How to Answer “Describe a recent change in your work or study environment” in IELTS Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your fluency, coherence, and ability to convey ideas effectively in English. As an examiner, I evaluate how well you communicate your ideas, your use of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. One common topic that often appears in the test is “Describe a recent change in your work or study environment”. In this article, we will explore this topic with sample questions and answers to help you achieve a high score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test involves general questions about yourself, your home, family, job, studies, and interests. These questions are straightforward and help warm you up for the more complex tasks ahead.

Common Examiner Questions

1. What do you do? Do you work or study?
2. Can you describe your job or course of study?
3. Have you experienced any recent changes in your work or study environment?

Sample Answer

Question: Have you experienced any recent changes in your work or study environment?
Answer: Yes, recently my company implemented a new remote work policy which has significantly altered my work environment. We now predominantly work from home, which has its perks and challenges. For instance, it has given me more flexibility in managing my time, but on the other hand, I sometimes miss the face-to-face interaction with my colleagues.

Part 2: Long Turn

In Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic, and you’ll have one minute to prepare your response. You will then speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic.

Cue Card

Describe a recent change in your work or study environment.
You should say:

• What the change was
• When it happened
• How you felt about it
• And explain the impact of this change on your work or study

Sample Answer

Recently, my university underwent a significant transformation when it decided to shift most of its courses to an online format due to the pandemic. This change occurred around March of last year, and it has profoundly affected my study routine.

Initially, I found it quite daunting to adapt to the online mode of learning. I missed the physical classrooms, being able to raise my hand and ask questions in real-time, and the overall dynamic environment that a university campus offers. However, as time went by, I began to see some positive aspects of this change. The flexibility and convenience of attending lectures from the comfort of my home was a huge advantage. I could re-watch recorded lectures, which helped me better understand complex topics.

Moreover, this adjustment enhanced my computer skills, which are crucial in today’s digital world. It also taught me valuable time management skills since I had to balance my study schedule more effectively.

Student studying online

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Part 3 involves a deeper discussion of topics related to your Part 2 task. The questions are more abstract and analytical.

Examiner Questions and Sample Answers

Examiner: How do you think changes in the education system, like the shift to online education, will affect the future workforce?
Sample Answer: I believe that the shift to online education will have a profound impact on the future workforce. Firstly, it is likely to make individuals more adaptable and proficient in digital technologies, which are essential skills in the modern workplace. This will lead to a workforce that is well-equipped to handle remote work and virtual collaborations. Secondly, online education can make learning more accessible to a broader audience, breaking geographical barriers and enabling continuous self-improvement and upskilling. However, it might also pose challenges such as the need for strong self-discipline and the potential loss of interpersonal skills that come from face-to-face interactions.

Important Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

Here are some key phrases and vocabulary that you can use to boost your IELTS Speaking score:

• Implemented /ˈɪmplɪmɛntɪd/: put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect.
• Perks /pɜːrks/: benefits or privileges.
• Daunting /ˈdɔːntɪŋ/: seeming difficult to deal with in prospect.
• Flexibility /flɛksɪˈbɪlɪti/: the quality of being adaptable or variable.
• Profound /prəˈfaʊnd/: very great or intense.
• Proficient /prəˈfɪʃənt/: competent or skilled in doing or using something.
• Time management: the ability to use one’s time effectively or productively, especially at work.

Example Sentences

• Implemented: “My company implemented a new policy that allows employees to work from home.”
• Daunting: “The change was initially daunting, but I gradually adapted to it.”
• Flexibility: “Online learning provides students with the flexibility to study at their own pace.”

Examiner’s Tips for High Scores

1. Practice Regularly: Regular practice helps you become more fluent and confident.
2. Expand Your Vocabulary: Use a wide range of vocabulary to express your ideas more precisely.
3. Fluent and Coherent Speech: Aim to speak fluently without unnecessary pauses. Your answers should flow logically.
4. Use Examples: Where possible, use examples to illustrate your points. This can make your answers more concrete and relatable.
5. Engage with the Examiner: Treat the conversation naturally. Listen carefully to the examiner’s questions and respond thoughtfully.

By following these tips and practicing with the provided sample questions and answers, you can aim for a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck!

For more sample answers and tips, check out related articles like Describe a time when you had to adapt to a new way of working and Describe a time when you had to adapt to new technology.