IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
Describe a workplace you have worked in or know about.
You should say:
- what it looks like
- who work/worked there
- how you know about it
and explain if it is a good place to work in or not.
Model Answer 1:
I have never really cared about the type of workplace I work in. Instead, I have thought that we should try our best to fit in all kinds of working environments by having a strict professional mindset. However, after visiting the office of one of my close friends, I had to change my mind about fitting in. So, what exactly made me change my mind?
Well, first of all, the office, in which my friend works, is spacious enough to ensure collaboration among its staff, without the need to shout at each other, and also allows for being mindful about the privacy of fellow co-workers. On each corner of the office, yes, exactly on each corner, there is a large balcony with sofa chairs in them so that any number of staff can go there at any time and speak their minds and have fun without distracting others.
Besides, the entire office floor is perfectly decorated with real flower plants to create a natural effect on the minds of all the staff, so that they think that they are not just working in an office but also relaxing among nature. By the way, the windows of the office are designed and created in such a way that natural light can enter the office until the sun goes down. And as far as the natural air is concerned, I don’t think I have seen any office which is designed so masterfully to let its employees enjoy it while also watching the leaves of the plants, inside the office, moving at the same time.
Anyway, this is the best workplace I have ever seen in its simplest form. To be honest, I wouldn’t mind working in this kind of workplace even if I am paid less than the salary I am getting now, because I am sure that nobody would really get tired of working in this kind of office environment. Besides, I also like the fact that everybody, including the company chairman, has easy access to everybody in this kind of office, which makes it really unique.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
This is such an interesting topic, and I’m glad to have the opportunity to talk about it. I’d like to describe a workplace I know quite well through my cousin, and that is one of Google’s offices, where he has been working for the last three years.
What it looks like:
From what I’ve seen in photos and videos, and from what my cousin has described, the office looks very modern, colourful, and quite different from traditional workplaces. Instead of plain cubicles, it has open spaces, comfortable seating areas, and even relaxation zones. There are creative meeting rooms with unique themes, indoor plants, and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. It feels more like a creative space than a strict office.
Who works there:
People from different backgrounds work there, including software engineers, designers, product managers, and marketing professionals. My cousin works as a software developer, and he often collaborates with team members from different countries, which makes the work environment very diverse and dynamic.
How you know about it:
I know about this workplace mainly through my cousin. He often shares his experiences, and sometimes he gives me virtual tours during video calls. I’ve also seen some official videos and articles online, which match what he tells me about the office culture.
And explain if it is a good place to work in or not:
Well, from everything I’ve learned, it seems like an excellent place to work. The company encourages creativity, offers flexible working hours, and provides many facilities like free meals and recreational spaces. More importantly, it supports innovation and values employees’ ideas. So, I truly believe that it is a great place to work in.
Model Answer 3:
I am yet to finish my undergrad degree, and that’s why I am not engaged in any full-time job. However, I worked for a foreign company as a part-time survey officer and was really impressed with the workplace they offered.
That was a 6-story modern building, and they owned it. I worked on the 3rd floor, and the office was pretty neat and friendly for the employees. The cubicles were large enough, and the friendly environment of this office gave a very positive impression of this company. There were many foreigners and local employees there, and most of them were business consultants, admin and team leads. I personally worked with a team who were specialised in data mining and database designing. There were many software engineers who were engaged in developing software.
I knew about this office from a bulletin board at my university that offered different important notices for the students and faculty. I noticed the job offer and was interested in it. Since I have worked for this company for more than 8 months, I know it from my first-hand experience.
To me, this was an ideal working environment that maintained a good balance among the working environment, facilities and options for recreation. A whole floor was dedicated to the library and reference works, which are really rare for many companies. To sum up, I found it to be a very pleasant and friendly workplace where employees are self-motivated to work for the company.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to describe a workplace you have either worked in or are familiar with. You should mention what the place looks like, who works there, how you came to know about it, and whether it is a good place to work or not. To make your answer more effective, try to describe the environment, work culture, facilities, and your personal impression of the place. Adding small details about daily activities or employee interactions can make your response more natural and engaging. Here are a few ideas to help you develop your answer.
1. A modern tech company office:
One workplace I know about is a modern tech company office, which I learned about from a close relative who works there. The office looks very modern with open workspaces, colourful interiors and comfortable seating areas. It has software developers, designers and managers working together. From what I have heard, it is a great place to work because employees enjoy flexibility, creativity and a friendly environment.
2. A school where I studied:
A workplace I am very familiar with is my school, where teachers, administrative staff and support workers are employed. The building is quite structured with classrooms, offices and a playground. I know about it because I studied there for several years. I believe it is a good workplace because the environment is disciplined, and teachers are respected and supported.
