Job Descriptions Listening

Topic: Occupations

Mode: Interpretive

Level: Intermediate

Students will listen to job descriptions and identify the correct profession.

Components of this activity: Scripts, worksheets, answer keys

Instructions to the teacher

1. Record the scripts in the following exercises and save them as audio files. Alternatively, you can read them out loud in class.
2. Make the corresponding worksheet for your class.
3. Play the audio files in class and ask students to complete the exercises based on what they hear.

NOTE: There are four versions of the activity below. The activities are organized from least to most difficult. Different versions contain various vocabulary words, so you should make sure your students are familiar with those words beforehand. 

Version 1: Multiple choice

Instructions to students

Listen to an audio file and select the profession a person is most associated with. 

1. I deliver mail to your house. 

    fireman    postman     policeman

2. I fix cars.

    pilot    construction worker         mechanic

3. I build houses. 

    construction worker        architect    fireman

4. I build furniture.

    clergyman    carpenter         chef

5. I fix leaky faucets.

    carpenter    construction worker         plumber

6. I cut and style people’s hair.

    surgeon    beautician         nurse

7. Men come to my shop for a close shave. 

    barber        lawyer        judge

8. I defend the country at sea.

    soldier        sailor         policeman

Answer Key

1. Postman
2. Mechanic
3. construction worker
4. Carpenter
5. Plumber
6. Beautician
7. Barber
8. Sailor

Version 2: Write the answer

Instructions to the teacher: Record the following sentences and save them as audio files. Then, have the students listen to each sentence and identify the occupations (same as activity 1).

Instructions to students

Listen to an audio file and write the profession a person is most associated with. 

Script

1. I work in an office, I type letters and I answer the telephone. What is my job? 
2. I go to court and defend people’s rights. What is my job? 
3. I work in a hospital and take care of sick people. What is my job? 
4. I work in a school and help people learn. What is my job? 
5. I take care of sick animals. What is my job? 
6. I put out fires. What is my job? 
7. I wear a uniform and a badge and help keep the neighbourhood safe. What is my job? 
8. I keep your teeth clean and healthy. What is my job? 
9.  I deliver letters and packages to your home. What is my job? 
10. I scan your things that you buy at a store and then you pay me the money for your purchase. What is my job? 

What job does the person do?

1. ________________

2. ________________

3. ________________

4. ________________

5. ________________

6. ________________

7. ________________

8. ________________

9. ________________

10. ________________

Answers

1. Secretary 
2. Lawyer 
3. Doctor or Nurse
4. Teacher
5. Veterinary doctor
6. Fire fighter 
7. Police man/woman
8. Dentist 
9. Mail man/woman
10. Sales clerk / Sales person

Version 3: Write the answer

Instructions to students

Listen to an audio file and write the profession a person is most associated with. 

Script

1. I work in a primary school and teach children. 
2. I work in a courthouse and decide if someone is guilty. 
3. I work in the kitchen at a fancy restaurant making food. 
4. I work in an office and help people find new houses and apartments. 
5. I work in a small shop sewing clothes. 
6. I work in a garage and repair cars and trucks. 
7. I work in an office and manage my boss’s appointments. 
8. I work in a recording studio and practice the guitar all day.

What job does the person do?

1. ________________

2. ________________

3. ________________

4. ________________

5. ________________

6. ________________

7. ________________

8. ________________

Word bank: Mechanic, Judge, Teacher, Musician, Chef, Secretary, Tailor, Realtor

Answer Key

1. Teacher 
2. Judge
3. Chef
4. Realtor
5. Tailor
6. Mechanic
7. Secretary
8. Musician 

Version 4: Multiple choice

Instructions to students

Listen to an audio file and select the profession a person is most associated with. 

1. My job’s great. I work with many other people. I love helping people feel beautiful. 

        lawyer, hairdresser/hair stylist, cook, businessman/woman

2. I love working outside.  I like nature and plants, and I have learned how to help make them grow. 

        cook, veterinarian, businessman/woman, gardener

3. My job is pretty hard sometimes.  I usually work very late.  I clean up the offices and bathrooms after everyone goes home. 

        cook, truck driver, janitor, cashier

4. My job is challenging, but fun. I love to fix things, so when someone’s car or truck breaks down, they call me. 

        mechanic, cook, doctor, teacher

5. My job is hard work, but I love it. I work with power tools and wood, brick, or concrete. 

        florist, web designer, construction worker, actor

6. My job involves numbers and math. I do people’s taxes, and help businesses to pay their employees.

        model, accountant, engineer, lawyer, 

7. I have to do a lot of research for my job. I spend a lot of time reading old court cases to help people with their legal problems. 

        reporter, lawyer, engineer, receptionist

8. I spend my whole day with children. I take care of them when their parents are at work. 

        receptionist, student, reporter, babysitter/nanny

9. I work at the local high school. I help students prepare for college and choose a career. 

        judge, student advisor, carpenter, nurse

10. I love my job. I work in the kitchen from morning until night making delicious gourmet food.

        chef, carpenter, judge, dentist

Answer Key

1. Hairdresser/hair stylist
2. Gardener
3. Janitor
4. Mechanic
5. Construction worker
6. Accountant
7. Lawyer
8. Babysitter/nanny
9. Student advisor
10. Chef