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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe A Job that You Think is Interesting: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Nov 13, 2024, 06:58

Overview

Are you seeking a platform to practice your speaking skills for the IELTS exam? In that case, you have the right page to practice and increase your chances of scoring well in the speaking section of IELTS. 
 

IELTS Speaking has three parts, which remain the same in both tests(academic & general). The cue card round is filled with simple topics such as personal interests, experiences, environmental and societal issues, and general knowledge. One of the most commonly asked topics is 'Describe A Job that You Think is Interesting'.
 

In this topic, you will discuss a job that you find interesting and fun to work in. You must describe your experience, what you did in that job, and what was the most fun part of your job. 

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe a Job that You Think is Interesting

You should say

  • What is it?
  • Why do you think it is interesting?
  • What skills does it need?
  • How did you feel about it?
  • And explain why it made you continue doing it?
Sample Answer 1 (Content Writer)

Introduction:
 

  • The job I find interesting is that of a content writer.
  • It fascinates me because of its creativity and the opportunities it provides to keep learning and exploring new subjects.
     

What is it?
 

  • The job I find interesting is that of a content writer.
  • Writing content prepares engaging and informative texts for various purposes, such as websites, blogs, social media or advertising campaigns. 
     

Why do you think it is interesting?
 

  • I am attracted to this profession because of its dynamic nature and the constant opportunity to learn and express creativity. 
  • Writing content allows you to explore a wide range of topics, from technology to travel, and to create compelling stories that appeal to the audience.
     

What skills does it need?
 

  • Creativeness, research and communication skills are required to write content. 
  • To be able to adapt their writing style to the various platforms and target audiences, writers must have a keen eye for detail, impeccable grammar, and the ability to adapt their writing style.
     

How did you feel about it? And explain why it made you continue doing it?
 

  • In my way, transforming ideas into words that engage and inform readers is very satisfying. 
  • It is truly satisfying to have achieved a sense of accomplishment by producing content that interests the audience. 
  • In addition, the constant evolution of the digital landscape makes the job exciting, as new trends and technologies are constantly being explored.
     

Conclusion:
 

  • The content writer's role isn't just to string words together; it's to create meaningful stories that appeal to the audience. 
  • Combining creative thinking with research and communication skills in this field is challenging and satisfying. 
  • Content writing offers a fulfilling career path with endless possibilities for growth and impact for those who love to write and tell stories.
Sample Answer 2 (Chartered Accountant - CA)

Introduction:

 

  • As a chartered accountant, I'm very interested in this profession because of its diverse nature. 
  • In this role, it is crunching numbers and breaking down complex finance data to gain valuable insight into businesses. 
  • this constant interaction with finance information constantly drives me.
     

What is it?
 

  • A Chartered Accountant is a professional who specialises in accounting, auditing and taxation. 
  • They have a key role in ensuring the integrity and compliance of organisations' finances.
     

Why do you think it is interesting?
 

  • Being a chartered accountant is an interesting career because of its dynamic character. 
  • It's about solving problems, thinking critically, and deciding, which is intellectual stimulation. 
  • Moreover, CAs have the opportunity to work in diverse industries, gaining exposure to various business operations.

 

What skills does it need?
 

  • You need excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and financial management skills to be successful as a chartered accountant. 
  • In addition, it is necessary to communicate effectively and interact with clients and stakeholders. 
  • Adaptability and continuous learning are also essential, given the constantly evolving regulatory landscape.
     

How did you feel about it? And explain why it made you continue doing it?
 

  • I found my work fulfilling and rewarding as a chartered accountant. 
  • It is immensely Having a sense of responsibility for protecting financial interests and contributing to businesses' success is immensely satisfying. 
  • My passion for continuous improvement and growth only fuels the challenges I have encountered in this profession.
     

Conclusion:
 

  • The work of a chartered accountant is not just an intellectual stimulation, but it also entails considerable responsibility. 
  • This profession is a fascinating one, thanks to the combination of analytical competence, communication skills and Strategic Thinking. 
  • I constantly strive for excellence as a chartered accountant because of this combination of challenges and rewards.
Sample Answer 3 (Business Analyst)

Introduction:
 

  • The job that intrigued me the most is that of a Business Analyst.
  • This role involves data analysis, identifying business needs and developing solutions to them.
     

What is it?
 

  • Business analysis is the kind of job I'm most interested in. 
  • This role involves the analysis of data, the identification of business needs and the development of solutions to these needs. 
  • The combination of analytical thinking, problem-solving and the opportunity to work with various organisational stakeholders is very interesting.
     

Why do you think it is interesting?
 

  • The dynamic nature of the job is one aspect I am most interested in. 
  • Business analysts work on various projects across different sectors, each with particular challenges and requirements. 
  • This variety keeps the job fresh and interesting. 
  • Moreover, the insights provided by a Business Analyst often play a crucial role in shaping strategic decisions within companies, making it a rewarding profession.
     

