In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners are looking for specific elements to evaluate your language proficiency. They assess fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Questions about difficult decisions are common in Part 2 of the Speaking test because they allow the examiner to gauge your ability to discuss past experiences, articulate complex thoughts, and use descriptive language.
Questions like “Describe A Time When You Faced A Difficult Decision” are designed to see how well you can organize your thoughts and use vocabulary effectively and fluently.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Examiners often begin with more straightforward questions to establish a baseline of your language skills. Here are some common initial questions:
- What is your name?
- Where are you from?
- Can you describe your hometown?
Example Question and Suggested Answer
Question: Can you describe your hometown?
Answer: My hometown is a small but vibrant city nestled in the northern part of my country. It’s known for its rich history and beautiful landscapes. One of the most notable features is the ancient fortress that stands on a hill, offering a panoramic view of the entire city. The people there are warm and friendly, and there’s a strong sense of community.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you will be given a cue card with a prompt. You will have one minute to prepare and about two minutes to speak.
Example Cue Card
Describe a time when you faced a difficult decision. You should say:
- What the decision was
- Why it was difficult
- What you decided to do in the end
- And explain how you felt about your decision
Sample Answer
A time when I faced a difficult decision was when I had to choose between staying in my comfortable job or pursuing higher education abroad. This decision was particularly challenging because both options had significant pros and cons.
Firstly, my job was secure, well-paying, and I had a great relationship with my colleagues. However, pursuing higher education meant I could expand my knowledge, improve my career prospects, and experience living in a different country.
Ultimately, I decided to resign from my job and enroll in a Master’s program overseas. This choice was tough because it involved leaving my comfort zone and stepping into unknown territory. It was a gamble that felt daunting but exciting at the same time.
After making the decision, I felt a mixture of relief and anxiety. Relief because I had finally made up my mind, but also anxiety about what the future held. In retrospect, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The experience I gained, the people I met, and the knowledge I acquired far outweighed my initial apprehensions.
A person contemplating a difficult decision
Possible Follow-up Questions
Question: How do you generally make tough decisions?
Answer: When I face a tough decision, I usually follow a structured approach. I start by listing the pros and cons of each option to understand the potential outcomes better. I also seek advice from trusted friends and family members, as their perspectives can provide valuable insights. Ultimately, I trust my instincts and choose the option that aligns best with my long-term goals.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Here, examiners will ask more abstract and analytical questions related to the Part 2 topic to assess your critical thinking and ability to discuss broader issues.
Example Questions and Suggested Answers
Question: Do you think it’s better to make decisions quickly or take your time?
Answer: It depends on the situation. For decisions that have significant long-term impacts, it’s usually better to take your time and consider all angles thoroughly. Rushed decisions can lead to unintended consequences. However, in scenarios that require immediate action, quick decision-making is imperative. The key is to balance intuition and rational analysis.
Question: How can young people improve their decision-making skills?
Answer: Young people can improve their decision-making skills by gaining diverse experiences and learning from both successes and failures. Engaging in activities that require critical thinking, such as debates or strategic games, can also sharpen their abilities. Additionally, seeking mentorship from more experienced individuals can provide valuable guidance and perspective.
Important Vocabulary and Structures
Key Vocabulary
- Pros and cons (noun): The positive and negative aspects of something.
- E.g., “I weighed the pros and cons of both options before making a decision.”
- Apprehensions (noun): Anxiety or fear about the future.
- E.g., “Despite my initial apprehensions, I decided to move abroad.”
- Step into unknown territory (idiom): To enter a situation where you have no experience or knowledge.
- E.g., “Leaving my job felt like stepping into unknown territory.”
Useful Structures
- Comparative statements: “Staying in my job was secure, but pursuing higher education offered more opportunities.”
- Cause and Effect: “Because I wanted to advance my career, I chose to study abroad.”
- Conditional sentences: “If I hadn’t left my job, I wouldn’t have gained this invaluable experience.”
Examiner’s Tips
- Practice Fluency: Regularly practice speaking for extended periods. Record yourself and critique your fluency.
- Broaden Vocabulary: Read widely and take note of new words. Try to use them in different contexts.
- Mock Tests: Participate in mock speaking tests to simulate the exam environment and reduce anxiety.
- Seek Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from teachers or language partners to identify areas for improvement.
By understanding the test format, practicing with relevant topics, and using varied vocabulary and complex sentence structures, you can maximize your score in the IELTS Speaking test.
