IELTS Speaking Part 3: Work and careers questions and model answers

Is it more important to have a well-paid job or an interesting one?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of working from home?

Should young people stay in one job for a long time?

Why do some jobs pay much more than others?

How do people in your country usually choose their careers?

Will people work fewer hours in the future?

Is it more important to have a well-paid job or an interesting one?

Ideally both, but if I had to choose, I'd go for interesting, as long as the salary covers the basics. People spend most of their adult life at work, and a job you hate can affect your health and your family. That said, I understand why people with children often have to put money first.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of working from home?

The obvious advantage is time: you don't lose an hour in traffic every day, and you can organise your day more freely. The downside is isolation. Many people find it hard to switch off when their office is their bedroom, and young employees miss out on learning from colleagues.

How do people in your country usually choose their careers?

Traditionally, parents had a big say, and careers like medicine, law or banking were seen as safe. That's changing, though. IT has become very attractive to young people because it pays well and you can work for foreign companies, and more students now choose based on their own interests.

Will people work fewer hours in the future?

Possibly, in some sectors. Several countries are already experimenting with four-day weeks, and automation may make it possible. But I suspect it'll be uneven: well-paid professionals might work less, while people in lower-paid jobs could end up working more to make ends meet.