Describe a Job You Would Not Like to Do in the Future: IELTS Cue Card

IELTS^TM CUE CARD

Describe a Job You Would Not Like to Do in the Future: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Nov 13, 2024, 06:20

Overview

IELTS Speaking is a common module in the IELTS Academic and General Training tests. The 3-parts remain the same in both tests. 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 You Would Not Like to Do in the Future.'

In this topic, you can discuss the job you don’t prefer in detail. You may mention the job's roles and responsibilities and difficulty level. You may also express your reasons for not liking that job.

Cue Card/Topic: Describe a Job You Would Not Like to Do in the Future

You should say

What is the job?
How do you know about it?
Whether it is an easy or difficult job?
Explain why you would prefer to do something other than do it.

Sample Answers

How to answer

Sample Answer 1

Introduction:

One occupation I wouldn't want to pursue in the future is waste management, particularly the job of a garbage collector.

What is the job?

The job of a garbage collector involves collecting and disposing of waste, often in challenging environmental conditions.
It requires physical exertion and exposure to unpleasant odours.

How do you know about it?

I gained insights into this job by observing waste management workers in my neighbourhood and reading about their responsibilities.
Additionally, documentaries and news articles shed light on the challenges faced by those in this profession.

Whether it is an easy or difficult job?

This job is undoubtedly physically demanding and challenging.
Garbage collectors often work in various weather conditions, lifting heavy loads and managing diverse types of waste.

Explain why you would prefer to do something other than do it.

I would not be inclined to pursue this job due to the demanding physical nature of the work.
The constant exposure to unhygienic conditions and the strenuous labour involved make it a challenging and, in my view, unappealing career choice.

Conclusion:

The job of a garbage collector is not something I aspire to do in the future, considering the physical challenges and environmental conditions associated with the profession.

Sample Answer 2

Introduction:

A profession I would avoid in the future is that of a debt collector, responsible for contacting individuals to recover overdue payments and outstanding debts.

What is the job?

Debt collectors make calls and send messages to individuals with outstanding debts to persuade them to fulfil their financial obligations.

How do you know about it?

I've gained insights into the challenges of debt collecting through online research and articles outlining the nature of the job.
Additionally, I have friends who have shared their experiences working in this field.

Whether it is an easy or difficult job?

Debt collecting is widely considered difficult due to the aggressive nature of the interactions, dealing with individuals facing financial difficulties and the emotional toll it can take.

Explain why you would prefer to do something other than do it.

The nature of debt collecting involves often dealing with individuals facing financial hardships, and the aggressive nature of the job may lead to stressful interactions.
The emotional toll of constantly pursuing overdue payments makes it a job I prefer to avoid.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the demanding and often stressful nature of debt collecting and the challenging interactions with individuals facing financial difficulties make it a profession I would not choose for my future career.

Sample Answer 3

Introduction:

I find the prospect of a job related to social media content moderation rather daunting and would be reluctant to pursue it.

What is the job?

Social media content moderators scrutinise and oversee user-generated content on various online platforms, ensuring it aligns with the platform's prescribed guidelines and policies.

How do you know about it?

Numerous news articles and discussions have shaped my awareness of this occupation, shedding light on the formidable challenges content moderators confront in dealing with disturbing and inappropriate content shared on social media platforms.

Whether it is an easy or difficult job?

Content moderation is widely considered challenging, given the constant exposure to potentially distressing content, the need for swift decision-making, and the potential impact on mental well-being.

Explain why you would prefer to do something other than do it.

My reluctance to consider this profession stems from the continuous exposure to graphic and distressing content, its potential psychological toll, and the intricate challenges of striking a delicate balance between ensuring freedom of expression and enforcing platform policies.

Conclusion:

While acknowledging the critical role of content moderation in upholding online safety, the inherent difficulties and potential adverse effects on mental health make social media content moderation a job that does not align with my preferences for the future.

The IELTS Speaking test is a 1:1 interview with a certified IELTS examiner. Once part 2 begins, you will be handed a cue card and 4 questions related to it. In our case, the cue card will look like this:

The ideal way to answer cue card prompts is to break them into digestible sections. Think of it this way: no matter your topic, there is always an introduction, key highlights, and a conclusion.

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

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the job you would prefer to avoid doing.
Use simple language to create an engaging opening.

