In IELTS Speaking tests, describing people with socially significant jobs is a common topic that frequently appears across all three parts of the examination. Success in addressing this topic requires careful preparation and understanding of what makes certain professions vital to society.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions you may encounter:
- What kinds of jobs do you think are most important to society?
- Would you like to do a job that helps others? Why/why not?
- Do you think all jobs contribute to society in some way?
Similar to why people put too much emphasis on personality ielts, discussing important jobs requires balanced perspectives and well-structured responses.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe healthcare professionals play a crucial role in society. They dedicate their lives to saving others and maintaining public health. Their work is absolutely indispensable, as we’ve clearly seen during recent global health challenges.”
Healthcare professionals working in hospital setting
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a person whose job is important to society
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What their job is
- How you know them
- And explain why their job is important to society
Like describe a person you admire for their work ethic, this task requires detailed description and personal insight.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about Dr. Sarah Chen, a pioneering researcher in environmental science who I met during a university conference. She spearheads crucial research into climate change solutions and has made groundbreaking discoveries in sustainable energy technologies.
What sets her apart is her ability to bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and public understanding. She regularly conducts community workshops and has initiated several public awareness campaigns about environmental conservation.
Her work is fundamentally important to society because she’s not just studying environmental problems – she’s actively developing practical solutions that communities can implement. Through her research and public engagement, she’s helping shape policies that will affect generations to come.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
When discussing jobs important to society, consider describe a historical figure you would like to learn more about for historical context and perspective.
Q: How have important jobs in society changed over the past few decades?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“There’s been a dramatic shift in what we consider essential jobs. While traditional professions like doctors and teachers remain crucial, we’ve seen the emergence of new vital roles, particularly in technology and sustainability. These roles have fundamentally transformed how society functions and progresses.
The digital revolution has created unprecedented demand for cybersecurity experts and data scientists who safeguard our increasingly connected world. Similarly, environmental specialists have become indispensable as we tackle climate change challenges.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Indispensable /ˌɪndɪˈspensəbl/ (adj): absolutely necessary
- Spearhead /ˈspɪəhed/ (v): to lead or organize
- Groundbreaking /ˈɡraʊndbreɪkɪŋ/ (adj): innovative; pioneering
- Bridge the gap (idiom): to connect two different things
- Make a difference (phrase): to have a positive impact
Examiner’s Tips
- Focus on specific examples rather than general statements
- Use a range of advanced vocabulary naturally
- Develop your answers with relevant details and explanations
- Show awareness of broader societal impacts when discussing important jobs
Similar to describe a time when you took a risk in life, include personal experiences to make your answers more authentic and engaging.
