IELTS Speaking Part 1: Work
Work or studies is usually the very first topic in Part 1, so it sets the tone for the whole test. The examiner simply wants to hear you talk naturally about your daily life: what you do, why, and how you feel about it. You do not need an impressive job; you need clear, extended answers.
Work questions
- Do you work or are you a student?
- What is your job?
- Why did you choose this job?
- What do you like most about your work?
- Is there anything you would like to change about your job?
- Would you like to do a different job in the future?
Sample answers
What is your job?
I work as a junior accountant for a mid-sized logistics company. Most of my day is spent preparing financial reports and checking invoices, which sounds dull, but I actually find it quite satisfying when the numbers all add up at the end of the month.
What do you like most about your work?
What I like most is probably the people I work with. My team is small and very supportive, so if I'm stuck on something, someone always helps. I also appreciate that the hours are fairly regular, so I have time for my life outside work.
Original examples written for SpeakingIELTS. Notice the pattern—a direct answer, then a reason or detail—and use your own true information. Do not memorise them.
Useful words and phrases
- I work as
- most of my day is spent
- I'm responsible for
- it's quite demanding
- a good work-life balance
- I'd eventually like to
Common mistakes
- Answering only "I'm an engineer" without a single detail.
- Reciting a memorised job description that sounds like a CV.
- Mixing tenses: use the present simple for routines and the present perfect for experience ("I've worked there for three years").
Practise it now
Answer each question above aloud in 20–30 seconds, or start a timed session that begins with work and adds two other random topics, just like the real test. Record yourself, listen once, and check your answers with the self-evaluation checklist.
Other Part 1 topics
Studies · Hometown · Home · Family · Freetime · Food · Weather · Public Transport · Sport · Books · Internet · Routine · Travel · Technology · Social Media
Moving on to Part 2? See cue cards with sample answers.