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Updated on Sep 11, 2024, 08:33
The IELTS Speaking topic "Describe a Difficult Decision That You Once Made" asks you to reflect on a challenging choice you had to make, focusing on the situation, the options you considered, and the reasons behind your final decision. When addressing this topic, consider describing the context of the decision, the factors that made it difficult, and how you felt about the outcome.
Practising this topic can enhance your IELTS Speaking skills by encouraging you to articulate complex thought processes, express emotions, and discuss the impact of your decisions. This exercise helps improve your ability to narrate personal experiences with clarity and detail while also expanding your vocabulary related to decision-making and problem-solving.
Introduction (Covers: What was the decision?/ When did you make the decision?)
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How long did it take you to make the decision?)
Key Highlights (Covers: And explain why it was a difficult decision to make.)
Conclusion:
Introduction (Covers: What was the decision?/ When did you make the decision?)
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How long did it take you to make the decision?)
Key Highlights (Covers: And explain why it was a difficult decision to make.)
Conclusion:
Introduction (Covers: What was the decision?/ When did you make the decision?)
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How long did it take you to make the decision?)
Key Highlights (Covers: And explain why it was a difficult decision to make.)
Conclusion:
Also Read: Best IELTS Cue Cards for 7+ Band Score
When the cue card section begins, the examiner will hand you a card with a topic and some prompts. You will have one minute to prepare your response and can make notes.
This structure helps you stay organised and covers all topic aspects clearly and logically.
Introduction (Covers: What was the decision?/ When did you make the decision?)
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How long did it take you to make the decision?)
Key Highlights (Covers: And explain why it was a difficult decision to make.)
Conclusion:
In the IELTS Speaking test, Part 3 follows the cue card round with a two-way discussion. Here, the examiner asks follow-up questions that delve deeper into the topic introduced in the cue card.
This section evaluates your ability to elaborate on ideas, offer explanations, and engage in a more spontaneous and detailed conversation. The questions posed by the examiner cover a range of topics, from personal opinions to broader perspectives related to the cue card topic, allowing you to demonstrate your ability to discuss and analyse various aspects effectively.
Answer 1: This decision was difficult because it involved choosing between two equally important options, each with significant consequences. I had to weigh the potential risks and benefits carefully, and the uncertainty about the outcome made it even more challenging. The emotional impact of the decision also added to its difficulty, as it affected both my future and the people around me.
Answer 2: The decision was tough because it required me to step out of my comfort zone and take a risk. I had to choose between staying in a stable situation or pursuing an uncertain but potentially rewarding new opportunity. The fear of making the wrong choice and facing regret made the decision particularly hard to make.
Answer 1: Before making the decision, I considered several factors, including the long-term impact on my career, personal growth, and overall well-being. I also thought about how my choice would affect my relationships with others and whether I could handle the potential challenges that might arise. Additionally, I sought advice from trusted friends and family to gain different perspectives.
Answer 2: I took into account both the practical and emotional aspects of the decision. I evaluated the pros and cons of each option, considering factors such as financial stability, personal happiness, and alignment with my long-term goals. I also reflected on my values and priorities, trying to determine which choice would bring me closer to the life I envisioned for myself.
Answer 1: After making the decision, I felt a mix of relief and anxiety. I was relieved to have finally made a choice, but I was also nervous about what the future would hold. Over time, I gained more confidence in my decision and started to feel more positive about the direction I had taken, especially as I began to see the benefits of my choice.
Answer 2: Initially, I felt uncertain and second-guessed myself, wondering if I had made the right choice. However, as time passed and I started to see the outcomes of my decision, I felt more reassured and satisfied with my choice. The experience taught me the importance of trusting my instincts and being patient with the results.
Answer 1: I learned that making difficult decisions often involves embracing uncertainty and trusting oneself. The experience taught me the importance of thoroughly evaluating all options and considering short-term and long-term consequences. I also realised that it’s okay to seek advice from others, but ultimately, the decision must align with my values and goals.
Answer 2: From this experience, I learned the value of resilience and staying true to my principles. Even difficult decisions can lead to personal growth and unexpected opportunities. The process also helped me develop better decision-making skills, such as being more analytical and less afraid to take calculated risks.
Ans. Fluency refers to your ability to speak smoothly, without unnecessary pauses or repetition, while coherence relates to your ideas' logical flow and organisation. Together, they assess how effectively you can communicate your thoughts. Good fluency and coherence make your speech easier to understand and more engaging.
Ans. Lexical resources evaluate your range of vocabulary and how effectively you use it. This includes using various words and phrases, appropriate word choices, and the ability to paraphrase when needed. A strong lexical resource score reflects your ability to express ideas clearly and precisely.
Ans. Practice speaking with correct stress, intonation, and rhythm to improve pronunciation. Listening to native speakers and repeating their words can help you mimic natural speech patterns. Recording yourself and getting feedback from a teacher or native speaker can also be beneficial.
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