Of course! "What do you do?" is one of the most common and important questions in the IELTS Speaking test, especially in Part 1. It's your chance to make a great first impression and set a positive tone for the rest of the interview.
Here’s a complete guide on how to answer it effectively, from a simple answer to a high-scoring one.
Part 1: The Basic & Direct Answer
In Part 1, the examiner wants a clear, concise, and friendly answer. You don't need to give a long, complicated speech.
The Formula:
- State your job title/what you study.
- Give a very brief, simple description (1-2 sentences).
- Add a short, positive feeling or reason.
Example for a Student:
Examiner: "So, what do you do?" You: "I'm a university student. I'm currently studying marketing at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. I find it quite interesting."
Example for a Worker:
Examiner: "And what about you? What do you do?" You: "I work as a software engineer for a tech company in Shenzhen. It's a challenging job, but I enjoy solving problems."
Part 2 & 3: The High-Scoring, Detailed Answer
For a higher band score (Band 7+), you need to show more than just basic information. You need to demonstrate fluency, vocabulary, and the ability to develop your ideas.
The High-Scoring Formula:
- Start with a clear topic sentence.
- Elaborate on your responsibilities.
- Explain what you like/dislike about it (your feelings).
- Explain why you chose this path (your motivation).
- (Optional but good) Talk about your future plans.
Let's break down each part with examples.
Start with a Clear Topic Sentence
Don't just say "I'm a teacher." Be a bit more descriptive.
- Instead of: "I'm a teacher."
- Try: "I work as a high school English teacher." or "My role is in education; I teach English to teenagers."
Elaborate on Your Responsibilities
Use more specific and professional vocabulary. This shows range.
- Instead of: "I teach students."
- Try: "My main responsibility is to design and deliver engaging lesson plans for my students. I also have to grade their assignments, provide feedback, and collaborate with other teachers on the curriculum."
Useful Vocabulary for Responsibilities:
- To design/deliver lessons: 设计并授课
- To grade assignments/papers: 批改作业/论文
- To provide feedback: 提供反馈
- To manage a team: 管理一个团队
- To handle client relations: 处理客户关系
- To conduct market research: 进行市场调研
- To oversee projects: 监督项目
Explain Your Feelings (What you like/dislike)
This is crucial for showing your ability to express opinions and use adjectives.
- Instead of: "I like my job."
- Try: "The most rewarding part of my job is seeing my students make progress and gain confidence in their English. It gives me a great sense of achievement."
- Synonyms for rewarding: fulfilling, satisfying, meaningful.
- For things you dislike (be careful not to sound negative):
- Instead of: "I hate my boss."
- Try: "I suppose the most challenging aspect can be the tight deadlines we sometimes have, which can be quite stressful. But it teaches me how to manage my time effectively."
Useful Vocabulary for Feelings:
- Rewarding / Fulfilling / Satisfying: 有回报的/有成就感的
- Challenging / Demanding: 有挑战性的/要求高的
- Stressful / Pressured: 有压力的
- Interesting / Engaging: 有趣的
- Monotonous / Repetitive: 单调的/重复的
- It gives me a sense of...: 这给了我...的感觉
- I find it...: 我觉得它...
Explain Your Motivation (Why?)
This adds depth to your answer and tells a story.
- Instead of: "I wanted to be a doctor."
- Try: "I chose this career path because I've always been fascinated by human biology and I wanted to make a direct, positive impact on people's health. The idea of helping others recover from illnesses is what really drives me."
Useful Vocabulary for Motivation:
- I've always been passionate about...: 我一直对...充满热情
- I was drawn to this field because...: 我被这个领域吸引是因为...
- It allows me to...: 它让我能够...
- I wanted to make a difference...: 我想做出一些改变...
- It's a lifelong dream of mine...: 这是我毕生的梦想...
Putting It All Together: A High-Scoring Model Answer
Let's imagine you are a graphic designer.
Examiner: "So, what do you do?"
You: "Well, at the moment, I work as a freelance graphic designer. (Topic Sentence)
**My main role involves creating visual concepts for a variety of clients, from designing logos and brand identities to producing layouts for websites and marketing materials. I'm responsible for the entire creative process, from the initial brainstorming to the final file delivery. (Elaboration)
**What I love most about my job is the creative freedom and the variety of projects I get to work on. It's incredibly rewarding to see a concept I've developed come to life and help a client achieve their goals. However, I suppose the most challenging part is managing multiple deadlines simultaneously, which can be quite demanding at times. (Feelings)
**I actually got into this field because I've always had a passion for art and technology, and I wanted to combine the two. I find it's the perfect way to express myself creatively while also solving practical problems for businesses. (Motivation)"
Why this answer is good:
- Fluency & Coherence: It flows logically from one point to the next.
- Vocabulary: Uses specific terms like "freelance," "visual concepts," "brand identities," "creative process," "demanding."
- Grammar: Uses a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences correctly.
- Pronunciation: (Assuming it's said clearly) Good intonation and stress on key words.
What if You're Unemployed or a Student?
Your answer is just as valid! The key is to talk about what you do with your time.
For a Student:
"I'm currently a full-time student majoring in International Business at Beijing Foreign Studies University. My days are mostly spent attending lectures, working on group projects, and preparing for exams. I'm really enjoying the course, especially the modules on cross-cultural communication, and I'm hoping it will lead to a career in international marketing."
For Someone Unemployed (looking for work):
"At the moment, I'm between jobs and actively looking for a new opportunity in the digital marketing sector. I'm using this time to update my skills by taking an online course in data analytics, which I believe is a valuable addition to my CV. I'm optimistic about finding a role where I can apply my experience."
Final Tips:
- Be Prepared: Have a 1-2 minute answer ready for "What do you do?" and also for "What are you studying?".
- Be Honest: Don't invent a job you know nothing about. It's easy to get caught out in follow-up questions.
- Smile and Be Confident: Your body language is important. A friendly, confident attitude makes a big difference.
- Keep it Natural: Don't memorize an answer word-for-word. Understand the structure and key points, then speak in your own natural voice.
