Describe A Job You Would Not Like To Do In The Future: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

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.

53 unique answers with expert feedback

What skills do you think are essential for a design engineer?

I believe a design engineer needs strong spatial reasoning skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. They must also be proficient in design software and have a good understanding of engineering principles. Communication skills are important too, as they often work in teams.

How do you think your preference for thermal engineering will impact your career?

My preference for thermal engineering will allow me to focus on areas I am passionate about, which can lead to greater job satisfaction and success. It may also open up opportunities in industries like energy and HVAC, where thermal engineering plays a crucial role.

What other jobs in mechanical engineering interest you?

Aside from thermal engineering, I am also interested in robotics and automation. These fields are rapidly evolving and offer exciting challenges. I find the integration of mechanical systems with technology fascinating, and I believe it has a significant impact on the future.

Band 6-7

00:00

Well, I respect people who do jobs in all professions, but if you ask me a particular job that I wouldn't do, it would be the customer representative call person. It is because people who do that job, they have to have a high tolerance of handling frustrated customers and always be on the phone line 24x7 even though they have shifts for a particular time duration in a day. They have to be always attending numerous calls and surely I think they are mentally exhausted by doing that. While I respect people who are pursuing the job, this is my opinion of customer service representatives.

Follow up questions

What qualities do you think are essential for a customer service representative?

I believe essential qualities include patience, empathy, and strong communication skills. They need to understand customer frustrations and provide solutions effectively. Additionally, resilience is crucial to handle the stress of dealing with difficult situations regularly.

Have you ever had a negative experience with a customer service representative?

Yes, I have had a few negative experiences where the representative seemed uninterested or unhelpful. It made me feel frustrated, and I realized how important it is for them to be engaged and supportive, as their attitude can significantly impact the customer's experience.

What job do you think would be more fulfilling than a customer service role?

I think jobs that involve creativity, like graphic design or writing, would be more fulfilling for me. These roles allow for self-expression and problem-solving in a different way, which I find more enjoyable compared to the repetitive nature of customer service.

Band 6-7

00:00

I would say that it's the job of a teacher. No hate to the profession, but I grew up watching my mom who was working as a teacher. I have seen it in real life the hardships, the challenges that teachers face day to day, in their day to day life. I have seen my mom bringing back work to home. Personally speaking, a job is something that should get over in that nine to five time frame. I wouldn't want it to continue even after you reach home because after you reach home, it is the time that you can devote to your family members. Whereas if you're a teacher, you really have to focus on all your students even after your work period. In India, I think the system is not exactly a great one. My mom has been in trouble multiple times for the mistakes of her own children in class and I have never felt like it was fair. If you really have to take accountability for something that your children does, I don't know what kind of a profession that is. Because if a person does something wrong, they should take accountability for it and not their teacher. I believe very firmly in that and I really do not want to end up in the same situation as my mom. You know, all the stress and frequent phone calls and the things that

Follow up questions

What qualities do you think make a good teacher?

A good teacher should possess qualities like patience, empathy, and strong communication skills. They need to be able to connect with their students and understand their individual needs. Additionally, being organized and passionate about the subject matter is crucial for engaging students effectively.

How do you think teaching could be improved in India?

Teaching in India could be improved by providing better support for teachers, such as professional development and resources. Additionally, reducing the workload and ensuring fair accountability would help teachers focus more on their students' learning rather than administrative burdens.

What other professions do you think have similar challenges?

Professions like nursing and social work also face similar challenges, where individuals often take home emotional and physical stress from their jobs. These roles require a deep commitment to helping others, which can lead to burnout if not managed properly.

Practice other cue cards

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Describe A Job That You Think Is Interesting

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Band 6-7

00:00

A job I would never want to do in future will be teaching or becoming a professor. It's not because I don't like it, but because it's as noble as, you know, an award or a medal because the teachers help us so much. And, you know, you should have so much knowledge to inculcate and answer the students when they ask you questions, I mean, which might not be posed anywhere in the world. So a teacher should have enough knowledge to provide enough knowledge. And I'm not saying that I will not have that much knowledge, but I do not want to be a teacher like I had in some of my, you know, college years. The teachers who didn't know anything and just told us to watch YouTube videos and learn from them. I do not want to be a teacher like that. Instead, I would prefer to be a microbiologist for which I have studied so hard as I am very much interested in science and microbiology. I love microbes. So doing something I really love is what I prefer in the near future.