3. A hospital:
Another workplace I know about is a hospital, which I visited several times for medical check-ups. It is usually a large building with different departments, waiting areas and treatment rooms. Doctors, nurses and other staff work there under pressure. I think it is a challenging but meaningful place to work because people dedicate their time to helping others.
4. A small business office:
I know about a small business office where a few employees manage daily operations. The workplace is simple with desks, computers and basic facilities. I became familiar with it through a friend who works there. It seems like a decent place to work, although it may lack some modern benefits found in larger companies.
5. A restaurant:
One workplace I am familiar with is a restaurant, where chefs, waiters and managers work together. The place is usually busy, with a kitchen area and dining space. I know about it because I have visited it many times and talked to staff members. I think it can be a stressful place to work, but also rewarding for those who enjoy hospitality.
6. A government office:
Another workplace I know is a government office, which I visited for official work. It has a formal setup with desks, files and administrative staff. Employees usually follow a fixed schedule. I feel it is a stable place to work, although it may not be very dynamic compared to private organisations.
7. A factory or production unit:
I am aware of a factory where workers operate machines and produce goods. The workplace is large and industrial, with different sections for production and storage. I learned about it through a visit arranged by my school. It seems like a demanding workplace, but it offers employment opportunities for many people.
8. A co-working space:
One interesting workplace I know is a co-working space used by freelancers and small teams. It has a flexible layout with shared desks, meeting rooms and modern facilities. I came to know about it through a friend who uses it regularly. I think it is a great place to work because it encourages networking and collaboration.
9. A bank:
Another workplace I am familiar with is a bank, where employees handle financial transactions and customer services. The environment is organised and professional. I know about it from regular visits and interactions with staff. It seems like a secure and respected workplace, though sometimes it can be stressful.
10. A retail store:
A workplace I know about is a retail store where salespeople and managers assist customers. The place is usually well-arranged with products displayed neatly. I became familiar with it as a regular customer. I think it is a lively place to work, although it requires patience and strong communication skills.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card:
Open-plan: An office or workspace with few or no internal walls or partitions between workstations.
Example: The open-plan layout was designed to facilitate better communication, though it could be quite noisy at times.
Ergonomic: Designed for efficiency and comfort in the working environment to reduce physical strain.
Example: The management invested in ergonomic furniture, which significantly improved the comfort of those working long hours at their desks.
Communal areas: Shared spaces intended for all employees to use, often for breaks or informal meetings.
Example: I found that the communal areas were the best places to network with colleagues from different departments.
Hierarchical: Structured in a way that clearly defines different levels of authority and rank.
Example: It was a very hierarchical organisation where every major decision had to be approved by several layers of management.
Collaborative: Characterised by individuals working together toward a common goal.
Example: The workplace had a highly collaborative atmosphere where everyone was encouraged to share their ideas freely.
High-pressure: Involving a significant amount of stress, often due to tight deadlines or high stakes.
Example: Working in a high-pressure environment taught me how to stay calm and focused under extreme circumstances.
Toxic: A term used to describe a workplace environment plagued by drama, infighting, and poor management.
Example: I eventually left that role because the atmosphere had become toxic and was affecting my mental health.
Inclusive: Providing equal opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalised.
Example: It is a very inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity and makes every employee feel valued.
Hot-desking: A system where employees do not have assigned desks and choose any available seat when they arrive.
Example: The company introduced hot-desking to encourage more movement and interaction between different teams.
Remuneration: The total compensation received by an employee, including salary and benefits.
Example: While the work was challenging, the generous remuneration package made it a very attractive position.
Professional growth: The process of gaining new skills and experience to advance one’s career.
Example: I consider it a great place to work because there are endless opportunities for professional growth.
Work-life balance: The equilibrium between the time spent working and the time spent on personal life and hobbies.
Example: The firm offers remote work options to help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Conducive: Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible; helpful.
Example: The bright, airy office was incredibly conducive to creative thinking and productivity.
Corporate culture: The shared values, goals, attitudes, and practices that characterise an organisation.
Example: The corporate culture was centred around transparency and mutual respect, which I found very refreshing.
Fast-paced: Moving or developing very quickly; requiring quick thinking and action.
Example: You have to be incredibly organised to keep up with the demands of such a fast-paced industry.
Cubicle: A small, partitioned space in an office that serves as a workstation.
Example: Modern offices are moving away from the traditional cubicle design in favour of more open, flexible spaces.
If you prepare for the topic “Describe a workplace you have worked in or know about”, you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a factory or office you have visited.
2) Describe your dream workplace.
3) Describe a time when you visited a friend or family member at their workplace.
4) Describe a company or an organisation where you would like to work.
5) Describe a place where someone you know works.
6) Describe an office that has a beautiful interior.
7) Describe an office that has a good working environment.
8) Describe a company you would like to work for.
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