The topic of describing an ideal future job is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to articulate their aspirations, use future tenses, and employ vocabulary related to employment and career goals. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a common subject in future tests.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask questions to warm up the candidate and introduce the topic. Here are some potential questions and suggested answers:
- What kind of work do you do now?
- Do you enjoy your current job? Why or why not?
- What are your career goals for the future?
Let’s focus on question 3:
Examiner: What are your career goals for the future?
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’m currently studying computer science, and in the future, I hope to become a software developer. I’d like to work for a big tech company and create innovative applications that can help people in their daily lives.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“As I’m pursuing my degree in computer science, my long-term career aspiration is to become a pioneering software architect. I envision myself spearheading cutting-edge projects in artificial intelligence and machine learning, potentially revolutionizing how we interact with technology in our everyday lives. Ultimately, I aim to establish my own tech startup that focuses on developing sustainable and ethical AI solutions.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for the long turn section:
Describe an ideal job you would like to do in the future
You should say:
- What the job is
- What skills or qualifications are needed for this job
- Why you think you would be good at this job
- And explain why you think this would be an ideal job for you
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“The ideal job I’d like to do in the future is being a wildlife photographer. This job requires excellent photography skills, knowledge of different animal species, and the ability to work in challenging outdoor environments. I think I would be good at this job because I have a passion for photography and nature. I’ve always loved animals and enjoy spending time outdoors. This would be an ideal job for me because it combines my interests in photography and wildlife. It would allow me to travel to different places and contribute to wildlife conservation efforts through my work.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The ideal job I aspire to pursue in the future is that of a pioneering environmental scientist specializing in climate change mitigation. This role demands a multifaceted skill set, including advanced knowledge of environmental systems, proficiency in data analysis and modeling, and the ability to synthesize complex information for both scientific and public audiences. Additionally, it requires a postgraduate degree in Environmental Science or a related field, coupled with extensive fieldwork experience.
I believe I would excel in this position due to my unwavering commitment to environmental causes and my aptitude for scientific research. Throughout my academic career, I’ve consistently demonstrated a knack for analyzing intricate environmental data and proposing innovative solutions to ecological challenges.
This would be an ideal job for me as it aligns perfectly with my passion for safeguarding our planet’s future. The role would allow me to be at the forefront of cutting-edge research, potentially making groundbreaking discoveries that could significantly impact global climate policies. Moreover, the opportunity to collaborate with leading scientists worldwide and contribute meaningfully to the fight against climate change would provide me with an immense sense of purpose and fulfillment in my career.”
Environmental scientist conducting research in laboratory
Follow-up questions:
- How do you plan to acquire the necessary skills for this job?
- What challenges do you anticipate in pursuing this career path?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“To acquire the necessary skills for becoming an environmental scientist, I plan to pursue a rigorous academic path, starting with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, followed by a specialized master’s program in Climate Change Studies. I intend to complement my formal education with hands-on experience through internships at renowned research institutions and participation in field studies across diverse ecosystems. Additionally, I aim to stay abreast of the latest developments in the field by regularly attending scientific conferences, engaging in collaborative research projects, and continuously updating my technical skills in areas such as data analysis and climate modeling software.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think the job market will change in the next 10 years?
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I think the job market will change a lot in the next 10 years. With technology advancing rapidly, many traditional jobs might disappear, while new ones will be created. For example, we might see fewer cashiers in stores because of self-checkout machines, but there could be more jobs in areas like artificial intelligence and renewable energy.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The job market in the next decade is likely to undergo a profound transformation, primarily driven by technological advancements and shifting global priorities. We’re likely to witness a significant decline in traditional roles that are susceptible to automation, such as data entry clerks or assembly line workers. Conversely, we can anticipate a surge in demand for professionals in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, and sustainable technologies.
Moreover, the concept of work itself may evolve dramatically. The gig economy is likely to expand further, offering more flexibility but also presenting challenges in terms of job security and benefits. Remote work will probably become even more prevalent, blurring geographical boundaries in the job market.
Another crucial factor shaping the future job market will be the growing emphasis on sustainability and climate change mitigation. This could lead to a boom in green jobs, from renewable energy technicians to sustainability consultants. Additionally, as the global population ages, we might see an increased demand for healthcare professionals and specialists in elder care.
Lastly, the importance of soft skills like adaptability, creativity, and emotional intelligence is likely to skyrocket, as these are areas where humans still hold a significant advantage over machines. This shift might necessitate a reimagining of education systems to better prepare the workforce for this rapidly changing landscape.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Spearhead /ˈspɪəhed/ (verb): To lead an attack or an important movement or activity.
Example: “In my ideal job, I’d like to spearhead initiatives that promote sustainable urban development.”Revolutionize /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/ (verb): To completely change the way people do something or think about something.
Example: “My goal is to work on projects that could revolutionize the way we approach renewable energy.”Cutting-edge /ˌkʌtɪŋ ˈedʒ/ (adjective): Very modern and advanced.
Example: “I’m passionate about working with cutting-edge technology in the field of artificial intelligence.”Multifaceted /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
Example: “The ideal job I envision requires a multifaceted approach to problem-solving.”Excel /ɪkˈsel/ (verb): To be exceptionally good at or proficient in an activity or subject.
Example: “I believe I would excel in a role that combines my analytical skills with my creativity.”
Examiner’s Advice: To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use a variety of advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, but ensure they sound natural in your speech. Develop your ideas fully, providing specific examples and personal experiences to support your points. Regularly practice speaking on various topics to improve your fluency and reduce hesitations.
describe a person you know who enjoys their job
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about using impressive vocabulary, but also about expressing your ideas coherently and engaging in a natural conversation with the examiner.