Mastering the IELTS Speaking Part: “Describe a Situation When You Had to Take a Risk”

The IELTS Speaking test is a critical component of the IELTS exam, assessing your English-speaking proficiency. It consists of three parts: Introduction and Interview (Part 1), Long Turn (Part 2), and Two-way Discussion (Part 3). As an IELTS Speaking Examiner, I look for fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation in a candidate’s response. A common topic that appears in Part 2 of the Speaking test is describing a situation when you had to take a risk. Understanding how to tackle this prompt can significantly improve your performance.

II. The Speaking Test Breakdown

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Examiner questions in this section often focus on familiar topics about yourself, your life, and your experiences.

Example Question:

“Do you enjoy trying new activities or experiences?”

Suggested Answer:
“Absolutely! I believe trying new activities keeps life exciting and offers opportunities for personal growth. For example, earlier this year, I decided to take up rock climbing, which was both challenging and exhilarating.”

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a task card (cue card) that asks you to speak about a particular topic for up to 2 minutes. Below is a detailed example based on the “Describe A Situation When You Had To Take A Risk” prompt.

Cue Card Example:

Describe a situation when you had to take a risk. You should say:

• What the situation was
• What the risk was
• Why you decided to take that risk
• And explain how you felt about it

Suggested Answer:

“One memorable situation where I had to take a significant risk was when I decided to quit my stable corporate job to pursue my passion for photography. The risk involved was considerable; I had a well-paying job with numerous benefits, while the photography business was uncertain and competitive. My decision was driven by a strong desire to follow my passion and the realization that life is short. Pursuing my dream would bring me more satisfaction than a conventional 9-to-5 job. I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension at the time. It was challenging to leave a job that provided financial security, but I knew it was now or never. In retrospect, it was one of the best decisions I ever made as it led to a rewarding career doing what I love.”

Leaving Corporate Job for Photography

Follow-up Questions (Bullet Points) and Suggested Responses:

1. What did your family and friends think of your decision?
   “Initially, my family and friends were quite skeptical and concerned about the potential risks involved. However, once they saw my dedication and the positive results, they became very supportive.”

2. What were the immediate outcomes of taking that risk?
   “At first, it was tough establishing myself in a new field, but gradually, my hard work paid off, and I began to secure clients and projects, which boosted my confidence immensely.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

This section involves a more in-depth discussion around the topic of Part 2, often requiring abstract thinking and opinion sharing.

Examiner Questions and Suggested Answers:

Examiner: “Do you think people in general are more willing to take risks today compared to the past? Why or why not?”
Suggested Answer:
“Yes, I believe people today are more inclined to take risks. With the rise of technology and information, individuals are more aware of opportunities and the potential benefits of taking risks. Moreover, modern society often celebrates successful risk-takers, encouraging others to follow suit.”

Examiner: “How do you think taking risks can impact a person’s life?”
Suggested Answer:
“Taking risks can profoundly impact a person’s life by fostering personal growth, learning, and resilience. It often opens up new opportunities that wouldn’t exist otherwise and can lead to significant achievements and fulfillment. However, it’s also essential to weigh the potential downsides and prepare accordingly.”

III. Vocabulary and Structures to Use for a High Score

Selecting precise vocabulary and complex grammatical structures can significantly enhance your Speaking test performance. Here are some key phrases and vocabulary to consider:

1. Risk-related Vocabulary:

   • Calculated risk: A risk taken after careful estimation of the likely outcome.
   • High-stakes: Situations where the outcomes are very important or risky.
   • Venture: To take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome.

2. Complex Structures:

   • Conditionals: “If I hadn’t taken the risk, I would still be in my old job.”
   • Past perfect: “I had never imagined that leaving my job would lead to such success.”
   • Passive voice: “The decision was made after much deliberation.”

Examples:

• Calculated risk: “Deciding to start my own business was a calculated risk.”
• High-stakes: “It was a high-stakes decision that could have a significant impact on my future.”
• Venture: “I decided to venture into entrepreneurship despite the uncertainties.”

IV. Examiner Tips for Scoring High

1. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps build confidence and fluency.
2. Expand Your Vocabulary: Use varied and advanced vocabulary, avoiding repetition.
3. Stay Coherent: Ensure your responses are logical and well-structured.
4. Work on Pronunciation: Clear and natural pronunciation makes a significant difference.

By mastering these techniques and understanding what examiners look for, you can significantly improve your IELTS Speaking performance.