IELTS Essay: Choosing a Job
Some people believe that young people should choose the jobs that they want, but other people think they should be more realistic and think more about their future.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Today, the debate over whether young people should follow their passion when selecting a career or adopt a more pragmatic approach is increasingly pertinent. In my opinion, it is a wiser option to select an occupation that is most likely to provide for the future.
Proponents of pursuing one’s passion argue that job satisfaction is crucial for long-term career success. When young individuals choose careers based on their interests, they are likely to experience higher levels of motivation and commitment. Consider the case of Steve Jobs, who famously dropped out of college to pursue his interest in computing. His passion for technology led to the creation of Apple Inc., demonstrating how following one’s passion can lead to extraordinary achievements. As one grows older, jobs that align with personal interests can contribute to a more fulfilling life. A study conducted by the American Psychological Association revealed that individuals who work in fields they are passionate about report higher levels of job satisfaction and overall well-being compared to those in less satisfying roles.
Critics of the passion-driven approach highlight that not all interests are financially viable or offer long-term stability. For example, a young person with a passion for arts may find it challenging to secure a stable income, especially in highly competitive fields. In contrast, pursuing a career in fields like engineering or medicine, while possibly less exciting to some, often provides greater job security and financial stability. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in engineering are projected to grow substantially over the next decade, offering quality job opportunities and security. Similarly, a passion for environmental science might lead to additional qualifications in data analysis to increase employability and career prospects. Therefore, a pragmatic approach recognizes economic factors and the long-term viability of a chosen career path.
In conclusion, while pursuing a career based on personal passion has its advantages, a realistic approach that considers market trends and financial stability better ensures long-term career success and security. Therefore, young people should prioritize practical considerations when choosing their careers, even if it means incorporating their interests in a more balanced manner.
Analysis
1. Today, the debate over whether young people should follow their passion when selecting a career or adopt a more pragmatic approach is increasingly pertinent. 2. In my opinion, it is a wiser option to select an occupation that is most likely to provide for the future.
1. Proponents of pursuing one’s passion argue that job satisfaction is crucial for long-term career success. 2. When young individuals choose careers based on their interests, they are likely to experience higher levels of motivation and commitment. 3. Consider the case of Steve Jobs, who famously dropped out of college to pursue his interest in computing. 4. His passion for technology led to the creation of Apple Inc., demonstrating how following one’s passion can lead to extraordinary achievements. 5. As one grows older, jobs that align with personal interests can contribute to a more fulfilling life. 6. A study conducted by the American Psychological Association revealed that individuals who work in fields they are passionate about report higher levels of job satisfaction and overall well-being compared to those in less satisfying roles.
1. Critics of the passion-driven approach highlight that not all interests are financially viable or offer long-term stability. 2. For example, a young person with a passion for arts may find it challenging to secure a stable income, especially in highly competitive fields. 3. In contrast, pursuing a career in fields like engineering or medicine, while possibly less exciting to some, often provides greater job security and financial stability. 4. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in engineering are projected to grow substantially over the next decade, offering quality job opportunities and security. 5. Similarly, a passion for environmental science might lead to additional qualifications in data analysis to increase employability and career prospects. 6. Therefore, a pragmatic approach recognizes economic factors and the long-term viability of a chosen career path.
- Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
- Explain your new main idea.
- Include specific details and examples.
- Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
- This essay is a bit long – aim for about 275 words.
- Vary long and short sentences.
1. In conclusion, while pursuing a career based on personal passion has its advantages, a realistic approach that considers market trends and financial stability better ensures long-term career success and security. 2. Therefore, young people should prioritize practical considerations when choosing their careers, even if it means incorporating their interests in a more balanced manner.
- Summarise your main ideas.
- Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Today, the debate over whether young people should follow their passion when selecting a career or adopt a more pragmatic approach is increasingly pertinent. In my opinion, it is a wiser option to select an occupation that is most likely to provide for the future.
Proponents of pursuing one’s passion argue that job satisfaction is crucial for long-term career success. When young individuals choose careers based on their interests, they are likely to experience higher levels of motivation and commitment. Consider the case of Steve Jobs, who famously dropped out of college to pursue his interest in computing. His passion for technology led to the creation of Apple Inc., demonstrating how following one’s passion can lead to extraordinary achievements. As one grows older, jobs that align with personal interests can contribute to a more fulfilling life. A study conducted by the American Psychological Association revealed that individuals who work in fields they are passionate about report higher levels of job satisfaction and overall well-being compared to those in less satisfying roles.
