments. We also have a peer recognition program where colleagues can nominate each other for outstanding contributions, which are then publicly acknowledged in our weekly all-hands meetings.
Personally, I find this multi-tiered celebration approach highly effective. It fosters a culture of appreciation, boosts morale, and reinforces the connection between individual efforts and company success. Moreover, it creates a supportive environment where achievements, both big and small, are valued and recognized.”
Describe a skill you are learning can be an excellent topic to discuss how you celebrate personal achievements and growth in your professional life.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Do you think people today have more memorable experiences at work compared to the past?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“That’s an intriguing question. I believe that the nature of memorable experiences at work has evolved significantly over time. In the past, work was often more routine and structured, which might have limited the opportunities for standout moments. However, today’s work environment is generally more dynamic and diverse.
Modern workplaces often emphasize collaboration, innovation, and personal growth, which can lead to more memorable experiences. For instance, cross-functional projects allow employees to work with different teams, leading to unique learning opportunities. Additionally, many companies now organize team-building activities, hackathons, or social responsibility initiatives, which can create lasting memories.
However, it’s important to note that memorable doesn’t always mean positive. The increased pressure and fast-paced nature of many modern jobs can also lead to stressful experiences that stick in one’s memory.
Ultimately, while the types of memorable experiences may have changed, I believe that meaningful moments at work have always existed. The key difference is that today’s workplace often actively cultivates these experiences as part of company culture.”
Modern workplace fostering collaboration and innovation
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Palpable /ˈpælpəbl/ (adjective): Easily felt or perceived; obvious.
Example: “There was a palpable sense of excitement in the office on launch day.”Culmination /ˌkʌlmɪˈneɪʃn/ (noun): The highest or climactic point of something.
Example: “The product launch was the culmination of months of hard work.”Unprecedented /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/ (adjective): Never done or known before.
Example: “Our app received an unprecedented number of downloads on the first day.”Multifaceted /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
Example: “We took a multifaceted approach to solving the complex problem.”Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (noun): A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
Example: “The successful launch acted as a catalyst for further innovation in our company.”
Describe an occasion when you were surprised can be an excellent opportunity to use some of these advanced vocabulary words in context.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a memorable day at work or school:
Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases relevant to the workplace or academic setting.
Provide specific details: Don’t just say it was memorable; explain exactly what happened and why it stood out.
Express emotions: Describe how you felt during and after the event to add depth to your narrative.
Use varied sentence structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Stay relevant: Ensure all your points relate directly to the question and form a coherent narrative.
Practice fluency: Aim to speak smoothly without long pauses, but don’t rush your words.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Regular practice with a variety of topics will help you improve your fluency and confidence.
Describe a time when you felt close to nature can be another interesting topic to practice your descriptive skills and emotional expression.