How to Answer “Describe a Time When You Were Impacted by a Decision” in IELTS Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English in a range of situations. This task is particularly common and requires you to narrate your experiences and express your thoughts clearly and fluently. Examiners evaluate several factors, including fluency, coherence, lexical resources, grammatical range, and pronunciation. This guide will provide comprehensive advice on how to tackle the question “Describe a time when you were impacted by a decision” and help you to achieve a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the Examiner asks general questions about yourself, such as your background, studies, work, and interests. Here are some familiar questions you might encounter and a sample answer for one of them.

Common Questions

1. What do you do in your free time?
2. Do you enjoy your current job or studies?
3. Have you ever traveled to another country?
4. Can you describe a recent decision you made and its impact on you?

Sample Answer

“I recently decided to start a fitness routine to improve my health and overall well-being. This decision has significantly impacted my life as it has made me more disciplined and energetic throughout the day. Additionally, I’ve noticed an improvement in my mental health and stress levels.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Your cue card may look like this:

Describe a time when you were impacted by a decision. You should say:

• What the decision was
• Who made that decision
• How it affected you
• And explain how you felt about it

Sample Answer

“A pivotal decision that has profoundly impacted my life was one made by my parents when they decided to move to a new country for better opportunities. This decision was made about ten years ago when I was an adolescent. Initially, I felt apprehensive and anxious about the change because it meant leaving my friends and familiar surroundings behind.

family relocation

The move turned out to be a challenge at first; adapting to a new culture, language, and education system was daunting. However, this decision ultimately broadened my horizons. It exposed me to diverse cultures, improved my language skills, and expanded my educational and professional possibilities. I felt a mixture of emotions throughout this process—confusion, curiosity, and eventually, gratitude. In retrospect, I am incredibly thankful for this decision as it has positively shaped my personal and professional life.”

Follow-Up Questions

1. How did your relationship with your parents change following their decision?

   • “Our relationship grew stronger as we faced the challenges of a new environment together. Their decision made me appreciate their foresight and courage.”

2. Would you have made the same decision if you were in their place?

   • “Yes, I believe I would. Despite the initial hurdles, the long-term benefits of the move have been substantial.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner Questions and Sample Answers

1. How do personal decisions, like moving to a new country, affect an individual’s future?

   • “Personal decisions can have far-reaching impacts on an individual’s future. They can open up new opportunities, enhance personal growth, and broaden one’s global perspective. For instance, moving to a new country can help an individual acquire new skills and cultural awareness.”

2. Do you think people often regret the decisions they make? Why or why not?

   • “People sometimes regret their decisions due to unforeseen consequences. However, regrets can also stem from a lack of adequate planning or not considering all possible outcomes. On the other hand, some decisions, despite their challenges, lead to personal growth and unforeseen positive results.”

3. How important is it to seek advice before making a significant decision?

   • “Seeking advice is crucial as it offers different perspectives and insights that one might not have considered. It also helps in evaluating the pros and cons more objectively, leading to more informed decision-making.”

Vocabulary and Phrases to Boost Your Score

Important Vocabulary and Examples

1. Pivotal (adj) /ˈpɪvətl/: Of crucial importance.

   • “The decision proved to be pivotal in my career.”

2. Broaden one’s horizons (idiom): To expand one’s range of interests, activities, and knowledge.

   • “Studying abroad helped me to broaden my horizons.”

3. Foreseeable (adj) /fɔːˈsiːəbl/: Able to be predicted.

   • “The benefits were not foreseeable at the time.”

4. In retrospect (phrase): When looking back on a past event.

   • “In retrospect, the decision was a wise one.”

Examiner’s Advice for Achieving a High Score

1. Practice Regularly: Regular practice helps improve fluency and confidence. Use tools like language exchange apps or speaking clubs.
2. Seek Feedback: Get feedback on your speaking performance from teachers or native speakers.
3. Enhance Vocabulary: Learn and use a variety of vocabulary relevant to different topics.
4. Record Yourself: Recording and listening to your responses can help identify areas needing improvement.
5. Stay Calm: Being composed during the test ensures better performance. Practice mindfulness techniques if needed.

By following these suggestions and integrating useful vocabulary and phrases, you can effectively prepare for the IELTS Speaking test and aim for a high band score.