The “What is your job?” question is one of the most common topics in IELTS Speaking Part 1. As an experienced IELTS examiner, I have seen how this seemingly simple question can significantly impact a candidate’s band score. Let’s explore how to answer job-related questions effectively and achieve the highest possible score.
Common Part 1 Questions About Jobs
For those preparing for what is ielts general training, here are typical job-related questions with sample answers:
Q1: What is your job?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I work as a software developer at a tech company. I mainly focus on creating mobile applications.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’m currently employed as a senior software developer at a leading tech firm, where I specialize in developing innovative mobile applications. My role encompasses both coding and team leadership responsibilities.”
Professional software developer explaining their work during IELTS speaking test
Q2: Do you enjoy your job?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I really like my job because it’s challenging and I learn new things every day.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I find my profession tremendously fulfilling as it constantly challenges me to push my boundaries and stay updated with cutting-edge technologies. The dynamic nature of software development means there’s always something new to master.”
Part 2: Cue Card Sample
Speaking of career discussions, How to Answer ‘What is your dream job?’ Questions can provide additional insights. Here’s a relevant cue card:
Describe your current job or a job you would like to do.
You should say:
- What the job is
- What responsibilities it involves
- Why you chose/would choose this job
- And explain what you like/would like about it
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to share details about my role as a project manager in a multinational corporation. This position requires exceptional organizational skills and the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders. I deliberately chose this career path because it aligns perfectly with my natural leadership abilities and passion for bringing people together to achieve common goals.
What particularly appeals to me about this role is the opportunity to make a tangible impact on both the company’s success and my team members’ professional growth. I find immense satisfaction in seeing projects progress from conception to completion, especially when we overcome challenging obstacles along the way.”
Professional project manager leading team meeting
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: How do you think job requirements will change in the future?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think technology will change many jobs. People will need to learn new skills and be more flexible.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The future workplace is likely to undergo dramatic transformation, primarily driven by technological advancement and automation. I strongly believe that traditional job roles will evolve significantly, requiring workers to develop adaptable skill sets and embrace continuous learning. Moreover, the emphasis will shift towards soft skills like emotional intelligence and creative problem-solving, which cannot be easily replicated by artificial intelligence.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions for High Scores
When discussing career-related topics, describe a person you know who is passionate about their work using these high-scoring phrases:
- Career progression /kəˈrɪə prəˈɡreʃ(ə)n/ – Professional advancement
- Job satisfaction /dʒɒb satɪsˈfakʃ(ə)n/ – Feeling of fulfillment from work
- Work-life balance /wɜːk laɪf ˈbal(ə)ns/ – Equilibrium between career and personal life
- Professional development /prəˈfeʃ(ə)n(ə)l dɪˈveləpmənt/ – Career-related growth
Examiner’s Tips for Success
- Structure your answers using clear examples and relevant details
- Use natural transitions between ideas
- Demonstrate range of vocabulary specific to workplace contexts
- Show genuine enthusiasm when discussing your career
- Maintain eye contact and professional body language
describe a time you received helpful advice about career development to enhance your responses with personal experiences.
