The IELTS Speaking test evaluates various elements such as fluency, vocabulary, grammatical range, coherence, and pronunciation. One common type of question is “Describe a time when you had to make a decision under pressure.” Let’s explore how to tackle these questions, exemplified with samples and strategies to boost your score.
I. Introduction to IELTS Speaking Test
The IELTS Speaking test is divided into three parts:
- Part 1: Introduction and Interview – This section involves answering general questions about yourself and everyday topics.
- Part 2: Long Turn – You will be given a cue card with a specific topic and have to speak about it for 1-2 minutes.
- Part 3: Two-way Discussion – This involves a more detailed discussion related to the topic in Part 2.
Examiners assess fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, accuracy, and pronunciation. Questions about making decisions under pressure are common since they delve into personal experiences, abstract thinking, and reflective skills.
II. Main Content
1. Common Part 1 Questions
Examiners may start Part 1 with general questions like:
- “Can you tell me about your hometown?”
- “Do you enjoy studying or working?”
- “What do you do in your free time?”
Example Question and Suggested Answer:
- Question: “What do you do in your free time?”
- Answer: “In my free time, I enjoy reading novels and hiking. Reading allows me to relax and immerse myself in different stories, while hiking helps me stay fit and enjoy nature.”
2. Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card: Describe a time when you had to make a decision under pressure
- Describe the situation.
- What decision you had to make.
- Why you were under pressure.
- How you felt after making the decision.
Sample Answer:
“I recall a time during my final year at university when I had to decide whether to continue my part-time job or focus entirely on my studies. My grades were slipping, and I couldn’t balance both effectively. The pressure was mounting daily since my final exams were approaching and I needed good grades to secure a scholarship for my master’s studies.
After much deliberation, I decided to quit my job and devote all my time to studying. It was a tough decision because I relied on the income to support myself. However, this choice allowed me to improve my grades significantly. Ultimately, I felt relieved and proud as my efforts paid off when I graduated with honors and received the scholarship.”
Follow-up Questions:
- Question: “Do you think making decisions under pressure is a skill that can be developed?”
- Answer: “Yes, absolutely. Learning to manage stress and think critically in tough situations can definitely be developed with practice and experience.”
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiners in Part 3 will ask more abstract questions related to decision-making under pressure.
Example Questions and Suggested Answers:
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Question: “Why do some people handle pressure better than others?”
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Answer: “People handle pressure differently due to varying levels of emotional resilience, experience, and stress management techniques. Those with higher emotional intelligence and more experience dealing with stressful situations tend to cope better.”
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Question: “How important is it for leaders to make decisions under pressure?”
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Answer: “It’s crucial for leaders to make competent decisions under pressure because their choices often impact many people and can determine the success or failure of initiatives. Effective leaders stay calm, weigh their options carefully, and make rational decisions even in challenging circumstances.”
A Few Key Words and Structures for High Scores
Important Vocabulary:
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Deliberation (noun) – [ˌdɛlɪˈbreɪʃən]: Careful consideration before decision.
- Example: “After much deliberation, I chose to follow my passion instead of a higher-paying job.”
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Resilience (noun) – [rɪˈzɪlɪəns]: The ability to recover from difficulties.
- Example: “Her resilience allowed her to succeed despite numerous setbacks.”
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Cope (verb) – [kəʊp]: To deal effectively with something difficult.
- Example: “Learning to cope with stress is vital for maintaining mental health.”
Useful Grammatical Structures:
- Conditional Sentences:
- “If I had continued working, I believe my grades would have suffered.”
- Complex Sentences:
- “Because my final exams were approaching, I knew I had to make a critical decision.”
III. Tips from an Examiner
Practice Regularly:
Speak English daily about diverse topics. Record yourself and evaluate your fluency, coherence, and pronunciation.
Expand Your Vocabulary:
Read widely and learn new words. Use them in your speech to adapt to various topics and improve your lexical range.
Stay Calm and Structured:
Organize your thoughts before you speak. Use linking phrases such as “Firstly,” “Moreover,” and “In conclusion” to create a logical flow.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of answering questions like “Describe a time when you had to make a decision under pressure” demands practice and familiarity with diverse vocabulary and grammar structures. Use the tips, structure your response carefully, and support it with relevant examples for a higher IELTS Speaking score.