The IELTS Speaking Test is designed to assess various aspects of your English speaking abilities. These include your fluency, coherence, grammatical range, accuracy, pronunciation, and lexical resource. As an IELTS Speaking Examiner, I can assure you that a well-rounded answer with rich vocabulary and structured content is pivotal in scoring high. Questions around describing an ambitious person in their career are quite common, given their relevance in everyday conversations and societal contexts.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions in Part 1
- Can you describe your hometown?
- What are your favorite leisure activities?
- Do you prefer individual sports or team sports?
- Do you know anyone who is particularly ambitious in their career?
Sample Answer for Part 1 Question
Examiner: Do you know anyone who is particularly ambitious in their career?
Candidate: Yes, I do. One of my closest friends is extremely ambitious when it comes to her career. She works tirelessly in the field of software engineering, always striving for excellence, and is continuously seeking new opportunities to advance her skills and knowledge. Her dedication is truly inspiring and she is always one step ahead, aiming for leadership roles in her company.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person who is very ambitious in their career. You should say:
- Who this person is
- What their career is
- What they have achieved through their ambition
- And explain how you feel about their ambition
Sample Answer for Part 2
Candidate: I would like to talk about my older brother, John, who is exceptionally ambitious in his career as a civil engineer. Ever since he graduated, he has been employed by one of the top construction firms in our country. John has always been passionate about designing sustainable and innovative structures.
Through his relentless ambition and hard work, John has led multiple high-profile projects, including the construction of energy-efficient skyscrapers and bridges. One of his notable achievements is the green certification his projects have consistently received, which signifies their environmental-friendly designs.
John’s ambition is evident not just in his projects but also in his attitude towards gaining knowledge. He regularly attends international conferences, publishes research papers, and keeps abreast of the latest advancements in civil engineering. I’ve always admired his dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence.
From my perspective, his ambition serves as a great motivation to others. It’s his far-sightedness and commitment to making a difference in his field that truly sets him apart. I profoundly respect and appreciate his drive because it not only contributes to his personal growth but also positively impacts society.
Follow-up Questions
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Why do you think some people are more ambitious than others?
- Sample Answer: I believe ambition is often fueled by a combination of personal experiences, innate drive, and external influences like mentorship. People who have experienced the positive outcomes of their hard work or have been encouraged by influential figures typically become more ambitious.
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Is ambition always a positive trait?
- Sample Answer: While ambition can drive individuals to achieve great things, it’s a double-edged sword. Excessive ambition may lead to work-life imbalance and stress. Hence, it’s essential to balance ambition with mindfulness and well-being.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Sample Discussion Topics
Examiner: Do you think ambition is something that can be taught or is it an intrinsic quality?
Candidate: That’s an interesting question. I think ambition is mainly an intrinsic quality, but the environment and upbringing play a crucial role in nurturing it. For instance, children who see their parents setting high goals and working diligently towards achieving them are likely to adopt a similar mindset. On the other hand, schools and workplaces that encourage setting personal development goals can also teach and foster ambition in individuals.
Examiner: In your opinion, does ambition lead to a positive work environment?
Candidate: Generally speaking, ambition can certainly cultivate a positive work environment as it drives people to excel, innovate, and contribute effectively. However, if not managed well, it might introduce competition that could become unhealthy, leading to tension among colleagues. So, it’s important to encourage ambition while fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere.
Useful Vocabulary and Structures
Key Vocabulary
- Ambitious /æmˈbɪʃ.əs/: having a strong desire for success or achievement
- Dedication /ˌded.ɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/: commitment to a task or purpose
- Relentless /rɪˈlent.ləs/: unceasingly intense
- Sustainable /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/: able to be maintained or held up for long
- Achievement /əˈtʃiːv.mənt/: something accomplished, especially by superior ability or special effort
Key Structures
- Ever since: Used to denote a time action from past continuing till now.
- Example: “Ever since he graduated, he has been employed by one of the top construction firms.”
- Not only… but also: Used to add emphasis.
- Example: “His ambition serves as a great motivation to others because it not only contributes to his personal growth but also positively impacts society.”
Examiner’s Tips for Higher IELTS Speaking Scores
- Practice fluency: Speak regularly on various topics to build your confidence and improve your fluency.
- Expand vocabulary: Use a wide range of vocabulary and try to include advanced or less common words to impress the examiner.
- Structure answers well: Ensure your responses have a clear beginning, middle, and end, with well-constructed sentences and logical flow.
- Pronunciation matters: Work on your pronunciation to ensure you are clear and easily understood.
- Stay relevant: Always stick to the questions asked and avoid going off-topic.
Following these suggestions and practicing with the provided sample answers can help you enhance your performance and attain a higher score in your IELTS Speaking Test.
Good luck with your preparation!