In the IELTS Speaking test, each part assesses various aspects of your verbal communication skills. Describing a person who is good at decision-making is a common topic that tests your ability to articulate qualities and provide detailed examples. This guide will give you insights, example answers, and effective strategies to help you excel.
I. Introduction
The IELTS Speaking test comprises three parts: Introduction and Interview, Long Turn, and Two-way Discussion. Examiners look for fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. Questions about someone good at decision-making are common, especially in parts where you need to elaborate on personal experiences and opinions. Understanding how to tackle such questions can significantly boost your performance.
II. Main Content
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In the Introduction and Interview part, Examiners often ask simple questions to gauge your basic communicative ability. Here are typical questions and a suggested response:
Examiner Question: Can you describe someone you know who is skilled in making decisions?
Sample Answer:
“Yes, I can. I know a person who excels in making decisions – my team leader, Mr. Smith. He is remarkably decisive and analytical, always weighing the pros and cons before making any significant choices. His ability to remain calm under pressure and foresee potential outcomes is truly admirable.”
2. Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will get a cue card prompting you to talk about a specific topic for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a cue card example:
Cue Card:
- Describe a person who is good at decision-making.
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What kinds of decisions they make
- And explain why you think they are good at decision-making
Sample Answer:
“One person that immediately comes to mind is my older sister, Jane. I have known her all my life, and she has always been the person everyone in our family turns to when tough decisions need to be made. Jane works as a project manager for a large corporation, and her role requires her to make critical decisions on a daily basis.
Jane’s ability to make sound decisions stems from her methodical approach and her impressive problem-solving skills. She is highly observant, takes all relevant factors into account, and is not afraid of seeking advice from experts. A memorable incident that showcases her decision-making prowess was when she had to choose between two job offers. She meticulously analyzed the benefits and drawbacks, taking into consideration long-term growth and job satisfaction, and ultimately made a decision that has significantly advanced her career.
Overall, what makes Jane exceptionally good at decision-making is her emotional intelligence, analytical mindset, and willingness to learn from past experiences. Her balanced approach ensures that she makes well-informed, practical decisions.”
Follow-up Questions:
“Can you give another example of a situation where this person made a critical decision?”
- Response: “Certainly! Last year, there was a family health crisis, and Jane had to decide the course of treatment for our mother. Her thorough research and consultations with healthcare professionals led to a decision that greatly improved our mother’s health.”
“What are the qualities of a good decision-maker according to you?”
- Response: “I believe a good decision-maker should be decisive, analytical, and have good judgment. Additionally, they must be able to consider various perspectives and adapt to new information quickly.”
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Part 3 involves more abstract questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2.
Examiner Question: Do you think decision-making skills can be taught, or are they innate?
Sample Answer:
“I believe that while some aspects of decision-making, such as intuition and inherent confidence, can be innate, the majority of these skills can be taught and honed through experience and education. For example, critical thinking and analysis are skills that can be developed through structured learning and practice. Programs and workshops can help individuals understand frameworks for decision-making and improve their ability to make informed decisions.”
Examiner Question: How important is decision-making in leadership roles?
Sample Answer:
“Decision-making is absolutely crucial in leadership roles. Leaders are frequently tasked with making choices that can impact an entire organization. Effective decision-making ensures that resources are utilized efficiently, and strategic goals are met. Moreover, strong decision-making fosters trust within the team, as it demonstrates the leader’s capability and reliability.”
Relevant Vocabulary and Phrases
Decisive (adj) /dɪˈsaɪ.sɪv/: able to make decisions quickly and confidently.
- Example: “Her decisive nature made her an excellent project manager.”
Analytical (adj) /ˌæn.əˈlɪt.ɪ.kəl/: relating to the careful study of something in order to understand it better.
- Example: “His analytical skills allowed him to dissect the problem thoroughly.”
Problem-solving skills (noun phrase): abilities related to finding solutions to difficult or complex issues.
- Example: “Successful leaders often have strong problem-solving skills.”
Emotional Intelligence (noun): the capability to recognize one’s own and other people’s emotions.
- Example: “Her high emotional intelligence helps her navigate challenging situations effectively.”
III. Advice for High Scores
To score well in the IELTS Speaking test, here are some tips:
- Practice regularly: The more you practice, the more fluent and coherent you become.
- Enhance vocabulary: Use a variety of words and phrases relevant to the topic.
- Work on pronunciation: Clear and correct pronunciation helps understandability.
- Use examples: Concrete examples make your answers more compelling and relatable.
- Stay calm and composed: Confidence is key, so practice staying relaxed during the test.
Describe a person good at decision making
By thoughtfully addressing each part of the speaking test with detailed responses and well-understood vocabulary, you can greatly enhance your performance and increase your chances of achieving a high band score. Keep practicing and refining your answers to ensure clarity, coherence, and effectiveness.