Mastering the IELTS Speaking Test: Describe a Time When You Had to Make a Big Decision

The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate in English effectively. It consists of three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). As an IELTS Speaking Examiner, I encourage you to focus on clarity, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. Questions related to “Describe A Time When You Had To Make A Big Decision” are popular and often appear in the IELTS Speaking test. Below, you’ll find sample questions and answers designed to help you excel in each part of the test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Examiners typically begin with general questions about yourself and your interests.

Sample Question

“Can you tell me about a recent decision you made?”

Sample Answer

“Recently, I decided to change my job. It was a significant decision because I had been with my previous company for five years. I weighed the pros and cons thoroughly and finally decided to pursue a new opportunity that promised better growth prospects and work-life balance.”

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you will be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. You have one minute to prepare and up to two minutes to speak.

Cue Card Example

“Describe a time when you had to make a big decision.”

You should say:

• What the decision was
• Why you had to make this decision
• How you made your decision
• How you felt about it afterward

Suggested Answer

“One of the most significant decisions I ever made was to study abroad for my master’s degree. Initially, I was hesitant, as it meant leaving my family and friends behind and stepping into an unfamiliar environment. However, after thorough research on universities and programs, I decided to pursue this dream.

student-choosing-university

Firstly, I had to consider multiple factors such as the quality of education, cost of living, and future career opportunities. I also consulted with my family and friends who provided valuable insights. After weighing all options, I chose to study in the UK because of its renowned universities and promising career prospects.

After finalizing my decision, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Over time, I realized it was one of the best decisions I had made, as it significantly broadened my horizons and improved my career prospects.”

Follow-up Questions

1. What challenges did you face after making that decision?
2. Do you think it was the right decision in hindsight?
3. How do you usually approach making big decisions?

Suggested Answers

1. “One of the major challenges I faced was adapting to a new culture and education system. It required substantial effort to overcome language barriers and accommodate different learning styles.”
2. “In hindsight, I believe it was the right decision. The experience greatly enhanced my skills, and I gained valuable exposure to different cultures and professional settings.”
3. “When making big decisions, I usually research thoroughly, consider long-term benefits, and seek advice from trusted individuals. I believe in evaluating all possible options before coming to a conclusion.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

This part delves deeper into the topic, with questions demanding more abstract thinking and analysis.

Sample Questions and Answers

Question 1

“How do you think decision-making skills impact one’s success in life?”

Answer

“Decision-making skills are crucial for success. They enable individuals to evaluate options, predict future consequences, and choose the best path. Effective decision-making leads to better problem-solving and critical thinking capabilities, which are essential in both personal and professional life.”

Question 2

“Is it better to make decisions alone or with others?”

Answer

“The approach depends on the context. Making decisions alone can be faster and allows for personal accountability. However, consulting with others often provides diverse perspectives and helps in identifying potential pitfalls. Therefore, collaborative decision-making can be more effective in complex situations.”

Vocabulary and Useful Phrases

Here are some high-scoring words and phrases:

• Weigh the pros and cons (verb phrase): To consider the advantages and disadvantages
• Thorough research (noun phrase): In-depth investigation
• Broadening horizons (verb phrase): Expanding one’s experiences or knowledge
• In hindsight (noun phrase): Reflecting on past events with current understanding
• Valuable insights (noun phrase): Useful and informative perspectives

Example Usage:

“After weighing the pros and cons, I realized that changing jobs would broaden my horizons.”

Examiner’s Advice

To score high in the IELTS Speaking test:

• Practice regularly: This will improve your fluency and confidence.
• Expand your vocabulary: Use diverse and precise language.
• Stay coherent: Organize your thoughts logically.
• Seek feedback: Practicing with a teacher can help identify areas for improvement.
• Simulate test conditions: This will help you get accustomed to the exam format.

By integrating these strategies and practicing with the provided questions and answers, you can enhance your performance and aim for a high band score in the IELTS Speaking test.