The topic of describing your first day at a new job or school is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It’s a versatile subject that allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate past events, express emotions, and use a range of vocabulary related to work or education. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for future tests.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about your experiences with new beginnings. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Sample Question: Have you ever started a new job or school?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I have. Last year, I started a new job at a marketing company. It was quite an exciting experience for me.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. In fact, I’ve had the opportunity to start both a new job and a new school in recent years. Most notably, I began working at a multinational corporation last year, which was a significant milestone in my career.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe your first day at a new job or school
You should say:
- Where it was
- What you did on that day
- Who you met
- And explain how you felt about it
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about my first day at my current job, which is at a software company in the city center. It was about six months ago, and I remember feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.
When I arrived, I was greeted by the HR manager, who gave me a tour of the office. I spent most of the morning filling out paperwork and setting up my computer. In the afternoon, I attended a team meeting where I met my colleagues for the first time. Everyone was friendly and welcoming, which helped me feel more at ease.
The highlight of the day was when my team leader assigned me my first project. It was a small task, but I felt proud to be contributing already. By the end of the day, I was tired but happy. I felt like I had made a good first impression and was looking forward to the challenges ahead.
Overall, it was a positive experience. The welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to start working immediately made me feel valued and excited about my new role.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d be delighted to share my experience of my first day at my current position with a cutting-edge tech startup in the heart of Silicon Valley. It was approximately six months ago, and the day was a whirlwind of emotions and activities that left an indelible impression on me.
Upon arrival, I was warmly received by the Chief People Officer, who provided me with a comprehensive tour of our state-of-the-art facilities. The morning was dedicated to administrative tasks, including signing contracts and configuring my workstation. However, it was far from mundane, as I was simultaneously absorbing the vibrant company culture evident in every corner of the office.
The afternoon kicked off with an all-hands meeting, where I had the privilege of introducing myself to the entire team. The diversity and intellectual prowess of my colleagues were immediately apparent and incredibly inspiring. What truly stood out was the palpable enthusiasm everyone showed for their work and the company’s mission.
The pinnacle of my day came when the CTO personally entrusted me with a critical component of our flagship project. This vote of confidence on my very first day was both exhilarating and slightly daunting.
As the day drew to a close, I found myself mentally and emotionally stimulated, yet physically drained. The experience had been overwhelmingly positive, characterized by a perfect blend of professionalism and camaraderie. I left the office that evening feeling not just content, but genuinely inspired and eager to contribute to the company’s innovative endeavors.
In retrospect, that first day set the tone for what has become an incredibly fulfilling professional journey. The immediate inclusivity, coupled with the trust placed in me from the outset, fostered a sense of belonging and purpose that continues to drive me to this day.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How do you usually prepare for your first day at a new job or school?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I usually prepare by researching the company or school, choosing appropriate clothes, and getting my documents ready. I also try to get a good night’s sleep and arrive early.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“My preparation typically involves a multi-faceted approach. I conduct thorough research on the organization’s culture, recent achievements, and key personnel. I also meticulously plan my attire to ensure it aligns with the company’s dress code while allowing me to feel confident. Additionally, I prepare a small toolkit of essential items, including a notebook, pen, and any required documentation. To ensure I’m at my best, I prioritize getting ample rest the night before and plan my route to arrive with time to spare, allowing for any unforeseen circumstances.”
- What advice would you give to someone starting a new job or school?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I would advise them to be open-minded, friendly, and willing to learn. It’s important to ask questions if you’re unsure about something and to try to make connections with your new colleagues or classmates.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I would strongly encourage anyone embarking on a new professional or academic journey to approach the experience with a blend of enthusiasm and humility. It’s crucial to strike a balance between showcasing your skills and demonstrating a genuine eagerness to learn. I’d advise them to be proactive in forming connections, not just for social reasons, but to cultivate a support network that can be invaluable as they navigate their new environment. Additionally, I’d emphasize the importance of active listening and keen observation in these early days, as they often provide invaluable insights into the unwritten rules and dynamics of the organization. Lastly, I’d remind them that it’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed initially, and that perseverance and a positive attitude are key to overcoming any initial challenges.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think the first day experience differs between starting a new job and starting at a new school?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think the main difference is the level of responsibility. When starting a new job, you’re expected to contribute and be productive quite quickly. At school, there’s usually more time to adjust and get to know the environment. Also, in a job, you’re dealing with colleagues and possibly clients, while at school, you’re interacting mainly with other students and teachers.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The distinctions between these two experiences are multifaceted and significant. Firstly, the stakes are generally higher when starting a new job, as there’s an immediate expectation of professionalism and productivity. In contrast, educational institutions often provide a more nurturing environment that allows for a gradual adaptation.
