In the IELTS Speaking Test, particularly in Part 2 and Part 3, you might encounter questions asking you to describe a situation when you had to make a quick decision. This type of question evaluates your ability to narrate experiences, display coherent storytelling skills, and use rich vocabulary.
Examiner Factors:
- Fluency and Coherence
- Lexical Resource
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy
- Pronunciation
Questions about making quick decisions are common and allow you to showcase various aspects of your speaking abilities. This article will provide you with useful tips, a structured approach, and a sample answer that you can leverage to achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common Questions and Sample Answer
Have you ever had to make a quick decision?
- Yes, I have had to make several quick decisions in my life, especially in emergency or unforeseen situations. One memorable instance was when I had to decide whether to relocate to a new city for a job offer within a short period.
Do you think quick decisions are often good decisions?
- Not necessarily. While some quick decisions can be effective, they can also be rash and poorly thought out. It largely depends on the individual’s experience and the context of the situation.
Sample Answer:
Examiner Question:
“Have you ever had to make a quick decision?”
Sample Answer:
“Yes, indeed. Just last month, I was attending a family gathering when suddenly, my niece experienced a severe allergic reaction. I had to decide quickly to call for an ambulance while administering first aid. It was a harrowing experience, but fortunately, my quick decision helped mitigate the situation until professional help arrived.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Cue Card
Describe a time when you had to make a quick decision. You should say:
- When it happened
- What the decision was
- Why you had to make it quickly
- And explain how you felt about it
Suggested Answer
“One instance that comes to mind is when I was traveling to a neighboring city for a business meeting last year. Just as I reached the train station, I realized I had left my laptop at home, which contained an essential presentation for the meeting.
businessman forgetting laptop
When it happened: This occurred just last year in October.
What the decision was: I had to decide whether to go back home to retrieve my laptop or proceed without it and try to manage without the presentation.
Why you had to make it quickly: The train was scheduled to depart in less than 15 minutes, and I knew going back would mean missing the meeting altogether.
How I felt about it: I felt a rush of anxiety but also a sense of determination. I quickly decided to call my colleague to see if she could cover for me while I made my way back home to get the laptop. In the end, we managed to reschedule the presentation for later in the afternoon. This quick decision paid off as it allowed me to still conduct a successful meeting.”
Examiner Follow-Up Questions
Do you always find it easy to make quick decisions?
- In most cases, yes. I tend to rely on my gut feeling and prior experiences to make informed quick decisions. However, there are times when the pressure makes it challenging.
What would you advise someone who struggles with making quick decisions?
- I would suggest practicing decision-making skills in low-stakes situations, which will build their confidence and experience. Also, considering the pros and cons quickly can help in making more effective decisions under pressure.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Abstract Questions Related to Part 2
Examiner Question:
“Do you think it’s better to make decisions quickly or take time to reflect on them?”
Sample Answer:
“It definitely varies based on the scenario. In emergencies, quick decisions are often necessary and can be lifesaving. However, for significant life choices, such as career or financial decisions, taking the time to reflect and gather comprehensive information generally leads to better outcomes. Personally, I believe a balance of both is essential. Quick decisions are inevitable in our fast-paced lives, but having the acumen to differentiate when to deliberate and when to act swiftly is key.”
Additional Examiner Questions
Can quick decisions sometimes lead to regrettable outcomes?
- Yes, making decisions impulsively can sometimes result in negative consequences if not carefully considered. Learning from such experiences is crucial for better decision-making in the future.
How does technology influence the speed at which we make decisions?
- Technology significantly enhances our ability to make quick decisions by providing instant access to information and communication tools. However, it can also inundate us with data, making it harder to filter out noise and focus on essential elements for our decisions.
Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Key Vocabulary and Structures
- Immediate action (noun phrase): Prompt and swift measures taken in a situation. (Example: The situation required immediate action to avert a crisis.)
- Gut feeling (noun phrase): An instinctual feeling or reaction. (Example: I relied on my gut feeling to decide quickly.)
- Mitigate (verb): To make less severe, serious, or painful. (Example: My quick decision helped mitigate the situation.)
- Harboring anxiety (verb phrase): Feeling anxious or nervous about a situation. (Example: I was harboring anxiety about the fast-approaching meeting.)
- Deliberate (verb): To think about or discuss issues and decisions carefully. (Example: It’s often better to deliberate over significant decisions.)
Example Sentences
- “Acting on a gut feeling, I decided to take the alternate route, which ended up saving us time.”
- “The whole scenario required immediate action, and there was no time for second-guessing.”
- “Although I was harboring anxiety, the ability to mitigate the challenge quickly boosted my confidence.”
Conclusion
Practicing your response to common IELTS Speaking Test questions, especially those that ask about quick decisions, can significantly improve your fluency and confidence. Using the tips, structured guidelines, and sample responses provided in this article, you can elevate your performance. Remember to incorporate a rich lexical resource and complex grammatical structures to demonstrate a high proficiency level. Good luck!