Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a job that you think is useful to society - Cue Card # 819
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe a job that you think is useful to society.
You should say:
- what job it is
- how you know about this job
- what types of people do this job
and explain why you think this job is useful to society.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
[Examiner: All right? Remember you have one to two minutes for this, so don't worry if I stop you. I'll tell you when the time is up. Can you start speaking now, please?]
Model Answer 1:
Before I start my talk on a job that I believe is highly important to society I would like to thank you for the time and opportunity you have given me here. Well, one job that I believe is incredibly useful to society is that of a paramedic. These are the highly skilled healthcare professionals who respond to medical emergencies outside of a hospital setting.
My understanding of the vital role paramedics play has come from various sources. Firstly, through news reports and documentaries that highlight their crucial work during accidents or natural disasters. Secondly, I have a close family friend who works as a paramedic, and through his experiences, I've gained firsthand insight into the challenges and the profound impact they have on people's lives.
The types of individuals who take on this demanding profession are typically highly trained, resilient, and compassionate. They need a strong medical background, often involving extensive education and continuous training in emergency medical procedures. Beyond technical skills, they possess exceptional critical thinking abilities to make rapid decisions under immense pressure. Furthermore, they need a calm and reassuring demeanour to effectively communicate with patients and their families during highly stressful and emotional situations. Empathy and a genuine desire to help others are also fundamental qualities for someone in this role.
I believe the job of a paramedic is exceptionally useful to society because they are often the first point of contact in a medical crisis, providing immediate and life-saving care at the scene of an emergency. Their swift response and expert medical intervention can significantly improve patient outcomes and even mean the difference between life and death. They are equipped to handle a wide range of emergencies, from cardiac arrests and severe injuries to acute illnesses, stabilizing patients and providing crucial treatment en route to the hospital. Moreover, paramedics bridge a critical gap in the healthcare system. They extend medical care beyond the confines of hospitals and clinics, reaching individuals in their homes, on the streets, or at accident sites. This accessibility is vital, especially in time-sensitive situations where immediate care is paramount. In my opinion, paramedics are frontline heroes who play an indispensable role in our communities by providing immediate, expert medical care and compassionate support when it's needed most, directly contributing to saving lives and improving public health.
Model Answer 2:
Thank you so much for this great topic. It would enable me to talk about a great profession or job that helps society tremendously. One job that I believe is incredibly useful to society is that of a teacher. Teachers play an essential role in shaping the future of individuals and communities by imparting knowledge, skills, and values.
I have come to realize the importance of this profession through my personal experiences as a student and my observations of the impact educators have had on my life. I first became aware of the profound impact of teaching when I was in school, as well as during my university years. Throughout my educational journey, I was fortunate enough to be taught by a number of passionate and dedicated teachers who not only helped me academically but also mentored me in life. These experiences have made me appreciate the significant role that teachers play in building a strong, knowledgeable society.
The types of people who take up teaching as a profession are individuals who have a passion for helping others and a desire to make a positive difference in the world. Teachers come from diverse backgrounds, but they all share the same intrinsic motivation to nurture the intellectual and personal growth of their students. Teachers may work in various educational settings, such as schools, universities, online platforms, and community centres. Their teaching expertise can range from primary education, and specialised fields like science and mathematics, to the arts and humanities.
I think this job is useful to society for a number of reasons. First and foremost, teachers are responsible for educating the next generation, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in life and contribute positively to their communities. The impact of a good teacher extends far beyond the classroom, as they instil values such as empathy, discipline, and critical thinking. Additionally, teachers are the foundation of the workforce, as they provide the education necessary for individuals to pursue various careers, leading to the overall development of society. Without teachers, there would be a significant gap in the knowledge and abilities of individuals, which would, in turn, affect economic and social progress. I believe that the work of teachers is central to the well-being and progress of any community, making it a highly impactful and meaningful profession.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Jobs that benefit society can range from healthcare and education to environmental protection and public safety. Below are ten detailed examples you can adapt for your answer, each explaining the role, how you learned about it, who typically performs it, and why it’s valuable to the community.
1. Nurses:
Nurses work in hospitals, clinics, and community centres to care for patients and support doctors. I learned about this role from my aunt, who has been a paediatric nurse for 15 years. People with nursing degrees and strong interpersonal skills fill this role. Nurses are essential because they provide critical medical care and comfort to sick individuals.
2. Teachers:
Teachers instruct students in schools and universities, shaping future generations. My high school history teacher inspired me to pursue learning. Anyone with a teaching certification and subject expertise can become a teacher. This job is vital for societal growth, as education empowers individuals and fosters social progress.
3. Social workers:
Social workers help vulnerable populations access services, such as counselling and housing. I learned about this job through a university career fair. Graduates in social work or psychology usually take on these roles. They play a crucial part in improving mental health and supporting families in need.