Critics of the passion-driven approach highlight that not all interests are financially viable or offer long-term stability. For example, a young person with a passion for arts may find it challenging to secure a stable income, especially in highly competitive fields. In contrast, pursuing a career in fields like engineering or medicine, while possibly less exciting to some, often provides greater job security and financial stability. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in engineering are projected to grow substantially over the next decade, offering quality job opportunities and security. Similarly, a passion for environmental science might lead to additional qualifications in data analysis to increase employability and career prospects. Therefore, a pragmatic approach recognizes economic factors and the long-term viability of a chosen career path.
In conclusion, while pursuing a career based on personal passion has its advantages, a realistic approach that considers market trends and financial stability better ensures long-term career success and security. Therefore, young people should prioritize practical considerations when choosing their careers, even if it means incorporating their interests in a more balanced manner.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
Certainly! Here are the synonymous phrases with the original words included:
- The debate over whether
- The discussion regarding whether
- Follow their passion
- Follow their interests
- Selecting a career
- Choosing a profession
- Adopt a more pragmatic approach
- Embrace a more realistic strategy
- Increasingly pertinent
- Becoming increasingly relevant
- A wiser option to
- A more prudent choice for
- Provide for the future
- Plan for the future
- Proponents of
- Advocates of
- Crucial for long-term career success
- Essential for lasting career achievement
- Based on
- Founded on
- Higher levels of motivation and commitment
- Greater degrees of enthusiasm and dedication
- Consider the case of
- Examine the example of
- Dropped out of college
- Left college
- Computing
- Information technology
- Led to the creation of
- Resulted in the development of
- Lead to extraordinary achievements
- Lead to remarkable accomplishments
- Align with personal interests
- Match personal passions
- Fields
- Sectors
- Report higher levels of job satisfaction
- Report higher levels of job contentment
- Overall well-being compared to
- General well-being in comparison to
- Less satisfying roles
- Less fulfilling positions
- Critics of the passion-driven approach highlight
- Opponents of the passion-driven strategy emphasize
- Financially viable
- Financially feasible
- Offer long-term stability
- Provide enduring security
- Find it challenging to secure a stable income
- Struggle to obtain a stable income
- Highly competitive fields
- Highly competitive industries
- In contrast
- Conversely
- Possibly less exciting
- Potentially less stimulating
- Job security and financial stability
- Employment security and financial consistency
- According to
- As stated by
- Projected to grow substantially over the next decade
- Expected to expand significantly over the next ten years
- Similarly
- Likewise
- Qualifications
- Credentials
- Data analysis
- Statistical analysis
- Employability
- Job marketability
- Career prospects
- Career opportunities
- Recognizes economic factors and the long-term viability of a chosen career path
- Considers financial aspects and the future sustainability of a career choice
- Pursuing a career based on personal passion
- Choosing a profession based on personal passion
- A realistic approach
- A practical approach
- Market trends
- Industry trends
- Financial stability better ensures long-term career success and security
- Financial security more effectively guarantees long-term career success and stability
- Prioritize practical considerations
- Emphasize practical factors
- Incorporating
- Integrating
- A more balanced manner
- A more nuanced approach
Pronunciation
Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:
ðə dɪˈbeɪt ˈəʊvə ˈwɛðə
ˈfɒləʊ ðeə ˈpæʃᵊn
sɪˈlɛktɪŋ ə kəˈrɪə
əˈdɒpt ə mɔː præɡˈmætɪk əˈprəʊʧ
ɪnˈkriːsɪŋli ˈpɜːtɪnənt
ə ˈwaɪzər ˈɒpʃᵊn tuː
