IELTS Speaking practice for Sanskriti Kharel Miss

 IELTS Speaking practice for Sanskriti Kharel Miss

Topic 1: Hometown

Q1. Where is your hometown?
My hometown is Lumbini, in the Kapilbastu district. It is a historically and culturally significant place, famous as the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Q2. What do you like most about living there?
I love the peaceful environment and the cultural richness. The city is surrounded by greenery and has many historical sites to explore.

Q3. Has your hometown changed much in recent years?
Yes, it has changed a lot. Tourism has increased, and infrastructure like roads, hotels, and banks has improved significantly.

Q4. What kind of jobs do most people in your hometown do?
Many people work in tourism-related jobs, agriculture, and small businesses. Some also work in government offices and banks.

Q5. Would you like to live in your hometown in the future?
Yes, I would. Even though I work in different cities sometimes, I feel emotionally connected to Lumbini and want to contribute to its development.

Q6. Are there any famous places near your hometown?
Yes, the Maya Devi Temple and the Lumbini Monastic Zone are very famous and attract visitors from all over the world.

Q7. Do young people prefer to stay in Lumbini or move to bigger cities?
Most young people move to bigger cities for education and better job opportunities, but some prefer to stay for family and business reasons.

Topic 2: Work (Bank Employee)

Q1. What is your job?
I work as a bank employee at Citizens Bank, handling customer services and banking transactions.

Q2. Why did you choose to work in a bank?
I chose banking because I enjoy working with numbers, dealing with people, and being part of a professional environment.

Q3. What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy interacting with customers and helping them solve financial problems. It feels satisfying to assist people with their banking needs.

Q4. Is there anything difficult about your work?
Yes, dealing with difficult customers or handling financial discrepancies can be stressful sometimes.

Q5. How do you stay organized at work?
I prioritize tasks, maintain records carefully, and use banking software efficiently to manage daily operations.

Q6. Do you plan to continue working in a bank long-term?
Yes, I would like to continue. Banking offers stability, career growth, and the opportunity to develop professional skills.

Q7. Has working in a bank changed you in any way?
Yes, it has made me more patient, disciplined, and confident in dealing with people professionally.

Topic 3: Daily Routine

Q1. What is a typical day like for you?
I usually wake up early, have breakfast, and go to the bank. Most of my day is spent attending customers, verifying transactions, and completing paperwork.

Q2. How do you usually travel to work?
I usually travel by motorbike or local transport, depending on the weather.

Q3. Do you prefer mornings or evenings? Why?
I prefer mornings because I feel more productive and energetic at the start of the day.

Q4. How do you balance work and personal life?
I finish all professional tasks at work and try to spend evenings with family or relaxing at home.

Q5. What do you usually do after finishing work?
I usually review my tasks for the next day, read books, or spend time with friends and family.

Q6. Has your daily routine changed in recent years?
Yes, earlier I had more free time as a student, but now my routine revolves around professional responsibilities and family.

Q7. Do you think having a routine is important?
Yes, having a routine is very important. It helps me stay organized, manage time efficiently, and reduce stress.

Topic 4: Education and Career

Q1. What was your favorite subject when you were a student?
My favorite subject was Mathematics because I enjoy solving problems and working with numbers.

Q2. Do you think education in Nepal has improved recently?
Yes, education has improved with better infrastructure, technology, and access to online resources.

Q3. Did your education help you in your career?
Yes, my education provided me with knowledge of finance and banking principles, which is essential for my current job.

Q4. How important is higher education for your career?
Higher education is very important. It improves knowledge, develops skills, and opens up better job opportunities.

Q5. Do you think people in Nepal are career-focused nowadays?
Yes, especially young people are now more focused on building professional careers and improving their qualifications.

Q6. What improvements would you like to see in education for future employees?
I would like more practical training, internships, and skill-based courses to prepare students for real work environments.

Q7. Do you plan to further your education while working?
Yes, I plan to take professional banking or finance courses to enhance my skills and career growth.

Part 2 Cue Card

Describe a memorable experience you had at work.

You should say:

·         when it happened

·         what the situation was

·         how you handled it

·         and explain why it was memorable for you

Sample Answer

One of the most memorable experiences I had at work occurred about a year ago while I was working at Citizens Bank in Lumbini. It was during the end-of-month rush, and the branch was unusually crowded. Many customers were waiting to deposit money, withdraw funds, or solve account-related issues. One elderly customer came to the counter looking very anxious because he had mistakenly deposited a large sum into the wrong account.

At first, he seemed frustrated and worried, and the situation was stressful because several customers were waiting. I calmly listened to his problem and reassured him that it could be resolved. I immediately checked the transaction details and contacted the concerned branch to verify the mistake. After confirming the error, I guided the customer step by step on how to correct it. I stayed with him until the transaction was successfully rectified, and he was relieved and very thankful.

This experience was memorable because it taught me the importance of patience, professionalism, and empathy in the banking profession. It also reminded me that even routine tasks could become challenging and required careful attention. Handling this situation successfully not only boosted my confidence but also strengthened the customer’s trust in our bank.

