In the International English language testing system (IELTS) Speaking test, you might have to answer questions about your job or career. This section allows you to discuss about your current job, past employment, or future career plans. It's an opportunity to highlight your professional accomplishments, skills, and responsibilities.
In this blog, we will provide you with tips on how to talk about your work in the IELTS Speaking test, helping you to confidently approach this section and achieve a high score.
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Types of questions in the IELTS Speaking test
Here are a few examples of different types of questions that you might face in your IELTS Speaking test. It is important for you to approach these questions in the right way to increase your chance of scoring high on your IELTS test.
Here are some example questions with answers for your reference:
1. Do you work right now?
Approach: Be honest and straightforward. Give a clear answer about your current employment status, whether you are working or not. If you are working, you can briefly mention the type of work you do and the industry you are in.
2. Do you think you'll use what you're learning in your future job?
Approach: Express your thoughts on how relevant your current studies are to your future job aspirations. You can mention specific skills, knowledge, or concepts that you believe will be valuable in your chosen career path. If you're unsure, you can discuss the potential applicability of your studies in a broader context.
3. What do you need to be qualified for this job?
Approach: Describe the qualifications and skills required for the job you're referring to. You can talk about formal education, relevant degrees, certifications, and specific skills such as communication, problem-solving, technical skills, etc. If possible, provide examples of how you're working towards meeting those qualifications.
4. What jobs do people admire the most in your country?
Approach: Share your understanding of the most admired jobs in your country. These could be professions that are traditionally esteemed or those that contribute significantly to society. Mention specific examples and provide reasons why people admire these jobs, such as job stability, high salaries, social impact, etc.
5. Some folks say it's better to work for yourself than to work for a company. What do you think?
Approach: Present your perspective on the topic while considering both sides of the argument. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both working for yourself and working for a company. Draw from personal experiences or observations to support your viewpoint and conclude with a balanced statement that reflects your overall opinion.
6. What job changes have happened lately in your country?
Approach: Talk about recent trends or shifts in the job market in your country. You can mention changes in industries, the emergence of new professions, or shifts in the demand for certain skills. Use examples to illustrate these changes and consider how they might impact the employment landscape.
Different ways to talk about your job
In the IELTS Speaking test, you might be asked to talk about your job or work, especially in Part 1. Here are different ways to talk about what you do, based on your situation.
Your work experience:
Example: Your current jobI'm a (software engineer), and my focus is on ___________. I've been in my current job for about (3 years) now, and the company I work for (explaining what the company does or offers).I'm working part-time as a (cashier), and I've been doing that for the last (6 months). But my bigger goal is to eventually become a (nurse). I'm studying (nursing) now to make that happen, and once I finish my studies, I'll be able to ________.
Example: Your previous jobI used to work as an (accounts manager) at a (law firm), but I decided to move on and focus on (what you're doing now or want to do). I believe (what you're doing now or want to do) suits me better because ____________.Your Future JobI'm thinking of giving (project management) a shot because ___________. My plan is to _________, and I'm really aiming for ____________. So, I hope everything goes well and it works out.
Example: Dream JobI'd be open to giving (project management) a shot because __________. My plan is to ___________, and I'm really aiming for ____________. So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly, and it turns out great.
Currently without a jobI recently graduated from university with a degree in (Business), specialising in (International Relations), so I'm currently looking for a job. I've applied for _________, and I'm hoping to _____________. I want to avoid (type of work or company you don’t like), and my initial goal is to land a job as an (administration assistant) because __________.I'm actually in-between jobs right now. I used to work as a (tutor) at a (language academy), but due to (specific reasons), I'm not there anymore. I'm actively searching for a job now, ideally related to (teaching) so I can use my skills.
2. Likes and dislikes about your job
I really love what I do because a passion of mine is ____________ and this job helps me do that. An enjoyable aspect is how ___________.
Something that I find quite a struggle is how ____________, so one of the challenges I have is ____________. I’m working on (how to improve the situation).
3. People around you in your workplace
I get on really well with my colleagues because ____________. I also look up to my boss because he/she is ______________. I work really well with our customers/clients because they ____________.
Some of my workmates are a bit tricky to deal with because they ___________. My boss can be a bit of a handful at times because he/she ______________. The customers/clients we deal with can be draining at times as they _____________.
4. Location of your office
Of late, I’ve been working remotely which I don’t mind at all actually because __________.
Sometimes we have to go off-site to _______________, which is great because I don’t like being stuck in a cubicle all day.
The company is located just a stone’s throw away from (the train station), so it’s in quite a good spot.
The location of the office is a bit out of the way because it’s ___________, so it takes me a while to commute there and back home.
Hope this blog helps you understand the question you might have to answer in your IELTS Speaking test. Consider these question-answer examples to practice for your test. If you prepare well, you might achieve your desired score on your IELTS test.
Additionally, if you want to know more about the IELTS test, you can visit your nearest IDP . Our team of IELTS experts will help you with all your queries.