In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates often encounter questions about significant life experiences. One common topic is describing an important decision you’ve made. This subject has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this theme and maximize your speaking score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about decision-making. Here’s an example question with a suggested response:
Q: How do you usually make important decisions?
A: Well, when it comes to making crucial decisions, I typically follow a systematic approach. First, I gather all the relevant information and weigh the pros and cons carefully. Then, I often consult with trusted friends or family members to get different perspectives. Ultimately, I trust my instincts and choose the option that aligns best with my long-term goals and values.
Describe a time when you made an important decision at work can be a challenging topic, but with proper preparation, you can excel in this part of the test.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe A Time When You Made An Important Decision
You should say:
- What the decision was
- When you made this decision
- Why you made this decision
- And explain how you felt after making this decision
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to talk about a pivotal decision I made a few years ago when I chose to pursue a master’s degree abroad. This decision came about during my final year of undergraduate studies when I was contemplating my future career path.
The primary reason behind this decision was my desire to broaden my horizons and gain international exposure. I felt that studying abroad would not only enhance my academic knowledge but also provide me with invaluable life experiences and cross-cultural understanding.
After careful consideration and discussions with my mentors and family, I decided to apply for scholarships to universities in the United States. The application process was quite rigorous, involving standardized tests, essays, and interviews. However, my determination to achieve this goal kept me motivated throughout.
Once I made the decision and secured a scholarship, I felt an overwhelming sense of excitement mixed with apprehension. On one hand, I was thrilled about the opportunities that lay ahead – the chance to study at a prestigious institution, interact with diverse peers, and potentially advance my career prospects. On the other hand, I was nervous about leaving my comfort zone and adapting to a new environment.
Looking back, I can confidently say that this decision was a turning point in my life. It not only shaped my academic and professional trajectory but also contributed significantly to my personal growth. The experience taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of embracing new challenges.
In conclusion, making the decision to study abroad was one of the most significant choices I’ve made. It required careful thought and preparation, but the rewards – both tangible and intangible – have been immeasurable.
Student making decision to study abroad
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I want to talk about an important decision I made a few years ago. It was when I decided to change my job and move to a different city.
I made this decision about three years ago when I was feeling unhappy with my current job. I felt like I wasn’t growing professionally and wanted a change.
The main reason I made this decision was to find better job opportunities and improve my career. I also wanted to experience living in a bigger city.
After making the decision, I felt both excited and nervous. I was happy about the new opportunities but also worried about the challenges of moving to a new place.
Overall, I think it was a good decision because it helped me grow in my career and as a person.
Follow-up Questions:
- How do you think your life would be different if you hadn’t made this decision?
- Do you generally make decisions quickly or do you take time to think things through?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
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If I hadn’t made the decision to study abroad, my life would undoubtedly be quite different. I believe I would have missed out on numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. The international exposure I gained has been invaluable in shaping my worldview and enhancing my cultural intelligence. Without this experience, I might have had a more limited perspective on global issues and fewer cross-cultural skills, which are increasingly important in today’s interconnected world. Additionally, the network of international contacts I’ve built and the advanced academic knowledge I’ve acquired have significantly boosted my career prospects. While I’m sure I would have found other ways to develop professionally, the unique combination of academic rigor and cultural immersion that studying abroad provided would have been hard to replicate.
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When it comes to decision-making, I tend to be methodical and analytical. For major decisions, I usually take considerable time to think things through. I believe in gathering as much information as possible, analyzing potential outcomes, and considering both short-term and long-term implications. I often create pros and cons lists and sometimes use decision-making frameworks to ensure I’m approaching the choice systematically. However, I’m also aware of the danger of overthinking, so I try to set reasonable timeframes for making decisions to avoid decision paralysis. For smaller, day-to-day choices, I’m more inclined to trust my intuition and decide more quickly, especially if I have prior experience in similar situations.
Describe a sportsperson or athlete you admire is another interesting topic that can help you practice your speaking skills for the IELTS test.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to decision-making. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:
Q: Do you think young people today face more difficult decisions than in the past?
A (Band 8-9): I believe that young people today do face more complex decisions than previous generations, primarily due to the rapid pace of technological advancement and globalization. The digital age has presented a myriad of options in terms of career paths, education, and lifestyle choices that simply didn’t exist before. This abundance of choice, while offering more opportunities, can also lead to decision fatigue and increased pressure to make the ‘right’ choice.
