The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people and their professions. One common topic is describing someone who is passionate about their job. This subject has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and maximize your score.

Describe a person who is very passionate about their job is a topic that allows you to showcase your vocabulary and ability to describe people’s characteristics and emotions. It’s important to be prepared for this type of question, as it can appear in any part of the Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you may encounter questions related to jobs and passions. Here are some examples:

1. Do you have a job? If so, do you enjoy it?
2. What kind of jobs do people in your country feel passionate about?
3. Do you think it’s important to be passionate about your work?

Let’s look at a sample answer for question 3:

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“Absolutely, I believe passion is crucial in one’s career. When people are passionate about their work, they tend to be more motivated and produce higher quality results. It also leads to greater job satisfaction and can positively impact overall well-being. Moreover, passionate individuals often inspire others around them, creating a more dynamic and productive work environment.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe a person who is very passionate about their job.
You should say:

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

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about my high school art teacher, Ms. Johnson, who is incredibly passionate about her profession. She’s been teaching art for over 20 years at the local high school in my hometown.

I had the privilege of being her student for three years, and her enthusiasm for art and teaching was unmistakable from day one. What struck me most was how she went above and beyond her regular teaching duties. She would often stay late after school to help students with their projects or organize extracurricular art clubs and exhibitions.

Ms. Johnson’s passion was evident in the way she spoke about art with such fervor. Her eyes would light up when discussing various techniques or artists, and she had an uncanny ability to make even the most complex concepts accessible to her students. She constantly sought out new methods to make her lessons more engaging, often incorporating multimedia elements or arranging field trips to galleries and museums.

I believe Ms. Johnson is passionate about her job because she sees it as more than just a means to earn a living. For her, teaching art is a calling – a way to inspire creativity and foster self-expression in young minds. She often told us that watching her students discover their artistic voices was the most rewarding aspect of her job.

Her dedication was also evident in how she continually strived to improve her own skills. She would attend workshops during summer breaks and collaborate with other art teachers to develop innovative curriculum ideas. This commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth is a clear indicator of her passion for her field.

In essence, Ms. Johnson’s passion for teaching art is reflected in her tireless efforts to inspire and educate, her genuine excitement about the subject, and her unwavering commitment to both her students and her own growth as an educator.”

Passionate art teacher inspiring students

Follow-up Questions:

1. How do you think passion for one’s job affects work performance?
2. Can too much passion for work be a negative thing?

Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):

“Passion for one’s job can significantly enhance work performance in multiple ways. Firstly, it acts as an intrinsic motivator, driving individuals to go the extra mile and exceed expectations. Passionate employees are more likely to take initiative, seek innovative solutions, and persevere through challenges. Moreover, their enthusiasm often translates into higher quality output as they pay meticulous attention to details and strive for excellence. Passion also fosters creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, which can lead to groundbreaking ideas and improvements in the workplace. Additionally, passionate individuals tend to continuously update their skills and knowledge, staying at the forefront of their field. This dedication and expertise not only boost their individual performance but can also elevate team dynamics and overall organizational success.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think it’s possible for everyone to find a job they’re passionate about?

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I think it can be difficult for everyone to find a job they’re really passionate about. Many people have to work in jobs they don’t love because they need to earn money. Sometimes, people might not know what they’re passionate about, or their passions might not match available jobs. However, I believe it’s possible to find some enjoyment in most jobs if you try to focus on the positive aspects and learn new things.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“While it’s an admirable goal, finding a job one is truly passionate about can be a complex and challenging process for many individuals. Several factors come into play, such as socioeconomic circumstances, educational opportunities, and personal awareness of one’s passions and strengths. Moreover, the job market doesn’t always align perfectly with everyone’s interests.

However, I believe it’s possible to cultivate passion in various careers by focusing on aspects that resonate with one’s values and interests. For instance, someone might not be passionate about their specific job but could be passionate about problem-solving or helping others, which they can incorporate into their work.

Furthermore, passion can evolve over time. As people gain experience and mastery in their fields, they often develop a deeper appreciation and enthusiasm for their work. Therefore, while finding an inherently passionate job might not be feasible for everyone, developing passion through engagement, learning, and personal growth is achievable in many careers.”

Cultivating passion in one's career

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Fervor /ˈfɜːrvər/ (noun): intense and passionate feeling
   Example: She spoke about her research with great fervor.

2. Go above and beyond (idiom): to do more than is required
   Example: The customer service representative went above and beyond to resolve my issue.

3. Calling /ˈkɔːlɪŋ/ (noun): a strong urge towards a particular way of life or career
   Example: Teaching wasn’t just a job for her; it was her calling.

4. Foster /ˈfɒstər/ (verb): to encourage or promote the development of something
   Example: The company aims to foster innovation among its employees.

5. Tireless /ˈtaɪərləs/ (adjective): having or showing great effort or energy
   Example: She made tireless efforts to improve the community.

6. Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb): to try to acquire or develop a quality or skill
   Example: He cultivated a passion for photography over many years of practice.

Describe a song that is special to you can be another interesting topic to explore in your IELTS Speaking preparation, as it allows you to discuss personal experiences and emotions, much like describing a passionate person.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the Speaking test when describing a passionate person:

1. Use a wide range of vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions and less common words related to passion and work.
2. Provide specific examples and personal anecdotes to illustrate the person’s passion.
3. Discuss the topic from various angles, considering both positive and potentially negative aspects of being passionate about work.
4. Use a variety of complex sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
5. Practice speaking fluently and coherently, organizing your ideas logically.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about answering the question, but how you express your ideas. Describe a foreign language you want to learn could be another topic where you can apply these strategies, showcasing your ability to discuss personal interests and motivations.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about passionate individuals and other topics in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!