The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and decision-making. One common topic is describing a decision you made that affected others. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate complex situations, reflect on your choices, and discuss their impact. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this theme and maximize your score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about decision-making. Here’s an example question with a sample answer:
Q: How do you usually make important decisions?
A: Well, when it comes to making important decisions, I typically follow a systematic approach. First, I gather all the relevant information and weigh the pros and cons. Then, I often consult with trusted friends or family members to get their perspectives. Ultimately, I try to balance logic and intuition before reaching a conclusion. This method helps me feel more confident in my choices.
Describe a time when you learned a valuable life lesson through making a difficult decision. It’s essential to reflect on past experiences to improve your decision-making skills.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a decision you made that affected others
You should say:
- What the decision was
- When you made this decision
- Who was affected by it
- And explain why you made this decision and how it affected others
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I’d like to talk about a decision I made a few years ago that had a significant impact on my family. The decision was to quit my stable job and start my own business.
I made this choice about three years ago when I was working as a marketing manager for a large company. While the job was secure and well-paying, I felt unfulfilled and wanted to pursue my passion for designing eco-friendly products.
This decision primarily affected my immediate family – my wife and two children. It also impacted my parents, who were initially concerned about the financial risks involved.
I made this decision because I believed in my vision and wanted to create something meaningful. I felt a strong urge to follow my dreams and set an example for my children about pursuing one’s passions.
The effects of this decision were both challenging and rewarding. Initially, we had to tighten our budget and make some lifestyle changes. My wife had to take on extra work to support us during the transition period. However, as the business began to grow, it brought new opportunities and a sense of achievement for the whole family.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to discuss a pivotal decision I made three years ago that had far-reaching consequences for both myself and those around me. The decision in question was to relinquish my position as a marketing manager at a prestigious corporation in order to establish my own enterprise focused on eco-friendly product design.
This choice was not made lightly; it came after months of careful deliberation and soul-searching. I found myself at a crossroads in my career, feeling increasingly unfulfilled despite the security and financial stability my position offered. The impetus for this decision stemmed from a deep-seated desire to align my professional life with my personal values and to create a legacy that would have a positive impact on the environment.
The repercussions of this decision were felt most keenly by my immediate family – my wife and our two young children. Additionally, it caused considerable concern among my parents, who were understandably apprehensive about the financial implications of such a bold move.
My rationale for making this decision was multifaceted. Primarily, I was driven by an unwavering belief in my vision and a burning desire to contribute meaningfully to society through sustainable innovation. Moreover, I felt a profound responsibility to demonstrate to my children the importance of pursuing one’s passions and standing up for one’s convictions, even in the face of adversity.
The aftermath of this decision was a complex tapestry of challenges and rewards. In the short term, we faced financial constraints that necessitated a significant adjustment to our lifestyle. My wife, demonstrating remarkable resilience and support, took on additional work to help stabilize our finances during the tumultuous early stages of the business.
However, as the enterprise began to gain traction, the positive effects became increasingly apparent. The business not only provided financial stability but also fostered a sense of purpose and fulfillment that permeated our family life. It opened up new avenues for personal and professional growth, not just for me, but for my entire family. Perhaps most gratifyingly, it allowed us to actively contribute to environmental conservation, instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment in all of us.
IELTS Speaking: Describing a decision affecting others
Follow-up Questions:
Q: How did you handle the stress associated with this decision?
A (Band 6-7): Dealing with the stress wasn’t easy, but I tried to stay positive. I talked to my family a lot and we supported each other. I also made sure to exercise regularly to clear my mind and reduce stress.
A (Band 8-9): Managing the stress inherent in such a life-altering decision required a multifaceted approach. I implemented a rigorous stress management regimen that included daily meditation and regular physical exercise. Additionally, I fostered open and honest communication with my family, which not only helped alleviate my own anxieties but also strengthened our bonds as we navigated this challenging period together. Furthermore, I sought guidance from a mentor who had experience in entrepreneurship, which provided invaluable perspective and practical coping strategies.
Q: Looking back, would you make the same decision again?
A (Band 6-7): Yes, I think I would. Even though it was tough at first, the rewards have been worth it. I’ve learned so much from this experience, and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved.
