How to Answer the IELTS Speaking Question: “Describe a Situation When You Had to Make a Difficult Choice”

The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English. Examiners evaluate several aspects, including fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. A common topic in the IELTS Speaking test is describing a difficult choice you’ve had to make. Understanding how to approach this question can significantly enhance your performance and boost your score.

In this guide, we will provide strategies and examples to help you craft a compelling response to the question “Describe A Situation When You Had To Make A Difficult Choice.”

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner will ask general questions about yourself, such as your interests, background, or daily routine.

Common Questions

1. What do you do for leisure?
2. Do you prefer spending time with your family or friends?
3. Can you tell me about a memorable event in your life?

Example Question and Answer

Question: Can you tell me about a memorable event in your life?

Answer: One of the most memorable events in my life was the time I graduated from university. It was a moment of great pride and a culmination of years of hard work. My family was there to support me, and we celebrated together. It marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life, as I was ready to embark on my professional journey.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

You will receive a cue card with a topic and be asked to speak about it for 1-2 minutes. Here’s an example based on the keyword “Describe a situation when you had to make a difficult choice”.

Describe a situation when you had to make a difficult choice:

• What was the situation?
• Why was the choice difficult?
• What were the options?
• What did you decide, and why?
• What was the outcome?

Difficult Choice Situation

Sample Answer

Answer:

One of the most challenging decisions I ever had to make was choosing between taking a lucrative job offer and pursuing higher education abroad. This situation arose about two years ago when I had just completed my bachelor’s degree in engineering.

The choice was difficult because both options had significant implications for my future. The job offer was from a reputable company with a substantial salary and career growth prospects. On the other hand, pursuing a master’s degree in a foreign university would enhance my knowledge and skills, potentially leading to even better job opportunities in the long run.

The main options were taking the job and starting my career right away or investing in further education and delaying my entry into the job market. After weighing the pros and cons, I decided to pursue higher education. I believed that this decision would offer me more substantial long-term benefits, such as specialized knowledge and a stronger professional network.

Ultimately, this choice turned out to be the right one. I successfully completed my master’s degree and secured a position in an international firm with an even better package and growth opportunities.

Follow-up Questions:

1. Do you think you made the right choice?

   • Yes, I believe I made the right choice according to the outcomes I experienced. My advanced degree has opened doors to opportunities that would have been unattainable had I chosen to start working immediately.

2. How did your family and friends influence your decision?

   • My family and friends were very supportive. They helped me weigh the pros and cons, but ultimately, they respected my decision. Their encouragement played a crucial role in giving me the confidence to pursue higher education.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2.

Example Questions and Suggested Answers

Question: Do you think people today face more difficult choices than in the past?

Answer: I believe that people today indeed face more complex choices compared to the past, largely due to the rapid pace of change and the vast array of options available. Technology and globalization have opened up numerous opportunities, but they have also increased competition and expectations, making decision-making more challenging.

Question: How do major life decisions affect a person’s future?

Answer: Major life decisions can have profound impacts on a person’s future, shaping their career trajectory, personal growth, and overall happiness. For example, choosing a particular education path or career can determine the opportunities one has and the direction their life takes. These decisions often set the foundation for one’s personal and professional development.

Vocabulary and Structures to Use

Important Vocabulary

• Lucrative: /ˈluːkrətɪv/ (adjective) – bringing in a lot of money; profitable.
• Implication: /ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃn/ (noun) – a possible effect or result of an action or a decision.
• Prospect: /ˈprɒspɛkt/ (noun) – the possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring.
• Pros and cons: (noun phrase) – the advantages and disadvantages of something.
• Substantial: /səbˈstænʃəl/ (adjective) – of considerable importance, size, or worth.
• Outcome: /ˈaʊtkʌm/ (noun) – the result or effect of an action, situation, or event.

Example Sentences

• The job offer was lucrative, but I chose to pursue higher education for long-term benefits.
• Choosing between the two options had significant implications for my career.
• The job had great career prospects, but I wanted to enhance my knowledge first.
• After considering the pros and cons, I decided to go abroad for my master’s degree.
• My decision led to a substantial improvement in my career opportunities.
• The outcome of my choice was extremely positive, as I secured a better job after graduation.

Tips for Success

1. Practice regularly: Regular practice helps in building fluency and confidence. Record your responses and listen to them to improve.
2. Use a variety of vocabulary: Show your lexical range by using different words and phrases.
3. Structure your answers: Organize your thoughts logically. Begin with an introduction, followed by the main points, and conclude effectively.
4. Stay calm and confident: Nervousness can affect your speaking performance. Practice relaxation techniques to stay calm.
5. Seek feedback: Practice with a friend or tutor and seek feedback to improve your responses.

By following these strategies, you can effectively tackle the question “Describe a situation when you had to make a difficult choice” and aim for a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.