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Describe a foreign country where you would like to work or live for a while

Try the card on the exam timer first, then read the band-8 sample answer and the Part 3 questions that follow it.

Practice it like the exam

Part 2 · Candidate task card

Describe a foreign country where you would like to work or live for a while.

You should say:

  • which country it is
  • what kind of work you might do
  • what you already know about it

and explain why you would like to live there.

Ready

1 minute to prepare, then 2 minutes to speak. It switches on its own.

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Band 8 sample answer

271 words · about 2 minutes at a natural pace · Phrases from the vocabulary list are highlighted.

A country where I'd like to work for a few years is Germany. It's been on my mind ever since I met a software engineer from Berlin at a conference, who described how much he valued the work culture and quality of life there.

I'm a software developer, so I'd hope to join a technology company in a city such as Berlin or Munich. I know that Germany has a strong demand for IT specialists, and many companies are willing to hire foreigners, especially those with experience. Jobs usually include a good salary, around 25 days of paid holiday and a strong emphasis on a fair work-life balance. To live there, I'd need a work permit, and I've already read about the EU Blue Card scheme, which is designed for skilled workers.

From my research, I know the country is famous for its efficiency, reliable public transport, beautiful old towns and a rich tradition of science and engineering. I also know that learning German is almost essential, so I've started taking evening classes, although it's much harder than I expected!

There are a few reasons why I want to live there. First, I'd gain international experience that would make me far more competitive in my profession. Second, I'm curious about living in a different culture and I believe it would make me more open-minded and independent. Third, I think the standard of living is high. Of course I'd probably feel homesick sometimes, and there would be culture shock at first, but I believe I'd adapt, and in the long run I'd hope to bring the knowledge back to my own country.

What to notice

  • It takes the points on the card in order, so the examiner can follow it.
  • Each point gets a specific detail or a short story, which is what keeps a talk going for two minutes.
  • The "explain" line at the end gets the most time, because that is where you give an opinion and show your range of language.

We wrote this answer for practice; it does not come from IELTS. Take its structure and phrases and tell your own story, because examiners notice memorised answers.

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Useful vocabulary

PhraseMeaning
relocatemove to live and work in a new place
culture shockconfusion on experiencing an unfamiliar culture
work permitofficial permission to work in a foreign country
adapt toadjust to new conditions
gain international experiencelearn from working in different countries
homesicksad because you miss home

Plan it in one minute

Choose what to talk about in the first ten seconds, then write two or three key words for each point. Full sentences take too long to write and to read back.

Who or what you could talk about

  • The UK, Canada or Australia
  • Germany or the Netherlands
  • The UAE or Singapore

How to spend the two minutes

  1. 25 swhich country it is
  2. 25 swhat kind of work you might do
  3. 25 swhat you already know about it
  4. 45 sand explain why you would like to live there.

Part 3 questions

In the exam these come straight after your talk, on the wider subject: Working and living abroad. Answer each in 3–4 sentences, with your view, a reason and an example.

  1. Why do people choose to work in another country?
  2. What difficulties might people face when they move abroad?
  3. How does a country benefit when its citizens return after working abroad?
  4. Do you think it is easy to adapt to a new culture?
  5. Should countries make it easier for foreign workers to settle?

Keep practicing

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Frequently asked questions

How do I talk about future plans in an IELTS cue card?

Say what you would like to do, why, and how you would go about it. Mix future forms: "I'm planning to", "I'd love to", "if I had the chance, I would". A plan you really have gives you more to say than an invented one.

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