How to Ace IELTS Speaking: Describing a Person Who Influenced Your Career Choices

As an experienced IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve seen countless candidates tackle the topic “Describe A Person Who Has Influenced Your Career Choices”. This is a popular theme that frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively to maximize your score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about careers and influences. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Question: Do you think it’s important to have role models in your career?

Answer: Absolutely, I believe having role models is crucial for career development. Role models can provide inspiration, guidance, and valuable insights into a particular field. They can demonstrate the skills and qualities necessary for success, which can be incredibly motivating. Moreover, observing how role models navigate challenges can help us develop problem-solving strategies in our own careers.

Career role models inspiring young professionals

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Now, let’s look at a potential cue card for this topic:

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What this person’s job is
• How this person influenced your career choices

And explain why this person had such an influence on you.

Sample Answer:

I’d like to talk about my high school physics teacher, Dr. Sarah Thompson, who had a profound impact on my career choices. I first met Dr. Thompson when I was 15, in my sophomore year of high school. She taught advanced physics and was known for her engaging and innovative teaching methods.

Dr. Thompson holds a Ph.D. in Astrophysics and worked at NASA before becoming a teacher. Her passion for science was contagious, and she had a unique ability to make complex concepts accessible and exciting. She often incorporated real-world examples and hands-on experiments into her lessons, which sparked my curiosity about the physical world around us.

What really set Dr. Thompson apart was her dedication to her students. She went above and beyond to mentor those interested in pursuing science careers. She organized field trips to research facilities and arranged internships for students at local universities. Her belief in my abilities and her encouragement played a pivotal role in my decision to study physics at university.

Dr. Thompson influenced my career choices in several ways. Firstly, she opened my eyes to the vast possibilities in the field of physics. Through her stories about her time at NASA, she showed me how a career in physics could be both intellectually stimulating and impactful. Secondly, she instilled in me a love for problem-solving and critical thinking, skills that have been invaluable in my career. Lastly, her example as a woman in STEM inspired me to overcome gender barriers in the field.

The reason Dr. Thompson had such a significant influence on me was her combination of expertise, passion, and genuine care for her students. She didn’t just teach physics; she inspired a love for learning and showed us how to apply our knowledge to real-world problems. Her mentorship gave me the confidence to pursue a challenging field and the tools to succeed in it. Dr. Thompson’s influence extends beyond my career choices; she taught me the importance of mentoring others and giving back to the community, values that continue to shape my professional life.

Follow-up Questions:

1. How important do you think teachers are in influencing students’ career choices?
2. Do you think parents should have a say in their children’s career choices? Why or why not?

Sample Answers:

1. Teachers play a crucial role in shaping students’ career aspirations. They often serve as the first point of contact between students and potential career paths, especially in specialized subjects. A passionate and knowledgeable teacher can ignite interest in a particular field and provide valuable insights into the realities of working in that area. Moreover, teachers can identify and nurture talents that students might not be aware of themselves. However, it’s important to note that while teachers can be influential, they should guide rather than dictate career choices, allowing students to make informed decisions based on their own interests and aptitudes.

2. This is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. On one hand, parents often have life experience and wisdom that can be valuable in making career decisions. They may have insights into job markets and financial stability that young people lack. Additionally, in many cultures, career choices are seen as family decisions rather than purely individual ones. On the other hand, imposing career choices on children can lead to resentment and lack of motivation. Ultimately, I believe parents should offer advice and support but allow their children to make the final decision. The most effective approach is likely a collaborative one, where parents and children discuss options openly, considering both practical concerns and personal passions.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s a sample dialogue:

Examiner: How do you think the role of mentors in career development has changed in recent years?

Candidate: The role of mentors has evolved significantly in recent years, particularly with the advent of technology and changes in work culture. Traditionally, mentorship was often a long-term, face-to-face relationship within a single organization. Now, we’re seeing more diverse and flexible forms of mentorship.

Online platforms and social media have made it easier to connect with mentors across geographical boundaries. This has broadened the pool of potential mentors and allowed for more specialized mentorship relationships. We’re also seeing a trend towards shorter-term, project-based mentoring, which can be more focused and adaptable to rapidly changing industries.

