As an IELTS examiner, I’ve observed that questions about successful professionals frequently appear in the Speaking test. This topic allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary and analytical skills while discussing career achievements. Let’s explore how to excel in describing a person who has achieved remarkable success in their career.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you may encounter questions about successful people or career achievements. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Question: Do you know anyone who is very successful in their career?
Answer: Yes, I do. My uncle is a highly accomplished software engineer who has made significant strides in his field. He’s climbed the corporate ladder at a major tech company and is now in a leadership position. What’s truly impressive is how he’s consistently innovated and adapted to new technologies throughout his career.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a successful person:
Describe a person who is very successful in their career. You should say:
- Who this person is
- What their job is
- How you know about them
- And explain why you think they are successful
Sample Answer:
I’d like to talk about my former professor, Dr. Sarah Thompson, who has achieved remarkable success in her career as a neuroscientist. I first met her when I was an undergraduate student, and she was teaching an introductory neuroscience course.
Dr. Thompson’s job involves conducting groundbreaking research on brain plasticity and its implications for treating neurodegenerative diseases. She’s also a respected lecturer at one of the top universities in the country.
I’ve kept track of her career through alumni newsletters and scientific journals. Her work has been consistently published in prestigious publications, and she’s frequently invited to speak at international conferences.
I believe Dr. Thompson is successful for several reasons. Firstly, her innovative research has made significant contributions to our understanding of the brain. She’s pioneered new techniques for studying neural networks, which have wide-ranging applications in both medicine and technology.
Moreover, Dr. Thompson has an exceptional ability to communicate complex ideas to both experts and laypeople. This skill has not only made her an effective educator but has also helped her secure funding for her research projects.
Lastly, her success is evident in the recognition she’s received from her peers. She’s been awarded numerous grants and has recently been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, which is one of the highest honors a scientist can receive.
In conclusion, Dr. Thompson’s groundbreaking research, communication skills, and peer recognition all contribute to her outstanding success in the field of neuroscience.
Possible follow-up questions:
- What challenges do you think Dr. Thompson faced in her career?
- How do you think her success has impacted her personal life?
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: What qualities do you think are essential for career success?
Candidate: I believe several qualities are crucial for achieving career success. Firstly, perseverance is essential. The ability to persist in the face of setbacks and continue working towards one’s goals is vital in any profession. Secondly, adaptability is increasingly important in today’s rapidly changing job market. Successful individuals need to be able to quickly learn new skills and adjust to evolving industry trends.
Another key quality is effective communication. Being able to articulate ideas clearly and collaborate with diverse teams can significantly enhance one’s career prospects. Additionally, leadership skills are often necessary for advancing to higher positions. This involves not just managing others, but also inspiring and motivating teams to achieve common goals.
Lastly, I think emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in career success. Understanding and managing one’s own emotions, as well as being able to empathize with colleagues and clients, can lead to better workplace relationships and increased productivity.
Examiner: Do you think the qualities for success have changed over the years?
Candidate: Yes, I believe the qualities required for success have evolved significantly over the years, primarily due to technological advancements and changes in workplace culture.
In the past, technical skills and specialized knowledge were often sufficient for career success. However, in today’s rapidly changing business environment, adaptability and continuous learning have become increasingly important. Professionals now need to be able to quickly acquire new skills and adapt to new technologies to remain competitive.
Another shift is the growing emphasis on soft skills. While technical proficiency is still valuable, employers are now placing greater importance on qualities such as emotional intelligence, creativity, and critical thinking. These skills are crucial for problem-solving and innovation, which are highly valued in many industries.
Moreover, the rise of remote work and global teams has made cross-cultural communication and virtual collaboration skills more essential than ever before. Successful professionals today need to be adept at working across different time zones and navigating cultural differences.
Lastly, there’s an increasing focus on entrepreneurial thinking. Even within large organizations, employees are often expected to take initiative, identify opportunities, and drive innovation. This represents a shift from the more rigid, hierarchical structures of the past.
In conclusion, while some fundamental qualities like hard work and perseverance remain important, the modern workplace demands a more diverse and flexible skill set than in previous generations.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Groundbreaking (adjective) /ˈɡraʊnd.breɪ.kɪŋ/: Innovative; pioneering.
Example: Her groundbreaking research has revolutionized cancer treatment. -
To climb the corporate ladder (idiom): To advance in one’s career within a company.
Example: He quickly climbed the corporate ladder, becoming CEO within ten years. -
To make significant strides (phrase): To make important progress.
Example: The company has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint. -
Adaptability (noun) /əˌdæp.təˈbɪl.ə.ti/: The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.
Example: In today’s fast-paced business world, adaptability is crucial for success. -
To secure funding (phrase): To obtain financial support for a project.
Example: The researcher was able to secure funding for her innovative study. -
Peer recognition (noun phrase): Acknowledgment or praise from colleagues in the same field.
Example: Winning the industry award brought him significant peer recognition.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a successful person:
- Use a variety of sophisticated vocabulary and idiomatic expressions related to career success.
- Provide specific examples and details to support your points.
- Demonstrate your ability to analyze the factors contributing to success.
- Practice speaking about different types of successful professionals to broaden your range.
- Work on your fluency by regularly discussing career-related topics with others.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and confidence in your delivery.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, check out our guide on how to describe a time you overcame a challenge in IELTS Speaking. This can be particularly helpful when discussing the obstacles successful professionals often face in their careers.