How to Ace Your IELTS Speaking Test: Describing a Career Influencer

IELTS Mentor

4 months ago

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people who have influenced your life choices, particularly in relation to your career. This topic is a common one in Part 2 of the Speaking test, where candidates are asked to speak at length about a specific subject. Understanding how to approach this topic can significantly boost your chances of achieving a high band score.

Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test Structure

Before we dive into the specific topic, let’s briefly review the structure of the IELTS Speaking test:

Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)
Part 2: Individual Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
Part 3: Two-way Discussion (4-5 minutes)

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about your career aspirations or influences. Here are some possible questions:

What kind of work do you do?
Do you enjoy your job/studies?
Have you always wanted to do this kind of work?
Who has been the biggest influence on your career choice?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

Examiner: Who has been the biggest influence on your career choice?

Candidate: The person who has had the most profound impact on my career choice is undoubtedly my high school biology teacher, Mr. Johnson. His passion for science was truly contagious, and he had an extraordinary ability to make complex concepts accessible and engaging. It was in his class that I first discovered my fascination with the intricacies of human biology, which ultimately led me to pursue a career in medicine. Mr. Johnson’s mentorship extended beyond the classroom, as he encouraged me to participate in science fairs and even arranged for me to shadow a local doctor. His unwavering belief in my potential gave me the confidence to aim high and work diligently towards my goals.

Career influencer mentor

Part 2: Individual Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. You’ll have one minute to prepare, and then you’ll need to speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:

Describe a person who has influenced your career choice

You should say:

Who this person is
How you know this person
What this person does
And explain how this person has influenced your career choice

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

The individual who has had a profound impact on my career trajectory is Dr. Sarah Chen, a renowned neurosurgeon I had the privilege of meeting during a hospital internship program last summer. Our paths crossed when I was assigned to shadow her for a week as part of my pre-med curriculum.

Dr. Chen is a trailblazer in her field, known for her groundbreaking research in minimally invasive brain surgery techniques. What sets her apart is not just her technical expertise, but her unwavering commitment to patient care and her ability to remain calm under pressure. I vividly remember observing her perform a complex tumor removal surgery, where her steady hands and laser-sharp focus were nothing short of awe-inspiring.

The way Dr. Chen has influenced my career choice is multifaceted. Firstly, her passion for her work is contagious. Seeing the joy in her eyes when explaining a successful procedure or discussing a new research finding ignited a similar passion within me. It confirmed my desire to pursue a career where I could make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Secondly, Dr. Chen’s approach to patient care has redefined my understanding of what it means to be a doctor. She takes the time to explain complex medical jargon in simple terms, ensuring her patients fully understand their conditions and treatment options. This level of empathy and communication is something I aspire to emulate in my future practice.

Lastly, Dr. Chen has been an incredible mentor, offering guidance and encouragement as I navigate my path towards medical school. She’s shared invaluable insights about the challenges and rewards of a medical career, helping me develop a realistic yet ambitious outlook for my future.

In essence, Dr. Chen has not only reinforced my decision to pursue medicine but has also shaped my vision of the kind of doctor I aspire to become – one who combines technical excellence with genuine compassion and a commitment to continuous learning and innovation.

Follow-up Questions:

What qualities do you think are important in a career mentor?
How has technology changed the way people choose their careers today?

Sample Answers (Band 8-9):

In my opinion, the qualities that are paramount in an effective career mentor are multifaceted. Firstly, a mentor should possess a wealth of experience and expertise in their field, allowing them to provide valuable insights and practical advice. Equally important is their ability to communicate effectively, breaking down complex concepts and offering constructive feedback. A great mentor should also be empathetic and patient, understanding that each mentee’s journey is unique and may involve setbacks. Additionally, they should be passionate about fostering growth in others, genuinely invested in their mentee’s success. Lastly, a mentor should lead by example, embodying the professional and ethical standards they advocate for, thereby inspiring their mentees to strive for excellence in their own careers.
Technology has revolutionized the way people approach career choices in the 21st century. The advent of the internet and social media has opened up a world of information, allowing individuals to research various professions, understand job market trends, and even connect with professionals in their fields of interest. Online career assessment tools and personality tests have made it easier for people to identify their strengths and align them with suitable career paths. Furthermore, the rise of remote work and digital nomadism has expanded the range of career options available, enabling people to pursue jobs that were previously geographically inaccessible. Artificial Intelligence and automation have also led to the emergence of entirely new career fields, while simultaneously making some traditional roles obsolete. This technological shift necessitates a more adaptable and continuous learning approach to career development, as individuals need to stay abreast of evolving skill requirements in their chosen fields.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Examiner: How do you think the concept of a ‘career’ has changed in recent years?

