IELTS Speaking Part 1

Career changes: questions and Band 8 answers

The examiner asks three to five short questions on two or three everyday topics in the first four to five minutes. Here are 5 questions about career changes written by BandLadder in the examiner's style, each with a Band 8 sample answer. Aim for two or three sentences each: answer, reason, one detail.
  • 5 questions
  • 5 Band 8 answers
  • 4 to 5 minutes

5 answers

Sample answers

1

Have you ever changed your job or field of study?

Yes, actually. I originally trained in graphic design at university, but after a couple of years in an office, I switched over to digital marketing. It was a bit daunting at first, but I realised I enjoyed the analytical side much more than just drawing layouts all day.

2

Did you want to do a completely different job when you were a child?

Definitely. When I was about eight or nine, I was obsessed with the idea of becoming a marine biologist because I loved watching nature documentaries on television. Obviously, that dream faded once I realised how much advanced chemistry was involved!

3

Do you think you will stay in your current line of work for a long time?

I reckon so, at least for the next few years. I'm really settled in my current role, and there are still plenty of opportunities for promotion. That said, I wouldn't completely rule out a change of direction if something fascinating came along.

4

What kind of new profession would you like to try in the future?

If I had the chance, I'd love to try working as a landscape gardener. I spend far too much time staring at screens, so being outdoors and working with my hands in the fresh air sounds like a wonderful change of pace.

5

Would you find it stressful to switch careers right now?

To be honest, yes, it would be quite overwhelming. Starting from scratch in an unfamiliar industry means taking a pay cut and dealing with a steep learning curve, which I don't really have the appetite for at the moment.

Details are invented. Use the shape, not the sentences: examiners mark memorised answers down.

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7 words

Useful vocabulary

  • switched over

    changed from one thing or activity to another

  • daunting

    intimidating or seemingly difficult to deal with

  • line of work

    a particular profession or type of employment

  • rule out

    to decide that something is not possible or suitable

  • change of pace

    a welcome break or change from a regular routine

  • starting from scratch

    beginning from the very start with no initial advantages

  • steep learning curve

    a situation where you must learn difficult things very quickly

  • →Keep your answers personal by talking about your own experiences rather than general employment trends.
  • →Use conditional forms naturally when imagining alternative career paths you might want to try.
  • →Contrast past childhood aspirations with your present reality to demonstrate a good range of tenses.

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More Part 1 topics

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