Introduction: The Art of Describing Decision-Makers in IELTS Speaking
The ability to describe a person who excels at making decisions is a valuable skill in the IELTS Speaking test. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. It allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, analytical skills, and ability to provide detailed responses – all crucial elements for achieving a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about decision-making. Here’s a sample question with a suggested response:
Question: “Do you consider yourself good at making decisions?”
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say I’m fairly adept at decision-making. I tend to weigh my options carefully before coming to a conclusion. However, I must admit that for major life choices, I sometimes seek advice from those I trust to ensure I’m considering all angles.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Cue Card:
Describe a person who is very good at making decisions. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What kind of decisions this person makes
- And explain why you think this person is good at making decisions
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my former manager, Sarah Thompson, who I believe is exceptionally skilled at making decisions. I had the privilege of working under her guidance for three years at a multinational tech company.
Sarah’s role as a project manager required her to make decisions on a daily basis, ranging from resource allocation to strategic planning. What sets her apart is her ability to make swift yet well-informed choices, even under immense pressure.
One of the key reasons I consider Sarah to be adept at decision-making is her systematic approach. She has a knack for breaking down complex problems into manageable components, which allows her to analyze each aspect thoroughly. Moreover, Sarah is remarkably perceptive when it comes to reading people and situations, which I believe contributes significantly to her decision-making prowess.
Another admirable quality is her willingness to take calculated risks. She doesn’t shy away from innovative solutions, but always ensures she has a solid rationale behind her choices. This balance between creativity and pragmatism often leads to decisions that are both bold and well-grounded.
Furthermore, Sarah has an impressive ability to foresee potential consequences of her decisions. She often anticipates challenges that others might overlook, allowing her to proactively address issues before they escalate.
What I find most inspiring about Sarah’s decision-making style is her commitment to inclusivity. She actively seeks input from team members at all levels, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. This not only leads to more well-rounded decisions but also fosters a sense of ownership and engagement within the team.
In conclusion, Sarah’s combination of analytical thinking, emotional intelligence, risk assessment skills, and inclusive leadership make her an exceptional decision-maker. Her approach has not only led to numerous successful projects but has also inspired many of us to improve our own decision-making abilities.”
IELTS Speaking: Describing a Decision-Making Expert
Follow-up Questions:
- How has this person’s decision-making skills influenced you?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Sarah’s approach to decision-making has profoundly impacted my own professional development. I’ve learned to be more methodical in my analysis, considering multiple perspectives before reaching a conclusion. Her example has also encouraged me to trust my instincts more, while still maintaining a balance with logical reasoning. Perhaps most importantly, I’ve adopted her practice of seeking diverse opinions, which has significantly enhanced the quality of my own decision-making process.”
- Do you think decision-making skills can be taught or are they innate?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“In my opinion, decision-making skills are a combination of innate traits and learned abilities. While some individuals may have a natural predisposition towards analytical thinking or risk assessment, I believe these skills can be significantly improved through practice and education. Techniques such as cost-benefit analysis, scenario planning, and emotional intelligence training can all contribute to enhancing one’s decision-making capabilities. Additionally, exposure to diverse situations and learning from both successes and failures play crucial roles in developing this skill set.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: “How do you think technology is changing the way people make decisions?”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology is revolutionizing decision-making processes in several ways. Firstly, the abundance of data and advanced analytics tools allow for more informed and data-driven decisions. Machine learning algorithms can process vast amounts of information, identifying patterns and insights that humans might overlook.
However, this reliance on technology also presents challenges. There’s a risk of over-dependence on algorithmic recommendations, which may not always account for nuanced human factors. Additionally, the speed at which decisions can be made in the digital age can sometimes lead to hasty choices without proper consideration.
On the positive side, technology facilitates collaborative decision-making across geographical boundaries, enabling diverse perspectives to be considered. Tools like virtual reality simulations can help decision-makers visualize potential outcomes, enhancing their ability to make complex choices.
It’s crucial to strike a balance between leveraging technological capabilities and maintaining human judgment and ethical considerations in the decision-making process. As we move forward, I believe the most effective decision-makers will be those who can skillfully integrate technological insights with human wisdom and experience.”
Technology's Impact on Decision-Making – IELTS Speaking
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Adept at (adjective) – /əˈdept/ – very skilled or proficient at something
Example: “She’s adept at analyzing complex data to make informed decisions.” -
Weigh options (phrase) – to carefully consider different possibilities before making a choice
Example: “Before making a major decision, it’s important to weigh all your options.” -
Swift yet well-informed (phrase) – quick but based on good information
Example: “In crisis situations, leaders must make swift yet well-informed decisions.” -
Knack for (noun) – /næk/ – a special skill, talent, or aptitude
Example: “He has a knack for simplifying complex problems, which aids his decision-making.” -
Calculated risks (noun phrase) – risks that have been carefully considered
Example: “Successful entrepreneurs often take calculated risks to grow their businesses.” -
Foresee potential consequences (phrase) – to anticipate possible results of actions
Example: “A good leader can foresee potential consequences of their decisions.” -
Proactively address (phrase) – to deal with something before it becomes a problem
Example: “By proactively addressing concerns, she prevented many issues from escalating.” -
Inclusivity (noun) – /ɪnkluːˈsɪvəti/ – the practice of including people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized
Example: “Her commitment to inclusivity ensures that all team members’ perspectives are considered in decision-making.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing decision-making:
- Use a variety of descriptive adjectives and phrases to vividly portray the person’s qualities.
- Provide specific examples to illustrate the person’s decision-making skills.
- Discuss both the process of decision-making and its outcomes.
- Reflect on how this person’s skills have influenced you or others.
- When answering follow-up questions, try to link your responses to the main topic while also expanding on new ideas.
- Practice using advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures naturally in your responses.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just about using advanced vocabulary, but also about expressing your ideas clearly, coherently, and with relevance to the question asked.
To further enhance your IELTS Speaking skills, you might find it helpful to explore related topics. For instance, you could describe a person who has taught you something important, as decision-making skills are often learned from mentors. Additionally, considering a person who has positively influenced your career could provide valuable insights into professional decision-making. These exercises will help you develop a well-rounded approach to discussing influential figures in your life.