Candidate: The notion of a ‘career’ has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, primarily due to technological advancements and changing societal attitudes. Traditionally, a career was often seen as a linear progression within a single company or industry, with individuals climbing the corporate ladder over decades. However, today’s career landscape is far more fluid and dynamic.

The gig economy and freelance work have gained prominence, allowing people to piece together a career from various part-time or project-based roles. This shift has promoted greater flexibility and work-life balance, but also requires individuals to be more adaptable and self-reliant in managing their professional development.

Moreover, the rapid pace of technological change has led to the emergence of entirely new career fields, while rendering others obsolete. This has necessitated a culture of lifelong learning, where professionals must continuously upskill to remain relevant in their industries.

Another notable change is the increased emphasis on finding purpose and fulfillment in one’s career, rather than just financial stability. Many individuals, especially millennials and Gen Z, are prioritizing work that aligns with their values and allows them to make a positive impact on society.

In essence, the modern concept of a career is less about following a predetermined path and more about navigating a complex, ever-changing landscape of opportunities, requiring adaptability, continuous learning, and a strong sense of personal values and goals.

Examiner: Do you think it’s important for young people to have career role models?

Candidate: I firmly believe that having career role models is crucial for young people as they navigate the complex world of professional development. Role models serve as living examples of success, providing tangible proof that one’s aspirations are achievable. They can offer valuable insights into the realities of a particular career path, helping young individuals set realistic expectations and prepare for potential challenges.

Furthermore, role models can inspire and motivate young people to push beyond their perceived limitations. Seeing someone who has overcome similar obstacles or come from a similar background can be incredibly empowering, fostering a “if they can do it, so can I” mentality.

Career role models also play a vital role in showcasing the diversity of paths one can take within a given field. This is particularly important in today’s rapidly evolving job market, where traditional career trajectories are becoming less common. By observing various role models, young people can gain a broader perspective on the possibilities available to them.

However, it’s important to note that the concept of a role model should be approached critically. Young people should be encouraged to learn from multiple role models rather than trying to emulate a single individual completely. This approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of success and helps in developing a unique professional identity.

In conclusion, while career role models are undoubtedly valuable, they should serve as sources of inspiration and learning rather than rigid templates to follow. The goal should be to glean insights and strategies that can be adapted to one’s own unique circumstances and aspirations.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can elevate your responses:

Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ɪmˈpækt/ (adj. + n.): A deep and significant effect.
Example: “My mentor had a profound impact on my career choices.”
Trailblazer /ˈtreɪlbleɪzər/ (n.): A person who is the first to do something; an innovator.
Example: “Dr. Chen is a trailblazer in the field of neurosurgery.”
Multifaceted /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adj.): Having many different aspects or features.
Example: “The influence of my role model on my career choice is multifaceted.”
To ignite a passion /tə ɪɡˈnaɪt ə ˈpæʃən/ (phrase): To spark a strong interest or enthusiasm.
Example: “Observing her work ignited a passion for medicine within me.”
To emulate /ˈemjuleɪt/ (v.): To try to equal or excel; to imitate with effort to equal or surpass.
Example: “I aspire to emulate her approach to patient care in my future practice.”
Paramount /ˈpærəmaʊnt/ (adj.): Of utmost importance; supreme.
Example: “Effective communication skills are paramount in any mentoring relationship.”
To revolutionize /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/ (v.): To change something radically or fundamentally.
Example: “Technology has revolutionized the way people approach career choices.”
To necessitate /nəˈsesɪteɪt/ (v.): To make necessary or unavoidable.
Example: “The rapidly changing job market necessitates continuous learning and adaptation.”

Tips from an IELTS Examiner

As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’d like to offer some advice to help you excel in the Speaking test:

Practice regularly: Engage in English conversations daily, even if it’s just talking to yourself in the mirror.
Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to careers and personal development, and practice using them in context.
Work on fluency: Focus on speaking smoothly and confidently, even if you make minor mistakes.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points with examples and explanations.
Use a variety of grammatical structures: Showcase your language skills by using a mix of simple and complex sentences.
Stay calm: Remember, the examiner is there to assess your English, not to trick you. Stay relaxed and confident.
Listen carefully: Make sure you understand the questions fully before answering.
Be honest: If you don’t understand something, it’s okay to ask for clarification.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any topic in your IELTS Speaking test, including describing a person who has influenced your career choice.

For more practice and tips on IELTS Speaking, you might find these resources helpful:

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is preparation, practice, and confidence. Good luck with your test!