As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve observed that questions about skilled professionals are increasingly common in the test. This topic allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary and ability to describe people’s qualities and achievements. Let’s explore how to excel in describing a highly skilled person in your job during the IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about work and skills. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you think it’s important to be skilled at your job?
A: Absolutely. Being skilled at your job is crucial in today’s competitive work environment. It not only enhances your productivity but also boosts your confidence and career prospects. Proficiency in your field can lead to greater job satisfaction and opportunities for advancement.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a skilled professional:
Describe a person who is very skilled at their job.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What their job is
- How you know about their skills
- And explain why you think they are so skilled at their job
Sample answer:
I’d like to talk about my former manager, Sarah Thompson, who is exceptionally skilled at her job as a project manager in a software development company.
Sarah has been in the industry for over 15 years, and her expertise is evident in every aspect of her work. I had the opportunity to work under her guidance for two years, which gave me firsthand experience of her remarkable skills.
What sets Sarah apart is her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities with ease. She effortlessly coordinates between different teams, ensuring seamless communication and smooth workflow. Her attention to detail is impeccable, and she never misses a deadline.
One of Sarah’s most impressive qualities is her problem-solving ability. Whenever we faced a challenge, she would approach it with a calm demeanor and systematically break it down into manageable parts. Her solutions were always innovative and effective.
I believe Sarah is so skilled because she continuously updates her knowledge and stays abreast of industry trends. She’s also an excellent listener and values input from all team members, which allows her to make informed decisions.
Her leadership style is both inspiring and empowering. She encourages creativity and fosters a positive work environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to give their best.
In conclusion, Sarah’s combination of technical expertise, interpersonal skills, and leadership qualities make her an outstanding professional in her field. Working with her was a truly enriching experience that taught me the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in one’s career.
Skilled professional leading team meeting
Possible follow-up questions:
Q: How important are soft skills in being successful at work?
A: Soft skills are increasingly crucial in today’s workplace. They complement technical abilities and often make the difference between a good employee and an exceptional one. Skills like effective communication, teamwork, and adaptability are highly valued by employers across all industries.
Q: Do you think people can become skilled at any job, or are some people naturally more suited to certain professions?
A: While natural aptitude can give someone an initial advantage in certain fields, I believe that with dedication and persistent effort, most people can become skilled at any job. Continuous learning and practice are key to developing expertise. However, passion for the work often plays a significant role in how quickly and effectively someone can master their craft.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Let’s talk more about skilled professionals. In your opinion, what makes someone an expert in their field?
Candidate: There are several factors that contribute to making someone an expert in their field. Firstly, I believe extensive experience is crucial. Spending years in a particular industry allows one to encounter various challenges and learn from them, building a wealth of practical knowledge.
Secondly, continuous learning is vital. True experts don’t rest on their laurels but constantly update their skills and stay abreast of the latest developments in their field. This could involve attending workshops, reading industry publications, or participating in professional networks.
Thirdly, I think problem-solving abilities play a significant role. Experts are often distinguished by their capacity to tackle complex issues and find innovative solutions. This requires not just knowledge, but also critical thinking and creativity.
Lastly, I’d say that effective communication is a key trait of experts. Being able to clearly explain complex concepts to others, whether colleagues or clients, is a hallmark of true expertise.
Examiner: How do you think technology is changing the nature of expertise in various professions?
Candidate: Technology is undoubtedly revolutionizing the concept of expertise across various professions. On one hand, it’s making information more accessible than ever before, which means that basic knowledge in many fields is now easily obtainable. This has raised the bar for what’s considered expert-level knowledge.
On the other hand, technology is also creating new areas of specialization. For instance, in fields like marketing, we now have experts in social media strategy or data analytics – roles that didn’t exist a decade ago. This means that professionals need to be more adaptable and willing to learn new skills to maintain their expert status.
Moreover, technology is changing the way experts work. Artificial Intelligence and machine learning are now assisting professionals in tasks that once required human expertise, like medical diagnoses or legal research. This doesn’t necessarily diminish the value of human experts, but rather shifts their focus to tasks requiring more complex judgment and interpersonal skills.
Lastly, I believe technology is making collaboration easier, allowing experts from different fields to work together more efficiently. This is leading to more interdisciplinary expertise, where being an expert often means understanding how your field intersects with others.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Proficient /prəˈfɪʃənt/ (adjective): Competent or skilled in doing something.
Example: She’s proficient in multiple programming languages.Adept /əˈdept/ (adjective): Very skilled or proficient at something.
Example: He’s adept at managing large teams and complex projects.To excel /ɪkˈsel/ (verb): To be exceptionally good at or proficient in an activity or subject.
Example: She excels in problem-solving and strategic planning.Expertise /ˌekspɜːrˈtiːz/ (noun): Expert skill or knowledge in a particular field.
Example: His expertise in artificial intelligence is widely recognized in the industry.Consummate /ˈkɒnsəmət/ (adjective): Showing a high degree of skill and flair; complete or perfect.
Example: She’s a consummate professional, always delivering high-quality work.To master /ˈmɑːstər/ (verb): Acquire complete knowledge or skill in (an accomplishment, technique, or art).
Example: It took years of practice for him to master the art of negotiation.
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a skilled professional:
- Use a variety of descriptive adjectives and adverbs to vividly portray the person’s skills.
- Provide specific examples to illustrate their expertise.
- Use idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary appropriately.
- Maintain fluency by organizing your thoughts coherently.
- Show your ability to discuss abstract ideas, especially in Part 3.
- Practice speaking about various professions and skills to build your vocabulary and confidence.
Remember, the key to success is not just knowing the right words, but using them naturally and effectively in context. Regular practice and exposure to English will help you achieve this.
For more tips on describing people in IELTS Speaking, you might find these articles helpful:
- How to Describe a Person Who is Good at Giving Advice
- Describing Someone Who is Good at Managing Crises
- Talking About People Skilled in Conflict Resolution
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss skilled professionals confidently in your IELTS Speaking test.