Mastering IELTS Speaking: Describe a Time When You Had to Make a Difficult Choice

The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess various aspects of your spoken English skills. As a Speaking Examiner, I’ll be evaluating your fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. One of the common themes you’ll encounter during the IELTS Speaking test involves describing a time when you had to make a difficult choice. Understanding and practicing this type of question can significantly boost your confidence and performance.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the specific components of the IELTS Speaking test, focusing on how to tackle the talk about a difficult decision. We’ll provide sample questions and answers, tips on crafting effective responses, and strategic insights to help you achieve high scores.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1 of the Speaking test, you’ll answer general questions about yourself and various familiar topics.

Common Questions

1. Can you tell me about a difficult decision you had to make recently?
2. What factors do you consider when making a difficult choice?
3. How do you usually handle challenging decisions?

Sample Answer

Examiner: Can you tell me about a difficult decision you had to make recently?

Candidate: Sure. Recently, I had to decide whether to continue with my current job or to accept a new position at a different company. Both options had their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. My current job offered me stability and a well-known work environment, while the new position promised more growth opportunities and a higher salary. After much deliberation and weighing the pros and cons, I eventually chose to stay at my current job because of the job security and my close relationship with my current colleagues.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a time when you had to make a difficult choice. You should say:

• what the decision was about
• why it was difficult to make
• what factors you considered

and explain how you felt about the decision after making it.

Sample Answer

Candidate:

I recall a particularly challenging choice I had to make about two years ago. The decision was regarding whether to pursue further studies abroad or to stay in my home country and continue working. My dream was always to study in a top-ranked university overseas, which would significantly broaden my career prospects and personal growth. However, at the same time, I had a secure and well-paying job at home, and staying would allow me to support my family financially.

Study Abroad or Work Dilemma

This decision was exceptionally difficult for several reasons. Firstly, I had to consider the financial implications. Studying abroad would require a significant investment, and I’d also be forgoing my salary for the duration of my studies. Secondly, I couldn’t ignore the emotional aspect – leaving my family and friends behind would be hard. Besides, there was an uncertainty about adapting to a new cultural and academic environment.

After much contemplation and discussion with my family and mentors, I eventually decided to stay and continue working at my current job. I considered the immediate benefits of financial stability and the opportunity to support my family, which was particularly important at that time. Additionally, I figured that I could possibly pursue further studies later on when I felt more financially secure.

Reflecting on my choice, I feel that it was the right decision for that moment in my life. Although I sometimes wonder about the opportunities I might have missed by not studying abroad, the decision gave me a sense of responsibility and allowed me to grow professionally in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

Examiner: Can you tell me more about the factors you weighed in making your decision?

Candidate: Certainly. I considered both short-term and long-term impacts. Financial stability was critical, as I was contributing to my family’s income. I also evaluated the professional opportunities that my current job offered – the potential for promotions and skill development. On a personal level, staying meant I could maintain my support network and avoid the emotional strain of adapting to a new culture and environment.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the discussion becomes more abstract and complex. The Examiner will ask broader questions related to the topic from Part 2.

Sample Questions and Answers

Examiner: How important is it to seek advice when making difficult decisions?

Candidate: I believe seeking advice is extremely important. When faced with challenging choices, getting different viewpoints can provide new perspectives and help ensure you’ve considered all angles. Advice from experienced individuals, such as mentors or family members, can also provide support and confidence in making the right decision.

Examiner: Do you think people generally make better decisions individually or with the help of others?

Candidate: Generally, people tend to make better decisions when they involve others. Collaboration can uncover unconsidered factors and options. It’s also beneficial to hear others’ experiences and wisdom, which can guide you effectively. However, it’s crucial to balance others’ input with personal insights and values to make the best decision for oneself.

Examiner: How can culture influence decision-making processes?

Candidate: Culture can significantly shape how individuals approach decisions. In some cultures, decisions are often collective and involve consultations with family or community, reflecting a communal approach. In contrast, individualistic cultures might prioritize personal freedom and self-reliance, influencing people to make independent choices. Cultural norms and values thus play a pivotal role in shaping our decision-making frameworks.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

Using a rich vocabulary and varied sentence structures can help you achieve higher scores. Here are some important words and phrases related to making difficult decisions:

• Contemplate (verb) | /ˈkɒn.təm.pleɪt/ | to think deeply about something.
  • Example: I had to contemplate my options carefully.
• Pros and cons (noun phrase) | the advantages and disadvantages.
  • Example: I listed the pros and cons of each option before deciding.
• Deliberation (noun) | /dɪˌlɪb.əˈreɪ.ʃən/ | long and careful consideration.
  • Example: After much deliberation, I chose to accept the new job.
• Forego (verb) | /fɔːˈɡəʊ/ | to give up or do without.
  • Example: I had to forego my current salary to study abroad.
• Financial stability (noun phrase) | the state of having steady and adequate income.
  • Example: Financial stability is a key consideration for many decisions.
• Balance (verb) | /ˈbæl.əns/ | to weigh or compare different factors.
  • Example: I needed to balance short-term gains with long-term goals.

Examiner’s Tips for a High Score

1. Expand Your Responses: Avoid one-word answers. Give detailed explanations and examples.
2. Stay Coherent: Keep your narration logical and well-organized, ensuring each point flows naturally to the next.
3. Practice Pronunciation: Clear and accurate pronunciation can enhance your clarity and effectiveness in communication.
4. Use Varied Sentences: Combine simple, compound, and complex sentences to showcase your grammatical range.
5. Be Confident: Confidence can help you stay relaxed and articulate your thoughts more clearly.

Remember, the key to excelling in the IELTS Speaking test lies in practicing effectively and developing a robust strategy for tackling common question types.