Follow up questions

What qualities do you think make a good teacher?

A good teacher should possess qualities such as patience, deep knowledge of the subject, effective communication skills, and the ability to inspire and engage students. They should also be adaptable and willing to learn continuously to meet the needs of their students.

How do you think your experience with teachers has shaped your career choice?

My experiences with teachers have made me realize the importance of passion and knowledge in education. The lack of engagement from some teachers motivated me to pursue a career where I can fully immerse myself in a subject I love, like microbiology, rather than teaching.

What aspects of microbiology are you most passionate about?

I am particularly passionate about the role of microbes in health and disease, as well as their applications in biotechnology. Understanding how microbes interact with their environment and their potential to solve real-world problems fascinates me and drives my interest in the field.

Band 6-7

00:00

A job that I would not like to do in future is to be a software engineer. I have seen most of my cousins and friends are struggling with the job, sitting 24x7 in front of the computers, laptops, talking to the clients with those headphones. I feel like watching them I feel it is more frustrating, I mean overstressed job, working for 9 hours most of the time and computers. There is world beyond technology, it is definitely a hard task listening to the managers or taking responses from them. I would prefer, I am happy with my job, so if someone asks me what is the job that I would like to do in future, I would proudly say Commandos.

Follow up questions

What qualities do you think are important for a software engineer?

I believe a software engineer should have strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure. They also need good communication skills to interact with clients and team members effectively.

What other jobs do you think are stressful like software engineering?

Jobs in fields like healthcare, law enforcement, and emergency services can be very stressful. These roles often require quick decision-making and dealing with high-pressure situations, similar to what software engineers face with deadlines and client demands.

Why do you prefer a job as a Commando over being a software engineer?

I prefer being a Commando because it involves physical activity, teamwork, and a sense of adventure. I enjoy challenges that require physical strength and mental resilience, which I find more fulfilling than sitting at a desk all day.

Show all 53 answers

Cue 1:What is the job?

Clearly state the job you would not like to do in the future.
Provide a brief description of the job's responsibilities.

Example

The job I would not like to do in the future is that of a traffic police officer. This role involves managing traffic flow, ensuring road safety, and dealing with violations, which can be quite stressful.

Cue 2:How do you know about it?

Share your personal experience or observations related to the job.
Mention any specific incidents or stories that influenced your opinion.

Example

I know about this job because I often see traffic police on the roads during my daily commute. I have also spoken to a few officers who shared their experiences, and it made me realize how challenging their work can be.

Cue 3:Whether it is an easy or difficult job?

Discuss the challenges and difficulties associated with the job.
Mention any aspects that might make it seem easy to others.

Example

I believe it is a difficult job. While some might think it’s easy to just stand and direct traffic, the reality is that they face harsh weather conditions, long hours, and sometimes confront aggressive drivers.

Cue 4:Explain why you would prefer to do something other than do it.

Explain your personal preferences and career aspirations.
Discuss the reasons that make you choose a different path.

Example

I would prefer to work in a corporate environment where I can use my skills in marketing. I enjoy creative tasks and interacting with people in a more positive setting, rather than dealing with the stress and dangers of managing traffic.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, while I respect the work that traffic police officers do, I believe it is not the right fit for me. I would much rather pursue a career that aligns with my interests and allows me to work in a more comfortable environment.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Vague Job Descriptions

Avoid being too general when describing the job you dislike. Vague answers can make it hard for the examiner to understand your perspective and may lead to a lower score.

Tip

Be specific about the job title and its responsibilities. Use clear examples to illustrate why you find it unappealing.

2: Lack of Personal Connection

Failing to explain how you know about the job can weaken your answer. Personal connections or experiences make your response more engaging and credible.

Tip

Share a personal story or experience related to the job. This adds depth and makes your answer more relatable.

Ignoring Reasons for Preference

Not explaining why you prefer other jobs can leave your answer incomplete. This is a crucial part of the cue card that shows your reasoning and values.

Tip

Clearly articulate your reasons for preferring other jobs. Discuss what you find fulfilling in those roles compared to the one you dislike.

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Answer

I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

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Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

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Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

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Anonymous student Band 7

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Answer

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Describe a book you recently read

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Anonymous student Band 7.5

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Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.