Taking risks is an integral part of life, and being able to articulate such experiences eloquently is crucial for success in the IELTS Speaking test. This article will guide you through answering questions about a risk you’ve taken that had a positive outcome, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Understanding the Topic
The topic “Describe a risk you have taken which had a positive result” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate personal experiences, express emotions, and reflect on outcomes. This topic has appeared frequently in past tests and is likely to remain relevant in future examinations.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about risk-taking. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you consider yourself a risk-taker?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d say I’m somewhat of a risk-taker. I don’t shy away from challenges, but I also like to weigh my options carefully before making decisions.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d characterize myself as a calculated risk-taker. While I’m not averse to stepping out of my comfort zone, I always strive to make informed decisions by carefully analyzing potential outcomes before taking the plunge.”
Q: What kind of risks do young people in your country like to take?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Many young people in my country enjoy taking risks in their careers, like starting their own businesses or moving to big cities for better job opportunities.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“In my country, young individuals are increasingly gravitating towards entrepreneurial risks. They’re more inclined to eschew traditional career paths in favor of launching start-ups or pursuing freelance opportunities in the gig economy. Additionally, there’s a growing trend of young people taking calculated financial risks through investments in cryptocurrencies and stock markets.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a risk you have taken which had a positive result.
You should say:
- What the risk was
- Why you took the risk
- What the result was
- And explain how you felt about it
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to share an experience about a significant risk I took that yielded a positive outcome. The risk involved relocating to a different country for my postgraduate studies, specifically moving from my home in India to the United Kingdom.
The decision to take this risk was multifaceted. Primarily, I was driven by the desire to broaden my horizons both academically and culturally. The university I chose offered a specialized program in sustainable energy, which aligned perfectly with my career aspirations. Moreover, I was enticed by the prospect of immersing myself in a new culture and developing a global perspective.
The result of this risk was overwhelmingly positive. Not only did I excel academically, but I also developed a robust network of international contacts. The exposure to diverse viewpoints and cutting-edge research in my field significantly enhanced my critical thinking skills. Furthermore, I secured an internship with a leading sustainable energy firm, which later translated into a full-time job offer.
Reflecting on this experience, I feel a profound sense of pride and accomplishment. It was undoubtedly challenging at times, particularly in terms of adapting to a new educational system and culture. However, these challenges fostered resilience and self-reliance in me. The risk I took pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me discover capabilities I didn’t know I possessed. Overall, this experience has been instrumental in shaping my personal and professional growth, reinforcing my belief in the value of taking calculated risks.”
Follow-up Questions
- How did you prepare for this risk?
Band 8-9 Answer: “To prepare for this significant step, I meticulously researched the university and the country. I connected with alumni to gain insights into the academic environment and cultural nuances. Additionally, I took intensive language courses to refine my English skills and familiarized myself with British customs to ease my transition.”
- Would you encourage others to take similar risks?
Band 8-9 Answer: “Absolutely, I would wholeheartedly endorse taking similar risks, provided they are well-considered. Such experiences can be transformative, offering unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth. However, I’d emphasize the importance of thorough preparation and maintaining a realistic outlook about potential challenges.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: Do you think people take more or fewer risks as they get older?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think people generally take fewer risks as they get older. They have more responsibilities and may be more cautious about their decisions.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The relationship between age and risk-taking is quite nuanced. While conventional wisdom suggests that people become more risk-averse with age due to increased responsibilities and life experiences, recent studies have shown a more complex picture. Many older individuals actually engage in calculated risk-taking, particularly in areas like financial investments or entrepreneurship, leveraging their accumulated knowledge and resources. However, they tend to be more discerning in their risk assessment, often eschewing impulsive decisions in favor of well-thought-out strategies. This shift isn’t necessarily about taking fewer risks, but rather about taking smarter, more informed risks.”
Q: How can companies encourage innovation while managing risks?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Companies can encourage innovation by creating a culture that accepts new ideas. They can also set up systems to evaluate and manage the risks associated with new projects.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Fostering innovation while managing risks requires a delicate balance. Companies can achieve this by cultivating a culture of ‘intelligent failure’, where calculated risks are encouraged and failures are viewed as learning opportunities. Implementing robust risk assessment frameworks allows for the evaluation of potential innovations against possible downsides. Additionally, companies can allocate resources to dedicated innovation teams or establish innovation incubators within the organization, providing a controlled environment for experimentation. It’s also crucial to promote cross-functional collaboration, as diverse perspectives can lead to more comprehensive risk analysis and innovative solutions. Finally, companies should consider adopting agile methodologies, allowing for iterative development and frequent reassessment of risks throughout the innovation process.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Calculated risk-taker [ˈkælkjuleɪtɪd rɪsk teɪkə]
Definition: Someone who carefully considers potential outcomes before taking a risk
Example: “As a calculated risk-taker, Sarah always weighs the pros and cons before making major decisions.” -
To eschew [ɪsˈtʃuː]
Definition: To deliberately avoid or keep away from something
Example: “Many young professionals are choosing to eschew traditional career paths in favor of entrepreneurship.” -
Multifaceted [ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd]
Definition: Having many different aspects or features
Example: “The decision to study abroad was multifaceted, involving academic, cultural, and personal considerations.” -
To foster [ˈfɒstə]
Definition: To encourage or promote the development of something
Example: “Challenging experiences often foster resilience and personal growth.” -
Instrumental [ˌɪnstrəˈmentl]
Definition: Serving as a crucial means or agency in achieving an end
Example: “My internship was instrumental in securing my current job position.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing risk-taking experiences:
- Practice narrating personal stories coherently and engagingly.
- Develop a diverse vocabulary related to risk-taking, decision-making, and personal growth.
- Work on your fluency by regularly discussing complex topics with native speakers or language exchange partners.
- Prepare examples of risks you’ve taken in various aspects of life (education, career, personal relationships).
- Practice analyzing and reflecting on your experiences to demonstrate critical thinking skills.
Remember, the key to success lies not just in what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to provide detailed, thoughtful responses will significantly boost your performance in the IELTS Speaking test.
For more tips on acing your IELTS Speaking test, check out our guides on describing unexpected situations and discussing personal growth.