The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and decision-making. One common topic that candidates may encounter is describing a time when they made a good decision. This subject has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively to achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions related to decision-making. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you usually find it easy or difficult to make decisions?
Candidate (Band 7-8 response): “To be honest, it depends on the situation. For minor decisions, like choosing what to eat or wear, I find it quite easy and can make up my mind quickly. However, when it comes to major life choices, such as selecting a career path or deciding on a significant purchase, I tend to be more cautious and deliberate. I usually weigh the pros and cons carefully before reaching a conclusion in these cases.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you may receive a cue card related to describing a good decision. Here’s an example cue card:
Describe a time when you made a good decision.
You should say:
- What the decision was
- When you made this decision
- Why you made this decision
- And explain why you think it was a good decisionSample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I’d like to talk about a time when I made a good decision regarding my education. A few years ago, I decided to study abroad for a semester during my university years. This decision came about during my second year of college when I was feeling a bit stuck in a rut and wanted to challenge myself.
The main reason I made this decision was to broaden my horizons and gain some international experience. I felt that studying in another country would not only improve my language skills but also give me a new perspective on my field of study.
Looking back, I believe it was an excellent decision for several reasons. Firstly, it really boosted my confidence and independence. Living in a foreign country forced me to step out of my comfort zone and adapt to new situations. Secondly, the experience enhanced my CV, which has been helpful in job interviews. Lastly, I made some great friends from around the world, which has expanded my global network.
Overall, this decision to study abroad had a significant positive impact on both my personal growth and future career prospects.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to share a pivotal moment in my life when I made what I consider to be an exceptionally good decision. During my final year of university, I was faced with the choice between accepting a lucrative job offer from a prestigious multinational corporation or pursuing a less conventional path by joining a small, innovative start-up in the renewable energy sector.
After much deliberation and soul-searching, I ultimately chose to join the start-up. This decision was driven by my passion for environmental sustainability and my desire to make a tangible impact in an emerging field. I was captivated by the potential to contribute to groundbreaking solutions for climate change, even if it meant sacrificing initial financial stability.
In retrospect, this decision has proven to be instrumental in shaping both my career trajectory and personal growth. Firstly, the dynamic and challenging environment of the start-up provided me with invaluable hands-on experience across various aspects of the business, accelerating my professional development far beyond what a traditional corporate role might have offered.
Moreover, the decision aligned perfectly with my core values, allowing me to wake up every day feeling motivated and fulfilled by the work I was doing. This sense of purpose has been profoundly rewarding and has sustained me through the inevitable challenges and setbacks.
Perhaps most significantly, this choice positioned me at the forefront of an industry that has since experienced exponential growth. The skills and expertise I’ve gained have made me a sought-after professional in the renewable energy sector, opening up numerous opportunities that I might never have encountered had I taken the more conventional corporate path.
In essence, this decision to prioritize passion and potential impact over immediate financial gain has yielded dividends far beyond my initial expectations, both in terms of personal satisfaction and career advancement.”
Follow-up Questions
- How do you think people’s decision-making skills change as they get older?
- What factors do you think influence people’s decision-making processes?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I believe that as people get older, their decision-making skills generally improve. This is because they have more life experiences to draw from and can better anticipate consequences. Factors that influence decision-making might include a person’s background, education, and current circumstances.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d say that decision-making skills typically evolve with age, often becoming more nuanced and sophisticated. As individuals accumulate life experiences, they tend to develop a more comprehensive understanding of cause-and-effect relationships, which can lead to more informed and judicious choices. Additionally, older individuals may be less swayed by peer pressure or immediate gratification, focusing instead on long-term outcomes.
Regarding factors influencing decision-making, I believe it’s a complex interplay of various elements. Personal values and beliefs form the foundation, often shaped by cultural background and upbringing. Cognitive factors such as analytical skills and emotional intelligence play crucial roles. External circumstances, including time constraints and available information, can significantly impact the process. Moreover, past experiences, both positive and negative, tend to shape one’s risk tolerance and approach to decision-making.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to decision-making. Here are some example questions with suggested answers:
Examiner: How do you think technology has affected people’s ability to make decisions?
