Making difficult decisions is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about challenging choices to achieve the highest possible score.
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions examiners ask about decision-making:
- Do you find it easy to make decisions?
- How do you usually make important decisions?
- Do you prefer to make decisions alone or with others?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I would say it depends on the complexity of the decision. For major life choices, I tend to carefully weigh the pros and cons and often seek input from experienced people I trust. However, for day-to-day decisions, I usually rely on my intuition and past experiences.”
IELTS candidate discussing decision-making process with examiner
Part 2: Cue Card
Topic
Describe a time when you made a difficult decision.
You should say:
- What the decision was
- When you made this decision
- Why it was difficult
- And explain how you felt after making this decision
Similar to describe a difficult choice you had to make, this topic requires careful consideration and structured responses.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a pivotal decision I made three years ago when I had to choose between pursuing further education abroad and accepting a promising job offer in my home country.
The decision was particularly challenging because both options had significant merits. The job offered immediate financial stability and career growth, while studying abroad would provide international exposure and potentially better long-term prospects.
What made it especially difficult was that I had to consider multiple factors simultaneously – my family’s expectations, my personal growth, and my long-term career goals. I spent several weeks gathering information, talking to professionals in both paths, and conducting thorough research.
After making the decision to study abroad, I felt both anxious and excited. While there was initial uncertainty, I experienced a profound sense of relief knowing I had made a choice aligned with my core values and aspirations. The experience taught me that sometimes the most difficult decisions can lead to the most rewarding outcomes.”
Student contemplating educational and career choices
Follow-up Questions:
- How did this decision impact your life?
- Would you make the same decision again?
For those interested in describe a difficult task you completed, similar principles of detailed explanation apply.
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: Do you think people make better decisions as they get older?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that decision-making ability typically improves with age and experience. As people mature, they tend to develop better judgment through their accumulated experiences and lessons learned. However, it’s worth noting that this isn’t universally true – some younger people might demonstrate exceptional decision-making capabilities due to their analytical skills and emotional intelligence.”
Similar to how describe a book that left a lasting impact on you requires depth of analysis, discussing decision-making processes demands thoughtful reflection.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Deliberate (v) /dɪˈlɪbəreɪt/ – to think about or discuss something carefully
- Weigh up (phr.v) – to consider the advantages and disadvantages
- Trade-off (n) – a balance between two opposing things
- Ramifications (n) /ˌræmɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz/ – consequences of an action
- Decisive (adj) /dɪˈsaɪsɪv/ – able to make decisions quickly and confidently
Examiner’s Tips
- Structure your response clearly with a beginning, middle, and end
- Use specific examples to illustrate your points
- Demonstrate range of vocabulary through synonyms and collocations
- Show natural hesitation when appropriate, as in describe a situation where you found it hard to concentrate
- Include relevant personal experiences to make your answer more authentic
Remember to incorporate aspects of describe a memorable outdoor activity you did alone when discussing personal decisions and experiences.
