IELTS Speaking Part 1, 2, 3 Topic: Work/Job & Model Answers

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions:

*  Do you work or study?

Well, for the past couple of years, I’ve been working for [ABC Company] as a [a job’s title], which is among the top 10 listed firms in my country.In fact, this is my first job ever & I love it so much, and I think it’s a very interesting, yet challenging line of work. Currently I’m working really hard to contribute to the success of this prestigious company.

Why did you choose your job?

I am really into[……], and I always believe that I was born for [……]. My dream is to be a successful […..] one day.

What do you like about your job?/ Why did you choose to do that type of work?

I guess it’s mainly because of the job flexibility & my passion for journalism. To be more specific, this job offers me alternatives to the typical nine-to-five work schedule, enabling me to find a better balance between work and life. Besides, this job gives me opportunities to pursue my dream to become a journalist down the road.

Job flexibility (expression) gives employees flexibility on how long, where and when they work.

Nine-to-five work (phrase) the normal work schedule for most jobs

Or:

Well I guess the thing I like most about this job is the salary. I make what I’d consider is a lucrative income, which means not only is it enough to cover my bills, but there’s also some extra to spend on whatever I want. So on payday, I often treat myself to a meal at a high-end restaurant or splurge on a nice shirt.

Lucrative income (phrase)

High-end (adj) the most sophisticated, and typically the most expensive product in a line

Splurge on something (phrase) to spend a lot of money on someone or something

What do you dislike about your job?

Sometimes I feel dead tired when sitting in front of a computer screen all day long to deal with overwhelming workload.  I mean, I’ve led a sedentary lifestyle which really exerts a negative effect on my physical & mental health & I have had a very hectic schedule, which always keeps me up to my ears in deadlines. Down the road I am yearning for a job that involves dealing with people & makes me feel less stressful.

Dead tired (adj): exhausted

All day long (phrase): during the entire day

Overwhelming (adj)  very intense

Sedentary lifestyle (phrase): a type of lifestyle with little or no physical activity

Hectic (adj) busy

Up to my ears in something (phrase) busy doing something

Down the road (idiom) in the future

Yearn for (phrase) to feel a powerful desire for something

Is there some other kind of work you would rather do?

Actually, I don’t think I’m able to dedicate myself to any other job rather than this one. In fact, to me it’s the experiences and opportunities I can gain that really matters.

To dedicate to Sth (v) devote (time or effort) to a particular task or purpose

Where do you want to see yourself in 10 years?

Well, this question pops into my mind from time to time, but to be honest, I have never managed to have an answer for it. I reckon that 10 years is such a long time and anything could happen, so it is hard to tell from now.

Do you miss being a student?
I surely will miss my student life once I get involve in the workplace. For me I think when I’m a student, at least I have someone guide me, whereas at work mostly you must guide yourself. The academic environment appears to be a comfort zone for me, while I’m sure I’ll struggle with fitting in the working environment.

To get involve in (v) to become a part of (an organization)

To fit in (v) to become suitable or appropriate for Sth or SO

What do you do after work?

I normally cook dinner, relax and walk my dog. Depending on my schedule, I might have plans with friends to meet for a coffee or shopping. In summer I go to the beach for a couple of hours then return home to cook dinner.

Would you like to change your job in the future?

What would you change about your job?

Do you prefer working alone or with others? Why?

How many hours do you work each day?

Do you have to work with other people?

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topic:

Describe your idea of making a good first impression in a job interview.

You should say:

• why it is important.
• is it important to make a good last impression as well
• what ways would you do it in your job interview

and explain how to make a good first impression in a job interview.

Band 8 Sample Answer:

It’s of common sense that most people at my age are now seeking for good job opportunity. Thus, I have to get to know how to leave a good first impression in a job interview. Today, I would like to share with you some of my knowledge about this topic.

In a professional situation, the first impressions are significantly important. Most job interviews don’t last more than 45 minutes. In such a short period of time, from those who don’t know anything about ourselves, we have to persuade them that we are qualified enough for the position we applied for. Thus, a good first impression can help to increase the success rate in our application process.

There are many things a candidate can do create positive first impression. You may choose following some among these tips or all of them, such as arriving on time for the interview, dressing formally, use appropriate ways of behavior and communications. Besides, there are some noted points that you should pay much attention to like job description, company information which you acquired through researches. By going through the required tasks and skills for the vacancy, company’s culture or giving some suggestions to improve productivity of the tasks you might be in charge of when you take that position can help you stand out from other candidate. For me, I would choose to follow all tips above.

Apart from first impression, I strongly believe that last impressions are important as well. Often we are not accepted immediately in the interview. Recruiting team will have to take into account all candidates’ performances during the interview to choose the most suitable ones for the position. Therefore, good first impression only is not enough, we have to build good relationship with recruiters by making good last impression, too. By doing so, we showed our respect to recruiters and the job we apply for.

Being in a job interview is not an enjoyable experience. However, we have to get through it to pursue our dream jobs. Thus, we should prepare well enough for occasions like that.

VOCABULARY:

• be of common sense: something are widely known

Ex: The fact that “the sun rises in the east and set in the west” is of common sense.

• go through: study carefully about

Ex: Collins went through every legal book she could find.

• vacancy: a job that no one is doing and is available for someone new to do.

Ex: There is a vacancy for a shop assistant on Saturdays.

• stand out: to be much better than other similar things or people

Ex: We had lots of good applicants for the job, but one stood out from the rest.

• take into account: to consider or remember something when judging a situation

Ex: A good architect takes into account the building’s surroundings.

• get through: to manage to deal with a difficult situation   

Other similar topics:

1. Describe the job you would most like to have. 

You should say:

• what this job would be
• where you would work
• which qualifications you would need and
• explain why you would like to have this job most.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions:

1. Which jobs would you say are most respected in your country?

Well, I have never thought about this, but I reckon that professional careers such as the fields of law, education, and medicine may be the most highly-acclaimed ones. It is mainly because of the fact that people working in these fields can easily earn lucrative income compared to others.

2. Some people say it’s better to work for yourself than be employed by a company. What’s your opinion?

Well, I used to be a full time employee & felt very stressful. To be specific, most of the time, I had a hectic schedule & was up to ears in heavy workloads to meet deadlines. Therefore, although running my own business is really challenging, I do feel far more comfortable with it.

3. What changes in employment have there been in recent years in your country?

As far as I know, more and more people, especially the young generations are involved in setting up their own businesses. Thus, the “start-up” community is now more alive than ever, especially tech startups.

۴٫ What are some of the important things a candidate should find out before accepting a job?

Well, this is an interesting question. If I were offered a job, I would definitely go through the company’s compensation package such as salary, allowances, maternity or paternity leave, insurance, pension plans, vacations, etc. Also, I’d need to know about my area of responsibilities so that I can make sure that I will not be overwhelmed with heavy workloads down the road.