In recent years, the IELTS Speaking test has frequently featured questions about unusual or unique jobs. This topic allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to describe, explain, and discuss unfamiliar concepts in English. As such, it’s crucial for test-takers to be prepared to tackle this subject effectively. Let’s explore how to excel in describing an unusual job you’d like to try during your IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about jobs and work to warm you up. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
- What kind of work do you do?
- Have you ever had an unusual job?
- What’s the most interesting job you’ve heard of?
Let’s focus on the third question:
Examiner: What’s the most interesting job you’ve heard of?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, I recently came across a fascinating job called a ‘professional cuddler.’ It’s someone who provides platonic cuddling services to clients who may be feeling lonely or stressed. While it might sound unconventional, I find it intriguing how this job addresses the growing issue of social isolation in our modern society. It’s certainly not a career path I’d considered before, but it’s captivating to think about how such a simple act of human contact can be turned into a profession.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe an unusual job that you would like to try
You should say:
- What the job is
- How you learned about it
- What skills are needed for this job
- And explain why you would like to try this job
Describe a time when you traveled to a rural area might have exposed you to unique occupations. Similarly, this task requires you to think creatively about an uncommon profession. Here are sample responses for different band scores:
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about the unusual job of a professional line stander. I first heard about this job in a news article about people in big cities who make money by waiting in long queues for others. This job requires a lot of patience and the ability to stand for long periods. You also need to be reliable and good at time management. I think it would be interesting to try because it seems like an easy way to make money, and you get to see different parts of the city. Plus, you might meet interesting people while waiting in line. It’s not a common job where I’m from, so I’m curious about what it would be like.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to discuss the intriguing profession of an olfactory artist, also known as a professional nose. I stumbled upon this fascinating career while researching the perfume industry for a project. This niche occupation requires an exceptionally keen sense of smell and an in-depth understanding of how different scents interact.
Olfactory artists must possess a diverse olfactory vocabulary, creative flair, and the ability to translate abstract concepts into scents. They often collaborate with perfumers, food scientists, and even car manufacturers to create signature scents.
What captivates me about this profession is its unique blend of art and science. The idea of harnessing the power of scent to evoke emotions, trigger memories, or enhance experiences is truly fascinating. Moreover, the constant innovation in this field, such as developing synthetic molecules to replicate rare or extinct scents, appeals to my interest in cutting-edge research.
Trying this job would allow me to explore the often overlooked sense of smell and its profound impact on our daily lives. It would be an exhilarating challenge to train my nose to distinguish between thousands of scents and learn the intricate process of scent creation. The opportunity to work on diverse projects, from crafting a new perfume to designing the scent of a luxury car interior, would make each day a unique olfactory adventure.”
Olfactory artist examining scent samples
Follow-up Questions:
- How do you think this job might change in the future?
- What challenges do you think people in this profession face?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for Question 1:
“The field of olfactory art is likely to evolve significantly with technological advancements. We might see the integration of artificial intelligence to analyze and predict successful scent combinations, or the use of virtual reality to create immersive olfactory experiences. Additionally, as sustainability becomes increasingly important, olfactory artists may focus more on developing eco-friendly and ethically sourced scents, perhaps even working on recreating endangered botanical scents to preserve them for future generations.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to unusual jobs and the job market. Here’s a sample dialogue:
Examiner: Why do you think some people are drawn to unusual or unique jobs?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe people are attracted to unusual jobs for several reasons. Firstly, these roles often offer a sense of uniqueness and individuality that many find appealing in today’s competitive job market. Unusual jobs can provide opportunities for creative expression and allow individuals to break away from conventional career paths.
Moreover, some people may be drawn to the challenges and constant learning associated with non-traditional roles. These jobs often require adaptability and innovation, which can be intellectually stimulating for those who thrive on new experiences.
Additionally, unusual jobs can sometimes offer flexibility in terms of working hours or locations, which is increasingly valued in our modern work culture. For instance, describe a place that you visited that was unlike any other could potentially become a unique workplace for someone with an unconventional job.
Lastly, the potential for high earnings in some niche fields can be a significant draw. Certain specialized or unusual jobs may command high salaries due to their rarity or the specific skills required, making them financially attractive options.”
Examiner: Do you think society values unusual jobs as much as traditional ones?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The societal perception of unusual jobs compared to traditional ones is a complex and evolving issue. Historically, there’s been a tendency to place higher value on conventional careers due to their perceived stability and clear progression paths. However, I believe this dynamic is shifting in our increasingly diverse and innovation-driven economy.
On one hand, many unusual jobs are gaining recognition for their crucial contributions to various sectors. For instance, ethical hackers are now highly valued in cybersecurity, and social media influencers have become important in marketing strategies. This shift reflects a growing appreciation for specialized skills and adaptability in the face of rapid technological and social changes.
Conversely, there’s still sometimes a stigma attached to certain unconventional jobs, particularly those that challenge traditional notions of work or social norms. This can lead to misconceptions about the value and legitimacy of these roles.
Interestingly, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of many jobs previously considered unusual or overlooked, such as delivery drivers and remote fitness instructors. This has prompted a reevaluation of what constitutes essential work in our society.
In conclusion, while there’s progress in recognizing the value of unusual jobs, I believe there’s still work to be done in fully appreciating their worth. As our economy continues to diversify and new industries emerge, it’s likely that the line between ‘unusual’ and ‘traditional’ jobs will continue to blur, potentially leading to a more inclusive valuation of diverse career paths.”
Diverse group of professionals representing unusual jobs
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Niche /niːʃ/ (adjective): Denoting or relating to products, services, or interests that appeal to a small, specialized section of the population.
Example: “Olfactory art is a niche field that requires specialized skills.”Unconventional /ˌʌnkənˈvenʃənl/ (adjective): Not based on or conforming to what is generally done or believed.
Example: “He pursued an unconventional career path as a professional line stander.”Innovative /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ (adjective): Featuring new methods; advanced and original.
Example: “The job requires an innovative approach to problem-solving.”Adaptability /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ (noun): The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.
Example: “Adaptability is crucial in many unusual jobs due to their ever-changing nature.”Fascinating /ˈfæsɪneɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Extremely interesting.
Example: “I find the concept of professional cuddling fascinating.”
Describe a time when you received unexpected good news might be comparable to discovering an exciting unusual job opportunity. Use these vocabulary items to express your enthusiasm and interest effectively.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in describing unusual jobs in your IELTS Speaking test:
- Research a variety of unique professions beforehand to have a pool of interesting examples to draw from.
- Practice explaining complex or unfamiliar concepts clearly and concisely.
- Use a range of descriptive vocabulary to make your answer more engaging and sophisticated.
- Connect the unusual job to broader themes like societal changes, technology, or personal growth to demonstrate critical thinking.
- Show enthusiasm and curiosity about the topic to maintain the examiner’s interest.
Remember, the key is not just to describe the job, but to articulate your thoughts and opinions about it clearly and coherently. Good luck with your IELTS Speaking test!