In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates often encounter questions about significant life decisions. The topic “describe a decision you made that had a big impact on your life” is a recurring theme, offering examiners insight into a candidate’s ability to articulate personal experiences and reflect on their consequences. This topic’s prevalence in past exams suggests its continued relevance in future IELTS Speaking assessments.
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:
Question: How do you usually make important decisions?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“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 carefully. Then, I often consult with trusted friends or family members to get different perspectives. Ultimately, I try to trust my instincts while considering the potential long-term impacts of my choice. It’s a balance between rational analysis and gut feeling, you know?”
Describe a workshop or seminar you attended can also be a significant decision that impacts one’s life, especially in terms of career development or personal growth.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a decision you made that had a big impact on your life.
You should say:
- What the decision was
- When you made this decision
- Why you made this decision
- And explain how this decision impacted your life
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a decision that really changed the course of my life. A few years ago, I decided to quit my stable job and start my own business. It was a tough choice, but I felt it was necessary for my personal growth.
I made this decision about three years ago when I was working as a marketing executive at a large corporation. Although the job was well-paying and secure, I felt unfulfilled and wanted to challenge myself more.
The main reason I made this decision was that I had always dreamed of being my own boss and creating something from scratch. I had a business idea that I was passionate about, and I felt that if I didn’t take the risk then, I might never do it.
This decision had a huge impact on my life. Initially, it was really stressful and uncertain. I had to work longer hours and deal with financial instability. However, as my business began to grow, I found a new sense of purpose and satisfaction. It’s been a rollercoaster ride, but I’ve learned so much about myself and developed skills I never knew I had. Overall, despite the challenges, I believe it was the right decision for me.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share a pivotal decision that profoundly altered the trajectory of my life. Approximately three years ago, I made the bold choice to relinquish my secure position as a marketing executive at a prestigious multinational corporation to embark on an entrepreneurial journey.
This decision crystallized after months of introspection and careful deliberation. I vividly recall the moment when, sitting in my office overlooking the city skyline, I realized that my current career path, while comfortable and lucrative, was not aligning with my core values and aspirations.
The primary impetus behind this decision was multifaceted. Firstly, I had always harbored an entrepreneurial spirit and a burning desire to create something of my own. Secondly, I identified a gap in the market that aligned perfectly with my expertise and passion. Lastly, I felt a compelling urge to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone, believing that personal growth often lies beyond familiar boundaries.
The ramifications of this decision were far-reaching and transformative. Initially, I faced a period of considerable uncertainty and financial instability. There were moments of self-doubt and sleepless nights as I navigated the complexities of starting a business. However, as my venture began to gain traction, I experienced an unprecedented sense of fulfillment and purpose.
This decision has honed my resilience, sharpened my problem-solving skills, and expanded my understanding of business dynamics in ways I could never have imagined. It’s been an exhilarating journey of self-discovery, pushing me to constantly innovate and adapt. While the path has been challenging, the personal and professional growth I’ve experienced has been invaluable, reaffirming my belief in the power of taking calculated risks to pursue one’s dreams.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How did your family and friends react to your decision?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“My family and friends had mixed reactions to my decision. My parents were initially concerned about the financial risks involved, but they ultimately supported me. Some friends were excited and encouraging, while others were more skeptical. Their diverse reactions actually helped me consider different perspectives and prepare for various challenges.”
- Looking back, would you make the same decision again?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“In retrospect, I can confidently say that I would make the same decision again. While the journey has been fraught with challenges and moments of uncertainty, the personal growth and sense of fulfillment I’ve gained are invaluable. This experience has not only expanded my professional horizons but has also taught me resilience and self-reliance. The decision to pursue entrepreneurship has aligned my career with my core values and aspirations, making it a deeply rewarding choice despite the hurdles encountered along the way.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question 1: Do you think young people today are better at making important life decisions compared to previous generations?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I think young people today have both advantages and disadvantages when it comes to making important life decisions. On one hand, they have access to more information through the internet and social media, which can help them make more informed choices. They can easily research different options and get advice from a wide range of sources.
However, this abundance of information can also be overwhelming and make decision-making more complicated. Also, young people today face different challenges compared to previous generations, like a more competitive job market and higher costs of living, which can make some decisions more difficult.
Overall, I’d say that while young people today might be better informed, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re better at making decisions. Each generation faces its own unique challenges in decision-making.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“This is a nuanced issue that warrants careful consideration. On one hand, today’s youth undeniably benefit from unprecedented access to information and resources, which can facilitate more informed decision-making. The digital age has democratized knowledge, allowing young people to research extensively, seek diverse perspectives, and even simulate outcomes through various online tools.
However, this information abundance is a double-edged sword. The sheer volume of data can lead to analysis paralysis, making it challenging to discern reliable information from misinformation. Moreover, the rapid pace of change in today’s world means that young people are often making decisions in a more volatile and uncertain environment than previous generations.
Another factor to consider is the increased awareness of global issues and long-term consequences that today’s youth possess. This broader perspective might lead to more thoughtful, socially conscious decisions, but it can also add layers of complexity to the decision-making process.
Conversely, previous generations might have benefited from clearer societal expectations and more straightforward career paths, which could have simplified certain life decisions. However, this relative simplicity may have come at the cost of fewer options and less personal freedom.
