The IELTS Speaking Test is designed to assess your spoken English skills, covering a wide range of topics to gauge your ability to communicate effectively. The test evaluates you on four key criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. One of the common topics that you might encounter during the exam is “Describe a recent change in your education or career.” This topic not only relates to your personal experiences but also tests your ability to narrate events, use relevant vocabulary, and maintain coherence.
To help you ace this part of the speaking test, let’s delve into the specifics of the different parts of the test and how you can handle questions related to the keyword “Describe a recent change in your education or career.”
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In the first part of the speaking test, the examiner will ask general questions about yourself. This part sets the tone of the test and helps you relax before moving on to more complex questions.
Examiner’s Common Questions in Part 1
- What do you do? Do you work or are you a student?
- What subjects are you studying?
- Have you made any changes to your studies or career recently?
Sample Question and Answer
Question: Have you made any changes to your studies or career recently?
Answer: Yes, recently I decided to switch my major from Business Administration to Computer Science. I felt that the tech industry offers more room for innovation and growth. Additionally, I have always had a keen interest in programming and web development, so this change seemed like a natural progression in my educational journey.
Analysis: This response is comprehensive, incorporates relevant vocabulary such as “switch my major,” “innovation and growth,” and “natural progression,” and demonstrates coherence in explaining the motivations behind the change.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a task that you need to speak about for 1-2 minutes. You will have one minute to prepare.
Cue Card Example
Describe a recent change in your education or career. You should say:
- What the change was
- When it happened
- Why you decided to make the change
- And explain how you feel about it now
Sample Answer
A recent change I made in my academic life was switching my major from Business Administration to Computer Science. This significant change occurred about six months ago when I was in my second year of university. I made this decision after realizing that my passion lies in technology and programming rather than business theories and practices. The main reason behind this shift was the growing tech industry’s potential and the increasing demand for skilled professionals in this field. Additionally, I always found joy in solving complex problems and coding, which solidified my decision.
Now, I feel incredibly satisfied and motivated. The courses I am currently taking are challenging yet rewarding, and I believe this change was vital for my future career prospects. Furthermore, the decision to pursue a field I am passionate about has significantly enhanced my overall academic performance.
Analysis: This response uses a variety of vocabulary related to the topic, such as “switching my major,” “passion lies in technology,” “tech industry’s potential,” and “career prospects.” It also demonstrates coherence and connected ideas, helping you score well in Fluency and Coherence.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask you questions related to the topic in Part 2 but in a broader or more abstract way.
Examiner’s Questions
- Why do people often change their career paths or fields of study?
- How important is it to keep updating your skills throughout your career?
- What impact can a career change have on an individual’s personal life?
Sample Answers
Question: Why do people often change their career paths or fields of study?
Answer: People often change their career paths or fields of study for various reasons. Primarily, they may discover a new interest or passion that aligns more with their personal goals and aspirations. Additionally, the labor market is constantly evolving, so many individuals switch careers to pursue opportunities in emerging industries or to gain better job security and higher salaries. Other times, people look for a change to find more job satisfaction or a better work-life balance.
Analysis: This response is analytical, demonstrating the ability to discuss abstract ideas and offering reasons that are relevant and well-expounded. Terms like “emerging industries,” “better job security,” and “work-life balance” enrich the lexical resource.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high score, make sure to incorporate the following vocabulary and phrases:
Switch my major: /swɪtʃ maɪ ˈmeɪ.dʒər/ – Change the primary subject of study.
- Example: I decided to switch my major from Biology to Psychology.
Passion lies in: /ˈpæʃ.ən laɪz ɪn/ – To have a strong interest or enthusiasm for something.
- Example: My passion lies in environmental conservation.
Innovation and growth: /ˌɪn.əˈveɪ.ʃən ænd ɡroʊθ/ – New ideas and development.
- Example: The industry promises a lot of innovation and growth.
Career prospects: /kəˈrɪər ˈprɒs.pekts/ – Opportunities for future career advancement.
- Example: Switching to IT has markedly improved my career prospects.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking Test, practice thoroughly by responding to various cue cards, engaging in conversations about a plethora of topics, and regularly recording yourself to analyze your performance. Ensure that you use a broad range of vocabulary and demonstrate confidence. Always aim for coherence in your answers, substantiating them with examples when possible.
For more sample questions and preparation tips, consider exploring Common IELTS Speaking Test Questions and How to Answer Them or Do You Like Your Major – IELTS.
Student Studying
Remember, practice and preparation are key to acing your IELTS Speaking Test. Good luck!