Making difficult personal decisions is a common experience that IELTS examiners often ask about in the Speaking test. This topic allows candidates to showcase their ability to reflect on past experiences, express emotions, and discuss decision-making processes in English. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this theme and achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about decision-making. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you find it easy to make decisions?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“It depends on the situation. For simple decisions, I can make them quickly. However, when it comes to important choices, I usually take more time to consider my options.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Well, I’d say my decision-making process varies significantly depending on the gravity of the situation. For trivial matters, I tend to make snap decisions without much deliberation. However, when it comes to consequential choices, I find myself meticulously weighing the pros and cons before reaching a conclusion.”
Q: How do you usually make important decisions?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I usually make a list of pros and cons. Then, I discuss it with my family or friends to get their opinions. After that, I think about it for a while before deciding.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“My approach to making important decisions is quite methodical. I typically start by gathering pertinent information and creating a comprehensive list of pros and cons. Then, I seek input from trusted friends and family members to gain diverse perspectives. Finally, I allow myself some time for introspection before making a well-informed choice.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card related to the topic. Here’s a sample cue card:
Describe a time when you made a difficult personal decision
You should say:
- What the decision was
- When you made this decision
- Why it was difficult
- And explain how you felt after making the decision
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about a difficult personal decision I made a few years ago. The decision was whether to accept a job offer in another city or stay in my hometown.
I made this decision about three years ago when I was finishing university. It was difficult because I had to choose between a great career opportunity and staying close to my family and friends.
The job offer was really good, with a high salary and chances for promotion. But moving to a new city meant leaving my comfort zone and starting a new life alone. I was worried about being homesick and not making new friends easily.
After thinking about it for a week, I decided to take the job. At first, I felt nervous and scared, but also excited about the new challenge. It was hard to say goodbye to my family, but I knew it was the right choice for my future.
Looking back, I’m glad I made that decision. It helped me grow as a person and advance in my career. Though it was tough at first, I learned to be more independent and confident.”
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to recount a particularly challenging personal decision I faced a few years ago. The decision revolved around whether to accept a lucrative job offer in a metropolitan area or remain in my quaint hometown.
This pivotal moment occurred approximately three years ago, as I was on the cusp of completing my university education. The decision was exceptionally difficult due to the need to balance my professional aspirations with my deep-rooted personal connections.
The job offer was undeniably appealing, offering not only a substantial salary but also promising career advancement opportunities. However, relocating to an unfamiliar city meant venturing outside my comfort zone and embarking on a new chapter of life independently. I was apprehensive about the potential for homesickness and the challenges of forging new friendships in an unfamiliar environment.
After a week of intense deliberation, I ultimately decided to seize the opportunity. Initially, I experienced a mix of trepidation and exhilaration about the impending challenge. Bidding farewell to my family was emotionally taxing, but I was confident in the long-term benefits of my choice.
In retrospect, I’m profoundly grateful for having made that decision. It has been instrumental in my personal growth and professional development. Although the initial adjustment period was demanding, I’ve developed a greater sense of independence and self-assurance as a result of this experience.”
Follow-up questions:
Q: How do you think your life would be different if you had made a different choice?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“If I had stayed in my hometown, I probably would have found a job there. My life would be more comfortable, but I might have missed out on some good career opportunities. I think I would have regretted not taking the chance to try something new.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Had I opted to remain in my hometown, I believe my life trajectory would have been markedly different. While I would have likely secured employment locally, I suspect my career progression might have been somewhat limited. Moreover, I might have grappled with a sense of unfulfilled potential, wondering about the opportunities I had foregone. That said, I would have undoubtedly enjoyed greater comfort and stability in familiar surroundings. However, I’m inclined to believe that the personal growth and professional strides I’ve made as a result of my decision have been invaluable.”