prəˈvaɪd fɔː ðə ˈfjuːʧə
prəˈpəʊnənts ɒv
ˈkruːʃᵊl fɔː ˈlɒŋtɜːm kəˈrɪə səkˈsɛs
beɪst ɒn
ˈhaɪə ˈlɛvᵊlz ɒv ˌməʊtɪˈveɪʃᵊn ænd kəˈmɪtmənt
kənˈsɪdə ðə keɪs ɒv
drɒpt aʊt ɒv ˈkɒlɪʤ
kəmˈpjuːtɪŋ
lɛd tuː ðə kriˈeɪʃᵊn ɒv
liːd tuː ɪkˈstrɔːdᵊnᵊri əˈʧiːvmənts
əˈlaɪn wɪð ˈpɜːsᵊnᵊl ˈɪntrɛsts
fiːldz
rɪˈpɔːt ˈhaɪə ˈlɛvᵊlz ɒv ʤɒb ˌsætɪsˈfækʃᵊn
ˌəʊvəˈrɔːl ˌwɛlˈbiːɪŋ kəmˈpeəd tuː
lɛs ˈsætɪsfaɪɪŋ rəʊlz
ˈkrɪtɪks ɒv ðə ˈpæʃᵊn-ˈdrɪvᵊn əˈprəʊʧ ˈhaɪlaɪt
faɪˈnænʃᵊli ˈvaɪəbᵊl
ˈɒfə ˈlɒŋtɜːm stəˈbɪləti
faɪnd ɪt ˈʧælɪnʤɪŋ tuː sɪˈkjʊər ə ˈsteɪbᵊl ˈɪnkʌm
ˈhaɪli kəmˈpɛtɪtɪv fiːldz
ɪn ˈkɒntrɑːst
ˈpɒsəbli lɛs ɪkˈsaɪtɪŋ
ʤɒb sɪˈkjʊərəti ænd faɪˈnænʃᵊl stəˈbɪləti
əˈkɔːdɪŋ tuː
prəˈʤɛktɪd tuː ɡrəʊ səbˈstænʃᵊli ˈəʊvə ðə nɛkst ˈdɛkeɪd
ˈsɪmɪləli
ˌkwɒlɪfɪˈkeɪʃᵊnz
ˈdeɪtə əˈnæləsɪs
ɪmˌplɔɪəˈbɪləti
kəˈrɪə ˈprɒspɛkts
ˈrɛkəɡnaɪzɪz ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈfæktəz ænd ðə ˈlɒŋtɜːm ˌvaɪəˈbɪləti ɒv ə ˈʧəʊzᵊn kəˈrɪə pɑːθ
pəˈsjuːɪŋ ə kəˈrɪə beɪst ɒn ˈpɜːsᵊnᵊl ˈpæʃᵊn
ə ˌrɪəˈlɪstɪk əˈprəʊʧ
ˈmɑːkɪt trɛndz
faɪˈnænʃᵊl stəˈbɪləti ˈbɛtər ɪnˈʃɔːz ˈlɒŋtɜːm kəˈrɪə səkˈsɛs ænd sɪˈkjʊərəti
praɪˈɒrɪˌtaɪz ˈpræktɪkᵊl kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃᵊnz
ɪnˈkɔːpᵊreɪtɪŋ
ə mɔː ˈbælᵊnst ˈmænə
Vocabulary Practice
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
Today, t_________________________r young people should f______________________n when s___________________r or a___________________________________h is i_____________________t. In my opinion, it is a______________________o select an occupation that is most likely to p________________e.
P________________f pursuing one’s passion argue that job satisfaction is c_______________________________s. When young individuals choose careers b________n their interests, they are likely to experience h____________________________________t. C_____________________f Steve Jobs, who famously d_______________e to pursue his interest in c__________. His passion for technology l______________________f Apple Inc., demonstrating how following one’s passion can l__________________________________-s. As one grows older, jobs that a________________________s can contribute to a more fulfilling life. A study conducted by the American Psychological Association revealed that individuals who work in f_____s they are passionate about r________________________________-n and o________________________o those in l__________________s.
C___________________________________________t that not all interests are f______________e or o___________________y. For example, a young person with a passion for arts may f_________________________________________e, especially in h_________________s. I_________-t, pursuing a career in fields like engineering or medicine, while p__________________g to some, often provides greater j_________________________________y. A__________o the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in engineering are p_______________________________________________e, offering quality job opportunities and security. S__________y, a passion for environmental science might lead to additional q_____________s in d________________s to increase e____________y and c_____________________s. Therefore, a pragmatic approach r________________________________________________________________________________h.
In conclusion, while p_____________________________________n has its advantages, a______________________h that considers m________________s and f______________________________________________y. Therefore, young people should p_________________________s when choosing their careers, even if it means i____________g their interests in a_______________________r.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
Reading Practice
Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:
https://www.rd.com/list/dangerous-jobs-around-world/
Speaking Practice
Work
Do you like your job?
What do you find most interesting about your work/job?
Writing Practice
Some people say that individuals should change jobs during their working life often while others believe that doing the same job has advantages to individuals, companies, and society.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
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