Work & study — speaking questions
36 everyday questions about work & study, each with a natural answer and the key phrases to use.
A25
What are your top three tools, apps, or resources you couldn't work or study without?
What does the perfect break in the middle of a work or study day look like for you?
Describe the place where you do your best work or studying. What makes it work for you?
What's the first thing you usually do when you sit down to work or study?
When you have to learn something new for work or study, how do you usually go about it?
B113
How do you handle it when you're under pressure with a tight deadline?
Do you have any tricks for remembering things you need for work or study?
When are you sharpest for work or study — early morning, late at night, or somewhere in between?
Do you have any little rituals or lucky habits before a big day at work or an important exam?
Do you find it easy or hard to ask for help when you're stuck at work or in your studies?
How do you keep your tasks and to-do list organised — or do you just keep it all in your head?
Be honest — rank your top procrastination habits when you're avoiding work or study.
Tell me about your first day at a new job or school. What do you remember most?
If you could become an expert at any work or study skill overnight, what would you choose and why?
A friend says they've completely lost motivation for their studies or job. What advice would you give them?
Tell me about a time you finished something at work or in your studies that you were really proud of.
Describe a colleague or classmate who taught you something important — what were they like?
If your week of work or study were a weather forecast, what would it look like?
B211
Tell me about a mistake you made at work or in your studies that taught you the most.
What makes a great boss or teacher, in your opinion?
How do you switch off and stop thinking about work or study when the day is done?
Describe the busiest, most hectic day you've ever had at work or in your studies.
Is there a work or study task that most people find boring but you secretly quite enjoy?
Rank these from most to least important for you in a job or course: good people, interesting work, decent pay, and flexible hours.
What's one piece of advice you'd give your younger self about work or studying?
Group projects and teamwork — do you love them or dread them? Why?
Some people prefer working or studying at home, others prefer being out among people. Where do you stand?
How is the way you learn or work now different from when you were younger?
What's the best part and the worst part of your typical work or study routine?
C15
Is there a skill people make a big fuss about that you think is overrated — or one that's quietly underrated?
How do you tend to react to feedback — both praise and criticism? Has that changed over time?
If you could completely redesign the working or study week, what would you change?
Tell me about a time you had to work or study alongside someone difficult — how did you handle it?
Has a skill you picked up in one part of life turned out to be surprisingly useful for work or study?