The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people and their occupations. One common topic that candidates may encounter is describing someone with an unusual or unique job. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Being prepared to discuss unique professions can help you showcase your vocabulary, fluency, and ability to provide detailed descriptions.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about jobs and careers. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

Q: What kinds of unusual jobs are there in your country?

A: In my country, there are several unique professions that might surprise people from other cultures. For instance, we have professional tea tasters who sample and grade various teas for quality control. Another interesting job is that of a snake catcher, who helps remove venomous snakes from residential areas. These occupations require specialized skills and often have fascinating stories behind them.

Unique jobs across different cultures

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe A Person Who Has A Unique Job.

You should say:

• Who this person is
• What their job is
• How you know about this person and their job
• And explain why you think this job is unique

Sample Answer (Band 6-7)

I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who has a rather unusual job as a professional food sculptor. She creates intricate designs and sculptures using various types of food, particularly fruits and vegetables.

I first met Sarah at a mutual friend’s wedding, where she had crafted an impressive ice sculpture for the reception. We got talking, and she explained her unique profession to me. I was fascinated by the creativity and skill involved in her work.

Sarah’s job involves carving elaborate designs into watermelons, crafting flowers from radishes, and even creating entire scenes using a variety of foods. She works for high-end events, luxury hotels, and sometimes even for television shows.

I believe this job is unique because it combines artistic talent with culinary skills in a way that’s not commonly seen. It requires a deep understanding of different foods’ textures and properties, as well as the ability to envision and execute complex designs. Moreover, the temporary nature of her creations adds an interesting dimension to her work – it’s art that’s meant to be admired briefly and then consumed.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

I’d like to discuss a remarkable individual I had the pleasure of interviewing for a podcast series on unconventional careers. Her name is Dr. Amelia Chen, and she holds the fascinating position of a space archaeologist.

Dr. Chen’s job involves using satellite imagery and remote sensing technology to identify and study potential archaeological sites from space. She analyzes subtle changes in vegetation and topography that might indicate buried structures or ancient settlements, effectively bridging the gap between cutting-edge space technology and traditional archaeology.

I came across Dr. Chen’s work while researching topics for my podcast on emerging scientific fields. Her groundbreaking research in using machine learning algorithms to detect previously unknown archaeological sites in the Amazon rainforest had recently made headlines in scientific journals.

This profession stands out as truly unique for several reasons. Firstly, it represents a novel intersection of disciplines – archaeology, satellite technology, and data science – that was virtually nonexistent a few decades ago. Secondly, the scale at which Dr. Chen operates is unprecedented in traditional archaeology; she can survey vast areas of the Earth’s surface in a fraction of the time it would take for ground-based expeditions. Lastly, her work has profound implications for our understanding of human history and environmental changes over time, potentially revolutionizing how we approach archaeological research and conservation efforts.

The innovative nature of space archaeology, combined with its potential to uncover lost civilizations and provide insights into climate change impacts on ancient societies, makes it an exceptionally distinctive and impactful career in the modern scientific landscape.

Follow-up Questions

Q: How do you think unique jobs like this contribute to society?

A: (Band 6-7) Unique jobs like space archaeology contribute to society in several ways. They help us learn more about our past and understand how ancient civilizations lived. This knowledge can be useful for preserving historical sites and learning from past cultures. Additionally, these jobs often involve developing new technologies that can be applied in other fields, benefiting society as a whole.

A: (Band 8-9) Unique professions such as space archaeology make multifaceted contributions to society. Primarily, they expand our collective knowledge base, offering fresh perspectives on human history and societal development. In the case of space archaeology, it provides unprecedented insights into ancient civilizations, their interactions with the environment, and patterns of human settlement that were previously inaccessible. This knowledge is invaluable for understanding our past and informing future conservation and urban planning efforts.

Moreover, such innovative fields often serve as catalysts for technological advancements. The tools and methodologies developed for space archaeology, such as advanced image processing algorithms and remote sensing techniques, have wide-ranging applications in fields like environmental monitoring, disaster response, and even urban planning.

Furthermore, unique jobs like this inspire public interest in science and history, potentially encouraging more young people to pursue careers in STEM fields or archaeology. They also challenge conventional thinking and encourage interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving, which is crucial for addressing complex global challenges.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Q: Do you think there will be more or fewer unique jobs in the future?