“One job that I would not like to pursue in the future is telemarketing. It involves making unsolicited phone calls to promote products or services.”

What is the job?

Provide details about the nature of the job.
Use clear and straightforward language to describe the job.

“Telemarketing is a job where individuals call potential customers to sell products or services. They often use scripted conversations to persuade people to make a purchase.”

How do you know about it?

Explain how you became aware of this job.
Use simple language to narrate your source of information.

“I learned about this job through various sources, including online research and stories shared by people who have worked there. Additionally, I have received telemarketing calls myself, which gave me insights into the nature of the job.”

Whether it is an easy or difficult job?

Express your opinion on the difficulty level.
Support your answer with straightforward reasons.

“In my opinion, telemarketing is a challenging job. It requires constant communication skills, resilience to handle rejection, and the ability to navigate through various responses from people.”

Explain why you would prefer to do something other than do it.

Provide specific reasons for your aversion to the job.
Use simple language and examples to clarify your points.

“I would not like to pursue telemarketing due to its intrusive nature and the negative reactions it often receives. The job can be emotionally taxing, as individuals may face hostility from recipients of the calls. Moreover, the pressure to meet sales targets can create a stressful work environment.”

Conclusion:

Summarise your dislike for the job and reiterate your reasons.

“Telemarketing is a job that I would not find suitable for myself due to its demanding nature, potential for negative interactions, and the overall challenges associated with the role.”

Follow-Up Questions

IELTS cue cards are followed by Part 3 of IELTS Speaking, where you are asked questions about your topic. These are general questions, typically probing for your opinions and thoughts on the matter.

Below are some sample questions and possible answers. Once again, we recommend that you only take the inspiration from the answers below and add your twist to it!

Q1. What jobs do young Indian people like to do?

Answer 1: Many young Indian individuals are drawn to jobs in the Information Technology (IT) sector, finding opportunities in software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity appealing due to the dynamic and innovative nature of these roles. Other popular industries besides IT are digital marketing and social media management, entrepreneurship and startups, and healthcare.

Answer 2: Many young people in India are increasingly attracted to entrepreneurship. Many individuals are keen on the thrill and challenges associated with creating and running their businesses. This trend reflects a desire for independence and a willingness to explore innovative ventures.

Q2. Do young Indian people prefer to choose an exciting job or a job with a high salary?

Answer 1: Some young Indian individuals prioritise the excitement and fulfilment they derive from their jobs over a high salary. They value job satisfaction and the enjoyment of their work, seeking roles that align with their passions. On the other hand, a significant segment prioritises financial stability, opting for jobs that offer higher salaries despite potentially being less exciting. This diversity in preferences highlights the varied perspectives within the young Indian workforce.

Answer 2: Many young Indians are inclined to choose jobs with excitement and fulfilment. They seek roles that provide a sense of purpose and align with their interests and aspirations. However, some also have a pragmatic approach, emphasising the importance of a high salary to secure financial stability and meet life's demands. The dynamic nature of preferences reflects the diverse career outlooks among the young Indian population.

Q3. Is it essential to be successful in a job?

Answer 1: Yes, many young Indians deem being successful in a job crucial. Success is often associated with personal and financial achievement, career advancement, and societal recognition. It contributes to an individual's self-esteem and opens doors to various opportunities. However, a subset values job satisfaction and work-life balance over traditional notions of success, highlighting the diversity in perspectives among the younger generation.

Answer 2: Yes, for many young Indians, job success holds considerable importance. It is a pathway to financial stability, career growth, and societal recognition. Achieving job success is often linked to personal fulfilment and the ability to meet one's aspirations. However, a segment prioritises personal contentment and a sense of purpose in their work over conventional markers of success, reflecting the diverse values within the younger demographic.

Q4. Do you think Al will take over many jobs?

Answer 1: There is a prevailing concern that AI and automation will replace numerous jobs, particularly those involving repetitive and routine tasks. As technology advances, industries may witness a shift in job demands, leading to a transformation in the employment landscape.

Answer 2: While AI has the potential to automate specific tasks, it also opens up new opportunities and industries. The integration of AI may lead to the creation of novel roles that require human skills such as creativity, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking, suggesting that job creation might accompany job displacement.

