Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe Your Ideal Temporary Living or Work Place

The topic of describing a place where you would like to live or work temporarily is a common one in IELTS Speaking exams. It has appeared frequently in past tests and is likely to continue being a popular topic in future exams. This question allows candidates to showcase their ability to describe locations, express preferences, and discuss potential experiences in a foreign environment.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about places you’ve lived or worked. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

Q: Have you ever lived away from home for a short period?

A: Yes, I have. During my university years, I spent a semester abroad in Barcelona, Spain. It was a transformative experience that allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture and improve my language skills. Living in a vibrant city like Barcelona opened my eyes to different ways of life and helped me become more independent.

Student studying abroad in Barcelona

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe A Place Where You Would Like To Live Or Work Temporarily.
You should say:

• Where it is
• What kind of place it is
• Why you would like to live or work there
• And explain how long you would like to stay there

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

I’d like to talk about Tokyo, Japan, as a place where I would love to live and work temporarily. Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and one of the world’s most exciting metropolitan areas. It’s a bustling urban center known for its unique blend of modern technology and traditional culture.

I’ve always been fascinated by Japanese culture, and I think living in Tokyo would be an incredible experience. The city offers so many opportunities to explore Japanese history, art, and cuisine. I’m particularly interested in the technology sector in Tokyo, which is known for its innovation and cutting-edge developments.

If I had the chance, I would like to stay in Tokyo for about six months to a year. This would give me enough time to really immerse myself in the culture, learn some basic Japanese, and gain valuable work experience in a global city. I believe that living in such a dynamic environment would broaden my horizons and help me develop both personally and professionally.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

I’m drawn to the prospect of temporarily residing and working in Kyoto, Japan. This ancient capital is renowned for its harmonious blend of historical significance and contemporary innovation, making it an ideal backdrop for both personal growth and professional development.

Kyoto is a multifaceted city, home to over 2000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, alongside cutting-edge research institutions and tech startups. This juxtaposition of old and new creates a unique ecosystem where tradition and progress coexist seamlessly.

My desire to live and work in Kyoto stems from its reputation as a hub for cultural preservation and technological advancement. The city’s commitment to maintaining its rich heritage while embracing future-oriented industries aligns perfectly with my interests in both traditional arts and emerging technologies. I’m particularly intrigued by Kyoto’s burgeoning AI and robotics sector, which often draws inspiration from centuries-old Japanese craftsmanship and philosophy.

Ideally, I’d aim for an extended stay of 12 to 18 months. This timeframe would allow me to fully immerse myself in the local culture, develop proficiency in the Japanese language, and gain substantial experience in my field of work. Moreover, it would provide ample opportunity to witness the changing seasons in Kyoto, each bringing its own distinct cultural celebrations and natural beauty.

Kyoto's blend of tradition and modernity

Follow-up Questions:

1. How do you think living in a foreign country can impact one’s personal growth?
2. What challenges might someone face when working in a country with a very different culture?

Sample Answers:

1. (Band 6-7) Living in a foreign country can have a big impact on personal growth. It helps people become more independent and adaptable. They learn to navigate new situations and solve problems on their own. It also exposes them to different cultures and ways of thinking, which can broaden their perspective.

   (Band 8-9) Immersing oneself in a foreign culture can be a catalyst for profound personal development. It cultivates adaptability and resilience as individuals navigate unfamiliar environments and overcome cultural barriers. This experience often leads to enhanced self-awareness and a more nuanced worldview, as exposure to diverse perspectives challenges preconceived notions and fosters cultural intelligence. Moreover, it can bolster problem-solving skills and promote creativity, as novel situations demand innovative solutions.

2. (Band 6-7) Working in a country with a very different culture can be challenging. Language barriers might make communication difficult, and different work ethics or business practices could lead to misunderstandings. There might also be difficulties in adapting to new social norms and building relationships with colleagues.

   (Band 8-9) The challenges of working in a culturally divergent environment are multifaceted and complex. Linguistic hurdles can impede effective communication, potentially leading to misinterpretations and reduced productivity. Disparate work ethics and business protocols may cause friction and misalignment in professional interactions. Additionally, navigating unfamiliar social hierarchies and decoding nonverbal cues can be particularly taxing, potentially resulting in inadvertent faux pas. The process of acclimatizing to new cultural norms while maintaining one’s professional identity can also induce significant psychological stress.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Q: Do you think it’s beneficial for people to live and work in different countries during their career?

A: (Band 6-7) Yes, I think it’s very beneficial. Working in different countries can help people gain new skills and experiences that they might not get in their home country. It can make them more adaptable and open-minded, which are important qualities in today’s globalized world. It also looks good on a resume and can lead to better job opportunities.

A: (Band 8-9) Undoubtedly, international work experiences offer myriad benefits that can significantly enhance one’s career trajectory. Exposure to diverse business practices and cultural norms fosters a global mindset, which is increasingly vital in our interconnected economy. Such experiences cultivate cultural intelligence and adaptability, traits highly valued by multinational corporations. Moreover, navigating foreign work environments often hones problem-solving skills and promotes innovative thinking. From a professional standpoint, international work history can distinguish candidates in competitive job markets and open doors to global career opportunities. It also facilitates the development of extensive cross-cultural networks, which can be invaluable for future collaborations and business ventures.

Global professionals collaborating

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Harmonious blend /hɑːrˈməʊniəs blend/ (adj. + n.): A mix of different elements that work well together.
   Example: The city offers a harmonious blend of traditional architecture and modern amenities.

2. Juxtaposition /ˌdʒʌkstəpəˈzɪʃn/ (n.): The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.
   Example: The juxtaposition of ancient temples and high-tech offices creates a unique urban landscape.

3. Immerse oneself /ɪˈmɜːrs wʌnˈself/ (v.): To involve oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest.
   Example: Living abroad allows you to fully immerse yourself in a new culture and language.

4. Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (v.): To try to acquire or develop a quality or skill.
   Example: Working in diverse environments helps cultivate adaptability and cross-cultural understanding.

5. Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (n.): A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
   Example: Travel can be a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a place where you’d like to live or work temporarily, consider the following tips:

1. Elaborate on your answers: Provide detailed explanations and examples to support your points. This demonstrates your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

2. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced and topic-specific vocabulary to showcase your language proficiency. However, ensure you use these words accurately and naturally.

3. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on various topics to improve your ability to speak at length without unnecessary pauses or hesitations.

4. Show enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in the topic. This can help you speak more naturally and engage better with the examiner.

5. Structure your responses: Organize your thoughts logically, especially in Part 2. Use discourse markers to connect your ideas smoothly.

6. Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, try to analyze issues from different perspectives and provide balanced arguments.

Remember, consistent practice and exposure to English through various media can significantly enhance your speaking skills. Consider describing a place in nature that brings you peace or a scenic spot in your country where you feel relaxed to broaden your repertoire of descriptive language. Additionally, practicing topics like describing a time when you went to a theme park can help you become more versatile in your responses.

By following these guidelines and continuously refining your language skills, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in the IELTS Speaking test and confidently describe a place or country where you would like to live or work for a short period.