Candidate (Band 7-8 response): “Technology has had a profound impact on decision-making in both positive and negative ways. On the positive side, we now have access to vast amounts of information at our fingertips, which can help us make more informed choices. For instance, when deciding on a major purchase, we can easily compare products, read reviews, and check prices online.
However, this abundance of information can also lead to decision paralysis, where people become overwhelmed by too many options. Additionally, the instant gratification culture fostered by technology might encourage impulsive decision-making rather than careful consideration.
Another aspect to consider is the rise of algorithm-based decision support systems. While these can be incredibly helpful in processing large amounts of data, there’s a risk of over-reliance on these systems, potentially atrophying our own decision-making skills over time.
Overall, I believe technology has the potential to enhance our decision-making capabilities, but it’s crucial that we use it as a tool to support, rather than replace, our critical thinking skills.”
Examiner: Do you think it’s important for governments to involve citizens in major decision-making processes? Why or why not?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “I firmly believe that citizen involvement in significant governmental decision-making processes is not just important, but essential for a thriving democracy. There are several compelling reasons for this stance.
Firstly, involving citizens ensures that decisions are more representative of the populace’s needs and desires. This bottom-up approach can lead to policies that are more attuned to the realities on the ground, rather than being disconnected from the everyday experiences of citizens.
Secondly, public participation fosters a sense of ownership and engagement in the political process. When people feel their voices are heard and valued, it can significantly boost civic engagement and strengthen the social contract between the government and its citizens.
Moreover, citizen involvement can bring diverse perspectives and expertise to the table that might not be present within governmental circles. This diversity of thought can lead to more innovative and comprehensive solutions to complex societal issues.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that involving citizens in decision-making processes comes with challenges. It can be time-consuming, potentially slowing down urgent policy-making. There’s also the risk of vocal minorities overshadowing the broader public interest.
To mitigate these challenges, governments need to implement well-structured participatory mechanisms. This could involve a combination of traditional methods like public consultations and more innovative approaches such as citizens’ assemblies or digital participation platforms.
In conclusion, while it may present some logistical challenges, I believe the benefits of citizen involvement in major decision-making processes far outweigh the drawbacks. It’s a key component of a robust, responsive, and truly representative democratic system.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Weigh the pros and cons (phrasal verb) – /weɪ ðə prəʊz ænd kɒnz/ – To consider the advantages and disadvantages of something
Example: “Before making any major decision, I always weigh the pros and cons carefully.” -
Soul-searching (noun) – /səʊl ˈsɜːtʃɪŋ/ – Deep and careful consideration of one’s emotions and motives
Example: “After much soul-searching, I decided to change my career path.” -
Instrumental (adjective) – /ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/ – Serving as a crucial means, agent, or tool
Example: “Her advice was instrumental in helping me make the right choice.” -
Align with (phrasal verb) – /əˈlaɪn wɪð/ – To match or agree with something
Example: “I chose a job that aligned with my personal values and career goals.” -
Yield dividends (idiom) – /jiːld ˈdɪvɪdendz/ – To produce beneficial results
Example: “My decision to invest in further education has yielded dividends in terms of career opportunities.” -
Atrophy (verb) – /ˈætrəfi/ – To waste away or deteriorate through disuse
Example: “We must be cautious not to let our critical thinking skills atrophy in the age of artificial intelligence.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a time you made a good decision:
- Structure your answer: Use clear organization in Part 2, addressing all points on the cue card.
- Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases relevant to decision-making and its outcomes.
- Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, analyze issues from multiple perspectives and provide well-reasoned opinions.
- Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on various topics to improve your ability to speak at length without unnatural pauses.
- Show personality: Share genuine experiences and opinions to engage the examiner and showcase your English skills naturally.
Remember, regular practice with a variety of topics and question types is key to improving your performance in the IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!
For more IELTS Speaking practice, you might find it helpful to explore topics such as describing a time when you traveled with a group of people or describing a person who is a great role model for others. These topics can help you develop a broader range of vocabulary and improve your ability to discuss various life experiences.