Ultimately, I believe that while young people today have more tools at their disposal, the art of decision-making remains a challenging and highly individual process. Each generation faces unique contextual factors that influence their decision-making capabilities. Therefore, rather than being ‘better’ at making decisions, I’d argue that today’s youth are making decisions differently, with their own set of strengths and challenges shaped by the contemporary landscape.”
Describe a skill that took you a long time to learn could be decision-making itself, as it’s a crucial life skill that often requires experience and practice to master.
Question 2: How can societies help young people make better life decisions?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe societies can play a crucial role in helping young people make better life decisions. One important way is through education. Schools could introduce courses on decision-making skills, critical thinking, and financial literacy. These subjects would give young people practical tools to analyze situations and make informed choices.
Another approach could be mentorship programs. Pairing young people with experienced adults in their fields of interest can provide valuable guidance and real-world insights. This could help young people understand the long-term implications of their decisions.
Additionally, societies could work on reducing the stigma around seeking help or changing paths. If young people feel supported in exploring different options or even changing their minds, they might make decisions that are truer to themselves rather than just following expected norms.
Lastly, providing better mental health support could also be beneficial. Good mental health is crucial for clear thinking and decision-making, so ensuring young people have access to counseling and support services could indirectly help them make better life choices.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Societies can adopt a multifaceted approach to empower young people in their decision-making processes. First and foremost, revolutionizing education systems to incorporate comprehensive life skills training is crucial. This should go beyond traditional academic subjects to include practical decision-making frameworks, critical thinking methodologies, and financial literacy. Such education would equip young people with the analytical tools and cognitive strategies necessary for navigating complex life choices.
Implementing robust mentorship programs could provide invaluable support. These programs should transcend mere career guidance to offer holistic life mentoring, pairing young individuals with experienced adults who can share wisdom garnered from real-world experiences. This intergenerational knowledge transfer can offer nuanced perspectives on long-term consequences of decisions.
Furthermore, societies should strive to create a more forgiving and flexible environment for young people’s life trajectories. This involves destigmatizing ‘failure’ and reframing it as a learning opportunity. By fostering a culture that views changing paths or making mistakes as part of the growth process, we can encourage young people to make decisions based on genuine self-reflection rather than societal pressure.
Enhancing mental health support systems is another critical aspect. Good decision-making is intrinsically linked to mental wellbeing, so ensuring accessible, high-quality mental health services can indirectly but significantly improve young people’s decision-making capabilities.
Additionally, leveraging technology to create interactive decision-making platforms or apps could be beneficial. These tools could offer scenario-based learning, allowing young people to virtually explore consequences of different choices in a safe environment.
Lastly, promoting diverse representation in leadership and media can broaden young people’s perspectives on possible life paths. Seeing a wide range of successful individuals from various backgrounds can expand their perception of available choices and inspire more personalized decision-making.
By implementing these strategies, societies can create a supportive ecosystem that not only aids young people in making better decisions but also fosters resilience and adaptability, crucial skills in our rapidly changing world.”
Describe a situation where you had to make a quick decision is another topic that relates closely to decision-making skills and their impact on one’s life.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Pivotal decision /ˈpɪv.ə.təl dɪˈsɪʒ.ən/ (adjective + noun): A decision of crucial importance
Example: “Choosing my major was a pivotal decision in my academic career.” -
To relinquish /rɪˈlɪŋ.kwɪʃ/ (verb): To voluntarily cease to keep or claim; to give up
Example: “It was difficult to relinquish my leadership position, but it was necessary for my new venture.” -
To crystallize /ˈkrɪs.təl.aɪz/ (verb): To become clear or definite
Example: “My career goals crystallized after I completed the internship.” -
Multifaceted /ˌmʌl.tiˈfæs.ɪ.tɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features
Example: “The decision to relocate was multifaceted, involving career, family, and personal growth considerations.” -
Far-reaching /ˌfɑːˈriː.tʃɪŋ/ (adjective): Having a wide range of effects or implications
Example: “The decision to pursue further education had far-reaching consequences on my career trajectory.” -
To navigate /ˈnæv.ɪ.ɡeɪt/ (verb): To find a way through a complex situation or process
Example: “I had to carefully navigate the challenges of starting my own business.” -
Unprecedented /ʌnˈpres.ɪ.den.tɪd/ (adjective): Never known or done before
Example: “The pandemic created unprecedented challenges in decision-making for businesses.” -
In retrospect /ɪn ˈret.rə.spekt/ (phrase): Looking back on or dealing with past events or situations
Example: “In retrospect, taking that risk was the best decision I could have made for my career.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing impactful decisions:
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Develop a narrative: Structure your response as a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This makes your answer more engaging and easier to follow.
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally. Practice using these in context to ensure fluency.
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Provide specific details: Instead of general statements, offer concrete examples and vivid descriptions to make your answer more credible and interesting.
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Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to analyze the situation by discussing the reasoning behind your decision and its consequences.
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Practice timing: For Part 2, aim to speak for the full 2 minutes. Practice with a timer to get a feel for this duration.
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Stay relevant: Always keep the question in mind and ensure all parts of your answer relate back to it.
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Be prepared for follow-up questions: In Part 3, be ready to discuss the topic more abstractly and from different perspectives.
Remember, the key to improvement is consistent practice. Record yourself speaking and listen back to identify areas for improvement. Seek feedback from others, and gradually incorporate more complex language structures and vocabulary into your responses.
Describe a book that made a strong impression on you could potentially be related to decision-making if the book influenced a significant life choice.