In IELTS Speaking tests, describing unique occupations is a recurring theme that allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary and speaking skills. Similar to describe a day when you did something different from your routine, this topic requires careful preparation and strategic response planning.
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions include:
- What kind of jobs are popular in your country?
- Would you prefer an ordinary or unusual job? Why?
- What’s the most interesting job you’ve heard about?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“In my opinion, I find unconventional careers more appealing because they offer unique challenges and opportunities for innovation. Recently, I learned about professional food tasters, which fascinates me because they combine culinary expertise with analytical skills.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe an unusual job you heard about
You should say:
- What the job is
- How you heard about it
- What skills are needed for this job
- And explain why you think it is unusual
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about the fascinating profession of an ethical hacker, which I first encountered through a cybersecurity documentary. These professionals are officially sanctioned to attempt breaking into computer systems and networks to identify security vulnerabilities.
I find it particularly intriguing because it challenges conventional perceptions of hacking. These specialists need an extensive knowledge of programming languages, network protocols, and security systems. They must also possess strong analytical abilities and impeccable ethical standards.
What makes this job unusual is its paradoxical nature – these professionals essentially use hacking skills to prevent hacking. It’s like hiring a former lock picker to design better locks. The role requires them to think like criminals while working to protect organizations.”
Follow-up Questions:
Q: How has technology changed unusual jobs?
A: “Revolutionary advancements in technology have spawned entirely new career paths that were inconceivable a decade ago. For instance, social media managers and cryptocurrency analysts have become integral parts of modern business operations.”
[For those interested in describe an unusual job that you would like to try, this perspective might be helpful.]
Part 3: Discussion
Q: Do you think unusual jobs will become more common in the future?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m convinced that unconventional careers will proliferate in the coming years, driven by technological innovation and changing social needs. We’re already witnessing the emergence of jobs like virtual reality experience designers and artificial intelligence ethicists. These roles reflect the evolving landscape of our workforce and society’s adaptation to technological advancement.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Paradoxical nature /ˌpærəˈdɒksɪkəl ˈneɪtʃə/ (adj.): seemingly contradictory
- Proliferate /prəˈlɪfəreɪt/ (v): increase rapidly
- Sanctioned /ˈsæŋkʃənd/ (adj): officially approved
- Integral /ˈɪntɪɡrəl/ (adj): essential or fundamental
Similar to Describe a time when you received unexpected good news, structuring your response with these advanced vocabulary items can significantly enhance your speaking score.