Q: Do you think it’s important for young people to make their own decisions?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think it’s important for young people to make their own decisions. It helps them learn from their mistakes and become more responsible. However, they should also listen to advice from older people who have more experience.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I firmly believe that it’s crucial for young people to exercise their decision-making faculties. This process is instrumental in developing critical thinking skills, fostering independence, and building resilience. By making their own choices and experiencing the consequences, both positive and negative, young individuals can cultivate a sense of responsibility and learn valuable life lessons. However, it’s equally important to strike a balance between autonomy and seeking guidance. Young people should be encouraged to make informed decisions by considering input from more experienced individuals, while ultimately taking ownership of their choices.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to decision-making. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: How do you think technology has affected the way people make decisions?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Technology has made it easier for people to get information quickly. We can use the internet to research and compare options before making a decision. However, sometimes too much information can make it harder to decide. Social media can also influence our decisions by showing us what other people are doing.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Technology has undeniably revolutionized the decision-making process in various ways. On one hand, it has exponentially increased our access to information, enabling us to make more informed choices. We can now effortlessly gather data, compare options, and even use sophisticated algorithms to analyze complex scenarios. This wealth of information can lead to more rational and data-driven decisions.
However, the abundance of information can also be a double-edged sword. It can lead to analysis paralysis, where the sheer volume of data makes it challenging to reach a conclusion. Moreover, social media and online platforms have introduced new factors into our decision-making processes. We’re now more susceptible to peer influence and social proof, sometimes prioritizing popular opinions over personal judgment.
Another significant impact is the speed at which we’re now expected to make decisions. The fast-paced digital world often demands quick responses, which can sometimes compromise the quality of our choices. It’s crucial to find a balance between leveraging technology for better decision-making and maintaining our ability to think critically and independently.”
Q: Do you think people make better decisions as they get older? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“In general, I think people make better decisions as they get older because they have more experience. They’ve seen the results of their past choices and learned from them. However, some older people might become set in their ways and not want to try new things, which can limit their decisions.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The relationship between age and decision-making quality is multifaceted and not always straightforward. On one hand, as people age, they accumulate a wealth of experiences which can inform their choices. This experiential knowledge often leads to more nuanced and pragmatic decision-making. Older individuals have likely encountered a wider range of situations and outcomes, allowing them to better anticipate consequences and evaluate risks.
Moreover, research in neuroscience suggests that as we age, we tend to become more emotionally stable and less impulsive, which can contribute to more measured decision-making. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for complex cognitive behaviors like decision-making, continues to develop well into adulthood.
However, it’s important to note that age doesn’t guarantee better decisions in all cases. Some older individuals may become more risk-averse or resistant to change, potentially limiting their ability to adapt to new situations or consider innovative solutions. Additionally, cognitive decline in later years can impact decision-making abilities.
Ultimately, I believe that while age can bring wisdom and experience that often lead to better decisions, the quality of one’s choices is more closely tied to an individual’s willingness to learn, adapt, and critically evaluate their own thought processes throughout their life.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Deliberate (verb) /dɪˈlɪbəreɪt/ – to think about or discuss something very carefully
Example: “I needed to deliberate for a while before making such an important decision.” -
Pivotal (adjective) /ˈpɪvətl/ – of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else
Example: “Choosing a university was a pivotal moment in my life.” -
Weigh the pros and cons (phrase) – to consider the advantages and disadvantages of something
Example: “Before making any major decision, I always weigh the pros and cons carefully.” -
Ramifications (noun) /ˌræmɪfɪˈkeɪʃnz/ – the consequences of an action or decision, especially when complex or unwelcome
Example: “I had to consider the long-term ramifications of moving to a new country.” -
Dilemma (noun) /dɪˈlemə/ – a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives
Example: “I faced a dilemma when I had to choose between two job offers in different cities.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing difficult personal decisions:
- Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
- Provide specific examples and personal experiences to support your points.
- Show your ability to analyze and reflect on your decisions and their consequences.
- Practice discussing various types of decisions to be prepared for any question.
- Focus on fluency and coherence by organizing your thoughts logically and speaking confidently.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about the content of your answers, but how you express yourself. Regular practice and exposure to English will help you improve your overall performance.
For more tips on how to excel in the IELTS Speaking test, you might find it helpful to read about how to describe a person who helped you make an important decision or how to describe a person who inspires you to take on new challenges. These topics can provide additional context and vocabulary for discussing decision-making and personal growth.