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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe a Person You Know Who Has Chosen a Career in the Medical Field

Updated on Oct 09, 2024, 06:12

Overview

In the IELTS Speaking Test, the topic 'Describe a Person You Know Who Has Chosen a Career in the Medical Field' asks you to talk about someone you are familiar with who works as a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional. This task is part of Round 2, also known as the individual long turn, where you are given 1 minute to prepare and an opportunity to speak at length. The key factors to consider include describing their role, the qualities that make them suitable for this profession, and how their work impacts others. 

 

Practising this topic helps improve your fluency, vocabulary, and ability to structure ideas coherently. It also encourages you to develop vocabulary related to healthcare and skill in delivering a well-rounded, detailed response within a limited time frame, which is crucial for achieving a high band score.

 

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe a Person You Know Who Has Chosen a Career in the Medical Field (e.g. a Doctor, a Nurse)

You should say

  • Who he/she is?
  • What does he/she do?
  • Why did he/she choose this career?
  • How do you feel about him/her?
Sample Answer 1

Introduction (Covers: Who he/she is?)
 

  • I’d like to talk about my aunt, Dr. Neha Sharma, who is a well-respected doctor in our local community. 
  • She works at a government hospital in Delhi, where she has dedicated her career to serving patients. 
  • I have known her since childhood, and she has always been an inspiration to me.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: What does he/she do?)
  

  • Dr. Neha is a general physician, and she sees a wide range of patients every day. 
  • She often shares stories about her work, including the challenges of diagnosing illnesses and the joy of helping people recover. 
  • Her compassion for her patients really stands out; she treats everyone with kindness and takes the time to listen to their concerns.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: Why did he/she choose this career?)
 
 

  • She chose a career in medicine because she always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. 
  • Growing up in a family with a history of healthcare professionals influenced her decision, as did a personal experience where she helped her grandfather during his illness. 
  • Her commitment to the medical field shows in her long hours and continuous learning to keep up with advancements.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How do you feel about him/her?)

 

  • I deeply admire Dr. Neha for her dedication and hard work. 
  • She inspires me to pursue my dreams while reminding me of the importance of helping others. 
  • I feel proud to have her in my life, as her example motivates me to contribute positively to society.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction (Covers: Who he/she is?)

 

  • I want to talk about my friend, Riya Verma, who has chosen a career as a nurse. 
  • She works at a busy hospital in Mumbai and is passionate about her job. 
  • I've known Riya since our school days, and her dedication to her work has always impressed me.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: What does he/she do?)
 

  • Riya is a registered nurse, and she is responsible for caring for patients, administering medications, and assisting doctors during treatments. 
  • She often shares how demanding her job can be, especially during emergencies, but she finds immense satisfaction in helping patients recover. 
  • Her ability to stay calm under pressure and her strong communication skills make her an excellent nurse.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: Why did he/she choose this career?)

 

  • Riya decided to pursue nursing because she has always wanted to help those in need, especially during difficult times. 
  • Her own experiences with family health issues motivated her to enter the medical field, as she wanted to be there for others going through similar struggles. 
  • Riya also believes in the importance of empathy in nursing, which she learnt from her experiences in volunteering at local health camps.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How do you feel about him/her?)

 

  • I admire Riya for her commitment and resilience in her nursing career. 
  • Her passion for helping others inspires me to be more compassionate and to consider how I can contribute to my community. 
  • I feel proud to call her my friend and hope to support her in her journey in the healthcare field.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers: Who he/she is?)

 

  • I would like to talk about my cousin, Arjun Patel, who has chosen a career as a doctor. 
  • He works at a private hospital in Ahmedabad and has always been dedicated to his profession. 
  • Growing up, I looked up to Arjun, as he has always shown a strong desire to help others.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: What does he/she do?)

 

  • Arjun is a cardiologist, specialising in heart health, and he conducts various tests to diagnose patients' conditions. 
  • He often shares his daily experiences with me, discussing the complexities of treating heart diseases and the importance of preventive care. 
  • What stands out to me is his ability to explain medical terms in a way that patients can easily understand, which reflects his genuine care for their well-being.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: Why did he/she choose this career?)
 

  • He chose to pursue a career in medicine because he experienced a family member suffering from heart issues when he was younger, which left a lasting impression on him. 
  • Arjun was inspired by the doctors who treated his relatives and wanted to become someone who could make a difference in people's lives. 
  • His dedication to continuous learning in his field also showcases his commitment to providing the best care for his patients.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How do you feel about him/her?)
 

  • I have great admiration for Arjun and the work he does as a cardiologist. 
  • His determination to improve patients' lives inspires me to be more proactive about my health and to support those around me. 
  • I feel proud of his achievements and am motivated to follow a similar path of making a positive impact in society.

When the cue card section begins, the examiner will hand you a cue card titled "Describe a Person You Know Who Has Chosen a Career in the Medical Field (e.g. a Doctor, a Nurse)." 

 

You will have 1 minute to prepare your thoughts and make notes if you wish. After the preparation time, you will be asked to speak for up to two minutes on the topic provided. It’s important to stay focused and manage your time effectively during this period.

 

The best way to answer these cue cards is to break your response into small, manageable pieces: an introduction, a detailed description, key highlights, and a conclusion. This approach helps you stay organised and ensures you cover all aspects of the topic within the time limit.

