IELTS Speaking Part 3

Choosing a Job: Part 3 questions and answers

The discussion questions examiners asked after the cue card “Describe your perfect job”, each with a short Band 7 answer. Play the question, answer it yourself, then compare.

Reported in August 2026 The Part 2 card

What kinds of jobs do children want to do when they grow up?

Band 7 answer

Well, children often want jobs connected with people they admire, such as athletes, doctors, or online creators. They may look up to a famous footballer because that person seems successful and confident, while others are drawn to work involving animals or technology. In Vietnam, many children still mention teaching or medicine because families respect these jobs, and younger people are also interested in creative work. They see these jobs a lot on social media.

Make it longer Add a detail about how children's dream jobs often change in their teens, once they learn about pay and study requirements.

What should people consider when choosing a job?

Band 7 answer

People should weigh up the options, well, they should consider their interests, abilities, working conditions, and long-term prospects. A job can sound impressive but still be a poor choice if the environment is stressful and the pay isn't enough to make ends meet. For example, a young graduate in Vietnam might choose a stable office role because their family needs support, even if the work feels a bit boring. They can also think about other things and long-term prospects before moving into something more creative.

Make it longer Add a practical detail about comparing commuting time and daily working hours before accepting an offer.

Do you think salary is the main reason people choose a particular job?

Band 7 answer

Well, salary is an important reason, but it isn't always the main one. People need enough money to pay the bills, especially in expensive cities, so a high salary can be hard to ignore. However, some workers take pride in work that helps others and stay, even when another company offers more. They, well, most of them, may value a supportive workplace and meaningful contact with others, and a friend of mine turned down better-paid bank job to keep teaching because she liked working with students. I mean, a good income matters, but job satisfaction matters too.

Make it longer Add a new contrast about someone accepting longer hours temporarily to save for a home or further study.

Why do some people enjoy jobs that are challenging?

Band 7 answer

Well, some people enjoy challenging jobs because they like testing themselves and seeing clear progress. A difficult role can push them to step outside their comfort zone, which may build confidence and stop work from feeling repetitive. They, well, most of them, might enjoy learning new things and dealing with pressure. For example, an emergency doctor might enjoy making quick decisions when several patients need help, although the pressure can be exhausting. Some people enjoys that kind of responsibility, and others prefer predictable tasks with fewer surprises. It depends on personality and experience.

Make it longer Add a personal detail about a young worker learning a new computer system and feeling proud after mastering it.

Phrases to borrow

look up to someone

/lʊk ʌp tə ˈsʌmwʌn/

admire and respect someone

Many young players look up to their first coach.

be drawn to something

/biː drɔːn tə ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

feel naturally interested in something

She was drawn to creative subjects at school.

weigh something up

/weɪ ˈsʌmθɪŋ ʌp/

carefully consider different choices

Applicants should weigh up the options before accepting an offer.

make ends meet

/meɪk endz miːt/

have enough money for basic needs

Many families struggle to make ends meet in large cities.

pay the bills

/peɪ ðə bɪlz/

earn enough to cover regular costs

He took extra shifts to pay the bills.

take pride in something

/teɪk praɪd ɪn ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

feel pleased about doing something well

Good teachers take pride in their students' progress.

Your turn: answer the first question

What kinds of jobs do children want to do when they grow up?

Give a direct answer, a reason and an example, in about 30 seconds. Nothing is uploaded.

Practise Part 3 with the examiner

Sign in free, then answer her questions out loud and get a band score with one thing to fix.

Practise Part 3

Which phrase means…

admire and respect someone

“Many young players look up to their first coach.”

look up to someone

heytardy

More Part 3 topics

How the IELTS Speaking test works