Hello, dear listeners. Today, we’re focusing on Speaking Part 2, specifically the cue card: Describe a job that is useful to society. You should say: what job it is, how you know about this job, what types of people do this job, and explain why this job is useful to society. We’ll play a response from Joseph. Listen for how he addresses each point, and then we’ll discuss general strategies for tackling this topic with various job choices.
A job that I believe is extremely useful to society is that of a teacher. Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the future of individuals and communities. They educate students, impart knowledge, and help them develop critical skills needed for life and work.
I know about this job because I’ve been fortunate to have some truly inspiring teachers throughout my school years. For instance, I remember my high school English teacher, Ms. Evans, who didn’t just teach us literature; she taught us how to analyze the world around us. She’d encourage us to debate ideas and challenge assumptions, which really sparked my curiosity. Some of my family members are also teachers, so I’ve seen firsthand how much dedication and effort this profession requires.
This job is usually done by people who are passionate about education and enjoy working with children or young adults. Teachers need to be patient, knowledgeable, and empathetic. They also require excellent communication skills to effectively explain concepts and keep their students engaged.
The reason this job is so valuable to society is that it has a lasting impact on every individual’s life. Without teachers, there would be no doctors, engineers, or even artists, as education forms the foundation of all professions. Teachers not only help students gain knowledge but also teach them how to be responsible, ethical members of society. In short, teachers are the unsung heroes who shape the future.
Welcome back to IELTS TIME! Today, we’re diving into a common Part 2 topic: describing a job that’s useful to society. We just listened to Joseph’s response, which focused on teachers, and he did a pretty good job. But, let’s break down how you can tackle this card, even if you don’t want to talk about teachers, and really make your response shine.
First off, let’s think about the ‘what’ part of the question. You need to clearly state the job you’re going to describe. Like Joseph, many people jump straight to teachers, and that’s fine. But, don’t feel limited. Think about other professions that make a real difference. For example, you could talk about nurses or doctors, especially if you’ve had personal experience with healthcare. You could discuss paramedics or firefighters, highlighting their crucial role in emergency situations. Or, if you’re passionate about the environment, you might talk about environmental scientists or waste management workers, emphasizing their impact on sustainability. Even talking about social workers, or engineers who build bridges and other infrastructure, can be a great choice. The point is, pick a job that resonates with you, something you can talk about genuinely.
Then, you need to explain ‘how you know about this job.’ This is your chance to add a personal touch. Don’t just say, ‘I saw it on TV.’ Instead, think about specific experiences. Did you volunteer at a hospital? Do you have a family member who works in that field? Did you read a compelling article or watch a documentary? For example, you could say, ‘I’ve always been fascinated by paramedics because I volunteered at a local first-aid training center.’ Or, ‘My cousin is a nurse, and I’ve seen firsthand the long hours and dedication she puts in.’ This adds credibility and makes your response more engaging.
When you describe the job, you should also consider the characteristics of the people who typically do it. Think about the kind of person who would be drawn to this profession. For instance, if you’re talking about nurses, you might say, ‘They’re often compassionate and empathetic individuals, with a strong desire to care for others.’ Or, for engineers, you could say, ‘They tend to be analytical and detail-oriented, with a natural inclination towards problem-solving and technical challenges.’ If you were discussing social workers, you might say, ‘They are usually people who are highly empathetic, patient, and strong advocates for those who are vulnerable.’ The key is to describe the personality traits and aptitudes that make someone well-suited for that particular job.
Finally, and most importantly, you need to ‘explain why this job is useful to society.’ This is where you really need to expand and give detailed reasons. Think about the impact of the job on individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Don’t just say, ‘It helps people.’ Explain how it helps. For example, if you’re talking about environmental scientists, you could say, ‘They play a vital role in protecting our planet by researching climate change and developing sustainable solutions.’ Or, if you’re discussing social workers, you could say, ‘They empower vulnerable individuals and families to overcome challenges and improve their lives, contributing to a more equitable society.’
Remember, the key is to be specific, give examples, and show your enthusiasm. By choosing a job you’re genuinely interested in and expanding on your points, you’ll be able to deliver a compelling and well-structured response.
And that’s our time for today. I hope you’ve found this helpful. Remember, consistent practice is what counts. Good luck with your preparation, and we’ll see you next time.
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