Speaking : Practice

IELTS Speaking Tips

Your choice of grammar shows how you feel about your occupation.

Present simple

I work for a company which makes car engine parts.
This implies you feel the job is long term.

Present continuous

I'm working for a company which makes car engine parts.
This implies you feel the job is temporary.

If you're a student, it's common to use the present continuous to describe your course:
I'm doing a Master's degree in Forest Management.

Don't just say I'm a student or I work in a restaurant. Give more details in your answer. For example:

• ✔  I'm a third-year student studying Law at the local university.
• ✔  I'm working as a waiter in a pizza restaurant in the main square of this town. You may have seen it. It's called Pizza Hut.

The examiner may ask for your opinion or feelings about your occupation. It can be a good strategy to contrast a positive and a negative opinion. For example:

• ✔  It's not an easy subject. There's a lot of reading, and the exams are very difficult, but it'll be worth it.
• ✔   I'll be able to get a good job when I graduate, and the career prospects for lawyers are excellent.
• ✔  It's hard work and - I have to be honest - the pay isn't great, but it can be a lot of fun, especially when the restaurant is busy. I work with some really nice people.