Life is full of challenging decisions, and being able to articulate them effectively is crucial for IELTS success. Describe a time when you made a big decision is a recurring theme in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions you may encounter:
- 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):
“Well, I would say I’m generally quite methodical when it comes to decision-making. I typically weigh the pros and cons carefully and often seek input from those I trust, especially for major life choices. However, I also trust my intuition when necessary.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Task
Describe a difficult choice you had to make recently
You should say:
- What the choice was
- Why it was difficult
- How you made your decision
- And explain if you think you made the right choice
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about a particularly challenging decision I had to make last year regarding my career path. I was faced with choosing between accepting a prestigious promotion at my current company and pursuing a master’s degree abroad.
The decision was especially difficult because both options had compelling advantages. The promotion offered immediate financial benefits and career advancement, while the master’s degree promised long-term growth and international exposure. Describe a friend who is good at giving advice, my colleague Sarah, actually played a crucial role in helping me evaluate my options.
To make this decision, I employed a systematic approach. I created a detailed spreadsheet comparing the long-term implications of both choices, conducted extensive research about the master’s program, and consulted with industry professionals. I also spent time reflecting on my core values and long-term aspirations.
Looking back, I’m confident I made the right choice by choosing to pursue further education. While it meant sacrificing immediate career advancement, it aligned better with my long-term goals of gaining specialized knowledge and international experience.”
Professional considering career choices between education and work promotion
Follow-up Questions:
Q: Did anyone help you make this decision?
A (Band 8-9): “Yes, I sought counsel from various sources. I had in-depth discussions with industry mentors, family members, and particularly my former professor who provided valuable insights about the academic path.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: Do you think young people today face more difficult choices than previous generations?
A (Band 8-9): “I believe young people today face increasingly complex decisions due to globalization and technological advancement. They have to navigate a rapidly evolving job market, consider remote work opportunities, and balance traditional career paths with emerging industries. Describe an inspirational quote you read recently about embracing change has actually helped me understand this better.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Weigh up options (phrasal verb) – to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages
- Life-altering decision (compound adj) – a choice that significantly impacts one’s life
- Take into account (idiom) – to consider something when making a decision
- Deliberate (verb) /dɪˈlɪbəreɪt/ – to think about or discuss something very carefully
- Far-reaching consequences (collocation) – effects that influence many aspects or continue for a long time
Examiner’s Tips
- Structure your response using clear paragraphs and transitions
- Incorporate personal experiences to make your answer more authentic
- Use a range of vocabulary related to decision-making
- Show reflection and critical thinking in your responses
- Practice speaking for exactly 2 minutes for Part 2
Remember to practice these responses while maintaining natural speech patterns and appropriate eye contact with the examiner.
