Similar to describe a person who is skilled at explaining things, discussing unique professions requires specific vocabulary and structure to achieve a high band score. Let’s explore how to excel in this speaking topic.
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions examiners may ask:
- What kind of jobs do you find interesting?
- Would you like to try an unusual profession?
- Are there any unique jobs in your country?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I find unconventional careers particularly fascinating, especially those that blend creativity with innovation. For instance, professional food tasters or ethical hackers have always piqued my interest due to their distinctive nature.”
IELTS candidate preparing for speaking test about unique professions
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a person who has a unique profession
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What their profession is
- How you know this person
- Why you think their profession is unique
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about my friend Tom, who works as a professional drone photographer. I met him during a wedding where he was capturing aerial shots. His job involves operating sophisticated drones to take photos and videos from unique angles. What makes his profession special is how it combines technical skills with artistic vision.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to tell you about my acquaintance Sarah, who has carved out a niche for herself as an environmental archaeologist. I initially encountered her at a climate change conference where she was delivering a keynote speech. Her groundbreaking work involves analyzing ancient soil samples to understand historical climate patterns and their impact on human civilization. What sets her profession apart is its unique intersection of environmental science and archaeological expertise.”
As describe a person who has influenced you to become a better person, this topic requires personal connection and detailed explanation.
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: How do you think unique professions will evolve in the future?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe unique professions will continue to emerge as technology advances. We’re likely to see roles like virtual reality architects and artificial intelligence ethicists become more prevalent. These professions will bridge the gap between human creativity and technological innovation, while addressing new societal challenges.”
Similar to describe a job you think you would not enjoy doing, discussing unique professions requires careful consideration of personal preferences and societal impact.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Carve out a niche /kɑːv aʊt ə niːʃ/ – to create a specialized role
- Groundbreaking /ˈɡraʊnd.breɪ.kɪŋ/ – innovative; pioneering
- Cutting-edge /ˈkʌt.ɪŋ.edʒ/ – very modern and advanced
- Paradigm shift /ˈpær.ə.daɪm ʃɪft/ – fundamental change in approach
- Spearhead /ˈspɪə.hed/ – to lead an initiative or movement
Examiner’s Tips
- Use specific examples to illustrate your points
- Demonstrate understanding of both traditional and modern professions
- Include personal insights and observations
- Structure your response logically with clear transitions
- Incorporate advanced vocabulary naturally
Remember to explore topics like describe a piece of clothing that you enjoy wearing to develop versatility in your speaking skills.
