Questions and sample answers
Are there jobs that are more suitable for men than for women?
I do not think any job should be limited by gender. Strength matters in a few physical jobs, but most work depends on skill, training and interest. There are excellent female engineers and surgeons, and also male nurses and teachers. Employers should judge people by ability, not by stereotypes.
Why are fewer women in senior positions in many companies?
Partly because of family responsibilities, since many women take time off to raise children and then find it hard to return. There are also traditional attitudes in which managers are expected to be men. Flexible working hours and fair promotion rules could change this gradually.
Should men and women receive equal pay for the same job?
Absolutely. If two people do the same work with the same experience, paying one less is simply unfair. Equal pay also benefits families and the economy, because women's incomes support children's education and household stability. Companies should publish salary ranges to make this transparent. Without it, talented women may simply leave and take their skills elsewhere.
How have attitudes to working women changed in your country?
A generation ago, many families expected women to stay at home. Nowadays, more women attend university and work as doctors, teachers, business owners or in government. Attitudes still differ between big cities and villages, but I see a clear trend towards acceptance. I think this change will continue as younger generations become managers.
Should fathers take more responsibility for childcare?
I think so. Raising children is a shared duty, and fathers who participate build stronger bonds with their kids. Paternity leave would help, as it makes men more comfortable taking time off. It would also reduce the pressure on mothers, who currently handle most of the home tasks.
Useful vocabulary
- stereotype — a fixed, simplified idea about a group
- equal pay — the same salary for the same work
- glass ceiling — an invisible barrier to promotion
- work-life balance — a healthy division of time between job and life
- paternity leave — time off work for a new father
- discrimination — unfair treatment because of identity
- flexible hours — working times that can be adjusted
- breadwinner — the person who earns the family's income
Tips for this topic
- Use cautious language for sensitive topics: “tends to”, “in many cases”.
- Back up a claim with a reason and a realistic solution.
- Avoid “all men” or “all women”; talk about attitudes and opportunities.
Study guides
How Is IELTS Scored in Speaking and Writing? Criteria, Weighting and Rounding
The short answer first, then the Speaking and Writing criteria tables, how Task 1 and Task 2 combine and how the overall band is rounded.
IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors Explained in Plain English
The IELTS Speaking test is marked on four criteria. Here is what each one means at bands 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, with short examples you can compare with your own answers.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: How Many Minutes to Speak (With a Practice Timer)
How long Part 2 lasts (1 minute to prepare, 1–2 minutes to speak), a practice timer, a four-step structure and a model answer.