Describe a Person Whose Job is Important to the Society- IELTS Cue Card

In the IELTS Speaking section, one of the most common type of Question is the Cue Card Speaking prompt. The IELTS Cue Card topics will prompt you to formulate a response and speak on the given topic. To attempt this question, you must narrow down the essential questions on the given topic to answer within the given time. Consider the sample Cue Card below. Study the types of questions that have been formulated based on the cue card and how to go about with your response:

Sample Answer

In our society, various people work in positions that are essential for the smooth functioning of the community. Although this section of society includes numerous individuals and types of workers, we often tend to acknowledge only a marginal portion of this segment. One such person I know whose job holds significant importance to society is Somnath.

Somnath works as a garbage collector in the housing complex that I live in. I have known Somnath ever since I started living in this particular housing complex, and he has been working at his current job for almost 10 years.

I believe that his work is paramount to the well-being of every individual who lives in our society, as he is responsible for taking care of the cleanliness and hygiene of the housing complex as a whole. Most of the people who reside in our housing complex are working professionals, and a sizeable number of these people live as tenants. Therefore, they often neglect the collective well-being of all the other residents of the community and are known to litter and discard rubbish wherever they find it convenient. Even though such actions are quite unfair, it is a common practice in this present-day society. Nevertheless, people like Somnath go the extra mile and clean the litter and garbage that is discarded on public roads and areas, so the residents do not face any issues with their day to day activities. I believe it is imperative that such essential workers receive due credit and acknowledgement since their jobs are as consequential to society as doctors and lawyers.

Vocabulary

• Marginal

Meaning: minor and not important; not central.
Eg.: The difference between the current world record and the previous one was marginal.

• Paramount

Meaning: more important than anything else; supreme.
Eg.: The presence of all the team members in this meeting is paramount.

• Tenants

Meaning: a person who occupies land or property rented from a landlord.
Eg.: The tenants were given a warning as they played loud music throughout the night.

• Neglect

Meaning: not pay proper attention to; disregard.
Eg.: His neglect of everyone’s advice came at his own peril.

• Litter

Meaning: rubbish such as paper, cans, and bottles left lying in an open or public place.
Eg.: It is always important to keep your surroundings clean and free of litter and garbage.

Part 3 – Follow up Questions

• Why do people like to do those things that are important for society?

There can be many reasons why people choose to work for the betterment of our society. Some people may want to see their community being uplifted and progress collectively. Others like to do things important to society since the authorities responsible may neglect their duties. Many people engaged in social work have also been victims of issues like poverty and feel like they have a sense of responsibility towards others who face similar perils. Thus, they associate themselves with organisations and NGOs that work towards improving society as a whole.

• Would you like to do this type of job in the future? Why or why not?

Yes, I would like to engage in social work in the future and work to ameliorate the underprivileged. Our country is home to countless individuals who suffer from various societal issues like poverty, homelessness and unemployment. Although our government has to work towards the development of such segments of society, such responsibilities are often overlooked by the authorities. Thus, the onus of uplifting the underprivileged is upon the general public and a sizeable portion of society are working towards the same. I would also like to work towards this cause once I reach a certain age.

• What are the jobs which are important to society?

There are several job roles and responsibilities that are vital to society. When listing jobs that are essential to the smooth functioning of society, the most common professions that are named are doctors, teachers, civil servants, etc. Indeed, professionals like doctors and civil servants like policemen and military soldiers enable the general populace to live harmoniously. However, we, as a society, tend to overlook individuals who work under the radar. Cleaning staff, security guards and other workers with similar job roles also contribute significantly to society.

• Is it easy to do the job of a teacher? Why or why not??

No, I believe that teachers have one of the toughest jobs in our society. The duty of educating the younger generation is pivotal, as they are the ones who will be essential members of society in the future. Thus, teachers have a crucial role in shaping the future of human civilization. Apart from that, teachers also have to be role models to their students in terms of morality and decent human values. Therefore, it can be said that a teacher’s job is one of the most challenging and vital at the same time.

• Are politicians serving humanity?? Why or why not?

Politicians are civil servants that the people elect in order to lead society towards progress. A politician has to analyze the needs of their community and spend government resources towards meeting these needs and demands of the general public. However, politicians are known to work towards selfish gains using their power and influence in many countries. Such instances are more common in third-world nations like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, etc. Nevertheless, there are also politicians like Barack Obama, whose tireless efforts have significantly improved the lives of people residing under their jurisdiction.

Vocabulary

• Ameliorate

Meaning: the act of making something better; improvement.
Eg.: This NGO’s constant efforts toward helping the poor have ameliorated several lives.

• Onus

Meaning: something that is one’s duty or responsibility.
Eg.: The onus of taking proper action against the culprits falls upon the authorities.

• Harmoniously

Meaning: in a way that is free from disagreement or dissent.
Eg.: The team members worked harmoniously with each other.

• Pivotal

Meaning: of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
Eg.: The role of a director is pivotal to the success of a film.

• Crucial

Meaning: decisive or critical, especially in the success or failure of something.
Eg.: The procurement of these raw materials was crucial to the success of the entire process.