Taking calculated risks is an integral part of life, and being able to articulate such experiences eloquently can significantly boost your IELTS Speaking score. This comprehensive guide will help you tackle the topic “Describe a time when you had to take a calculated risk” with confidence and finesse. We’ll explore sample questions, provide model answers, and offer valuable tips to help you excel in your IELTS Speaking test.
IELTS Speaking Test Preparation
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and familiar topics. Here are some questions related to risk-taking that might come up:
- Do you consider yourself a risk-taker?
- What kinds of risks do people take in their daily lives?
- Do you think it’s important for people to take risks sometimes?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you consider yourself a risk-taker?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say I’m a moderate risk-taker. While I’m not one to jump out of planes or make impulsive decisions, I do believe in stepping out of my comfort zone when the potential rewards outweigh the risks. For instance, I recently took the plunge and started my own small business alongside my regular job. It was a calculated risk, but one that I felt was worth taking for my personal and professional growth.”
Key phrases: moderate risk-taker, stepping out of my comfort zone, took the plunge
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. You’ll have one minute to prepare, and then you’ll need to speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic. Here’s a sample cue card:
Describe a time when you had to take a calculated risk.
You should say:
- What the risk was
- Why you decided to take it
- What the outcome was
- How you felt about the experience
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d like to talk about a time when I had to take a calculated risk in my professional life. A few years ago, I was working for a well-established company in a stable position, but I felt that my career growth had plateaued. An opportunity arose to join a promising startup in a more senior role, but it came with its own set of challenges and uncertainties.
The risk was leaving the security of my current job for a position in a company that was still finding its footing in the market. I decided to take this risk after carefully weighing the pros and cons. The startup offered the chance to work on innovative projects and take on more responsibilities, which aligned perfectly with my career aspirations.
After much deliberation, I took the leap and accepted the offer. The outcome was overwhelmingly positive. Within a year, the startup gained significant traction in the market, and I found myself in a leadership position that offered both professional growth and financial rewards.
Looking back, I feel immensely grateful for having taken that risk. It was a pivotal moment in my career that taught me the value of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing calculated risks. The experience boosted my confidence and reinforced my belief in my abilities to adapt and thrive in new environments.”
Key phrases: plateaued, leaving the security, carefully weighing the pros and cons, took the leap, gained significant traction, immensely grateful, pivotal moment, stepping out of my comfort zone
Follow-up Questions:
- How did you prepare yourself for the potential negative outcomes of this risk?
- In what ways did this experience change your approach to risk-taking?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“To prepare for potential negative outcomes, I built up an emergency fund to cover six months of living expenses. This financial cushion gave me the peace of mind to focus on my new role without worrying about immediate financial pressures. Additionally, I maintained good relationships with my former colleagues and kept my professional network active, ensuring I had a safety net if things didn’t work out.
This experience significantly shifted my perspective on risk-taking. It taught me the importance of calculated risks in personal and professional growth. Now, I approach risks more systematically, focusing on thorough research and scenario planning. I’ve become more adept at identifying opportunities that offer a good balance of risk and reward, which has opened up new avenues for growth in my career.”
Key phrases: built up an emergency fund, maintained good relationships, shifted my perspective, calculated risks, thorough research, scenario planning
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Examiner: Do you think people are generally more risk-averse now than in the past?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe that risk perception has evolved rather than people becoming more or less risk-averse. In some aspects, we might appear more cautious due to increased awareness of potential dangers, especially in areas like health and personal safety. However, in other domains, such as entrepreneurship or technology adoption, people seem more willing to take risks.
The digital age has introduced new types of risks that previous generations didn’t face, like cybersecurity threats or the risks associated with social media use. At the same time, it has also provided tools and information that allow us to make more informed decisions when taking risks.
So, while the nature of risks has changed, I don’t think people are necessarily more risk-averse. Instead, they’re adapting their risk-taking behavior to the complexities of modern life.”
Key phrases: risk perception has evolved, digital age, make more informed decisions, complexities of modern life
Examiner: How can taking calculated risks contribute to personal growth?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Taking calculated risks can be a catalyst for personal growth in numerous ways. Firstly, it pushes individuals out of their comfort zones, fostering resilience and adaptability. When we take risks, we’re inevitably faced with new challenges that require us to develop new skills and strategies, thus expanding our capabilities.
Moreover, risk-taking cultivates decision-making skills. It requires us to analyze situations critically, weigh potential outcomes, and take responsibility for our choices. This process enhances our ability to make informed decisions in various aspects of life.
Calculated risks also often lead to new opportunities that wouldn’t have been available otherwise. Whether it’s a career change, starting a business, or pursuing higher education, these risks can open doors to personal and professional advancement.
Additionally, the experience of overcoming fears associated with risk-taking can significantly boost self-confidence. Successfully navigating risky situations reinforces belief in one’s abilities and encourages further growth-oriented behaviors.
Lastly, risk-taking fosters a growth mindset. It teaches us that failure is not something to be feared but rather an opportunity to learn and improve. This perspective is crucial for continuous personal development and lifelong learning.”
Key phrases: catalyst for personal growth, expanding our capabilities, analyze situations critically, personal and professional advancement, growth mindset
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Calculate risk /ˈkælkjuleɪt rɪsk/ (phrase): To carefully consider the possible negative consequences before doing something.
Example: “Before investing in stocks, it’s important to calculate the risk involved.”Weigh the pros and cons /weɪ ðə prəʊz ænd kɒnz/ (idiom): To consider the advantages and disadvantages of something.
Example: “I always weigh the pros and cons before making any major decision.”Step out of one’s comfort zone /step aʊt əv wʌnz ˈkʌmfət zəʊn/ (idiom): To do something that you are not comfortable with in order to grow or improve.
Example: “Learning a new language really forced me to step out of my comfort zone.”Take the plunge /teɪk ðə plʌndʒ/ (idiom): To decide to do something important or difficult, especially after thinking about it for a long time.
Example: “After months of hesitation, I finally took the plunge and started my own business.”Pivotal moment /ˈpɪvətl ˈməʊmənt/ (noun phrase): A crucial or decisive point in a situation.
Example: “Choosing to study abroad was a pivotal moment in my personal development.”Risk-averse /rɪsk əˈvɜːs/ (adjective): Unwilling to take risks or wanting to avoid risks as much as possible.
Example: “Many investors become more risk-averse as they approach retirement age.”
Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner
Practice storytelling: Develop your ability to narrate experiences coherently and engagingly. This skill is crucial for Part 2 of the Speaking test.
Expand your vocabulary: Incorporate a range of advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions related to risk-taking and decision-making.
Work on fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses. Regular practice with a speaking partner can help improve your fluency.
Develop your ideas: In Part 3, try to provide detailed answers with examples and explanations to showcase your ability to discuss abstract concepts.
Stay relevant: Always ensure your answers are directly related to the question asked. It’s okay to take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding.
Use a variety of grammatical structures: Demonstrate your language proficiency by using a mix of simple and complex sentence structures.
Show enthusiasm: Engage with the topic and examiner. Your attitude can positively impact your overall performance.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss the topic of calculated risks and perform excellently in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key to success lies in preparation, confidence, and the ability to express your thoughts clearly and coherently.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, check out our articles on describing a person who has helped you become more confident and describing a time when you received unexpected good news. These resources will provide additional practice and insights to boost your performance across various IELTS Speaking topics.