The IELTS Speaking test can be nerve-wracking, especially when faced with seemingly simple questions like “What do you do?”. While it sounds straightforward, this question is your opportunity to make a strong first impression and demonstrate your English fluency. As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’m here to guide you through tackling this common IELTS prompt effectively.

Understanding the Question’s Intent

Examiners aren’t simply asking for your job title. They want to assess your ability to:

• Provide clear and concise information: Can you describe your occupation or studies in a way that’s easily understandable?
• Use a range of vocabulary: Can you go beyond basic words and showcase a wider vocabulary related to your field?
• Speak fluently and naturally: Do you sound confident and comfortable while talking about yourself?

Crafting Your Response

1. For Employed Individuals:

• Start with your job title: “I work as a…” or “I’m currently a…”
• Describe your responsibilities: Use action verbs to highlight your key tasks. For example: “I manage a team of marketers,” or “I develop software applications.”
• Mention the company or industry: Provide context by stating where you work. For instance: “I’m a teacher at a local primary school” or “I work for a multinational tech company.”
• Add details to make it engaging: Briefly mention something you enjoy about your job or a recent project you’ve worked on.

Example:
“I work as a graphic designer for a digital marketing agency. My main responsibilities include creating visual content for websites, social media, and marketing campaigns. I really enjoy the creative freedom I have in my role and the opportunity to work on a variety of projects.”

2. For Students:

• State your level of study: “I’m a university student,” “I’m currently in my second year of high school,” etc.
• Mention your major or area of focus: “I’m majoring in Business Administration” or “I’m studying Literature.”
• Share your future aspirations: Briefly mention your career goals.
• Highlight your interests within your studies: This adds personality to your response.

Example:
“I’m a third-year university student majoring in Environmental Science. I’m particularly interested in renewable energy and sustainability, and I hope to work in that field after graduation.”

3. For Individuals Not Currently Working or Studying:

• Be upfront and positive: “I’m currently taking some time off to…” or “I’m actively seeking employment in…”
• Explain your situation briefly: Are you between jobs, retired, a stay-at-home parent, etc.?
• Focus on skills and experiences: Highlight transferable skills from previous roles or volunteer work.
• Share future plans: Mention any courses you’re taking or your job search focus.

Example:
“I’m currently seeking a position as a Project Manager. I have over ten years of experience in the IT industry, and I’m confident in my ability to lead teams and deliver projects successfully.”

ielts-speaking-test-tips

IELTS Speaking Test Tips for “What Do You Do?”

• Practice your response: Rehearse your answer until it feels natural and fluent.
• Don’t memorize: While practice is key, avoid sounding robotic.
• Vary your vocabulary: Use synonyms to avoid repetition. For instance, instead of repeating “work,” say “job,” “profession,” or “career.”
• Project confidence: Speak clearly and maintain eye contact with the examiner.
• Be prepared for follow-up questions: The examiner will likely ask you more about your work or studies, so be ready to elaborate.

Conclusion

Mastering the “What do you do?” question is a crucial step towards achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test. By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can confidently showcase your English abilities and make a positive impression on the examiner. Remember, clarity, fluency, and a touch of personality will help you succeed in this section of the exam. Good luck!