Of course! This is a very common question in Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test. The key is not just to answer the question, but to give a little extra information and use some good vocabulary.

Here is a guide on how to answer "What is your job?", including different levels of answers and vocabulary.
Part 1: The Direct Answer
In Part 1, the examiner wants a clear, natural, and friendly answer. You don't need to be too detailed, but you should expand your answer slightly.
The Basic Formula:
- State your job title. (The direct answer)
- What you do. (Briefly describe your main responsibilities)
- How you feel about it. (A short positive or neutral feeling)
Sample Answers (From Good to Excellent)
Here are a few examples for different jobs.
Example 1: Software Developer
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Good Answer:
(图片来源网络,侵删)"I'm a software developer. I write code for computer programs."
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Better Answer (using more vocabulary):
"I work as a software developer. My main role is to design and code applications, mostly for mobile phones. I find it quite challenging but also very rewarding when a project finally works."
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Excellent Answer (natural and detailed):
(图片来源网络,侵删)"I'm a software developer. I'm currently working for a tech company where I specialize in creating mobile apps. A typical day for me involves a lot of coding and problem-solving, but I really enjoy the creative aspect of it. It's a fast-paced industry, which I find really exciting."
Example 2: Teacher
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Good Answer:
"I'm a high school teacher. I teach English."
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Better Answer (using more vocabulary):
"I work as a high school English teacher. My responsibilities include preparing lesson plans, grading assignments, and helping students develop their language skills. It's a demanding job, but I get a lot of satisfaction from seeing my students improve."
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Excellent Answer (natural and detailed):
"I'm a high school English teacher. I've been in this role for about five years now. My day is split between teaching different classes and planning lessons. What I love most about my job is interacting with teenagers and helping them not just with their studies, but also with their confidence. It can be exhausting, but it's incredibly fulfilling."
Example 3: Nurse
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Good Answer:
"I'm a nurse. I work in a hospital."
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Better Answer (using more vocabulary):
"I'm a registered nurse, and I work on a busy surgical ward. My duties include patient care, administering medication, and assisting doctors. It's a very high-pressure environment, but it's also a very meaningful profession."
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Excellent Answer (natural and detailed):
"I work as a nurse in the emergency department of a city hospital. No two days are the same, which is both the best and most challenging part of the job. I'm responsible for assessing patients' conditions and providing care. It can be emotionally draining at times, but I feel like I'm really making a difference, which is what keeps me motivated."
Essential Vocabulary & Phrases
Using these words will help you sound more natural and get a higher score for Lexical Resource (Vocabulary).
| Category | Words & Phrases | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Job Titles | (Instead of just "I am a...") | "I work as a..." / "I'm employed as a..." / "My profession is..." |
| Creative | graphic designer, architect, writer, musician | |
| Technical | engineer, data analyst, IT specialist, mechanic | |
| People-focused | social worker, consultant, project manager, sales representative | |
| Academic | researcher, lecturer, professor, librarian | |
| General | professional, specialist, coordinator | |
| Work Environment | office-based, remote, on-site, hybrid, fast-paced, dynamic, demanding, high-pressure, challenging, rewarding, fulfilling | |
| Key Responsibilities | My main role is to... / I'm responsible for... / My duties include... / I specialize in... / I focus on... | |
| Verbs | manage, coordinate, develop, implement, analyze, design, train, supervise, assist, advise | |
| Feelings about the job | I enjoy... / I find it... / I'm passionate about... / It's satisfying... / It's stimulating... / It's a lot of hard work, but... / It has its ups and downs, but... |
Part 3 Follow-up Questions
Be prepared for deeper questions about your job.
Q: Why did you choose this profession?
"I chose to become a software developer because I've always been fascinated by technology and how things work. I also love the problem-solving aspect of it and the fact that you're always learning something new."
Q: What are the most important qualities for someone in your job?
"I think for a teacher, patience and strong communication skills are absolutely essential. You also need to be enthusiastic and adaptable to meet the needs of different students."
Q: Do you see yourself doing this job in five years' time?
"That's a good question. In five years, I can definitely see myself still in this field, but perhaps in a more senior role, maybe leading a small team or mentoring junior developers. I'm not looking to change careers, but I am keen to grow within it."
Key Tips for Your Answer
- Be Natural: Don't memorize a script. Understand the phrases and adapt them to your own situation.
- Expand a Little: Always add one or two extra sentences after your direct answer.
- Show Enthusiasm (Even if it's neutral): Use positive words like "interesting," "satisfying," or "enjoyable." Even if you don't love your job, you can say, "It's a stable job with good opportunities for development."
- Don't Lie: Choose a job you know or can reasonably describe. It's better to talk simply about a real job than to get stuck describing a fake one in detail.
- Practice: Say your answer out loud a few times. Record yourself to check your fluency and pronunciation.