What skills does it need?
 

  • A combination of technical skills, such as the ability to use data analysis tools and techniques, and soft skills, like communication, problem-solving or critical thinking, is needed for a business analyst to succeed. 
  • It is essential to be able to translate complex business requirements into meaningful insight and the ability to work effectively with stakeholders from different backgrounds.
     

How did you feel about it? And explain why it made you continue doing it?
 

  • As I've always been fond of working with data and unravelling patterns, I was drawn to the analytical aspect of the role. 
  • It is incredible to see how my analyses and recommendations direct the improvement of processes, stimulate innovation or even shape business strategies. 
  • I am motivated to continue my career path by the constant learning and an opportunity to make a real difference in business.
     

Conclusion:
 

  • A perfect combination of analytical rigour, problem-solving challenges, and meaningful impact is offered by the business analyst role. 
  • It is a highly interesting and satisfying profession due to the diversity of skills needed and the opportunity to work in many different sectors. 
  • Being a business analyst may be an immensely satisfying career choice for those who thrive on deciphering data, finding solutions and driving positive change.

The IELTS Speaking test is a one-on-one interview with a certified IELTS examiner. Once part 2 begins, you will be handed a cue card and 4 questions related to it. The cue card will look like this:

To answer cue card prompts effectively, break them into sections: introduction, key highlights, and conclusion. Provide context in the introduction, add specific examples in key highlights, and summarise your main points in the conclusion.

 

Considering that, here's how we'll break our topic down.
 

Introduction:
 

  • Give a brief introduction of the job you're interested in, and briefly explain why you think it is so.
“One job that I find particularly fascinating is that of a wildlife photographer. The allure of capturing the beauty of nature and wildlife through a lens is truly captivating to me. The combination of adventure, creativity, and conservation makes it an intriguing profession.”

What is it?
 

  •  Explain in detail the main tasks and responsibilities of this position.
“A wildlife photographer is tasked with capturing stunning images of animals, landscapes, and natural phenomena in their natural habitats. They often work in remote locations, spending hours observing and waiting for the perfect shot.”

Why do you think it is interesting?
 

  • Explain to me why you're interested in this job. 
  • It could be an opportunity to see the diversity of ecosystems and challenges, such as catching a scarce species or raising awareness on conservation issues by taking photographs.
“What makes this job truly fascinating to me is the ability to document the beauty and fragility of our planet while advocating for its preservation through visual storytelling.”

What skills does it need?
 

  • Talk about the essential skills and qualities required for success in this profession. 
  • Technical skills in camera equipment, patience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of wildlife behaviour and habitats could be part of this.
“Successful wildlife photographers must possess a keen eye for composition, an understanding of lighting and exposure, and the ability to anticipate and react quickly to fleeting moments in nature.”

How did you feel about it? And explain why it made you continue doing it?
 

  • If you have any personal experiences or feelings about your job, please share them with me. 
  • You can express your enthusiasm and wish to pursue this profession in the future if you have not worked in it.
“While I haven't had the opportunity to professionally work as a wildlife photographer, I have always been passionate about photography and wildlife. The idea of combining these interests into a career that allows me to explore the world's most breathtaking landscapes and encounter magnificent creatures firsthand is incredibly appealing to me.”

Conclusion:

 

  • Give a summary of why this job is interesting and reiterate your love for it. 
  • Any future ambitions linked to the profession may also be mentioned.
“The role of a wildlife photographer is both exhilarating and meaningful, offering a unique blend of adventure, creativity, and advocacy. As someone deeply passionate about nature and photography, pursuing a career in this field would be a dream come true for me.”

Follow-Up Questions

Part 3 of the IELTS speaking section is the two-way discussion round. The examiner will ask you related questions to the topic given to you in individual long-turn tasks. 

 

In this section, you will discuss the topic in general, showcasing to the examiner that you can justify your opinions and your ability to discuss the topic in depth. The discussion round's duration, part 3, will be 4-5 mins.

Q1. How do you prioritise competing demands and deadlines in your workload?

Answer 1: Utilising a Priority Matrix: One approach is creating a priority matrix or grid where tasks are assessed based on urgency and importance. Urgent and important tasks would be given the highest priority, followed by those that are important but less urgent, and so on. By categorising tasks this way, focusing on the most critical items is easier while ensuring that less urgent tasks are not neglected.
 

Answer 2: Regular Communication and Negotiation: Another strategy involves open communication with stakeholders to understand the impact and urgency of various tasks. By proactively discussing deadlines and requirements with project managers, team members, and other stakeholders, a Business Analyst can clarify which tasks need immediate attention and which can be postponed or delegated. 

Q2. Can you provide an example of a challenging project you've worked on?

Answer 1: Implementation of a New Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System: In a previous role, I was part of a team tasked with implementing a new ERP system across multiple departments within the organisation. This project was challenging due to its scale and complexity. It involved migrating data from legacy systems, customising the new ERP software to meet our specific business needs, and training employees to use the new system effectively. 
 

