The first real question in IELTS Speaking Part 1 is usually “Do you work or are you a student?” Depending on your answer, the examiner continues with questions about your job or your studies.
This is a topic you know well, so it is a great chance to start the test confidently. Below you will find twelve common work and study questions with band 7+ sample answers, useful vocabulary and tips for answering naturally.
Part 1 lasts 4 to 5 minutes. The examiner asks short questions about you and familiar topics. Answer in 2 or 3 sentences: a direct answer, then a reason or an example.
Work and study questions with sample answers
1Do you work or are you a student?
I work. I am a nurse in the children’s department of a large hospital, and I have been there for about four years.
2Why did you choose this job?
I have always wanted a job where I can help people directly. My mother is also a nurse, so I grew up hearing about the work and knew what to expect.
3What do you like most about your job?
The moment when a child who arrived very ill finally goes home healthy. It makes the long shifts feel worthwhile.
4Is there anything you dislike about it?
The night shifts are hard. After a week of nights, it takes me a few days to feel normal again.
5What does a typical working day look like?
I start at seven with a meeting where the night team tells us about each patient. Then I give medicines, check on the children and talk to parents, and the day goes very quickly.
6Would you like to change your job in the future?
Not the profession, but I would like to specialise further, perhaps in intensive care, or move into training new nurses.
7What are you studying?
I am studying computer science at university. I am in my second year of a three-year bachelor’s degree.
8Why did you choose that subject?
I have enjoyed programming since secondary school, when I made a simple game for a school project. I also think it offers good job opportunities.
9What is the most difficult part of your studies?
Probably the maths. Some of the courses are very theoretical, and I have to work much harder on them than on the practical programming.
10Do you prefer studying alone or in a group?
It depends. I prefer to learn new material alone, but before exams I like to study with friends, because explaining things to each other really helps.
11What do you plan to do after you finish your studies?
I would like to work for a few years as a software developer, ideally abroad, and maybe later do a master’s degree.
12Is your job or subject popular in your country?
Yes, very. IT is one of the most popular fields, partly because salaries are high and many companies are looking for developers.
Useful work and study vocabulary for IELTS
Use precise words instead of repeating “job”, “work” and “study”:
| Topic | Words and phrases |
|---|---|
| Talking about your job | to work as, to be in charge of, to be responsible for, a full-time / part-time job, shift work |
| Feelings about work | rewarding, demanding, challenging, job satisfaction, to be under pressure, a heavy workload |
| Talking about your studies | to major in, a bachelor’s / master’s degree, a lecture, a seminar, coursework, to graduate |
| Studying | to revise for an exam, to fall behind, to meet a deadline, to cram, a study group |
| Plans | to specialise in, to gain experience, career prospects, to apply for, to climb the career ladder |
How to answer work and study questions
- 1
Answer the first question clearly
Say “I work as…” or “I am studying…” in the first sentence, so the examiner knows which questions to ask next.
- 2
Learn the words for your own job or subject
Look up the exact English name of your job, your department and your subject before the test.
- 3
Between jobs or finished studying?
Be honest: “I have just finished my degree and I am looking for a job.” The examiner will adapt the questions.
- 4
Add a reason
Every answer is stronger with “because…” or a short example from your real day.
Practise on your own
Ask yourself three or four of the questions above and answer them aloud without looking at the sample answers. Record yourself and check that each answer has a reason or an example. For the next part of the test, see Work and jobs: Part 2 cue cards with sample answers, and for more Part 1 topics, see the IELTS Speaking Part 1 guide.