Describe a Person Who is Very Good at Their Job: IELTS Speaking Guide

In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners assess various components such as fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. One popular task you might encounter involves describing a person who is very good at their job. This topic not only tests your descriptive skills but also your ability to use appropriate vocabulary and grammar structures.

This guide will help you prepare for this specific topic, providing sample questions, answers, and vocabulary tips.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, examiners often ask about familiar topics to make you comfortable. Here are some common questions related to jobs and work.

Example Questions

1. What do you do for a living?
2. What are the main tasks in your job?
3. Do you enjoy your work? Why or why not?

Sample Answer

Question: What do you do for a living?

Answer: I work as a software engineer for a tech company. My main responsibilities include designing, developing, and testing software applications. I find my job both challenging and rewarding because it allows me to solve complex problems and learn new technologies.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a person who is very good at their job. You should say:

• Who this person is
• What job they do
• How you know this person
• And explain why they are good at their job

Sample Answer

One person who stands out as being exceptionally good at their job is my manager, Jane Smith. She works as a project manager in our organization, where she oversees multiple projects simultaneously.

I first met Jane when I joined the company three years ago. From the very beginning, her professionalism and attention to detail impressed me. Jane is excellent at time management and resource allocation, ensuring that every project is completed on time and within budget.

project manager

What makes Jane particularly good at her job is her leadership skills. She knows how to motivate her team, provide constructive feedback, and handle any obstacles that arise calmly and efficiently. Additionally, she has a profound understanding of the industry, which allows her to forecast trends and mitigate risks.

In summary, Jane’s dedication, expertise, and interpersonal skills make her an outstanding project manager. Observing her has not only inspired me but also taught me valuable lessons about work ethic and professional growth.

Follow-up Questions

1. How did Jane’s skills benefit the company?

Sample Answer: Jane’s skills significantly improved our project delivery rates and client satisfaction. Her ability to foresee potential issues and address them proactively has saved the company both time and money.

2. Can you provide an example of a challenge she overcame?

Sample Answer: Last year, we faced a major software glitch a week before a critical deadline. Thanks to Jane’s swift decision-making and her coordination with the technical team, the issue was resolved in just two days, preventing a potential delay.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the focus shifts to a more abstract discussion related to the topic. The examiner might ask questions that require critical thinking and in-depth analysis.

Example Questions

1. In your opinion, what skills are necessary for someone to be good at their job?
2. How important is it for companies to recognize and reward good employees?
3. Can a person’s job performance affect their personal life? How?

Sample Answers

Question: In your opinion, what skills are necessary for someone to be good at their job?

Answer: To excel in any job, a person needs a combination of hard and soft skills. Technical expertise is crucial for performing job-specific tasks efficiently. Equally important are soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. These skills enable a person to work effectively with others and adapt to different situations.

Question: How important is it for companies to recognize and reward good employees?

Answer: Recognizing and rewarding employees is vital for maintaining high morale and motivation in the workplace. It not only boosts the employees’ self-esteem and job satisfaction but also encourages them to continue performing at high levels. Furthermore, such recognition often leads to increased loyalty and productivity, benefiting the company overall.

Question: Can a person’s job performance affect their personal life? How?

Answer: Absolutely. High job performance often leads to a sense of accomplishment and happiness, positively affecting one’s personal life. On the other hand, constant work pressure and stress can lead to burnout, affecting both mental and physical health. Striking a balance is essential for overall well-being.

Useful Vocabulary and Structures

Here are some important words and phrases to enhance your speaking part:

1. Professionalism (noun): the competence or skill expected of a professional.
2. Attention to detail (phrase): the ability to notice and consider every small part or detail.
3. Leadership skills (phrase): the ability to lead and manage a team effectively.
4. Time management (noun): the process of planning and exercising control over the amount of time spent on specific activities.
5. Technical expertise (noun): a high level of knowledge or skill in a particular area of technology.
6. Constructive feedback (phrase): advice or criticism that is useful and intended to help or improve.
7. Interpersonal skills (phrase): the ability to interact effectively with others.

Examples in Use

1. Professionalism: Jane’s professionalism was evident in her meticulous report writing.
2. Attention to detail: His attention to detail ensured the project was free from errors.
3. Leadership skills: Her leadership skills were crucial in rallying the team during tough times.
4. Time management: Good time management helped him balance multiple projects efficiently.
5. Technical expertise: Her technical expertise in software development is unparalleled.
6. Constructive feedback: The constructive feedback she received improved her performance.
7. Interpersonal skills: His strong interpersonal skills made him an excellent leader.

Examiner’s Advice for High Scores

1. Practice Regularly: Regular practice helps in improving fluency and coherence. Record your responses and analyze them.
2. Expand Vocabulary: Use a rich vocabulary relevant to the topic. Avoid repetitive words.
3. Work on Pronunciation: Clear pronunciation with proper intonation enhances comprehension.
4. Seek Feedback: Get your practice tests reviewed by experts to identify areas for improvement.

By following these guidelines and practicing with the sample answers provided, you can improve your chances of achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.