Describe Your Dream Job: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What job would it be?
What would you do in this job?
Explain why you think this would be the perfect job for you.

40 unique answers with expert feedback

What qualities do you think are essential for a successful CEO?

I believe a successful CEO should possess strong leadership skills, effective communication, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire and motivate others. Additionally, adaptability and resilience are crucial in navigating challenges and driving the company towards success.

How do you plan to develop your leadership skills further?

I plan to develop my leadership skills by seeking mentorship from experienced leaders, attending workshops, and taking on leadership roles in projects. Continuous learning through reading and networking with other professionals will also help me enhance my skills.

What challenges do you think you might face as a CEO?

As a CEO, I might face challenges such as managing diverse teams, making tough decisions, and navigating market changes. Additionally, balancing stakeholder expectations and maintaining company culture can be challenging, but I am prepared to tackle these issues head-on.

Band 7

00:00

After the completion of my 12th standard, I was so confused. I took out my computer and I start researching about the fields that are varied and very vast. After a while, after judging myself and thinking a lot, I discovered a subject called psychology. The psychology is a subject which interests me and intrigues me a lot. It has so much information about brain and human behavior. I instantly got connected with the subject. After my 12th, I decided to pursue my bachelor's in the subject called psychology. After the completion, I have always imagined myself working as a clinical psychologist. Throughout my bachelor's years, I have imagined this where I am working in a hospital environment daily, having this exposure of human mind and behavior. I have imagined myself working and helping people in terms of solving their mental problems and challenges. I have seen that I have the capability, I have this empathetic understanding, where I can actively listen to an individual's problem going through life and mental challenges. I feel that I would do and achieve great feats in this particular job career.

Follow up questions

What specific qualities do you think are essential for a clinical psychologist?

I believe that empathy, active listening, and strong communication skills are essential for a clinical psychologist. These qualities help in understanding patients' issues and building trust, which is crucial for effective therapy. Additionally, having a solid knowledge base in psychology is important.

How do you plan to continue your education or training in psychology?

I plan to pursue a master's degree in clinical psychology after my bachelor's. This will provide me with advanced knowledge and practical experience. I also intend to attend workshops and seminars to stay updated with the latest research and techniques in the field.

What challenges do you anticipate in your dream job as a clinical psychologist?

I anticipate facing emotional challenges, such as dealing with patients' trauma and mental health issues. It can be difficult to manage the emotional weight of their stories. Additionally, I expect to encounter challenges in finding effective treatment methods for diverse cases.

Band 7

00:00

The job that I may be passionate about is the research job that's true particularly in the cancer research. Cancer is one of the deadly diseases owing to hundreds of thousands of deaths across the globe. So to combat this deadly disease I want to contribute my share to find a cure for the cancer. Furthermore research gives me a sense of belonging in terms of the work. As I am very passionate about the research this is one way to contribute to the humanity and make the world a better place to live. I am confident that once I am enrolled in my research program that I am looking forward to. I will be doing very great. I am very passionate about it. Furthermore it also requires a good supervisor to help you with your work and I am sure that if I get an enrollment in any European countries then I will be able to pursue my dream and hence I will be helping myself and the scientific community to achieve a goal where we can develop something innovative and amazing that can help the individuals to treat with their disease.

Follow up questions

What inspired you to choose cancer research as your dream job?

I have always been fascinated by science and medicine, but cancer research resonates with me deeply. The impact of cancer on millions of lives is profound, and I want to be part of the solution. Personal experiences with loved ones affected by cancer have fueled my passion to contribute to this field.

How do you plan to prepare for a career in research?

I plan to pursue a relevant degree in biomedical sciences and gain hands-on experience through internships in research labs. Networking with professionals in the field and attending workshops will also be crucial. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest research will be part of my preparation.

What qualities do you think are essential for a successful researcher?

A successful researcher should possess curiosity, perseverance, and critical thinking skills. Attention to detail is vital, as is the ability to work collaboratively in a team. Good communication skills are also important for sharing findings and collaborating with others in the scientific community.

Practice other cue cards

Describe an area of science (biology, robotics, etc.) that you are interested in and would like to learn more about

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Describe An Exciting Book That You Enjoy Reading

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Describe something that you can't live without (not a computer/phone)

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Describe an expensive hobby you can't pursue daily.

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Describe A Writer You Would Like To Meet

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Describe A Museum That You Have Visited

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Describe a sports competition you watched

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Talk about something you find interesting.

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Describe A Water Sport You Would Like To Try In The Future

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Describe A Piece Of Art You Like

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Describe Your Favourite Book

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Describe a picture/photograph of you that you like

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Describe something you would like to learn in the future

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Describe an activity that you do after school/work

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Describe an online video in which you learned something new

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Describe an ideal and perfect place where you would like to stay (e.g. a house, an apartment)

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Describe An Adventure You Would Like To Go On

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Describe A Skill That You Can Teach Other People

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Describe an outdoor sport you would like to do

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Describe A Story Or Novel That Was Interesting To You

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Describe A Competition You Would Like To Take Part In

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Describe something you would like to learn in the future

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Describe a sport that you only have watched before but have not played yourself

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Describe A Painting That You Like

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Describe a gift you would like to buy for your friend

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Describe Your Dream House

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Describe A Water Sport

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Describe Your Favorite Sport

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Describe An Invention That Is Useful In Daily Life

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Describe Your Favourite Means Of Transport

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Describe your favorite singer.

