Taking risks is an integral part of life, and being able to articulate such experiences effectively can significantly boost your IELTS Speaking score. This guide will provide you with expert tips, sample answers, and valuable insights on how to describe a time you had to take a risk in your IELTS Speaking test.
Understanding the Topic
The topic of risk-taking is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate personal experiences, express opinions, and discuss abstract concepts. This theme often appears in Part 2 (Long Turn) and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion) of the Speaking test.
IELTS Speaking Test Room
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
While Part 1 typically focuses on familiar topics, the examiner might ask questions related to risk-taking to ease you into the subject. Here’s a possible question with a sample answer:
Examiner: “Do you consider yourself a risk-taker?”
Sample answer: “Well, I wouldn’t say I’m an extreme risk-taker, but I do believe in stepping out of my comfort zone occasionally. For instance, last year, I took the plunge and started my own small online business, which was quite a risk given the uncertain economic climate. It’s been a rewarding experience so far, teaching me a lot about resilience and adaptability.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to risk-taking:
Describe a time when you had to take a risk.
You should say:
- What the risk was
- Why you decided to take it
- What the result was
- And explain how you felt about taking this risk
Sample answer:
“I’d like to talk about a time when I took a calculated risk in my professional life. A few years ago, I was working in a stable job at a well-established company, but I felt that my career had plateaued. An opportunity arose to join a promising startup in a leadership role, which would require me to leave my secure position.
The risk lay in the uncertainty of the startup world. There was no guarantee of success, and I would be sacrificing job security for potential growth. However, I decided to take the plunge because I felt stagnant in my current role and was craving new challenges.
After careful consideration and discussions with my family, I decided to embrace the opportunity. I reasoned that even if the startup didn’t succeed, the experience and skills I would gain would be invaluable for my future career.
The result was surprisingly positive. The startup thrived, and within two years, we had secured significant funding and expanded our team tenfold. My role grew along with the company, and I found myself in a position with far more responsibility and learning opportunities than I had in my previous job.
Looking back, I feel a sense of pride and accomplishment for taking this risk. It was undoubtedly nerve-wracking at the time, and there were moments of doubt. However, the experience taught me the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and seizing opportunities when they arise. It reinforced my belief that calculated risks can lead to substantial personal and professional growth.”
Possible follow-up questions:
- Did you consult anyone before taking this risk?
- Would you encourage others to take similar risks in their careers?
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Do you think people become more or less willing to take risks as they get older?”
Sample answer: “That’s an intriguing question. I believe it varies from person to person, but generally, I think people tend to become more risk-averse as they age. This could be attributed to several factors. Firstly, as people accumulate responsibilities such as family commitments or financial obligations, they may be less inclined to jeopardize their stability. Additionally, with age comes experience, which might make individuals more aware of potential pitfalls and thus more cautious.
However, it’s important to note that this isn’t a universal trend. Some people might become more confident in taking calculated risks as they age, having built up resources and experience to mitigate potential negative outcomes. Moreover, the type of risks people are willing to take might shift. For instance, an older person might be less likely to engage in physical risks but more open to financial or career-related risks.
Ultimately, I believe it’s less about age and more about an individual’s life circumstances, personality, and past experiences with risk-taking that determine their willingness to take risks later in life.”
Examiner: “In what ways can taking risks be beneficial for society?”
Sample answer: “Taking risks can be tremendously beneficial for society in various ways. Firstly, risk-taking is often the catalyst for innovation. Many groundbreaking inventions and scientific discoveries came about because someone was willing to challenge the status quo and take a chance on a new idea. Without risk-takers, we might not have technologies like the internet or life-saving medical treatments.
Secondly, risk-taking can drive economic growth. Entrepreneurs who take risks to start new businesses create jobs and stimulate economic activity. This entrepreneurial spirit is crucial for a dynamic and prosperous economy.
Moreover, on a societal level, taking risks can lead to positive social change. Many important social movements and reforms throughout history were initiated by individuals or groups willing to risk their safety or reputation for a greater cause. This kind of courageous risk-taking has been instrumental in advancing human rights and democracy.
Lastly, a society that encourages calculated risk-taking tends to be more resilient and adaptable. When people are accustomed to taking risks, they’re often better equipped to handle unexpected challenges and crises.
Of course, it’s important to note that not all risks are beneficial, and reckless risk-taking can be harmful. The key is to foster an environment that encourages thoughtful, calculated risks that have the potential to benefit society as a whole.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Calculated risk [ˈkælkjʊleɪtɪd rɪsk] (noun phrase): A risk that has been carefully considered, with the potential benefits outweighing the potential costs.
Example: “Starting my own business was a calculated risk, not a reckless gamble.”Step out of one’s comfort zone [step aʊt əv wʌnz ˈkʌmfət zəʊn] (idiom): To do something that you are not comfortable with in order to grow or improve.
Example: “Learning to public speak required me to step out of my comfort zone.”Take the plunge [teɪk ðə plʌndʒ] (idiom): To commit to a course of action, especially after hesitation.
Example: “After months of deliberation, I finally took the plunge and applied for the job abroad.”Weigh the pros and cons [weɪ ðə prəʊz ænd kɒnz] (phrase): To consider the advantages and disadvantages of something before making a decision.
Example: “Before accepting the offer, I carefully weighed the pros and cons of relocating.”Risk-averse [rɪsk əˈvɜːs] (adjective): Unwilling to take risks or wanting to avoid risks as much as possible.
Example: “My parents are quite risk-averse when it comes to financial investments.”
Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner
Practice narrating personal experiences: Regularly practice telling stories about times you’ve taken risks. This will help you become more fluent and confident when discussing such experiences in the test.
Develop your vocabulary: Learn and use a variety of words and phrases related to risk-taking. This will help you express your ideas more precisely and impressively.
Structure your answers: In Part 2, use the cue card points to structure your answer. This ensures you cover all aspects and maintain a logical flow.
Provide examples and reasons: Always support your opinions with examples or reasons, especially in Part 3. This demonstrates your ability to think critically and express complex ideas.
Stay relevant: While it’s good to elaborate, make sure your answers remain relevant to the question asked. Straying off-topic can negatively impact your score.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss risk-taking experiences in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to demonstrate your English language skills while expressing your thoughts clearly and confidently.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking performance, you might find it helpful to read about how to describe a person who is good at making decisions in IELTS Speaking or how to describe a time you had to make a decision under pressure in IELTS Speaking. These topics are closely related to risk-taking and can provide additional valuable insights for your test preparation.