The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your speaking abilities in English. The examiner assesses your pronunciation, fluency, grammatical range and accuracy, lexical resource, and coherence. The section where you might get asked to “Describe a person who is very successful in their career” is quite common across various IELTS test versions. Below, we’ll explore how to appropriately tackle such questions and provide sample answers to help you score higher.
II. Main Content
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
This section involves answering basic questions about yourself and common topics.
Sample Question
Q: Do you think it is important to be successful in a career?
Suggested Answer:
Absolutely, I believe that being successful in a career is crucial not only for personal satisfaction but also for contributing positively to society. Success in one’s career often reflects their hard work, determination, and competence.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here, you’ll have to speak for 1-2 minutes on a topic provided in a cue card.
Cue Card Example
Describe a person who is very successful in their career. You should say:
- Who this person is
- What they do
- How they became successful
- And explain why you consider them successful
Suggested Answer:
One person I consider incredibly successful in their career is Elon Musk. He is the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, two companies that are at the forefront of technological innovation.
What sets him apart is his relentless drive and vision toward achieving sustainable energy solutions and space exploration. He founded companies like Zip2 and X.com, which later became PayPal, showcasing his versatile entrepreneurial skills.
Elon Musk’s success can largely be attributed to his commitment to innovation and his ability to take calculated risks. Despite encountering numerous setbacks, such as failed rocket launches, he has always managed to persevere and inspire his team.
I consider him successful not merely because of his wealth, but because of his impact on the world. His work is pushing the boundaries of human potential and contributing to the well-being of mankind.
Follow-up Questions
Q: What qualities do you think are needed to become successful in a career like Elon Musk’s?
Suggested Answer:
To succeed like Elon Musk, one needs vision, resilience, and a high tolerance for risk. Additionally, effective leadership and the ability to innovate are essential qualities.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
This section involves a deeper discussion on the topic.
Example Discussion
Examiner: How do you think success in a career is measured in today’s society?
Suggested Answer:
In modern society, career success is often measured by financial stability, professional achievements, and recognition in one’s field. However, some measure success by personal satisfaction and work-life balance, highlighting a diverse and subjective understanding of success.
Examiner: Do you think children should be taught how to be successful in their careers at school?
Suggested Answer:
Yes, I believe career education should be integrated into the school curriculum. Teaching children skills like critical thinking, teamwork, and financial literacy can set the foundation for future success. Moreover, bringing awareness about various career paths can help them make informed decisions.
III. Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Important Vocabulary
- Entrepreneurial (adj.) – /ˌɒn.trə.prəˈnɜː.ri.əl/: willing to take risks.
- Innovation (n.) – /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/: a new method, idea, or product.
- Resilience (n.) – /rɪˈzɪliəns/: the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
- Commitment (n.) – /kəˈmɪtmənt/: dedication to a cause or activity.
Sample Sentences
- Their success can largely be attributed to their entrepreneurial spirit and innovation.
- He exhibited a high degree of resilience throughout his career.
- Her commitment to her work has made her an industry leader.
IV. Tips for High Scores
- Practice regularly: Speaking in English every day improves fluency and confidence.
- Use varied vocabulary and complex structures: Avoid repetitive words and simple sentences.
- Stay coherent and organized: Make sure your answers are logically structured.
- Work on pronunciation: Clear and correct pronunciation can significantly affect your score.
- Ask for clarification if needed: Don’t hesitate to ask the examiner to repeat or explain a question.
By following these guidelines and practicing the sample questions and answers provided, you’ll be better prepared to excel in the IELTS Speaking exam. Good luck!