Secondly, the social dynamics differ considerably. In a professional setting, one must navigate complex workplace relationships and hierarchies from day one, while schools typically offer a more egalitarian social structure among peers.
Furthermore, the learning curve in a new job is often steeper and more specialized, requiring immediate application of skills, whereas schools usually begin with foundational knowledge and progressively increase in complexity.
Lastly, the emotional impact can vary. Starting a new job often comes with financial implications and career progression concerns, potentially leading to higher stress levels. Conversely, beginning at a new school, while certainly challenging, is generally viewed as a more natural progression in one’s personal development, potentially reducing anxiety.
These differences underscore the need for tailored approaches to orientation and support in both educational and professional contexts.”
Examiner: In your opinion, what makes a successful first day at a new job?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I believe a successful first day involves making a good impression, understanding your role and responsibilities, and starting to build relationships with your colleagues. It’s also important to show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“A successful first day at a new job is a delicate balance of several key elements. Primarily, it’s crucial to strike a harmonious chord between demonstrating confidence in your abilities and exhibiting a genuine openness to learning the nuances of your new role and environment.
Effective communication plays a pivotal role. This involves not just articulating your thoughts clearly, but also actively listening to your colleagues and superiors, showing that you value their input and experience.
Adaptability is another critical factor. The ability to swiftly acclimate to new systems, processes, and corporate culture can set a positive tone for your tenure. This includes being receptive to feedback and showing flexibility in your approach to tasks.
Moreover, initiative is key. While it’s important not to overstep, demonstrating a proactive attitude by asking insightful questions and offering thoughtful input can showcase your potential value to the team.
Lastly, emotional intelligence plays a significant role. Being attuned to the social dynamics of your new workplace and navigating them with tact can help you forge positive relationships from day one.
A truly successful first day lays the foundation for long-term success, setting a positive trajectory for your role within the organization.”
Describe a person who is passionate about their job can be an interesting topic to explore when discussing workplace dynamics and career satisfaction.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
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Cutting-edge (adjective) /ˈkʌtɪŋ edʒ/: Very modern and advanced.
Example: “Our company uses cutting-edge technology in all its operations.” -
Whirlwind (noun) /ˈwɜːlwɪnd/: A very busy or rushed period of activity.
Example: “The first week at my new job was a whirlwind of meetings and training sessions.” -
Indelible (adjective) /ɪnˈdelɪbl/: Not able to be forgotten or removed.
Example: “My first day left an indelible impression on my mind.” -
To kick off (phrasal verb) /kɪk ɒf/: To begin or start.
Example: “The orientation program kicked off with a welcome speech from the CEO.” -
Palpable (adjective) /ˈpælpəbl/: Easily perceived; obvious.
Example: “There was a palpable sense of excitement in the office on my first day.” -
To entrust (verb) /ɪnˈtrʌst/: To give someone the responsibility for doing something or for taking care of someone/something.
Example: “I was entrusted with an important project on my very first day.”
Describe a time when you felt nervous but stayed calm can be relevant when discussing the emotions experienced on the first day of a new job or school.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing your first day at a new job or school:
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Prepare a range of personal experiences: Have at least 2-3 different first-day experiences ready to discuss, allowing you to choose the most appropriate one based on the specific question.
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Practice storytelling techniques: Work on your ability to narrate events chronologically, use descriptive language, and express emotions effectively.
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Expand your vocabulary: Focus on learning and using words and phrases specific to work and education contexts, as well as those that describe emotions and experiences.
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Improve your fluency: Practice speaking at length about your experiences without long pauses or repetitions. Use linking words to connect your ideas smoothly.
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Develop your ideas: Don’t just state facts; explain your thoughts, feelings, and reasons behind your actions or reactions.
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Use a variety of grammatical structures: Incorporate a mix of simple and complex sentences, and use different tenses appropriately when describing past events and their impact on the present.
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Work on your pronunciation: Pay attention to word stress and intonation, particularly for key vocabulary related to work and education.
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Stay relevant: Always keep your answers focused on the question asked, using the topic as a springboard to showcase your language skills.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Regular practice and self-reflection will help you improve your performance and confidence.
Describe a song that is special to you could be an interesting topic to explore when discussing personal experiences and emotions, which can be helpful in developing your ability to express yourself in the IELTS Speaking test.