Cue Card

Describe a job that you would not like to do in the future

You should say:

• What it is
• What you know about it
• How you know about it
• And explain why you would not like to do it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What kinds of jobs do young people prefer?
2. Do you prefer physical work or mental work?
3. What should people take into account when choosing a job?
4. Do people nowadays like to leave their hometown in order to work somewhere else?

Sample Cue Card Answer

Imagine having a job where you're stuck in a windowless room, staring at a computer screen for 12 hours a day, with no human interaction whatsoever. Sounds like a nightmare, right? That's what it would be like to be a data annotator for a social media company. Your job would be to label and categorize every single post, comment, and message that gets flagged by the algorithm. No creativity, no problem-solving, just endless scrolling and clicking. And the worst part? You'd be contributing to the very thing that's slowly eroding our attention span and turning us all into mindless scrolling zombies.

I mean, can you think of anything more soul-sucking than being responsible for deciding what gets censored and what doesn't on the internet? The pressure to make the 'right' decision would be overwhelming, and the consequences of making a mistake would be dire. And all for what? So we can keep scrolling through our feeds without being offended? No thanks. I'd rather be a garbage collector, at least then I'd be outside and getting some exercise.

And let's not forget the emotional toll of being constantly exposed to the worst of humanity. Cyberbullying, harassment, hate speech – you'd see it all, day in and day out. It's like being a trauma counselor without the training or support. I don't think I could handle the emotional weight of that job, and I don't think anyone should have to.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

soul-sucking

extremely boring or unfulfilling

This job is soul-sucking, I need a change.

Watching paint dry is soul-sucking, let's do something else.

eroding our attention span

gradually reducing our ability to focus

Social media is eroding our attention span, we can't focus on anything for more than 5 seconds.

The constant notifications are eroding our attention span, it's like we're addicted.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What kinds of jobs do young people prefer? I think young people these days are really drawn to jobs that offer a sense of purpose and creativity. With the rise of social media, many young people are looking for careers that allow them to make a positive impact on the world, whether it's through environmental work, social justice, or innovative technology. For example, I've noticed that a lot of my friends are interested in pursuing careers in sustainable energy, not just because it's a growing field, but also because they want to contribute to a more eco-friendly future. It's not just about the paycheck anymore; young people want to feel like they're making a difference.

Do you prefer physical work or mental work? Personally, I think I would prefer mental work. I've always been fascinated by problem-solving and critical thinking, and I find that mental work allows me to exercise those skills. Plus, I'm not exactly what you'd call 'handy' when it comes to physical labor! But in all seriousness, I think mental work offers a sense of satisfaction that's hard to find in physical work. There's something rewarding about tackling a complex problem and finding a creative solution. Of course, that's not to say that physical work doesn't have its own rewards – I have a lot of respect for people who can build something with their own two hands – but for me, mental work is where it's at.

What should people take into account when choosing a job? I think one of the most important things to consider when choosing a job is work-life balance. So many people overlook, but it's crucial for long-term happiness and success. I've seen friends who've taken high-paying jobs that seem perfect on paper, only to find themselves burned out and miserable a year later. On the other hand, I've also seen people who've prioritized work-life balance and ended up in careers that bring them joy and fulfillment. For me, it's all about finding that sweet spot where you can pursue your passions without sacrificing your personal life. Of course, that's easier said than done, but I think it's worth striving for.

Do people nowadays like to leave their hometown in order to work somewhere else? I think people are more open to leaving their hometown for work than ever before. With the rise of remote work and global connectivity, it's easier than ever to stay connected with loved ones back home while pursuing opportunities elsewhere. Plus, many people are looking for a change of scenery and a fresh start, and moving to a new city or country can be a great way to get that. I've got friends who've moved to cities like Tokyo or New York for work, and they've loved the experience of immersing themselves in a new culture and meeting people from all walks of life. Of course, it's not for everyone – some people prefer to stay close to family and friends – but for those who are adventurous and open-minded, leaving their hometown can be a great opportunity for growth and exploration.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

make a positive impact

to have a beneficial effect on something or someone

Many young people are looking for careers that allow them to make a positive impact on the world.

make a difference

to have an effect or influence on something

Young people want to feel like they're making a difference.

problem-solving

the process of finding solutions to problems

I've always been fascinated by problem-solving and critical thinking.

work-life balance

the balance between the time and energy devoted to work and personal life

Work-life balance is crucial for long-term happiness and success.

burned out

exhausted or depleted of energy and motivation

I've seen friends who've taken high-paying jobs that seem perfect on paper, only to find themselves burned out and miserable a year later.

pursue one's passions

to follow one's interests or desires

For me, it's all about finding that sweet spot where you can pursue your passions without sacrificing your personal life.

fresh start

a new beginning or opportunity

Moving to a new city or country can be a great way to get a fresh start.

immerse themselves in

to surround oneself with something, such as a culture or activity

I've got friends who've moved to cities like Tokyo or New York for work, and they've loved the experience of immersing themselves in a culture and meeting people from all walks of life.