A: (Band 6-7) I believe there will likely be more unique jobs in the future. As technology advances, new fields and specializations will emerge, creating opportunities for jobs that we can’t even imagine today. For example, with the growth of artificial intelligence, we might see jobs like AI ethics consultants or virtual reality experience designers becoming more common.

A: (Band 8-9) I’m inclined to believe that we’ll witness a proliferation of unique jobs in the coming years, driven by several interconnected factors. Firstly, the rapid pace of technological advancement is continually creating new niches and specializations. We’re already seeing the emergence of roles like quantum computing engineers, blockchain architects, and augmented reality experience designers – positions that were virtually nonexistent a decade ago.

Secondly, the increasing complexity of global challenges – such as climate change, cybersecurity threats, and pandemics – necessitates the development of highly specialized roles to address these issues. We might soon see climate change reversal specialists or interplanetary colonization coordinators becoming legitimate career paths.

Moreover, the gig economy and remote work revolution are enabling individuals to carve out unique professional niches that cater to specific market demands. This trend towards hyper-specialization and micro-entrepreneurship is likely to foster an environment where unique, niche jobs can thrive.

However, it’s worth noting that while new unique jobs will emerge, some current unique professions may become obsolete due to automation or changing societal needs. The key will be adaptability and continuous learning to navigate this evolving job landscape.

Q: How important is job satisfaction compared to salary?

A: (Band 6-7) In my opinion, job satisfaction is very important, maybe even more important than salary for many people. When you enjoy your work, you’re likely to be more productive and happier overall. A high salary might be nice, but if you’re stressed or unhappy at work, it can negatively affect your quality of life. Ideally, people should try to find a balance between job satisfaction and a good salary.

A: (Band 8-9) The relative importance of job satisfaction versus salary is a complex and nuanced issue that often depends on individual circumstances and personal values. However, I would argue that job satisfaction generally holds paramount importance in the long run.

Firstly, job satisfaction is intimately linked to our overall well-being and mental health. Spending a significant portion of our waking hours in a role that we find fulfilling can lead to increased happiness, reduced stress levels, and a greater sense of purpose. These factors contribute to a better quality of life that extends beyond the workplace.

Moreover, high job satisfaction often correlates with increased productivity and creativity. When people are passionate about their work, they’re more likely to innovate, go the extra mile, and contribute meaningfully to their organization. This can lead to better career progression and, ironically, potentially higher earnings in the long term.

That being said, the importance of salary cannot be dismissed entirely. Financial security is crucial for meeting basic needs and providing opportunities for personal growth and development. A certain level of income is necessary to maintain a comfortable standard of living and plan for the future.

The ideal scenario would be to find a career that offers both job satisfaction and fair compensation. However, if forced to choose, I believe prioritizing job satisfaction often leads to a more fulfilling and successful career trajectory. This is particularly true in the context of unique or unconventional jobs, where the intrinsic rewards of doing innovative or meaningful work may outweigh purely financial considerations.

Ultimately, the key is to strike a balance that aligns with one’s personal values, life stage, and long-term goals. As careers evolve and personal circumstances change, this balance may need to be reassessed and adjusted periodically.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Interdisciplinary /ˌɪntərˈdɪsəplɪneri/ (adjective): Involving two or more academic disciplines.
   Example: Space archaeology is an interdisciplinary field combining archaeology and satellite technology.

2. Innovative /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ (adjective): Introducing new ideas or methods.
   Example: Her innovative approach to archaeology has revolutionized the field.

3. Proliferation /prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃn/ (noun): Rapid increase in numbers.
   Example: We’re witnessing a proliferation of unique jobs in the tech sector.

4. Multifaceted /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
   Example: The contributions of unique jobs to society are often multifaceted.

5. Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (noun): Something that causes an important event to happen.
   Example: Innovative professions can act as a catalyst for technological advancements.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing unique jobs:

1. Use a wide range of vocabulary, especially job-specific terms and descriptive language.
2. Provide detailed explanations and examples to support your points.
3. Practice speaking about various professions, both common and unique, to improve your fluency.
4. Develop your ability to discuss abstract concepts related to work and careers for Part 3 questions.
5. Work on your pronunciation and intonation to ensure clear communication.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about knowing the answers, but about expressing your thoughts clearly, coherently, and with confidence.

describe a recent accomplishment at work or school can also be an excellent topic to practice, as it allows you to showcase your language skills in describing achievements and processes.