The topic of describing an interesting job is a common one in IELTS Speaking exams. It has appeared frequently in past tests and is likely to continue being a popular subject in future exams. This topic allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to discuss careers, work environments, and personal interests. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about jobs and careers. Here are some possible questions and suggested answers:
- What kind of job would you like to do in the future?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’m quite passionate about environmental conservation, so I’d love to work as an environmental scientist in the future. It’s a field that combines my interest in nature with my desire to make a positive impact on the world. I find the idea of conducting research and developing solutions to environmental issues really appealing.”
- Do you think it’s important to enjoy your job?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely. I believe job satisfaction is crucial for both personal well-being and professional success. When you enjoy your work, you’re more likely to be motivated, productive, and innovative. It also contributes significantly to overall life satisfaction, as we spend a considerable portion of our lives at work. Moreover, enjoying your job often leads to better work-life balance and reduced stress levels.”
Describe a subject in school that you found very engaging can also be a great way to demonstrate your ability to discuss topics related to education and career interests.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe an interesting job you learned about recently
You should say:
- What the job is
- How you learned about it
- What skills are needed for this job
- And explain why you find this job interesting
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I recently learned about the job of a data scientist, which I found quite fascinating. I came across this profession while reading an article online about emerging careers in technology.
Data scientists are responsible for analyzing large amounts of data to help companies make better decisions. They need strong skills in mathematics, statistics, and computer programming. They also need to be good at problem-solving and have the ability to communicate complex information clearly.
I find this job interesting because it combines technical skills with creativity. Data scientists get to work on challenging problems and use their analytical abilities to uncover insights that can have a real impact on businesses and society. It’s a job that seems to be always evolving as technology advances, which I think would make it an exciting career path.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I recently discovered the intriguing profession of an urban forester, a role I hadn’t previously been aware of. I stumbled upon this career while attending a webinar on sustainable urban development, which opened my eyes to this fascinating intersection of nature and city planning.
Urban foresters are essentially the custodians of a city’s green spaces. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, from strategically planning and managing urban forests to advocating for green policies at the municipal level. The role requires a unique blend of skills, including a deep understanding of arboriculture and forestry, proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and strong project management abilities. Moreover, urban foresters need to possess excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with various stakeholders, from city officials to community members.
What captivates me about this profession is its potential to significantly impact urban quality of life. Urban foresters play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of climate change in cities, improving air quality, and creating more livable urban environments. The job seems to offer a perfect balance of hands-on fieldwork and strategic planning, allowing professionals to see the tangible results of their efforts in the form of thriving urban ecosystems. Additionally, the evolving nature of urban challenges ensures that this career remains dynamic and intellectually stimulating, constantly requiring innovative solutions to new problems.”
Follow-up questions:
- What challenges do you think someone in this job might face?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Urban foresters likely face numerous challenges, including balancing urban development needs with environmental conservation. They might struggle with limited budgets and the need to justify the importance of green spaces to policymakers who may prioritize other urban issues. Additionally, they may face difficulties in managing public expectations and educating communities about the long-term benefits of urban forestry initiatives. Climate change also presents a significant challenge, as urban foresters must adapt their strategies to cope with changing weather patterns and their impact on urban ecosystems.”
- Do you think this job will become more important in the future?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that the role of urban foresters will become increasingly crucial in the future. As urbanization continues to accelerate globally, the need for sustainable urban planning that incorporates green spaces will only grow. Urban forests will play a vital role in combating the urban heat island effect, improving air quality, and enhancing biodiversity in cities. Moreover, as climate change intensifies, urban foresters will be at the forefront of developing resilient urban ecosystems that can withstand extreme weather events and contribute to carbon sequestration. Their expertise will be invaluable in creating livable, sustainable cities that prioritize both human well-being and environmental health.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner may ask more abstract questions related to jobs and careers. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- How do you think technology will change the job market in the future?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology is poised to revolutionize the job market in profound ways. We’re likely to see the automation of many routine tasks, which could lead to the displacement of some traditional jobs. However, this shift will also create new opportunities in fields like artificial intelligence, data analysis, and robotics. The future job market will likely place a premium on skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence – abilities that are difficult to replicate with machines. Additionally, we may see a rise in remote work and gig economy jobs, as technology enables more flexible working arrangements. It’s crucial for education systems and workforce development programs to adapt to these changes, equipping people with the skills needed for this evolving landscape.”
- Do you think people will change careers more often in the future?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe career changes will become increasingly common in the future. The rapid pace of technological advancement and economic shifts mean that some industries may become obsolete while new ones emerge. This dynamic environment will likely encourage, and sometimes necessitate, more frequent career transitions. Additionally, as people live longer and healthier lives, they may seek multiple careers to maintain engagement and fulfillment. The concept of lifelong learning is becoming more prevalent, empowering individuals to acquire new skills and pivot their careers. Moreover, changing societal attitudes towards work-life balance and personal fulfillment may motivate people to explore different career paths that align better with their evolving values and interests. Companies and educational institutions will need to adapt to this trend, offering more flexible learning opportunities and recognizing transferable skills to facilitate smoother career transitions.”
Describe a time you worked with someone from a different background can be a great way to demonstrate your ability to discuss diverse work environments and collaborations.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases related to discussing jobs and careers:
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Career trajectory /kəˈrɪər trəˈdʒektəri/ (noun): The path or progression of a person’s working life.
Example: “Her career trajectory took an unexpected turn when she discovered her passion for environmental science.” -
Vocational aptitude /vəʊˈkeɪʃənl ˈæptɪtjuːd/ (noun): Natural ability or skill in a particular job or career.
Example: “The career counselor suggested I take a vocational aptitude test to identify my strengths.” -
Professional development /prəˈfeʃənl dɪˈveləpmənt/ (noun): The process of improving and increasing capabilities of staff through access to education and training opportunities.
Example: “Many companies offer professional development programs to help employees enhance their skills.” -
Work-life balance /wɜːk laɪf ˈbæləns/ (noun): The division of one’s time and focus between working and family or leisure activities.
Example: “Achieving a good work-life balance is crucial for maintaining both productivity and personal well-being.” -
Upskilling /ʌpˈskɪlɪŋ/ (verb): The process of learning new skills or teaching workers new skills.
Example: “With the rapid advancement of technology, many workers are upskilling to remain competitive in the job market.”
Tips for Success
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing jobs and careers:
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Prepare a range of job-related vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with terms related to various professions, workplace environments, and career development.
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Practice describing jobs in detail: Be ready to discuss responsibilities, skills required, and why certain jobs are interesting or challenging.
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Develop your opinions: Form well-reasoned views on topics like work-life balance, career changes, and the impact of technology on jobs.
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Use personal examples: Where possible, relate your answers to your own experiences or aspirations to make your responses more engaging and authentic.
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Stay informed about job market trends: Read articles or listen to podcasts about emerging careers and changes in the workplace to broaden your knowledge.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, use a variety of sentence structures, and don’t be afraid to express your opinions confidently.
Describe a time when you felt very nervous can be a great way to practice discussing challenging situations, which could include job interviews or career changes.