A (Band 8-9): Reflecting on this decision, I can unequivocally affirm that I would make the same choice again. While the journey has been fraught with challenges, the personal and professional growth I’ve experienced has been invaluable. This decision has been a catalyst for profound self-discovery and has allowed me to actualize my potential in ways I hadn’t previously imagined. Moreover, the positive impact our business has had on the environment and the example we’ve set for our children in terms of pursuing meaningful work are outcomes I deeply cherish and wouldn’t trade for the security of my previous career.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Let’s discuss decision-making in a broader context. How do you think the decision-making process differs between individuals and large organizations?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I think there are quite a few differences. For individuals, decisions are often based on personal values and goals. We can usually make decisions quicker because we only have to consult ourselves or maybe a few close people. Organizations, on the other hand, have to consider many more factors. They need to think about their employees, shareholders, and sometimes even the public. This makes their decision-making process much slower and more complex.
Also, individuals can be more flexible with their decisions, while organizations often have to follow certain procedures or get approval from different departments. This can make it harder for them to change course quickly if needed.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
The decision-making process for individuals and large organizations differs significantly in several key aspects. Firstly, the scope and impact of decisions vary greatly. Individual decisions typically affect a limited sphere of influence, primarily impacting the person’s immediate circle. In contrast, organizational decisions often have far-reaching consequences, affecting numerous stakeholders, including employees, shareholders, customers, and sometimes even broader communities or industries.
Secondly, the complexity of the decision-making process itself is markedly different. Individuals can often rely on intuition, personal values, and relatively quick assessments of situations. They have the flexibility to adapt their approach based on immediate circumstances. Organizations, however, must navigate a labyrinth of considerations. They are bound by corporate governance structures, regulatory requirements, and the need to align decisions with overarching strategic objectives. This necessitates a more structured, data-driven approach, often involving multiple layers of analysis and approval.
Furthermore, the time frame for decision-making and implementation varies considerably. Individuals can often act swiftly on their decisions, whereas organizations typically require more time due to the need for consensus-building, risk assessment, and the development of implementation strategies. This can lead to a more measured, but potentially less agile, decision-making process in organizational contexts.
Lastly, accountability structures differ significantly. Individuals bear personal responsibility for their decisions, which can lead to more emotionally-driven choices. Organizations, however, often have diffused responsibility across various levels of management and governance bodies. This can sometimes result in more rational, albeit potentially risk-averse, decision-making processes.
Comparing individual and organizational decision-making processes
Describe a time when you took on a new challenge that required making difficult decisions. This experience can provide valuable insights into your decision-making process and its impact on others.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To enhance your Speaking performance, incorporate these advanced words and phrases:
Pivotal (adjective) /ˈpɪv.ə.təl/ – of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else
Example: “Making the career change was a pivotal moment in my life.”Far-reaching (adjective) /ˌfɑːrˈriː.tʃɪŋ/ – having a wide range of effects or influences
Example: “The decision had far-reaching consequences for my family and career.”To weigh the pros and cons (phrase) – to consider the advantages and disadvantages of something
Example: “Before making any major decision, I always weigh the pros and cons carefully.”To take the plunge (idiom) – to decide to do something important or difficult, especially after thinking about it for a long time
Example: “After months of deliberation, I finally took the plunge and started my own business.”To grapple with (phrasal verb) /ˈɡræp.əl/ – to struggle or contend with
Example: “I had to grapple with numerous challenges when starting my new venture.”
Describe a time when you had to work with someone from a different background on an important decision. This can demonstrate your ability to consider diverse perspectives in decision-making.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing decisions that affected others:
- Provide specific examples and details to support your points.
- Use a range of vocabulary related to decision-making and its consequences.
- Demonstrate your ability to reflect on past experiences and their outcomes.
- Show awareness of how your decisions impact others, displaying empathy and social consciousness.
- Practice articulating complex ideas clearly and coherently.
- Be prepared to discuss both the positive and negative aspects of your decisions.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural use of advanced vocabulary and grammatical structures.
Describe a time when you had to cancel plans at the last minute due to an important decision. This scenario can showcase your ability to handle unexpected situations and prioritize effectively.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the provided sample answers and vocabulary, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle questions about decisions that affected others in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember to practice regularly and seek feedback to continually improve your performance.