An Example Response to the IELTS Speaking Test in Australia in January

Part 2 Prompt Card

Discuss a Future Career Aspiration.

Please say:

– What job is it?

– What are the basic requirements for such a job?

– Is it a high paying job?

Sample answer:

Since I was in grade 11, I’ve done a lot of research for my future profession. And I realized that I wanted to be a petroleum engineer. As far as I know, just like any other careers, to be a petroleum engineer requires me some requisite qualifications and experiences before we enter this money-making industry.

The first requirement is that I have to be good at Math and natural sciences. I’m required to have some basic knowledge about geology as well because I’ll be working with a lot of oils, gases and dirt under the ground. Furthermore, I need to learn hard during my college time to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering, which is known as the hardest course in school of engineering for its multidisciplinary subjects. Second, an internship is also sometimes required by the oil companies’ recruiters, so I think participating in one is very beneficial for me.

Because of the extreme conditions of the job that they have to work far away from home, in the oil fields located in the middle of the ocean, petroleum engineers earn the highest salary compared to the others’. They can make as much as $300,000 per year. Well, I deem it necessary to pay them such a fortune because every single day, they are exposed to toxics and harmful chemicals from underground. They also run a risk of death when unexpected accidents take place in the middle of the vast ocean.

Vocabulary by Topic

1. anticipated occupation (n) : nghề nghiệp dự kiến trong tương lai
2. essential credentials (n) : những yếu tố / bằng cấp quan trọng
3. profitable sector (n): lĩnh vực kinh doanh sinh lời
4. interdisciplinary fields (n): những lĩnh vực đa ngành
5. apprenticeship (n): học việc / thực tập
6. challenging circumstances (n): điều kiện thách thức
7. I consider it indispensable : tôi xem đó là không thể thiếu
8. face a peril of death (v): đối mặt với nguy cơ tử vong

Part 3 Dialogue

1. Do you believe you will attain that profession? Why?

Frankly speaking, I don’t think I will. Petroleum engineering is a highest-paying job so there are definitely many intense competitions among contestants. But I still hope that I will be qualified for it someday soon.

1. Is the compensation satisfactory for all occupations in your nation?

I think the answer is no because every job has its own features. For instance, sedentary workers are often paid higher than laborers. Also, it’s a common rule that the more talented you are, the higher you get paid for your service, so I think saying that all people are paid well in all jobs is kind of inaccurate.

1. Is job selection based on salary common?

I think this is partly correct. Although we need passion for our job; we have to love it; we have to enjoy what we’re doing, the salary plays a vital role in job satisfaction. A high salary helps us make ends meet. We’ll have a more stable income, which is essential when we consider accepting a job.

1. Is encouragement necessary for employees at the workplace? Why?

Well, of course. When the employees are motivated, they are more eager to work and have innovative ideas, which help to increase the company’s productivity. As they receive the encouragement from their employers, the employees will reach outside their limit, and thus benefit the system as a whole. And that’s just as much as what people can do with motivation at work.

1. Would providing incentives to workers ultimately benefit the corporation?

As previously mentioned, when employees discover their motivation, they will work with greater enthusiasm and foster a harmonious atmosphere among colleagues. Consequently, companies reap significant benefits from their efforts.

1. What are the most lucrative professions in your nation?

In my opinion, petroleum engineers traditionally command the highest salaries. However, with the recent economic downturn, the plummeting oil prices have significantly impacted the industry. It appears that the sector has surpassed its peak, leading me to speculate that chemical and biomedical engineers will emerge as the top earners in the future.

1. What is your rationale behind this?

This is because, with the increase in life expectancy, individuals now prioritize their well-being more than ever before, and medical advancements are no longer considered unfamiliar concepts. To meet the growing demand for high-quality healthcare, these engineers will consequently receive higher salaries.

Từ vựng theo chủ đề

1. To be honest (adv): một cách trung thực
2. desk-bound employees (n): nhân viên văn phòng
3. meet basic needs (v): đáp ứng nhu cầu cơ bản
4. original concepts (n): các ý tưởng ban đầu
5. efficiency (n): hiệu quả
6. devotedly (adv): một cách tận tụy
7. financial downturn (n): suy thoái tài chính
8. peak period (n): đỉnh điểm
9. life span (n): tuổi thọ
10. unfamiliar concepts (n): những khái niệm lạ lẫm