Employment

Hey everyone, welcome to IELTS TIME! Today, we’re focusing on employment questions for Speaking Part 3. As usual, let’s listen to a dialogue first.

Do you think schools should provide career advice to students?

Yes, schools absolutely should provide career advice. Many students lack exposure to diverse career paths beyond traditional roles. Early guidance helps connect academic learning to real-world applications, making studies more relevant. It also helps students identify their strengths and interests, leading to better career choices. Finally, schools should equip students with knowledge of evolving job markets, preparing them for the future.

Who should receive a higher salary, young people or older people?

In my opinion, salary shouldn’t be solely based on age. It should primarily reflect the value and contribution an individual brings to a company. While older employees often possess more experience, younger people bring fresh perspectives and can quickly adapt to new technologies. Ultimately, compensation should be determined by factors like skills, performance, and the specific demands of the job, regardless of age.

Do you think doctors should be well-paid?

Yes, I believe doctors should be well-paid. They undergo extensive training and carry immense responsibility for people’s health and lives. Their work is often stressful and demanding, involving long hours and critical decision-making. A fair compensation reflects the value of their expertise and the vital role they play in society.

What kinds of jobs deserve a high salary?

In my opinion, jobs that warrant a high salary are those that demand a significant level of expertise, responsibility, and societal impact. Think of surgeons who spend years training and then hold lives in their hands, or engineers designing crucial infrastructure. Similarly, positions involving high-stakes decision-making, like CEOs or those managing critical resources, deserve appropriate compensation. And of course, jobs that directly contribute to our well-being, like certain medical specialists or researchers developing vital technologies, should be highly valued. Ultimately, it’s about recognizing the value of the skills and the weight of the responsibilities involved.

What kinds of jobs receive a low income?

Jobs that often receive a low income tend to be those requiring minimal specialized training or education, and those with a high supply of available workers. These roles frequently involve repetitive tasks, limited decision-making, and often less direct impact on broader society. Think of entry-level positions in retail, food service, or cleaning services. While these jobs are essential and provide valuable services, the combination of readily available labor and less specialized skills often results in lower wages.

What kinds of jobs are well-paid in your country?

In my country, jobs in the tech sector, particularly those involving software development, data science, and artificial intelligence, are generally very well-paid. Similarly, roles in finance, especially in investment banking and management consulting, command high salaries. Medical specialists, like surgeons and cardiologists, also receive substantial compensation due to their extensive training and the critical nature of their work. Finally, senior management positions in large corporations across various industries tend to be well-compensated.

Alright, listeners, let’s dive into these common questions about employment.

First up, ‘Do you think schools should provide career advice to students?’  Think about your own school experience. Was there someone guiding you? I know I wish there had been! It’s indispensable, absolutely necessary, right? Early exposure to diverse career paths is crucial. Many students are just unaware of the options out there. So, schools should equip them with the tools to explore their strengths and connect their learning to real-world vocations, those callings or occupations. It’s about setting them up for success in a constantly changing job market, wouldn’t you agree?

Okay, next up, ‘Who should receive a higher salary, young people or older people?’ This one always sparks debate! I believe compensation should be based on value and contribution, not solely on age. While tenure—that is, the length of service—is valuable, younger professionals often bring fresh perspectives and technical skills that are in high demand. It’s about recognizing individual merit, regardless of years on the job. 

Let’s talk about doctors. ‘Do you think doctors should be well-paid?’ I mean, come on, think about the pressure they’re under! I believe doctors deserve generous compensation, ample financial reward, not only for the years of rigorous training, but also for the immense responsibility. Their work is truly indispensable, essential and necessary, and the ethical considerations they face are profound.

Alright, ‘What kinds of jobs deserve a high salary?’ This is where we get to think about value. Now, in my opinion, jobs requiring specialized skills, expert knowledge, and demonstrating a strong societal contribution, positive impact on society, should be highly valued. For instance, engineers developing sustainable energy solutions, or researchers working on life-saving medical advancements. These vocations, professions, demand technical expertise and offer crucial benefits to society. What do you guys think?

Now, let’s be real, ‘What kinds of jobs receive a low income?’ Unfortunately, many essential service jobs, like those in retail or hospitality, are undercompensated, paid too little. This is often due to a high supply of available workers and less demand for highly specialized skills. However, these professions are crucial for our daily lives, and the disparity, inequality, in compensation is a real issue. It’s something we need to talk about.

Finally, ‘What kinds of jobs are well-paid in your country?’ This is where we talk about the local market. In my country, the tech sector is booming, leading to competitive remuneration, pay that matches or exceeds others, for software engineers and data scientists. Similarly, the financial sector offers generous compensation for roles in investment banking and management consulting, driven by the demand for specialized financial expertise, knowledge of complex financial concepts. It’s always interesting to see how the market shifts.

And that, listeners, wraps up our deep dive into those common employment questions for the IELTS speaking test. I hope you’ve picked up some valuable vocabulary, some fresh ideas, and most importantly, the confidence to tackle these topics head-on. Remember, it’s not just about having the answers, it’s about how you deliver them. Practice using those new words, think critically about the issues, and don’t be afraid to share your own perspectives.

Thanks for tuning in! Have a nice day!