I still remember the satisfaction I felt when the customer thanked me warmly. It reinforced my belief that a bank employee’s role is not only to manage money but also to provide support and guidance. Experiences like this make my job meaningful and remind me why I chose this career.

Part 3 Follow-up Questions

Q1. What qualities are important for bank employees?

·         Patience, accuracy, honesty, and good communication skills are essential. Customers trust bank employees to handle their money carefully.

Q2. How do banks help people in daily life?

·         Banks provide safe places for savings, loans for businesses or personal needs, and financial advice, which helps people manage their finances efficiently.

Q3. Do you think technology has changed banking jobs?

·         Yes, digital banking has made transactions faster, but employees still need to help customers understand online systems and solve problems.

Q4. Is dealing with customers the most difficult part of the job?

·         Sometimes, yes. Handling complaints or mistakes requires patience and diplomacy, especially with elderly or stressed customers.

Q5. Do you think working in a bank is stressful?

·         It can be, especially during peak hours or month-end processing. But training, teamwork, and organization help manage the stress effectively.

Q6. Should banks focus more on customer service or profits?

·         Both are important, but customer service comes first. Satisfied customers are likely to use more services, which ultimately increases profits.

Part 2 – Question 2

Describe a challenge you faced at work.

You should say:

·         what the challenge was

·         when it happened

·         how you dealt with it

·         and explain what you learned from it

 

Sample Answer

One of the most challenging experiences I faced at work happened about six months ago at Citizens Bank in Lumbini. During the monthly account reconciliation, I noticed that some customer transactions were not matching the records in the system. It was a critical issue because it could cause financial errors or customer dissatisfaction.

At first, I felt stressed because I had never faced such a situation alone. I carefully checked the entries one by one and cross-referenced them with supporting documents. I also consulted my senior colleague for guidance and followed the proper procedure for reporting discrepancies. After several hours of detailed verification, I was able to identify the error: a system glitch had caused duplicate entries for some customers. I immediately corrected the issue and informed the affected customers, ensuring transparency and apologizing for any inconvenience.

This experience was challenging but extremely educational. I learned the importance of attention to detail, patience, and following standard protocols under pressure. It also reinforced the value of teamwork, as consulting with a senior colleague helped me resolve the problem efficiently.

I still remember the relief I felt when everything was resolved, and the customers appreciated the prompt handling of the situation. This challenge strengthened my confidence in dealing with difficult situations and taught me that staying calm and methodical is key to solving problems in a professional environment.

Part 3 – Follow-up Questions and Answers

Q1. Do you think banking jobs are stressful?

·         Yes, they can be stressful due to financial responsibilities, deadlines, and customer expectations.

Q2. How do you handle stress at work?

·         I prioritize tasks, stay organized, and sometimes discuss issues with colleagues to find solutions.

Q3. Is teamwork important in banks?

·         Definitely. Teamwork ensures accuracy, efficiency, and better customer service.

Q4. Can mistakes in banking be serious?

·         Yes, even small mistakes can affect customers’ trust and cause financial loss, so attention to detail is crucial.

Q5. Should banks provide training for difficult situations?

·         Yes, regular training helps employees handle challenges professionally and reduce errors.

Part 2 – Question 3

Describe a situation when you helped a customer.

You should say:

·         who the customer was

·         what help they needed

·         how you helped them

·         and explain how you felt after helping them

Sample Answer

One situation that stands out happened a few months ago when an elderly customer came to our branch seeking help with online banking. He was not familiar with computers or smartphones and was worried because he needed to transfer money to his family urgently.

I greeted him politely and calmly explained the process step by step. I showed him how to log in, check the balance, and transfer funds safely. He was initially nervous and confused, but I guided him slowly, answering all his questions patiently. I also advised him on security measures to avoid mistakes or fraud.

After around twenty minutes, he successfully completed the transaction. His face lit up with relief and happiness, and he thanked me warmly for my patience and support. I felt extremely satisfied because I knew that my guidance had made a real difference in his life.

This experience was memorable because it taught me the value of empathy in banking. It also reminded me that technical knowledge is not enough; one must be able to communicate clearly and support customers in practical ways. Helping someone in need gave me a sense of accomplishment and strengthened my belief in serving people responsibly.

Part 3 – Follow-up Questions and Answers

Q1. Is customer service important in banking?

·         Yes, excellent customer service builds trust, retains clients, and improves the bank’s reputation.

Q2. What skills are needed for good customer service?

·         Patience, communication, problem-solving skills, and empathy are essential.

Q3. How can banks improve customer service?

·         Training employees, simplifying procedures, and using technology effectively can improve service.

Q4. Do customers trust banks easily in Nepal?

·         Trust depends on transparency and service quality. Banks that are professional and reliable gain customer confidence.

Q5. Should banks help elderly customers more?

·         Yes, they often face difficulties with technology, so providing extra support is important.