Ielts Speaking Part 2 | And 3 Questions With Answers Work
Describe a person you know who has a successful career. You should say:
Model Answer:
“The person I’d like to talk about is my aunt, Sarah, who works as a senior architect in a multinational firm. She’s in her early forties and has been in the field for nearly twenty years.
Her job involves designing sustainable office buildings and leading a team of junior architects. What’s interesting is that she doesn’t just focus on aesthetics—she prioritizes energy efficiency and employee well-being in her designs.
In terms of qualities, she is incredibly disciplined and resilient. I remember once her company lost a major client, but instead of panicking, she gathered her team, re-strategized, and within three months, they had secured two even bigger projects. She also has excellent communication skills, which help her negotiate with clients and resolve conflicts smoothly.
I believe she is successful not just because of her salary or position, but because she genuinely loves what she does. She often says, ‘Work feels like play when you’re solving meaningful problems.’ Moreover, she has a balanced life—she spends weekends with her family and volunteers at a local school teaching design to children. To me, true success means fulfillment and positive impact, and she embodies that perfectly.” ielts speaking part 2 and 3 questions with answers work
The examiner will ask broader questions related to work and society.
To construct effective answers, candidates must understand the marking criteria:
Topic: Travel and tourism Q: How has travel changed in the last 20 years? A: Travel has become faster and more accessible due to budget airlines and online booking. Technology enables real-time planning and navigation; social media influences destination choices. However, overtourism and environmental impacts are growing concerns.
Q: Should governments limit tourism in popular places? A: Yes, in many cases. Limits like visitor caps, timed-entry tickets and higher fees can protect heritage sites and local communities, encourage sustainable tourism and improve visitor experience.
Topic: Learning and skills Q: Is it important to learn new skills in adulthood? A: Absolutely. Continuous learning keeps people adaptable in changing job markets, boosts mental agility and can improve life satisfaction. Employers also value lifelong learners. Describe a person you know who has a successful career
Q: What is the best way to learn a language? A: A mix of immersive practice, regular short sessions, speaking with native speakers and deliberate study of grammar and vocabulary works best. Technology and media can supplement real interaction.
Topic: Books and reading Q: Do people read less now because of the internet? A: Reading habits have shifted—people read differently, often consuming shorter online content. However, many still read books; formats like audiobooks have grown, keeping overall engagement with stories and ideas alive.
Q: Are classic books still relevant? A: Yes. Classics offer timeless themes and insights into human nature. They provide context for modern works and teach critical thinking, though contemporary voices are also essential.
Topic: Technology in daily life Q: Does technology make life better or worse? A: It’s mixed. Technology improves convenience, access to information and communication, but can increase distraction, reduce privacy and sometimes harm mental health. Balance and mindful use are key.
Q: How can people protect their privacy online? A: Use strong, unique passwords with a password manager, enable two-factor authentication, limit data shared publicly, keep software updated and be cautious with permissions and unknown links. Model Answer:
Q: Do you think people should choose a job they love or a job that pays well?
A: That’s a great question. Ideally, people would find a balance. In reality, it depends on their financial situation. If someone has debts or a family to support, a high salary might be necessary first. However, in the long term, job satisfaction leads to better mental health and productivity. I believe people should aim for a career they find meaningful, but they may need to compromise in the short term.
Q: What makes a job satisfying for most people?
A: Research suggests three main factors: autonomy, a sense of achievement, and good relationships with colleagues. For example, if an employee feels trusted to make decisions and sees the results of their work, they tend to be happier. Also, a supportive team culture can turn even a stressful job into a rewarding one.
Examiner: Do you think people today are more satisfied with their jobs than in the past?
Candidate (Band 9): That’s a fascinating question. I’d argue it’s a mixed picture. On one hand, people today have more autonomy and flexibility—remote work and freelancing were unheard of 50 years ago. So, in terms of work-life balance, satisfaction might be higher.
However, I believe job insecurity has skyrocketed. In the past, people often stayed with one company for 40 years and retired with a gold watch. Today, the gig economy means many workers are on zero-hour contracts with no sick pay or pension. Consequently, while the nature of satisfaction has changed—from stability to flexibility—I’m not convinced people are genuinely happier. Rates of burnout and presenteeism are actually rising.
| Feature | Example from Above | Benefit for Candidate | |-------------|------------------------|----------------------------| | Part 2: Structured narrative | Who, what job, qualities, explanation | Keeps answer logical and within 2 minutes | | Part 2: Personal story + example | Aunt Sarah losing a client then winning two bigger projects | Makes answer memorable and natural | | Part 2: Abstract reasoning | “True success means fulfillment and positive impact” | Shows ability to define/interpret concepts | | Part 3: Balanced opinion | “Absolutely, but with downsides” (career change) | Demonstrates critical thinking (Band 7+) | | Part 3: Real-life examples | Teacher → corporate training; marketer → UX design | Avoids vague generalizations | | Part 3: Contrastive language | “On the flip side…”, “However…”, “Still…” | Improves coherence and cohesion | | Part 3: Challenging the premise | “I partly disagree” (identity question) | Shows confidence and nuance |