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Describe A Character From A Movie

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Describe a sportsperson/athlete that you admire

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Band 6-7

00:00

My dream job is counselling because I think counselling is a very good social work. We can counsel a student and so that they can able to choose their subjects and know which stream they can be so counselling is much better there are many type of counsellors like marriage counsellors, legal counsellors, child counsellors, all counsellors are good. My dream job is counselling because people need more support and counsel.

Follow up questions

What qualities do you think are important for a good counsellor?

A good counsellor should possess empathy, active listening skills, and the ability to communicate effectively. They should also be non-judgmental and patient, as well as knowledgeable about various issues that clients may face. These qualities help build trust and rapport with clients.

How do you think counselling can impact a person's life?

Counselling can significantly impact a person's life by providing them with the tools to cope with challenges, make informed decisions, and improve their mental health. It can help individuals gain clarity on their goals, enhance their self-esteem, and develop better relationships with others.

What challenges do you think counsellors face in their profession?

Counsellors often face challenges such as managing clients' emotional distress, dealing with confidentiality issues, and maintaining professional boundaries. They may also encounter resistance from clients who are reluctant to open up, and they must continuously update their skills to address diverse client needs.

Band 6-7

00:00

This is a fun question. I truly believe that my dream job is to have a bakery that is also a bookstore somewhere in the mountains and that would be the perfect cozy spot for people who just want to read and enjoy a cup of coffee, a slice of cake and this is perfect for me because I enjoy a slow paced cozy day with baking and surrounded by books. That is my ultimate fantasy to be surrounded by cake and books. That sounds heaven to me. I think this would also benefit a lot of people because it'll bring together a community who would be who would have a shared interest of reading and enjoying the legacies. I would have a weekly favorite book paired with a weekly special dessert and I have just a lot of ideas on the promotional schemes of the store. I'm really into it and the location is also very integral because it being in the mountains makes it more cozy and close to the nature. So that is my ultimate goal in life to own a bookstore that is also a bakery.

Follow up questions

What inspired you to combine a bakery with a bookstore?

I have always loved baking and reading. The idea of combining them came from my experiences in cozy cafes where I enjoyed both. I believe that food and literature create a warm atmosphere, and I want to share that experience with others.

How do you plan to attract customers to your bakery and bookstore?

I plan to create a welcoming environment with themed events, such as book readings and baking classes. Additionally, I would use social media to promote our special desserts and book pairings, encouraging people to visit for a unique experience.

What challenges do you think you might face in starting this business?

Starting a business comes with many challenges, such as securing funding, finding the right location, and managing inventory. Additionally, balancing the bakery and bookstore aspects could be tricky, but I believe my passion will help me overcome these hurdles.

Show all 40 answers

Cue 1:What job would it be?

Clearly state the job you dream of having, mentioning the title and field.
Provide a brief background on why this job appeals to you.

Example

My dream job is to be a wildlife photographer. I have always been fascinated by nature and animals, and capturing their beauty through photography seems like the perfect way to combine my passion for wildlife with my love for art.

Cue 2:What would you do in this job?

Describe the main responsibilities and tasks you would undertake in this role.
Mention any specific skills or techniques you would use to excel in this job.

Example

In this job, I would travel to various national parks and wildlife reserves to photograph animals in their natural habitats. I would spend hours observing their behavior, waiting for the perfect moment to capture stunning images. Additionally, I would use my skills in photo editing to enhance the images and share them on social media and in exhibitions.

Cue 3:Explain why you think this would be the perfect job for you.

Discuss your personal qualities or experiences that make you suited for this job.
Explain how this job aligns with your values and long-term goals.

Example

I believe this would be the perfect job for me because I am patient, observant, and passionate about conservation. I want to raise awareness about endangered species through my photography. This job would allow me to contribute to wildlife preservation while doing something I love, which is incredibly fulfilling.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, being a wildlife photographer is my dream job because it combines my love for nature with my artistic skills. I am excited about the possibility of making a positive impact on wildlife conservation while pursuing my passion.

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 your dream job. Specific details help the examiner understand your vision and passion for the role.

Tip

Clearly outline the job title and key responsibilities to create a vivid picture of your dream job.

2: Lack of Personal Connection

Failing to explain why the job is perfect for you can make your answer less engaging. Personal connections make your response memorable.

Tip

Share personal experiences or values that align with the job to demonstrate why it matters to you.

Ignoring Future Aspirations

Not discussing future goals related to the job can make your answer seem incomplete. It’s important to show ambition and growth.

Tip

Mention how you plan to develop in this job or what you hope to achieve in the future to add depth to your response.

IELTS Cue Cards asked last week

Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS

Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

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.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

Reported by

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

Reported by

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.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

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.