As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve witnessed countless students grapple with the seemingly simple yet crucial question in the IELTS Speaking test: “Do you work or study?” This question often appears within the first minute of the exam and sets the tone for the rest of Part 1.

This article delves into why this question is so important, how to answer it effectively, and provides practical tips and examples to help you confidently ace this section of the IELTS Speaking test.

Why is “Do You Work or Study?” Such a Crucial Question?

While seemingly straightforward, this question serves several key purposes:

• Warming Up: It’s an ice-breaker designed to put you at ease and acclimate you to speaking English in a test environment.
• Assessing Fluency and Coherence: The examiner gauges your ability to respond naturally and keep the conversation flowing smoothly.
• Foundation for Further Questions: Your answer paves the way for follow-up questions related to your work, studies, or daily life.

IELTS Speaking Test Example

Answering “Do You Work or Study?” Effectively

Here’s the key: provide a clear and concise answer, then elaborate with relevant details.

1. Direct and Clear Response:

• If you are a student: “I’m currently a student.”
• If you are employed: “I’m working at the moment.”
• If you are both: “I’m both working and studying right now.”
• If you are neither: “I’m not currently working or studying. I’m taking some time off.”

2. Elaborate with Relevant Details:

• Student:
  • “I’m in my second year of studying [Your Subject] at [University Name].”
  • “I’m particularly interested in [Specific Area of Study] because…”
• Employed:
  • “I work as a [Your Profession] at [Company Name].”
  • “My responsibilities include [Briefly Describe Key Responsibilities].”
• Both:
  • “I’m working part-time as a [Your Profession] while pursuing a degree in [Your Subject].”
  • “It can be challenging to balance both, but…”
• Neither:
  • “I’m planning to start [Studying/Working] in [Month/Year].”
  • “In the meantime, I’m focusing on [Hobbies, Volunteering, Travel, etc.]”

Example:

“I’m currently working as a software developer at a tech startup. We develop mobile applications for educational purposes. It’s a fast-paced environment, but I enjoy the challenge and the opportunity to learn new things.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Giving one-word answers: Don’t just say “student” or “working.” Expand on your response!
• Providing irrelevant information: Keep your answer focused on your work or studies.
• Memorizing answers: While it’s good to prepare, avoid sounding robotic. Speak naturally.

Tips for Success

• Practice Regularly: Speak about your work or studies in English as often as possible.
• Think of Potential Follow-Up Questions: This helps you prepare for the direction the conversation might take.
• Be Enthusiastic: Show genuine interest when talking about your work or studies.

Conclusion

Remember, the “Do you work or study?” question is your chance to make a strong first impression. By providing a clear, detailed, and enthusiastic response, you set a positive tone for the rest of your IELTS Speaking test and demonstrate your English fluency and conversational skills. Good luck!