IELTS Speaking examiners often ask candidates to describe someone they know who has chosen a career in medicine. This topic is particularly relevant given the global focus on healthcare in recent years. Let’s explore how to effectively answer such a question and achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about health and medical professions. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you think being a doctor is a good career choice?
A: (Band 8-9 response) Absolutely, I believe being a doctor is an incredibly rewarding career choice. Not only does it offer the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, but it also provides intellectual stimulation through constant learning and advancements in medical science. However, it’s important to acknowledge that it’s also a demanding profession that requires years of dedicated study and often involves long working hours.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe A Person You Know Who Has Chosen A Career In The Medical Field.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What their job is
- How you know them
- And explain why you think they chose this career
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to talk about my cousin, Sarah, who has recently become a pediatrician. She’s in her early thirties and has always been passionate about children’s health and well-being.
Sarah works at a prominent children’s hospital in our city, where she specializes in treating young patients with various medical conditions. Her job involves diagnosing illnesses, prescribing treatments, and providing emotional support to both children and their families during what can be incredibly stressful times.
I’ve known Sarah all my life, as we grew up together and have always been close. We spent countless summers playing at our grandparents’ house, and even as a child, she was always the one taking care of others when they got hurt or felt unwell.
I believe Sarah chose this career for several reasons. Firstly, she has always had a natural affinity for children and a genuine desire to help others. Secondly, she’s incredibly intellectually curious and loves the challenge of solving complex medical problems. Lastly, I think she was inspired by our grandfather, who was also a doctor and often shared stories about the profound impact he had on his patients’ lives.
What I admire most about Sarah is her unwavering commitment to her patients. She often works long hours and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure her young patients receive the best possible care. Her dedication and compassion truly embody the noblest aspects of the medical profession.
Pediatrician examining a young patient
Follow-up Questions:
Q: What challenges do you think Sarah faces in her job?
A: (Band 8-9 response) I imagine Sarah faces numerous challenges in her role as a pediatrician. Firstly, dealing with sick children can be emotionally taxing, especially in severe cases. Additionally, she must constantly update her medical knowledge to keep pace with advancements in pediatric care. Moreover, communicating complex medical information to worried parents in an understandable way likely requires great patience and skill.
Q: How do you think technology has changed the medical profession?
A: (Band 8-9 response) Technology has revolutionized the medical field in myriad ways. Advanced diagnostic tools like MRI and CT scanners have greatly improved the accuracy of diagnoses. Telemedicine has made healthcare more accessible, especially in remote areas. Furthermore, artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to analyze medical data and assist in treatment planning. However, this rapid technological advancement also means medical professionals must continually adapt and learn to stay current in their field.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: What qualities do you think are essential for someone working in the medical field?
A: (Band 8-9 response) There are several crucial qualities that I believe are essential for anyone pursuing a career in medicine. Firstly, a strong sense of empathy and compassion is vital, as healthcare professionals often deal with people at their most vulnerable. Secondly, excellent communication skills are necessary to effectively explain complex medical information to patients and collaborate with colleagues. Additionally, a high level of intellectual curiosity and adaptability is important, given the rapidly evolving nature of medical knowledge and technology. Lastly, I’d say resilience and the ability to work under pressure are key, as medical professionals often face high-stress situations and must make critical decisions quickly.
A: (Band 6-7 response) I think there are many important qualities for people working in medicine. They need to be kind and understand how patients feel. They also need to be smart and good at explaining things to patients. Being able to work hard and handle stress is important too, because medical jobs can be very busy and difficult sometimes.
Q: Do you think the role of doctors will change in the future due to advancements in technology?
A: (Band 8-9 response) Absolutely, I believe the role of doctors will evolve significantly in the coming years due to technological advancements. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are likely to take over many routine diagnostic tasks, potentially allowing doctors to focus more on complex cases and patient care. Telemedicine will probably become more prevalent, changing the way doctors interact with patients. However, I don’t think technology will ever fully replace the need for human doctors. The empathy, intuition, and complex decision-making abilities of human physicians will remain crucial. Instead, I envision a future where doctors work in tandem with advanced technologies, leveraging these tools to provide even better patient care.
A: (Band 6-7 response) Yes, I think doctors’ jobs will change a lot because of new technology. Computers might do some of the work doctors do now, like checking simple health problems. Doctors might talk to patients more on computers instead of in person. But I don’t think computers can replace doctors completely because people still need the human touch and understanding that only doctors can give.
Doctor using advanced medical technology
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Tangible difference (phrase) /ˈtændʒəbəl ˈdɪfərəns/: A noticeable, real change
Example: Doctors make a tangible difference in their patients’ lives every day. -
Intellectual stimulation (noun phrase) /ˌɪntəˈlektʃuəl ˌstɪmjuˈleɪʃən/: Mental engagement that promotes thinking and learning
Example: The constant advances in medical science provide great intellectual stimulation for healthcare professionals. -
Unwavering commitment (noun phrase) /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ kəˈmɪtmənt/: Steady, unswerving dedication
Example: Her unwavering commitment to patient care is truly admirable. -
Emotional support (noun phrase) /ɪˈməʊʃənl səˈpɔːt/: Empathy and assistance provided to help someone cope with challenges
Example: Providing emotional support to patients and their families is a crucial part of a doctor’s role. -
Profound impact (noun phrase) /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/: A deep, significant effect
Example: The doctor’s work had a profound impact on the community’s health. -
Revolutionize (verb) /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/: To change something radically or fundamentally
Example: Advancements in genetics have revolutionized many areas of medicine. -
Myriad (adjective) /ˈmɪriəd/: Countless or extremely great in number
Example: Technology has improved healthcare in myriad ways. -
Empathy (noun) /ˈempəθi/: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another
Example: Empathy is a crucial quality for anyone working in healthcare.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person in the medical field:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary related to healthcare and personal qualities.
- Provide specific examples to support your points.
- Speak fluently and coherently, using appropriate linking words.
- Demonstrate your ability to discuss abstract concepts, especially in Part 3.
- Show awareness of current issues and trends in healthcare.
- Use a variety of grammatical structures accurately.
- Practice describing people and professions to improve your fluency on this topic.
Remember, the key to success is not just knowing what to say, but how to say it effectively and naturally. Regular practice with a variety of medical and career-related topics will help you feel more confident and perform better on test day.
