Life-altering decisions are a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. As someone who plans to describe a habit you recently decided to change, understanding how to articulate such experiences is crucial for achieving a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions in Part 1 related to decisions:
- Do you find it easy to make decisions?
- How do you usually make important decisions?
- Do you prefer to make decisions alone or with others?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe I’m quite methodical when it comes to decision-making. I usually weigh the pros and cons carefully and often consult with trusted friends or family members for their perspectives, especially regarding major life choices. However, I ultimately trust my intuition after gathering all necessary information.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Your task is to describe a decision you made that surprised others. Here’s your topic:
Describe an important decision that affected your life
You should say:
- What the decision was
- When you made this decision
- Why you made this decision
- And explain how this decision affected your life
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about my decision to switch careers from engineering to teaching. I made this choice three years ago after working as an engineer for five years. I realized that I wasn’t feeling fulfilled in my job, despite the good salary. I always enjoyed explaining things to others and wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. This decision affected my life significantly as I had to take a pay cut initially and study for a teaching qualification. However, I’m much happier now.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share my life-altering decision to transition from engineering to teaching. This pivotal moment came three years ago, after half a decade in the corporate world. Despite the lucrative position I held, I found myself increasingly drawn to the prospect of making a more direct impact on society. Teaching had always been my underlying passion, particularly when I was mentoring junior colleagues.
The decision stemmed from a deep-seated desire to contribute meaningfully to future generations. While it meant taking a substantial pay cut and investing time in obtaining teaching credentials, the personal satisfaction has been immeasurable. This career shift has transformed my perspective on success and fulfillment, teaching me that monetary gains aren’t always synonymous with happiness.”
Professional Making Career Change Decision
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: Do you think people make better decisions as they get older?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that decision-making abilities typically evolve with age and experience. Older individuals often have the advantage of hindsight and can draw upon past experiences to inform their choices. However, it’s worth noting that wisdom isn’t automatically guaranteed by age alone – it’s more about how one reflects on and learns from their experiences.”
Similar to those who describe a personal goal you plan to achieve soon, effective decision-making requires clear vision and planning.
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Pivotal moment – /ˈpɪvətl ˈməʊmənt/ (n.) – a crucial point of change
- Life-altering – /laɪf ˈɔːltərɪŋ/ (adj.) – causing significant change in life
- Underlying passion – /ˌʌndəˈlaɪɪŋ ˈpæʃn/ (n.) – a deep, hidden interest
- Draw upon – /drɔː əˈpɒn/ (phrasal verb) – to use something as a resource
- Contribute meaningfully – /kənˈtrɪbjuːt ˈmiːnɪŋfʊli/ (phrase) – to make a significant positive impact
For those who regularly describe a place where you go to reflect on your life goals, these expressions can be particularly useful in articulating your thoughts.
Examiner’s Tips
- Structure your response clearly with an introduction, main points, and conclusion
- Use specific examples to support your points
- Include a mix of simple and complex grammatical structures
- Demonstrate range in vocabulary while maintaining natural speech
- Practice speaking for exactly 2 minutes for Part 2
Just as you might describe a piece of clothing you recently bought, focus on providing specific details and personal insights when describing your decisions.
