When preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to practice answering questions on various topics. One common theme that often appears is describing a challenging situation, such as facing a difficult decision. This article will guide you through how to effectively respond to the cue card “Describe a time when you had to face a difficult decision” and related questions, providing sample answers and valuable tips to help you achieve a high band score.
Understanding the Task
The topic of difficult decisions is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to express personal experiences, emotions, and reflections. This theme is likely to continue appearing in future tests due to its relevance to real-life situations and its potential to elicit complex language use.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions related to decision-making. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Question: “Do you find it easy to make decisions?”
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, it depends on the situation. For minor decisions, like choosing what to eat for lunch, I’m quite decisive. However, when it comes to major life choices, such as selecting a career path or deciding on a big purchase, I tend to be more cautious and deliberative. I often weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a final decision.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you had to face a difficult decision
You should say:
- What the decision was about
- When you had to make this decision
- Why it was difficult
- How you made your decision
- And explain the outcome of your decision
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d like to talk about a challenging decision I faced a couple of years ago when I had to choose between pursuing further education and accepting a job offer.
After completing my bachelor’s degree, I received an attractive job offer from a reputable company in my field. At the same time, I was also accepted into a prestigious master’s program at a top university. This decision was particularly difficult because both options had significant potential to shape my future career.
The job offer was tempting because it provided immediate financial stability and practical experience. On the other hand, the master’s program offered the opportunity to gain specialized knowledge and potentially open doors to higher-level positions in the long run.
To make this decision, I spent several weeks carefully considering my long-term goals and seeking advice from mentors and family members. I created a detailed pros and cons list for each option and tried to envision my future five to ten years down the line with each choice.
Ultimately, I decided to pursue the master’s degree. The outcome of this decision has been largely positive. Although it meant postponing my entry into the workforce, the advanced degree has enhanced my qualifications and opened up opportunities I might not have had otherwise. I’ve gained in-depth knowledge in my field and developed a valuable network of professionals and academics.
Looking back, while it was a difficult decision at the time, I believe I made the right choice for my personal and professional growth.”
Follow-up Questions:
- Do you think you made the right decision?
- How has this decision influenced your life?
Sample Answers (Band 8-9):
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“In retrospect, I’m confident that I made the right decision. The master’s program exceeded my expectations in terms of the knowledge and skills I gained. It’s opened doors to opportunities that I might not have had with just a bachelor’s degree. While there were moments of doubt, especially when I saw my peers advancing in their careers, the long-term benefits have outweighed any short-term challenges.”
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“This decision has had a profound impact on my life trajectory. Professionally, it’s given me a competitive edge in the job market and allowed me to pursue more specialized roles. Personally, it’s honed my critical thinking skills and expanded my worldview through interactions with diverse classmates and exposure to cutting-edge research. Perhaps most importantly, it’s taught me the value of making decisions aligned with long-term goals, even when they involve short-term sacrifices.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to decision-making. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: “Do you think young people today face more difficult decisions than in the past?”
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe young people today do face more complex decisions than previous generations. The rapid pace of technological change and globalization have created a wider range of career options, but also more uncertainty about which skills will be valuable in the future. Additionally, social media and the internet provide young people with an overwhelming amount of information and choices, which can make decision-making more challenging.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“While every generation faces its unique challenges, I would argue that the decision-making landscape for young people today is particularly complex. The exponential growth of technology and the interconnectedness of global economies have created a plethora of opportunities, but also significant uncertainties. Young people must navigate career choices in an environment where entire industries can be disrupted virtually overnight.
Moreover, the advent of social media has added layers of complexity to personal and professional decision-making. The constant exposure to others’ curated lives can lead to decision paralysis or choices based on social comparison rather than personal values.
However, it’s worth noting that today’s youth also have unprecedented access to information and tools to aid in decision-making. The challenge lies in developing the critical thinking skills to effectively utilize these resources and make well-informed choices in a rapidly changing world.”
Question: “How can schools better prepare students for making important life decisions?”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Schools can play a crucial role in equipping students with the necessary skills for making important life decisions. Firstly, they should focus on developing students’ critical thinking and analytical skills. This could involve incorporating real-world case studies and decision-making scenarios into the curriculum across various subjects.
Secondly, schools should prioritize financial literacy education. Understanding concepts like budgeting, investing, and long-term financial planning is essential for making informed decisions about education, career, and lifestyle choices.
Additionally, schools could introduce mindfulness and self-reflection practices. These can help students become more aware of their values, strengths, and aspirations, which are crucial for making decisions aligned with their personal goals.
Lastly, schools should provide ample opportunities for career exploration and guidance. This could include internships, job shadowing programs, and regular interactions with professionals from diverse fields. Such experiences can give students a more realistic understanding of different career paths and help them make more informed decisions about their future.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high band score, it’s essential to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and phrases. Here are some key terms related to decision-making:
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Weigh the pros and cons [weɪ ðə prəʊz ænd kɒnz] – to consider the advantages and disadvantages of something
Example: “Before making any major decision, I always weigh the pros and cons carefully.” -
Deliberate [dɪˈlɪbərət] (verb) – to think about or discuss something very carefully
Example: “We deliberated for hours before reaching a consensus on the company’s new strategy.” -
Repercussions [ˌriːpəˈkʌʃənz] (noun) – the unintended consequences of an action or decision
Example: “The repercussions of his hasty decision were felt throughout the organization.” -
Dilemma [dɪˈlemə] (noun) – a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives
Example: “She faced a dilemma: should she prioritize her career or her personal life?” -
Rationalize [ˈræʃnəlaɪz] (verb) – to attempt to explain or justify behavior or an attitude with logical reasons, even if these are not appropriate
Example: “He tried to rationalize his poor performance by blaming external factors.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing difficult decisions:
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Practice storytelling: Develop the ability to narrate your experiences coherently and engagingly.
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Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a variety of words and phrases related to decision-making and problem-solving.
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Reflect on your experiences: Spend time thinking about your past decisions and their outcomes. This will help you provide more authentic and detailed responses.
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Work on your fluency: Practice speaking at length without long pauses or hesitations.
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Develop your ideas: Don’t just state facts; explain your thoughts, feelings, and reasoning behind your decisions.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and increase your chances of achieving a high band score.
For more practice on IELTS Speaking topics, you might find it helpful to check out our articles on describing a time when you tried a new challenging activity or describing a famous historical figure. These will provide additional opportunities to practice your speaking skills and expand your vocabulary in different contexts.