IELTS Speaking Test: How to Concentrate at Work

Shanghai Baoye Center

Get access to 97+ Part 2 topics given between January and November 2019. Click here. 

In this lesson, we are going to focus on questions you might be asked in Part 3 of the IELTS speaking test. These are 'opinion' and 'ideas' questions which focus on: 

• job positions that require us to concentrate 
• ways to concentrate on work 
• what employers can do to boost concentration in the workplace 

Read our answers below and take notes of the new vocabulary. 


What kind of job positions require us to concentrate? 

There are certain jobs which require more focus and attention to detail. I can think of occupations that include dealing with numbers. For instance, being an accountant can be quite challenging because the job has a lot to do with analysing data and financial transactions. Another example could be any job where employees handle all types of data. I suppose working in a bank or being a statistician or data analyst. People with such jobs need to be able to collect and analyse significant amounts of information with great accuracy. 

​Note: This is an 'ideas' type of question. This question tests your ability to discuss ideas in depth.
Jobs that require us to concentrate: jobs to do with numbers (for example: data analyst, financial analyst, accountant, statistician, etc.). Think of two or three ideas on the topic and explain them in a logical way. 


VOCABULARY 

• attention to detail (phrase) - care that all the small features of something are correct 
• a large amount | a great amount | a huge amount | a considerable amount | a significant amount (collocations) 

What are some ways to concentrate on work? 

There are several ways that employees can do this. To start with, they can tidy their desk, so that they only have the things they need while everything else is put away. This helps in staying focused on work and limits any distractions. Another thing they could do is to make a daily “to-do” list and put it where they can always see it, for example beside their computer. Employees could also organise their emails and prioritise their tasks by doing all challenging tasks during the first hour when they’re most productive. I think that all these things together would certainly help anyone to concentrate on work only.

Note: This is an ‘ideas’ type of question. It tests your ability to give ideas in depth.
Ways to concentrate on work: make a daily “to-do” list, tidy your desk, organise your emails, prioritise the tasks, put all files related to each project or task in one folder, etc. Think of two or three ideas on the topic and explain them in a logical way. 


VOCABULARY 

• put something <-> away (phrasal verb) - to put something in the place where it is kept because you have finished using it 
• help (somebody) in doing something - I need contacts that could help in finding a job. 

What can employers do to boost concentration in the workplace? 

There are several ways of boosting concentration at work. One of these is the freedom to design your work day. What I mean is letting people decide when to work, so that they can find the most productive time for them to complete their tasks. Another thing employers could do is providing areas where workers can take breaks and recharge. For example, outdoor seating and sunlit areas can give you an energy boost to return to work. There could also be amenities like a gym and healthy snacks to help employees feel re-energised. I guess, all these things could increase productivity and focus at work.  

Note: This is an ‘ideas’ type of question. It tests your ability to give ideas in depth.
How to boost concentration in the workplace: small rooms, quiet zones, the freedom to design your work day, the freedom to decorate your work area, areas to take breaks and recharge, etc. 
​

VOCABULARY 

• increase productivity | raise productivity (collocations) 

IELTS Speaking Part 2: 
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a city you have visited 
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a website you like to visit a lot 
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a friend you have known for a long time 
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe an area of your country that is well known for its natural beauty 

IELTS Speaking Part 3: 
IELTS Speaking Test: Means of Transport 
IELTS Speaking Test: Home and Living in the City 
IELTS Speaking Test: Arriving Early and Being Patient 
IELTS Speaking Test: Places That Tourists Visit and Being a Tourist 


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