Another important change is the increasing recognition of reverse mentoring, where younger employees mentor older colleagues, particularly in areas like technology and social media. This reflects a more collaborative approach to mentorship and acknowledges that valuable insights can come from all levels of an organization.

However, these changes also present challenges. The abundance of information and potential mentors online can be overwhelming, and it’s crucial to develop skills in identifying reliable sources of guidance. Additionally, the loss of some face-to-face interactions may impact the depth of mentoring relationships.

Overall, while the core purpose of mentorship remains the same – guidance, support, and knowledge sharing – the methods and dynamics have become more diverse and adaptable to our modern work environment.

Examiner: Do you think the influence of individuals on career choices is becoming less important with the rise of AI and automation?

Candidate: That’s a thought-provoking question. While AI and automation are certainly reshaping the job market, I don’t believe they’re diminishing the importance of individual influence on career choices. In fact, they might be making it more crucial than ever.

Firstly, as routine tasks become automated, uniquely human skills like creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving are becoming more valuable. These are precisely the kinds of skills that are often inspired and nurtured by influential individuals in our lives.

Secondly, the rapid pace of technological change means that many of the jobs of the future don’t even exist yet. In this context, having mentors or role models who can guide us in developing adaptable skills and a growth mindset is incredibly important.

Moreover, as AI systems become more prevalent in career guidance – through tools like automated job matching – the human element of career influence becomes a valuable counterbalance. Individuals can provide nuanced insights into workplace cultures, industry trends, and the day-to-day realities of different careers that AI might not capture.

That said, the nature of this influence might be evolving. We may see a shift towards individuals who can help us navigate the intersection of technology and human skills, or who can provide insights into emerging fields.

In conclusion, while AI and automation are changing the career landscape, I believe they’re enhancing rather than diminishing the importance of individual influence on career choices. The key is to seek out individuals who can provide relevant, forward-thinking guidance in this rapidly evolving environment.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

Here are some advanced vocabulary items and phrases that can help boost your IELTS Speaking score:

1. Profound impact (adjective + noun): A very significant or deep effect.
   Pronunciation: /prəˈfaʊnd ɪmˈpækt/
   Example: “My mentor had a profound impact on my career trajectory.”

2. To spark curiosity (verb phrase): To ignite or stimulate interest.
   Pronunciation: /tə spɑːrk ˌkjʊəriˈɒsəti/
   Example: “Her innovative teaching methods sparked my curiosity about science.”

3. To go above and beyond (idiom): To do more than is required or expected.
   Pronunciation: /tə ɡəʊ əˈbʌv ænd bɪˈjɒnd/
   Example: “Dr. Thompson went above and beyond to support her students’ ambitions.”

4. Pivotal role (adjective + noun): A crucial or central role.
   Pronunciation: /ˈpɪvətl rəʊl/
   Example: “Her encouragement played a pivotal role in my decision to pursue physics.”

5. To instill (verb): To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind.
   Pronunciation: /ɪnˈstɪl/
   Example: “She instilled in me a love for problem-solving.”

6. To navigate challenges (verb phrase): To find a way through or deal with difficulties.
   Pronunciation: /tə ˈnævɪɡeɪt ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/
   Example: “Observing how role models navigate challenges can be very instructive.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking, particularly when discussing influential people in your career:

1. Use specific examples: Don’t just say someone was influential; explain exactly how they influenced you.

2. Demonstrate a range of vocabulary: Use advanced words and phrases, but ensure you use them accurately and naturally.

3. Show depth of thought: Don’t just describe events; reflect on their significance and impact.

4. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic so you can discuss it smoothly without long pauses.

5. Engage with the questions: In Part 3, don’t just give memorized answers. Listen carefully and respond directly to the examiner’s questions.

6. Use a variety of grammatical structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to showcase your language skills.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, record yourself, and listen back to identify areas for improvement.

For more tips on acing your IELTS Speaking test, you might find it helpful to read about describing a person who is good at making quick decisions or describing a person who has been a role model for you. These topics can help you develop a broader vocabulary and range of examples for discussing influential people in your life.