The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your speaking abilities in English, covering a range of criteria such as fluency, coherence, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy. A common theme that you might encounter in this part of the test is describing a time when you had to make a difficult decision under pressure. To excel in this, you need to structure your answers well, use a wide range of vocabulary, and showcase your ability to speak fluently and coherently.
In this article, we’ll provide sample questions and answers for the different parts of the IELTS Speaking test, focusing on how to describe a time when you faced pressure and had to make a tough decision. We’ll also offer vocabulary tips and structural advice to help you prepare effectively.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Sample Questions and Suggested Answer
Question: What do you do in your free time?
Suggested Answer:
“In my free time, I enjoy reading books, especially thrillers and mystery novels. I find that reading not only relaxes me but also enhances my vocabulary and comprehension skills. Additionally, I like to go for long walks, which helps me de-stress and stay physically active.”
Analysis:
- Use of specific vocabulary: “thrillers,” “mystery novels,” “enhances,” “comprehension skills.”
- Fluency and coherence: Smooth sentence construction with appropriate linking words.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision under pressure. You should say:
- What the situation was
- Why it was difficult
- What decision you made
- And explain how you felt about the decision
Sample Answer
“There was a time during my university years when I had to make a very difficult decision under pressure. I was working part-time to support my education, but during exam week, my employer demanded extra hours due to a staffing shortage. I was in a dilemma because balancing study and work under such conditions seemed almost impossible.
The situation was challenging as I had an important exam coming up that could affect my future career prospects. After much contemplation, I decided to negotiate with my employer to reduce my shifts temporarily, while also seeking help from my classmates for missed lectures. Although this decision risked my job security, I realized that prioritizing my studies was more important.
In retrospect, I believe I made the right decision because it allowed me to focus on my exams and perform well. This experience taught me the importance of prioritizing and effective communication.”
Analysis:
- Vocabulary: “dilemma,” “balancing,” “contemplation,” “negotiate,” “retrospect.”
- Coherence and structure: The response follows a clear structure, answering all the points in the cue card.
- Fluency: The answer is fluid, with appropriate pauses and emphasis.
student studying late at night
Follow-up Questions (Bullet Points):
Why do you think some decisions are tougher than others?
“Decisions are often tougher when they involve long-term consequences or affect other people’s lives. For instance, choosing between a stable job and further education can have significant impacts on one’s career and future stability.”How do people usually react to pressure?
“People’s reactions to pressure vary; some thrive and perform better, while others might feel overwhelmed and make hasty decisions. It usually depends on their stress tolerance and problem-solving skills.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Sample Questions and Suggested Answers
Examiner: “What kind of decisions require more time to think and why?”
Suggested Answer:
“Decisions that have long-term implications typically require more time and careful consideration. For instance, choosing a career path, buying a house, or deciding whether to move to a new country are significant life choices that necessitate thorough planning and deliberation. These decisions involve various factors like financial stability, personal interests, and family impact.”
Examiner: “How can people improve their decision-making skills under pressure?”
Suggested Answer:
“Improving decision-making skills under pressure can be achieved through practice and the development of certain strategies. Techniques such as breaking down the decision into smaller, manageable parts, considering the pros and cons, and seeking advice from trusted individuals can be helpful. Moreover, practicing mindfulness and stress management techniques can improve one’s ability to stay calm and think clearly in high-pressure situations.”
Vocabulary and Structures to Help You Score Higher
Important Vocabulary:
- Dilemma (/dəˈlemə/): A situation requiring a choice between equally undesirable alternatives.
- Contemplation (/ˌkɒntəmˈpleɪʃən/): Thoughtful observation or consideration.
- Negotiate (/nɪˈɡoʊʃieɪt/): To arrange or bring about through discussion and compromise.
- Retrospect (/ˈrɛtrəˌspɛkt/): The act of looking back or thinking about the past.
Example Sentences:
- “Facing a dilemma can be stressful, but it’s important to weigh all your options carefully.”
- “After much contemplation, he decided to pursue higher education.”
- “They decided to negotiate the terms of their contract.”
- “In retrospect, making that decision was the best choice for my career.”
Tips for High Scores
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice helps in improving fluency and coherence.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Always try to learn new words and phrases that are related to different topics.
- Stay Calm: Managing your stress and staying calm during the test will help you think more clearly and express yourself better.
- Seek Feedback: Getting feedback from teachers or peers can help identify areas for improvement and help fine-tune your responses.
Conclusion
Effectively tackling questions about making difficult decisions under pressure in your IELTS Speaking test involves structured responses, appropriate vocabulary, and showcasing your ability to think critically and articulate your thoughts clearly. By practicing with these guidelines and tips, you’ll be well-equipped to achieve a higher band score.
For more examples and tips, you may want to check describe a situation when you had to make a decision under pressure, describe a person who is very skilled at solving problems, and describe a situation when you were scared.