The IELTS Speaking test assesses your communication abilities in English and is divided into three parts: Introduction and Interview, Long Turn, and Two-Way Discussion. As an IELTS examiner, I emphasize key factors that can help you achieve a high score, such as fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. A common topic in IELTS Speaking tests is “Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision.” This article will guide you through answering this question effectively, with sample responses and detailed analysis.
I. Introduction
In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners are looking for clear and coherent answers, a wide range of vocabulary, correct grammar, and clear pronunciation. Questions about making difficult decisions are frequently asked because they test your ability to articulate past experiences and reflect on them critically. Understanding how to structure your response and incorporate relevant vocabulary can make a significant difference in your score.
II. Main Content
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, examiners may ask you introductory questions to make you feel comfortable. Here’s a sample question and how to approach it:
Sample Question: “Do you often have to make difficult decisions?”
Suggested Answer:
“Yes, I often find myself in situations where I need to make tough decisions, both in my personal and professional life. For instance, last year, I had to choose between pursuing a higher education degree and accepting a promotion at work. This was particularly challenging because both options offered significant long-term benefits, and I had to consider various factors such as my career goals, financial situation, and personal life balance.”
2. Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 2-3 minutes. Here’s an example cue card and a sample answer.
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision. You should say:
- What the decision was
- Why it was difficult to make
- What you considered
- And explain how you felt about the decision
Suggested Answer:
“A challenging decision I had to make was whether to leave my job to start my own business. This decision was daunting because I had a stable and well-paying job, but starting my own business was a long-time dream. I had to consider financial risks, market feasibility, and my family’s opinion. After a lot of contemplation, I chose to take the plunge and start my business. Although it was a rocky start, I’ve never regretted my decision. It taught me resilience and independence, and now I feel much more fulfilled professionally.”
Follow-up Questions:
- What alternative options did you have?
- What advice did you seek before making this decision?
- How did this decision impact your life afterwards?
3. Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic of Part 2. Here’s how to handle this part effectively.
Examiner Question: “Do you think making decisions is more difficult for young people or older people? Why?”
Suggested Answer:
“I believe making decisions can be equally challenging for both young and older people, but for different reasons. Young people often struggle with decisions due to a lack of experience and pressure from societal expectations. On the other hand, older individuals might find decision-making tough because they might have more at stake, such as family responsibilities and financial commitments. For instance, a teenager deciding on their career path faces uncertainty due to limited life experience, while an adult considering a career change might worry about the implications for their family.”
Examiner Question: “Can you give an example of a bad decision and the consequences it had?”
Suggested Answer:
“Certainly. A poor decision example might be someone investing all their savings in a high-risk stock without proper research. The immediate consequence could be significant financial loss, which might lead to stress, reduced quality of life, and even impacting their family’s well-being. This underscores the importance of informed decision-making and seeking expert advice when necessary.”
III. Vocabulary and Structures for a High Score
To achieve a high band score, use advanced vocabulary and varied grammatical structures. Here are some phrases and words to incorporate:
- Weigh the pros and cons: Consider the advantages and disadvantages.
- Contemplation: Deep thought before making a decision.
- Plunge: To take a risk or make a bold move.
- Resilience: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
- Feasibility: The practicality or possibility of something.
Examples:
- “I had to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to move abroad for my studies.”
- “After much contemplation, I decided to switch careers.”
- “Despite the initial hurdles, taking the plunge to start my own business was the best decision.”
- “Facing numerous challenges taught me resilience, a quality I value greatly.”
- “I had to assess the feasibility of launching a new product in a competitive market.”
IV. Tips for Achieving a High Score
- Practice Regularly: Regularly practice speaking on different topics to improve fluency and coherence.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn and use new words and phrases to enhance your lexical resource.
- Seek Feedback: Get feedback from proficient English speakers or teachers to identify areas for improvement.
- Stay Calm and Confident: Take a deep breath, stay calm, and be confident in your responses.
- Use Real-Life Examples: Relate your answers to real-life experiences to make them more engaging and credible.
By following these guidelines and practicing with the provided examples, you can effectively articulate your experiences and showcase your English-speaking prowess in your IELTS Speaking test. For more idiomatic expressions that might help you articulate your points, you can check out related articles like “Stick to Your Guns” and “Burn Your Bridges.” Good luck with your preparation!