4. Environmental engineers:
Environmental engineers design solutions for pollution control and sustainable infrastructure. I discovered this role in a documentary about clean water projects. Engineers with degrees in environmental science typically do this job. Their work protects natural resources and public health.
5. Firefighters:
Firefighters respond to fires and rescue people from dangerous situations. A family friend who joined the fire department shared insights about this career. Physically fit individuals with specialized training serve as firefighters. They save lives and property, making communities safer.
6. Police officers:
Police officers enforce law, maintain public order, and investigate crimes. I learned about their work through local community outreach programs. People with law enforcement training and strong ethical values fill this role. They help ensure safety and justice in society.
7. Waste management workers:
These workers collect and process garbage and recycling to keep cities clean. I first noticed their importance during a sanitation awareness campaign. People with practical training in waste handling often perform this job. Their efforts reduce pollution and protect public health.
8. Pharmacists:
Pharmacists dispense medications and advise patients on proper usage. My cousin, a pharmacist, explained the role’s responsibilities. Graduates with pharmacy degrees and attention to detail typically do this work. They ensure safe medication use and contribute to health management.
9. Urban planners:
Urban planners design city layouts for efficient transportation, housing, and green spaces. I learned about this job during a community planning workshop. Professionals with degrees in urban planning or architecture usually take on this role. Their work improves quality of life and sustainable development.
10. Mental health counsellors:
Counsellors provide therapy and support for individuals facing emotional challenges. I discovered this career path after attending a mental health seminar. People with psychology or counselling qualifications fill this role. Their work is crucial for reducing stress, preventing crises, and fostering well-being.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a job that is useful to society, using vocabulary that highlights the skills involved, the impact of the work, and the qualities of the people who do it can create a compelling and insightful response. Here are some useful words and phrases with example sentences:
Vital role – An extremely important function or part in something.
Example: Paramedics play a vital role in our emergency medical services.
Demanding profession – A job that requires a lot of effort, skill, and resilience.
Example: It's a very demanding profession requiring both physical and mental strength.
Compassionate – Feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others.
Example: Compassion is a fundamental quality for someone in this role.
Extensive education – A thorough and comprehensive learning process.
Example: They often have extensive education in emergency medical procedures.
Continuous training – Ongoing learning and development to maintain skills.
Example: Continuous training is essential to keep their skills up-to-date.
Critical thinking abilities – The capacity to analyze information and make reasoned judgments.
Example: They need strong critical thinking abilities to make rapid decisions.
Alleviate fear and anxiety – Reduce feelings of worry and nervousness.
Example: Their presence can help alleviate fear and anxiety at the scene.
Frontline heroes – People who are directly involved in dealing with a crisis or important task.
Example: Paramedics are truly frontline heroes in our communities.
Indispensable role – A function that is absolutely necessary.
Example: They play an indispensable role in our healthcare system.
Bridge a critical gap – Connect an important missing link or provide a necessary connection.
Example: Paramedics bridge a critical gap by extending care beyond hospitals.
Time-sensitive situations – Circumstances where acting quickly is crucial.
Example: Their accessibility is vital in time-sensitive situations.
Compassionate support – Empathetic and caring assistance.
Example: They offer not just medical care but also compassionate support.
Foster intellectual development – Encourage the growth of knowledge and understanding.
Example: Teachers foster intellectual development in young minds.
Shape future generations – Have a significant influence on the development of young people.
Example: They play a crucial role in shaping future generations.
Instill values and ethics – Impart principles of good behavior and moral beliefs.
Example: Teachers also help instill important values and ethics.
Cultivate critical thinking – Develop the ability to analyze and evaluate information.
Example: They cultivate critical thinking skills in their students.
Maintain law and order – Ensure that rules and regulations are followed.
Example: Police officers are essential for maintaining law and order.
Ensure public safety – Guarantee the security and well-being of the community.
Example: Their presence helps ensure public safety.
Uphold justice – Support fairness and the legal system.
Example: Police officers play a role in upholding justice.
Ensure safe transportation – Guarantee secure travel for passengers and cargo.
Example: Pilots have a huge responsibility to ensure safe transportation.
Uphold the fabric of society – Maintain the essential structure and order of the community.
Example: Many essential jobs uphold the very fabric of our society.
Essential for societal progress – Absolutely necessary for the advancement of society.
Example: Their contributions are essential for societal progress.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a job that you think is useful to society", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a job you would like to have in the future.
2) Describe a person whose job is important to society.
3) Describe a job that makes the world a better place.
4) Describe a job that you think you would be good at.
5) Describe a fascinating job that you know about.
6) Describe someone who helps others.
7) Describe a person who has done a lot of work for others.
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