Describe a part-time job you have ever done – IELTS Cue Card

Sample Answer 1

To be honest, I have done plenty of part-time jobs while pursuing my studies. It was merely to get professional experience in the real world. However, I distinctly remember my first part-time job offer, which had nothing to do with my studies. The closest I can describe is that I worked in a library as an assistant librarian.

I started my part-time employment to make some money while also getting an opportunity to be around books and read whenever I desired. My parents resented working part-time because they believed I was squandering my time and energy. Nonetheless, I convinced them and worked this job. I was required to contribute 4 hours a day for about a month.

Despite my clumsiness, I learned to meticulously order the books in their required sections and keep a daily record of the books issued to individuals and those returned after they had been read. Apart from that, I was instructed to help with the library’s administration and organizing. It involved assisting library visitors in locating appropriate reference resources, processing interlibrary loans, and enrolling visitors in receiving their library cards.

After struggling with basic organizational skills for the first 15 days, I was able to take out some spare time in order to read my favourite books. Since I was a student trying to save money, I was ecstatic to be able to read as many books as I wanted without having to buy them. Additionally, the librarian who recruited me taught me many organizational skills, which helped me grow. I owe her gratitude for her patience with me during my part-time work.

Sample Answer 2

Part-time jobs are the best ways to manage daily expenses abroad as they are the only sources of additional income.  Here, I’d like to talk about a part-time job that I’ve done. Initially, I got the opportunity to pursue my master’s from the University of Melbourne, Australia, through a scholarship. But with the Australian lifestyle being extraordinary, the scholarship funds were not enough to manage my life there. It became complicated, so I sought a suitable part-time job. One of my seniors noticed my flair for writing, so he suggested that I opt for a part-time content writing or editing job. After some struggle, I finally managed to get a part-time job as a content writer for a travel company. As my part-time job as a writer can be done at my comfort, I used to perform it in my room, while other students who were involved with part-time jobs had to hasten from pillar to post. I was fortunate enough to work as a content writer at my flexibility and convenience,  the company made regular payments. To conclude, I learnt a lot as a part-time writer. Besides, it was the only monetary support during my difficult times. 

Vocabulary

1. Pursue 

• Meaning: follow or chase
  Eg: He was determined to pursue his dreams

2. Flair

• Meaning: a special or instinctive aptitude or the ability for doing something well. 
  Eg: My flair in communication landed me in this job.

3. Hasten

• Meaning: move or travel hurriedly 
  Eg: Mary hastened towards the elevator as she reached the office late. 

4. Pillar to post

• Meaning: forced to keep moving from one place to another. 
  Eg: I ran from pillar to post in search of a genuine online English coaching center.

5. Convenience

• Meaning: the state of being able to proceed with something without difficulty 
  Eg: The significant advantage of online classes was that they were held at my convenience. 

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