The IELTS Speaking test aims to assess various facets of a candidate’s English speaking skills, including fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and accuracy. Part 2, known as the Long Turn, frequently challenges candidates with prompts like “Describe A Time When You Faced A Difficult Choice.” This topic is popular due to its potential to test a range of language skills. In this article, we break down this common IELTS Speaking prompt and offer sample answers, useful vocabulary, and valuable tips to help you achieve high scores.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies, and interests. Here are some examples, along with a suggested answer:
Common Questions
- What do you do in your free time?
- Do you enjoy reading? Why or why not?
- Have you ever had to make a difficult decision?
Example Question and Answer
Question: Have you ever had to make a difficult decision?
Answer:
Yes, I have. One particular instance comes to mind when I had to choose between accepting a lucrative job offer abroad or staying in my home country to take care of my aging parents. It was a challenging decision because both options had significant consequences. Ultimately, I decided to stay with my family, considering the emotional and moral responsibilities I felt toward them.
Part 2: The Long Turn
Cue Card
You will be given a minute to prepare and then speak for up to two minutes on a particular topic.
Describe a time when you faced a difficult choice. You should say:
- What the situation was
- What choice you had to make
- Why it was difficult
- And explain what the outcome of your choice was
Sample Answer
One difficult choice I faced was during my final year of university. I had to decide whether to accept an offer from a prestigious graduate school or to start working at a promising startup company immediately.
The situation was particularly challenging for me because both options had their own sets of benefits and drawbacks. Accepting the graduate school offer meant I would gain specialized academic knowledge and potentially secure a high-paying job in the future. On the other hand, joining the startup would allow me to gain practical experience and grow my career right away.
What made the decision even more difficult was the pressure from my family to pursue further education. They believed that a higher degree would open more doors for my future. However, I was also very excited about the innovative projects at the startup and the fast-paced work environment.
In the end, I chose to join the startup because I felt that gaining real-world experience right after graduation would be more beneficial for my long-term career aspirations. Looking back, I’m pleased with my decision, as it has offered me numerous opportunities to develop my skills and grow professionally.
Difficult Decision
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
This part involves a deeper discussion of the topic in Part 2. The examiner will ask more abstract questions to evaluate your ability to express opinions and justify them effectively.
Example Questions and Answers
Examiner: Do you think making difficult decisions is an essential part of personal growth?
Candidate: Absolutely, making difficult decisions is crucial for personal development. It forces individuals to evaluate their priorities, consider the long-term consequences, and take responsibility for their choices. Such experiences often lead to greater resilience and problem-solving skills.
Examiner: How do people usually cope with making difficult decisions?
Candidate: People have different strategies for coping with tough decisions. Some prefer to seek advice from trusted friends or family members, while others might conduct thorough research to weigh their options. In my case, I find it helpful to write down the pros and cons of each choice to make an informed decision.
Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Here are some essential words and phrases that can help elevate your IELTS Speaking score:
Vocabulary:
- Lucrative (adj): Producing a great deal of profit.
- Prestigious (adj): Inspiring respect and admiration; having high status.
- Specialized (adj): Requiring or involving detailed and specific knowledge or training.
- Real-world experience (noun): Practical knowledge gained from direct involvement in everyday activities.
Structures:
- What made the decision even more difficult was… This structure adds depth to your explanation.
- In the end, I chose to… A useful phrase to conclude your narrative.
- Looking back, I’m pleased with my decision because… It provides a reflective perspective.
Tips for Success
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice helps you become more comfortable with the format and the types of questions asked.
- Develop Fluency and Coherence: Try to speak naturally and clearly, ensuring your ideas flow logically.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Having a broad vocabulary allows you to express yourself more precisely and makes your speech more engaging.
- Seek Feedback: Work with a tutor or language partner to get constructive feedback on your speaking.
By carefully preparing and practicing with the tips and examples provided, you can enhance your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and achieve a high band score.
For more detailed advice on related topics, consider reading our article on Describe a Time When You Had to Overcome a Personal Challenge. It offers additional insights that could be beneficial for your IELTS Speaking preparation.
