The IELTS Speaking test often challenges candidates with thought-provoking questions about personal experiences. One common topic that frequently appears is describing a difficult decision you had to make recently. This subject allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate complex thoughts, reflect on personal experiences, and demonstrate a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Let’s explore how to excel in this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may warm up with some general questions about decision-making. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- Do you find it easy to make decisions?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, it really depends on the situation. For minor decisions, like choosing what to eat or wear, I’m quite decisive. However, when it comes to major life choices, I tend to be more cautious and deliberate. I usually weigh the pros and cons carefully before reaching a conclusion.”
- How do you usually make important decisions?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I typically follow a systematic approach when making significant decisions. First, I gather all relevant information and consider various perspectives. Then, I evaluate the potential outcomes of each option. If possible, I also seek advice from trusted friends or mentors. Finally, I trust my instincts to guide me towards the best choice, while remaining open to reassessing if new information comes to light.”
Describe an activity you did in a new place can be another challenging topic in IELTS Speaking, requiring similar skills in describing personal experiences and decision-making processes.
Part 2: Long Turn
For Part 2, you might receive a cue card like this:
Describe a difficult decision you had to make recently
You should say:
- What the decision was about
- Why it was difficult
- How you made the decision
- And explain whether you think it was the right decision
Here’s a sample answer for Band 8-9:
“I’d like to talk about a challenging decision I had to make recently regarding my career path. Last year, I was offered a prestigious position at a multinational corporation, which would have meant a significant salary increase and enhanced job security. However, accepting this offer would have required me to relocate to another country, leaving behind my family, friends, and the startup I had been passionately working on for the past two years.
The decision was particularly difficult because it involved weighing multiple factors against each other. On one hand, the corporate job offered financial stability and professional growth opportunities. On the other hand, staying with my startup meant pursuing my entrepreneurial dreams and maintaining close ties with my support network.
To make this decision, I embarked on a thorough self-reflection process. I created a detailed pros and cons list, considering both short-term benefits and long-term implications. I also sought advice from mentors in both the corporate world and the startup ecosystem. Additionally, I spent time visualizing my life in both scenarios to gauge which aligned better with my personal values and long-term goals.
After much deliberation, I decided to decline the corporate offer and continue with my startup. While it was a tough choice, I believe it was the right decision for me. This experience has taught me the importance of staying true to one’s passions and the value of calculated risk-taking in pursuing personal and professional growth. It also reinforced my belief that sometimes, the most difficult decisions can lead to the most rewarding outcomes.”
A person standing at a career crossroads
Follow-up questions:
- How did you feel after making this decision?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Initially, I felt a mix of anxiety and excitement. There was a sense of trepidation about turning down a secure opportunity, but also an overwhelming feeling of relief and anticipation for continuing on my entrepreneurial journey. As time passed, I became increasingly confident in my choice, especially as I saw my startup making progress and positively impacting our target market.”
- Do you think people should always take time to make difficult decisions?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“In most cases, I believe it’s crucial to take adequate time when facing difficult decisions. Rushing into important choices without proper consideration can lead to regret or unforeseen consequences. However, there may be situations where quick decision-making is necessary, such as in emergencies or when presented with time-sensitive opportunities. The key is to balance thoughtful consideration with timely action.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to decision-making. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- How do you think technology has influenced the way people make decisions?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has revolutionized decision-making processes in numerous ways. On one hand, it has given us access to an unprecedented amount of information, enabling us to make more informed choices. We can easily research options, compare alternatives, and even use data analytics to predict outcomes. Additionally, social media and online forums allow us to crowdsource opinions and learn from others’ experiences.
However, this abundance of information can also lead to decision paralysis or information overload. Moreover, algorithms and personalized content can create echo chambers, potentially limiting our exposure to diverse perspectives. There’s also the risk of over-relying on technology at the expense of human intuition and personal judgment.
Ultimately, while technology has undoubtedly enhanced our decision-making capabilities, it’s crucial to strike a balance between leveraging technological tools and maintaining our critical thinking skills.”
Describe an app you use frequently on your phone is another topic that can help you practice discussing technology’s impact on daily life and decision-making.
- Do you think the ability to make good decisions is innate or can be learned?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe that while some people may have a natural inclination towards effective decision-making, it’s largely a skill that can be developed and refined over time. Like any other skill, good decision-making requires practice, experience, and often learning from mistakes.
There are various techniques and frameworks that can be learned to enhance decision-making abilities. These include critical thinking skills, risk assessment methods, and strategies for managing cognitive biases. Additionally, exposure to diverse situations and challenges can help individuals build a repertoire of problem-solving approaches.
That said, certain personality traits like emotional intelligence, adaptability, and open-mindedness can certainly facilitate better decision-making. However, these traits themselves can also be cultivated through conscious effort and self-reflection.
In essence, while some may find decision-making more intuitive than others, I firmly believe that anyone can significantly improve their decision-making skills through education, practice, and self-awareness.”
A person learning decision-making skills
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your responses and aim for higher band scores, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:
Weigh the pros and cons (phrase) – /weɪ ðə prəʊz ənd kɒnz/
Meaning: To consider the advantages and disadvantages of something
Example: “Before making any major decision, I always weigh the pros and cons carefully.”Deliberate (verb) – /dɪˈlɪbəreɪt/
Meaning: To think about or discuss something very carefully
Example: “We deliberated for hours before reaching a consensus on the new company policy.”Systematic approach (noun phrase) – /ˌsɪstəˈmætɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/
Meaning: A methodical way of dealing with something
Example: “Adopting a systematic approach to problem-solving can lead to more effective outcomes.”Evaluate potential outcomes (phrase) – /ɪˈvæljueɪt pəˈtenʃəl ˈaʊtkʌmz/
Meaning: To assess the possible results of a decision or action
Example: “It’s crucial to evaluate potential outcomes before committing to a course of action.”Calculated risk-taking (noun phrase) – /ˈkælkjuleɪtɪd rɪsk ˈteɪkɪŋ/
Meaning: The practice of taking risks after careful consideration
Example: “Successful entrepreneurs often engage in calculated risk-taking to grow their businesses.”
Describe a book you found inspiring can be an excellent opportunity to practice using sophisticated vocabulary while discussing impactful personal experiences.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing difficult decisions:
- Practice articulating complex thoughts clearly and concisely.
- Develop a range of examples from your personal experiences to illustrate different types of decisions.
- Work on incorporating advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally into your responses.
- Focus on providing detailed explanations and justifications for your decisions and opinions.
- Practice speaking on abstract topics related to decision-making to prepare for Part 3 discussions.
Remember, the key to success lies in demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively on a range of topics while showcasing your language skills. Regular practice and exposure to diverse discussion themes will help you feel more confident and perform better during the actual test.
Describe an important decision you made recently offers another opportunity to practice articulating your thoughts on decision-making processes, which can be valuable preparation for this topic.
IELTS Speaking practice session
By following these guidelines and incorporating the suggested vocabulary and structures, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about difficult decisions in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, authenticity in your responses combined with strong language skills is the key to achieving a high band score.