 

Suggested Read: Latest Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking: Definition & Best Sample Questions

 

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



Introduction (Covers: Who he/she is?)

 

  • Introduce the person, mentioning their name and relationship to you.
  • State their profession (e.g., doctor or nurse) and where they work.
  • Briefly mention how you know this person (e.g., family member, friend, colleague).

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: What does he/she do?)

 

  • Explain what they do in their role and their daily responsibilities.
  • Discuss any interesting or challenging experiences they’ve shared with you about their job.
  • Share your opinion on what makes their work important or rewarding.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: Why did he/she choose this career?)

 

  • Describe the reasons behind their choice of career in the medical field (e.g., passion for helping others, personal experiences).
  • Mention any specific events or influences that led them to this profession.
  • Highlight any unique qualities or skills that make them stand out in their role.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How do you feel about him/her?)

 

  • Share your feelings about the person and their career choice, such as admiration or respect.
  • Reflect on how their work impacts you or others positively.
  • End with a statement about what you have learned from their journey or how they inspire you.

By following this structure, you can ensure your response is clear, organised, and within the two-minute limit.

Follow-Up Questions

The follow-up questions, often referred to as round 3 of the IELTS Speaking test, occur after the cue card section. In this round, the examiner asks questions related to the topic you just discussed. The aim is to assess your ability to express opinions, provide explanations, and engage in a conversation on broader themes. 
 

You can expect these questions to delve deeper into the subject, allowing you to demonstrate your language skills and critical thinking. This round typically lasts about 4-5 minutes, and it’s essential to speak clearly and confidently.
 

Below are some sample questions and possible answers for the topic “Describe a Person You Know Who Has Chosen a Career in the Medical Field (e.g. a Doctor, a Nurse)”. 


Refer to this List of Idioms for the IELTS Speaking Test 2024 to boost your band score

Q1. What qualities do you think are important for someone in the medical profession?

Answer 1: I believe that compassion and empathy are crucial qualities for anyone in the medical profession. These traits help healthcare professionals connect with their patients on a personal level, which can greatly enhance the patient’s experience. Additionally, strong communication skills are essential, as they enable doctors and nurses to explain medical conditions and treatments effectively.

 

Answer 2: In my opinion, resilience is another important quality for those in the medical field. Healthcare can be incredibly demanding, so being able to cope with stress and maintain a positive attitude is vital. Furthermore, attention to detail is crucial, as small mistakes can have significant consequences in patient care, making it essential for medical professionals to be thorough and diligent in their work.

Q2. Who plays a more critical role, doctors or nurses?

Answer 1: I think both doctors and nurses play equally critical roles in the healthcare system. Doctors are responsible for diagnosing illnesses and creating treatment plans, while nurses provide essential patient care and support. Their teamwork is vital for ensuring patients receive comprehensive care and have the best possible outcomes.

 

Answer 2: In my view, nurses often have a more hands-on role in patient care. They spend more time with patients, monitoring their conditions and addressing their needs. While doctors are essential for diagnosis and treatment, nurses help bridge the gap between the doctor’s orders and the patient’s well-being, making their role incredibly important.

Q3. How do you think the healthcare system in your country could be improved?

Answer 1: Absolutely, I believe that doctors and nurses deserve higher salaries for the critical work they do. Their roles require extensive training and immense responsibility, often putting them in high-stress situations. Fair compensation not only rewards their hard work but also encourages more individuals to pursue careers in the medical field.

 

Answer 2: Yes, I do think they should be compensated better. The healthcare profession requires years of education and training, and the stress associated with the job can take a toll on mental health. Increasing their pay would help retain skilled professionals and ensure that they can focus on delivering the best care possible without financial worries.

Q4. Do you think that doctors and nurses should be paid more?

Answer 1: Yes, being a good listener is as crucial as being a good talker. Listening attentively allows you to understand the other person's perspective and respond thoughtfully. It helps build rapport and ensures that conversations are two-sided, making interactions more effective and meaningful.

 

Answer 2: Definitely, good listening skills are equally important as being able to speak well. When you listen carefully, you can engage better with the speaker and provide relevant responses. It ensures that the conversation is balanced and that both parties feel heard and respected.

FAQs

Q. How can I get 8.5 in the IELTS speaking test?

Ans. To score 8.5 in IELTS Speaking, focus on fluency and coherence in your speech. Use a diverse range of vocabulary, including some less common words, and ensure you demonstrate accurate grammar with varied sentence structures. Regular practice is key, so engage in conversations with fluent speakers and consider recording your practice sessions to assess your performance. Familiarising yourself with the test format and common topics can also boost your confidence on test day.

Q. Is there any dress code for the IELTS Speaking test?

Ans. There is no formal dress code for the IELTS Speaking test, but it is recommended to dress smartly and casually. Wearing neat and tidy clothing can create a positive impression on the examiner, which may help boost your confidence. Comfort is also essential, as you want to focus on your speaking performance rather than your outfit. Overall, presenting yourself well can contribute to a positive testing experience.

Q. How do I improve my speaking skills?

Ans. To improve your speaking skills, practice regularly with native speakers or fellow learners to build fluency. Record yourself to identify areas for improvement, such as pronunciation and grammar. Reading aloud from books enhances vocabulary and intonation. Joining language exchange groups offers conversation opportunities while listening to podcasts or watching films exposes you to natural speech patterns and expressions.

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