Moreover, young people today are grappling with global issues like climate change, political instability, and economic uncertainty, which can significantly impact their long-term decisions. They need to consider factors such as sustainability, digital literacy, and adaptability to an ever-changing job market when planning their futures.
However, it’s worth noting that with these challenges come new tools and resources to aid decision-making. The internet provides access to vast amounts of information and the ability to connect with mentors and experts worldwide. So while the decisions may be more complex, young people today are also better equipped to make informed choices.
A (Band 6-7): Yes, I think young people today have to make harder decisions than in the past. There are more job options now, which can be confusing. Also, technology changes quickly, so it’s hard to know what skills will be important in the future.
Young people also worry about big problems like climate change, which affects their choices. But they have more information to help them decide, thanks to the internet. So while decisions are harder, they also have more help to make them.
Q: How important do you think it is for people to be decisive?
A (Band 8-9): Being decisive is a crucial skill in both personal and professional contexts. The ability to make timely and effective decisions can significantly impact one’s success and well-being. In the professional world, decisiveness is often associated with leadership and can inspire confidence in colleagues and subordinates. It allows for efficient problem-solving and can give individuals and organizations a competitive edge in fast-paced environments.
However, it’s essential to strike a balance between being decisive and being rash. True decisiveness involves making well-informed choices after careful consideration, not just making quick decisions for the sake of it. It’s about having the courage to commit to a course of action while also being flexible enough to adjust when new information comes to light.
In personal life, being decisive can lead to greater satisfaction and reduced stress. It helps avoid the anxiety and paralysis that can come from overthinking or constantly second-guessing oneself. Nevertheless, it’s equally important to recognize when a decision requires more time and deliberation, especially for life-changing choices.
Ultimately, while decisiveness is valuable, it should be tempered with wisdom and the ability to gather and analyze relevant information. The goal should be to make timely, well-considered decisions rather than hasty ones.
A (Band 6-7): I think being decisive is very important. It helps people solve problems quickly and move forward in life. In work, decisive people are often seen as good leaders because they can make choices when needed.
Being decisive can also reduce stress because you’re not always worrying about what to do. But it’s also important to think carefully about big decisions and not just choose quickly without thinking.
Overall, I believe being able to make decisions confidently is a useful skill, but it’s also good to know when to take more time to think about important choices.
Leader making decisive choice in meeting
Describe a time when you had to adapt to a sudden change is another topic that can help you practice describing significant life events for your IELTS Speaking test.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To enhance your speaking performance, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
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Pivotal moment /ˈpɪvətl ˈməʊmənt/ (noun): A crucial or decisive point in time
Example: “Choosing my university major was a pivotal moment in my academic journey.” -
To weigh the pros and cons (phrase): To consider the advantages and disadvantages
Example: “Before making the decision, I carefully weighed the pros and cons of each option.” -
To take the plunge (idiom): To decide to do something after hesitating
Example: “After months of deliberation, I finally took the plunge and started my own business.” -
Life-altering /laɪf ˈɔːltərɪŋ/ (adjective): Causing a major change in life
Example: “Moving to a new country for work was a life-altering decision for me.” -
To grapple with (phrasal verb): To struggle with or work hard to deal with
Example: “I had to grapple with several challenging factors before reaching my final decision.” -
To have far-reaching consequences (phrase): To have effects that extend beyond the immediate situation
Example: “I knew that my choice of career would have far-reaching consequences for my future.”
Describe a time when you went beyond your comfort zone can be an excellent opportunity to showcase your ability to use advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing important decisions:
- Practice narrating your experience coherently, focusing on clear organization of ideas.
- Use a range of advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions relevant to decision-making.
- Vary your sentence structures, incorporating both simple and complex sentences.
- Provide specific details and examples to make your account more vivid and engaging.
- Reflect on the impact of the decision, demonstrating your ability to analyze and evaluate experiences.
- Show awareness of the nuances involved in decision-making processes.
- Practice speaking fluently about your experiences, aiming for natural pauses and intonation.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are crucial factors in impressing the examiner.
Describe a time when you traveled to a new place alone is another topic that allows you to demonstrate your ability to describe significant personal experiences effectively.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about important decisions in your IELTS Speaking test, potentially boosting your chances of achieving a high band score.
