IELTS Speaking Practice Questions with Answers: Work

Welcome to this IELTS Speaking practice question set focused on the topic of work.

This set includes questions for all three parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1 typically lasts 4-5 minutes, Part 2 takes 3-4 minutes (including 1 minute of preparation time), and Part 3 runs for 4-5 minutes.

Part 1: Interview-style Questions (4-5 minutes)

1. Are you working or studying at the moment?
2. What do you do for a living? / What are you studying?
3. Do you enjoy your job/studies? Why or why not?
4. What’s your typical workday like?
5. Have you ever had a part-time job?
6. What kind of work environment do you prefer?
7. Do you think it’s important to have a good relationship with colleagues?
8. What job would you like to try in the future?

Note: The examiner may ask follow-up questions based on your responses.

Part 2: Individual Long Turn (3-4 minutes)

You will have 1 minute to prepare your response, then you should speak for 1-2 minutes on the following topic:

Describe a skill you learned that has been useful for your work or studies.

You should say:

• What the skill is
• How and when you learned it
• How you have used this skill
• Why you think this skill is important

Part 3: Two-way Discussion (4-5 minutes)

1. How do you think the job market has changed in recent years?
2. What factors do you think contribute to job satisfaction?
3. Do you believe that a high salary is the most important aspect of a job? Why or why not?
4. How do you think technology will impact the future of work?
5. What are some challenges that young people face when entering the job market today?
6. Do you think it’s better to have one career for life or to change jobs frequently? Why?
7. How important do you think work-life balance is in today’s society?
8. What role do you think governments should play in addressing unemployment?

IELTS Speaking Sample Answers:

Part 1

Q: Are you working or studying at the moment?

A: Currently, I’m working as a software developer at a tech startup. I’ve been in this role for about two years now, and it’s been an exciting journey so far.

Part 2

One skill that has been incredibly useful for my work is project management. I learned this skill during my final year of university when I was leading a team project for our computer science course. We had to develop a complex application within a tight deadline, which required careful planning and coordination.

To manage the project effectively, I learned how to break down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, set realistic timelines, and allocate resources efficiently. I also learned the importance of clear communication and how to motivate team members.

Since then, I’ve used these project management skills extensively in my current job. They’ve helped me organize my work, collaborate with colleagues, and deliver projects on time. For instance, last month, I successfully led a team to launch a new feature for our app, applying the planning and coordination techniques I learned.

I believe this skill is crucial because it not only helps in completing tasks efficiently but also in fostering teamwork and achieving common goals. In today’s fast-paced work environment, being able to manage projects effectively can significantly boost productivity and lead to better outcomes.

Part 3

Q: How do you think technology will impact the future of work?

A: I believe technology will continue to have a profound impact on the future of work. On one hand, automation and artificial intelligence are likely to replace certain jobs, particularly those involving repetitive tasks. This could lead to job losses in some sectors. However, technology also creates new opportunities and job roles that we can’t even imagine yet.

Remote work, enabled by technology, is already changing how and where we work. This trend is likely to continue, offering more flexibility but also blurring the lines between work and personal life. Additionally, the rapid pace of technological change means that continuous learning and upskilling will become increasingly important for workers to remain relevant in their fields.

While these changes present challenges, they also offer exciting possibilities. For instance, technology could lead to more efficient and productive work processes, potentially reducing working hours and improving work-life balance. It could also democratize access to work opportunities, allowing people to work for companies anywhere in the world.

However, it’s crucial that we manage this transition carefully. This might involve rethinking education systems to prepare people for the jobs of the future, implementing policies to support workers affected by automation, and ensuring that the benefits of technological advancements are distributed fairly across society.

Evaluation Criteria

• Fluency and Coherence
• Lexical Resource
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy
• Pronunciation

We encourage you to practice all three parts, ideally with a study partner who can play the role of the examiner.

Feel free to share your responses in the comments below, and we’ll provide brief feedback to help you improve.