Answer 2: Market Entry Strategy for a New Product: Another challenging project I worked on was developing a market entry strategy for a new product launch. This involved conducting comprehensive market research, analysing consumer preferences and the competitive landscape, and identifying target market segments. The challenge here was to accurately anticipate market trends and customer demands while also considering regulatory requirements and potential risks.

Q3. In what ways do you think the role of a Business Analyst has evolved with technological advancements?

Answer 1: Advanced Data Analytics Tools: With the advent of advanced data analytics tools and techniques, Business Analysts now have access to more powerful and sophisticated methods for analyzing data. Technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and predictive analytics enable Business Analysts to extract deeper insights from large datasets, identify patterns, and make more accurate predictions. 
 

Answer 2: Integration of Agile and DevOps Practices: Technological advancements have also led to the widespread adoption of Agile and DevOps methodologies in software development processes. Business Analysts now play a more integral role in Agile teams, collaborating closely with developers, testers, and other stakeholders to gather requirements, prioritise tasks, and ensure that software solutions meet the needs of end-users.

Q4. Have you ever dealt with conflicting priorities or expectations?

Answer 1: Cross-Functional Projects: In a previous role, I was involved in a cross-functional project where different departments had varying priorities and expectations. For example, the marketing team prioritized rapid product launches to capture market share, while the engineering team emphasized thorough testing and quality assurance to ensure product stability. Balancing these conflicting priorities required effective communication and negotiation skills to align goals and timelines across teams while maintaining focus on overall project objectives.
 

Answer 2: Resource Allocation: Another instance involved conflicting priorities in resource allocation. For instance, there were occasions when multiple projects required the same set of resources, such as skilled personnel or budget allocations. This often resulted in conflicting expectations from project managers and stakeholders regarding resource allocation and project timelines. 

FAQs

Q. Is using informal language when speaking in IELTS okay?

Ans. While there are no strict rules against using informal language or slang during the cue card task, sticking to a more formal language and tone is advisable. The IELTS evaluates your proficiency in using English in formal and academic contexts. Therefore, excessive use of casual language may not be suitable for the test.

Q. What vital language elements should I remember while attempting the cue card section?

Ans. The vital language elements you should remember while attempting the cue card section are:

 

  • Punctuation
  • Fluency
  • Language
  • Pronunciation
Q. What should you wear for your IELTS Speaking test?

Ans. There is no specific dress code for the speaking test in IELTS. As such, you can wear comfortable and casual clothes to the test. There is no need to wear a suit or tie. However, it is important to dress appropriately and ensure you are well-groomed for the test.

Q. What are the most common cue cards in IELTS?

Ans. Some of the common cue card topics are:

 

  • Describe a Famous Person that you are interested in: IELTS Cue Card
  • Describe an activity that you do after school/work: IELTS Cue Card
  • Describe a person who impressed you in primary school: IELTS Cue Card
  • Describe an invention that changed people's life: IELTS Cue Card
  • Describe a person who you believe dresses well: IELTS Cue Card
Q. What is the difference between IELTS speaking parts 2 and 3?

Ans. Parts 2 and 3 of the IELTS speaking are distinctly different. IELTS part 2 is also known as the Cue card section, and part 3 is the discussion round. In part 2, the examiner gives a topic, and you are given 1 minute to prepare the answer. After completing the time, you are asked to speak about the topic for 3-4 minutes. In part 3, the examiner asks questions related to the topic given to you in part 2. 

Q. Can we retake the IELTS speaking test?

Ans. The IELTS speaking test can be retaken if you have failed. You will need to repay the fees and then sit for the exam. But before you blindly plan to retake the exam multiple times until you don’t reach the score, you need to analyse your mistake and understand what went wrong in the exam. 

Q. What is the marking scheme for the IELTS speaking test?

Ans. The marking scheme for the IELTS speaking test includes:

 

  • Fluency
  • Coherence 
  • Lexical resource 
  • Grammatical range 
  • Accuracy
  • Pronunciation
Q. How can I get an 8.5 on the IELTS speaking test?

Ans. You can get an 8.5 band score in IELTS speaking with the following tips:

 

  • Build up your accent. 
  • Maintain eye contact while answering the questions.
  • Practice previous topics that are likely to come in the IELTS exam.
  • Practice speaking by talking to the mirror; it will build confidence.
Q. Can I exceed the time limit during the speaking test?

Ans. Remembering that the speaking test has a strict time limit is crucial. If your answer exceeds the time limit, the examiner may interrupt you and move on to the next question. However, this is a normal exam, and your scores won't be affected.

Q. What is the duration of Part 2 speaking IELTS?

Ans. The total duration of Part 2 IELTS speaking is 3-4 mins

 

  • Preparation time: 1 min
  • Speaking time: 3-4 mins.
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