The document provides guidance for discussing work-related topics in the IELTS exam, highlighting its prevalence in both the speaking and writing sections. It outlines potential questions and topics in parts 1, 2, and 3 of the speaking test, including personal experiences and general discussions on work-related issues such as job responsibilities, future career aspirations, and ethical workplace concerns. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of being prepared to articulate details about current and future jobs, as well as engaging in discussions about necessary qualifications and personal qualities.

1. IELTS Topic: Work
Why you need to be able to talk about
work and jobs

2. Why?
O Work is one of the most common topics in
the IELTS exam. You are very likely to be
asked about it.
O It is most common in the IELTS Speaking
Test.

3. How
O It could appear in any of three sections of
the speaking test:
O Part 1 and 2: Personal experience
O Part 3: General discussion

4. Personal Experience
O In part one you may be asked some
simple questions like:
O “Do you have a job?”
O “Do you work or are you a student?”
O As you are students, you can say you
don’t work and are in full-time education.

5. Personal Experience
O However, if you said yes, you may be
asked:
O “Why did you choose that job?”
O “Do you enjoy your job?”
O “Do you get along well with your co-
workers?”
O “What responsibilities do you have?”
O “What would you like to change about your
job?”
O etc

6. Personal Experience
O In Part 2, you may be asked about:
O A job you have done in the past
O A job you would like to do in the future
O Your dream job
O An interesting/challenging job you know
about

7. Personal Experience
O Here’s an example:
Describe a job that you would like to do in the
future.
You should say:
O what the job is
O how much training would be necessary
O what is so special about this job
and explain why you are attracted to this job

8. General Discussion
O These topics may be raised in the IELTS
Speaking Test Part 3, or the Writing Test
Task 2.
O You will be asked about difficult social or
ethical issues.

9. General Discussion
O Possible topics:
O Sexual equality
O Should men and women get paid the same?
O Can men and women do the same work?
O Ageism
O Should people be forced to retire at a certain
age?
O Work-related health
O What can employers do to safeguard their
employees’ health or reduce workplace
stress?

10. General Discussion
O Other workplace issues:
O What are the advantages and
disadvantages of wearing uniforms at
work?
O Will more people work from home in the
future?
O Should co-workers spend their leisure time
together?

11. Essential Language
How to talk about jobs

12. Current Job
O What do you do? What’s your job?
O I’m a dentist.
O I work as a lawyer.
O I work in an insurance company.
O I’m unemployed right now.

13. Current Job
O Be prepared to give more details:
O Tell me about your job.
O My job involves… ing
O My job involves giving presentations.
O My job involves meeting people.
O My job involves tracking sales.
O I have to … and …
O I have to fix computers and set up networks.
O I have to meet guests and organize files.

14. Future Jobs
O What are your career plans? What job do
you want to do?
O I’m hoping to be a chemist.
O I’m studying to be an accountant.
O I plan on becoming a programmer.
O As you are students, you may also say:
O After graduating, I’d like to…

15. Future Job
O Tell me about the job you hope to do.
O You have to… and …
O You have to call people and collect
information.
O You need to have …
O You need to have patience.
O You need to have a lot of energy.

16. Future Job
O You need to be …
O You need to be cautious.
O You need to be highly motivated.
O Note: We use “you” to refer to people in
general.

17. Practice
Mind mapping aspects of a job

18. Job
Boss/
Colleagues
Personal
Qualities
Training/
Qualificatio
ns
Best/ worst
Things
About the
Job
Place of
Work
Duties/
Hours
Vet
Many years
of training
Must be
very caring
and patient
Work with
other vetsWorst thing
is seeing
animals
suffer
Work at a
pet hospital
Work long
hours
caring for
animals

19. Questions and Answers
1. Complete a mind map for a job you
would like to do.
2. Ask your partner questions about the job
they have chosen.
O Example: What sort of personal qualities
do you need to do this job? Why?