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FAQs

Q. How do you answer part 2 in IELTS?

Ans. In Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test, you will be presented with a cue card that contains a topic and a set of prompts. You will have 1 minute to prepare, during which you can jot down key points, ideas, and vocabulary to help structure your response. Focus on the main aspects of the topic and make notes, and then you need to speak for 2-3 minutes on the given topic. Aim for a natural and clear speech. Don't rush, and try to maintain a steady pace. Pronounce words correctly and use a variety of vocabulary.

Q. Do IELTS cue cards repeat?

Ans. Yes, IELTS cue cards can repeat, but the topics may be slightly modified or presented differently. The IELTS test aims to cover a broad range of subjects to assess a candidate’s language abilities in various contexts. While the specific wording of cue cards may change, the general themes and topics often remain consistent. Remember that even if a cue card topic seems familiar, the examiner will look for your ability to address the specific prompts and showcase your language proficiency.

Q. How should I manage my time during the Cue Card task?

Ans. You can manage your time during the Cue Card task in the following ways:

Prepare (1 minute): Take a minute to understand the topic, jot down a few main points, and plan what you'll say.
Speak (2 minutes): Talk for 2 minutes about the topic. Try to cover your main points and keep talking without long pauses.
Answer Questions (3-4 minutes): After you speak, the examiner will ask you more questions about the topic. Use this time to share more thoughts and have a conversation.

This way, you use your time well and show your speaking skills. Practice with different topics to get better!

Q. Can I express my opinion during the test, even if it's different from the examiner's?

Ans. Your opinions are valued in the IELTS Speaking test, and you're encouraged to express them. Whether or not your opinion aligns with the examiner's doesn't affect your score. You're assessed on how well you communicate your ideas, fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

Q. How to crack the Cue Card task?

Ans. Practice talking about different topics to do well in the IELTS Speaking Cue Card task. Include an introduction, details, and a conclusion in your responses. Use a variety of words to show your language skills. Practice managing your time to finish within the given time. Share your opinions naturally without being too formal. Listen carefully to understand questions and respond appropriately. Stay calm, practice regularly, and get feedback to improve. This will boost your confidence in the Cue Card section.

Q. How do you make notes for cue card IELTS?

Ans. Making practical notes for the IELTS Speaking Cue Card involves jotting down key points to guide your speech. Listen carefully to the cue card topic, identify the main ideas, and note relevant details. Use abbreviations, symbols, or short phrases to represent essential information. Organise your notes logically, indicating the introduction, main points, and conclusion. Practice making notes within the given preparation time to refine your skills. The goal is to create a quick reference that helps you deliver a well-structured and comprehensive response during the speaking task.

Q. Is eye contact important in IELTS speaking?

Ans. Yes, maintaining eye contact is important in the IELTS Speaking test. It demonstrates confidence and engagement with the examiner, contributing to a positive impression. While you don't need to stare continuously, regular eye contact shows attentiveness and sincerity. However, if you feel uncomfortable with prolonged eye contact, you can also focus on the examiner's face, ensuring a connection without making it overly intense.

Q. What are common mistakes in IELTS speaking?

Ans. You should watch out for common mistakes in the IELTS speaking test. Follow instructions carefully, especially in Part 2, to stay on topic. If a question is unclear, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. Maintain good posture and minimise nervous gestures to project confidence. Be careful with your grammar, tenses, and sentence structures to avoid errors. Work on clear pronunciation to ensure your words are easily understood.

Q. Which part is the most important in IELTS speaking?

Ans. Each part of the IELTS Speaking test plays a crucial role, but Part 2, the Cue Card section, is particularly vital. This section assesses your ability to speak coherently and at length, contributing significantly to your overall speaking score. It challenges you to express ideas in a structured manner and showcases your language proficiency.

Q. What is the lowest score in IELTS speaking?

Ans. The lowest score one can receive in IELTS Speaking is 0. This score is assigned if a candidate remains silent throughout the test, provides entirely irrelevant responses, or fails to meet the minimum requirements set by the examiner. It underscores the importance of actively participating and responding appropriately in the speaking test.

Q. Can I change the topic for speaking in IELTS?

Ans. When changing the topic for speaking in IELTS, it's crucial to note that candidates cannot alter the given topic. The examiner provides a cue card with a specific topic; candidates are expected to speak on that subject. Straying away from the provided topic may lead to a lower score, as it indicates a lack of adherence to instructions and could affect the coherence of your responses. Staying focused on the given topic and demonstrating your ability to articulate ideas effectively is essential.

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