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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe An Important Decision You Made: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Sep 19, 2024, 05:55

Overview

When the cue card section starts, the examiner will hand you a card with a topic and give you 1 minute to prepare. It is the 2nd Part of the IELTS Speaking section. You will then speak on the topic for up to two minutes. 
 

It's important to remember that the IELTS Speaking test is a one-on-one interview with a certified IELTS examiner. The total duration of the IELTS speaking section is 11-14 minutes.

 

One such topic is 'Describe An Important Decision You Made.' Valuable items hold significant impact and can be deeply inspiring, often reflecting the thoughtfulness and care of the giver. This page will explore sample answers for this topic to help you prepare effectively.

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe An Important Decision You Made

You should say

  • What was it?
  • When did you make it?
  • What music does he/she like?
  • What was the result?
  • Explain how you felt about it.
Sample Answer 1

Introduction: (Covers- What was it?)

 

  • One of my most crucial decisions was to change career paths and pursue my passion for photography. 
  • It was a daunting choice that I knew would bring fulfilment and purpose to my life.
     

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest: (Covers- When did you make it?)

 

  • After years of working in a corporate environment, I felt unfulfilled and longing for a creative outlet. 
  • Photography had always been my passion, and I decided to turn it into my profession. 
  • Despite the uncertainty and challenges, I was driven by my love for capturing moments and telling stories through my lens.
     

Key Highlights: (Covers- What was the result?)

 

  • The decision to pursue photography opened up a whole new world of opportunities for me. 
  • I enrolled in photography courses, invested in quality equipment, and built my portfolio. 
  • Each photoshoot and project allowed me to refine my skills and connect with people on a deeper level. 
  • One of the highlights was having my work featured in a local gallery, validating my decision and fueling my passion even further.
     

Conclusion: (covers- What was the result?)

 

  • Following my passion for photography was a defining moment in my life. 
  • It has brought me immense joy, satisfaction, and a sense of purpose that I never experienced in my previous career. 
  • While the journey has been challenging at times, I wouldn't trade it for anything, as it has led me to where I am today.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction: (Covers- What was it?)

 

  • My important decision was to move to a different city for higher education. 
  • It was a significant step that required careful consideration and planning.
     

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest: (Covers- When did you make it?)

 

  • Leaving my hometown and familiar surroundings was daunting, but I was eager to pursue my academic and personal growth. 
  • I chose a university renowned for its programs and opportunities that aligned with my career aspirations.

 

Key Highlights: (Covers- What was the result?)

 

  • The decision to move brought numerous challenges, from adjusting to a new environment to managing finances independently. 
  • However, the experience enriched my life unexpectedly, allowing me to develop resilience, adaptability, and a broader perspective.

 

Conclusion: (covers- What was the result?)

 

  • In retrospect, pursuing higher education in a new city was a pivotal moment that shaped my journey. 
  • It taught me valuable life lessons, expanded my horizons, and paved the way for future opportunities and successes.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction: (Covers- What was it?)

 

  • An important decision I made was to start my own business. 
  • It was a significant step that required courage, determination, and careful planning.
     

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest: (Covers- When did you make it?)

 

  • After years of working in the corporate sector, I strongly desired to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. 
  • I was passionate about a particular niche market and saw an opportunity to fill a gap with my innovative ideas.
     

Key Highlights: (Covers- What was the result?)

 

  • Starting a business was no easy feat. I faced numerous challenges, from securing funding to building a team and establishing a brand. 
  • However, each obstacle was a learning opportunity and fueled my determination to succeed. 
  • One of the key highlights was witnessing the growth and success of my business, as it surpassed my initial expectations and gained recognition in the industry.
     

Conclusion: (covers- What was the result?)

 

  • The decision to start my own business was a defining moment. 
  • It required courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication, but the rewards have been immensely fulfilling. 
  • The experience has taught me valuable lessons, empowered me to pursue my passions, and provided a platform for personal and professional growth.

When the cue card section starts, the examiner will provide you with a cue card containing a topic, such as 'Describe An Important Decision You Made.' You will have one minute to prepare your response. During this time, the examiner observes your preparation process. Then, you will speak on the topic for up to two minutes.

 

The best answer to these cue cards is to break down your response into small pieces: Introduction, describing your experience/opinion/interest, key highlights, and conclusion. This structure helps you organise your thoughts coherently and ensures you cover all aspects of the topic within the given time frame.

 

Introduction:

 

  • Briefly introduce the important decision you will be discussing.
  • Mention why this decision was significant or why it stands out to you.

   

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest:

 

  • Share details about the circumstances surrounding the decision.
  • Explain your thought process, considerations, and any challenges you faced.
  • Discuss your feelings, opinions, or interests related to the decision.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • Highlight key factors that influenced your decision-making process.
  • Discuss the outcomes or consequences of the decision.
  • Provide examples or anecdotes to illustrate the significance of the decision.


 

Conclusion:

 

  •  Summarise the importance of the decision and its impact on your life.
  •  Reflect on any lessons learned or insights gained from the experience.
  •  Express any thoughts or feelings about the decision in hindsight.
     

Also read: IELTS Speaking Questions with Answers 2024 

 

Pace Up Your IELTS Preparation With Our Expert Masterclass!

Follow-Up Questions

After discussing your important decision, the examiner may ask follow-up questions to explore the topic and your opinions further. This part of the test assesses your ability to elaborate on your ideas, provide additional details, and engage in a conversation.

Q1. How did you feel after making this important decision?

Answer 1: After making the decision, I felt a mix of emotions—relief, excitement, and a bit of apprehension. However, I was confident in my choice and eager to see how it would unfold.

 

Answer 2: Initially, I felt anxious and uncertain about the outcome. However, as time passed and I saw the positive impact of my decision, I became more assured and satisfied with my choice.

Q2. What factors influenced your decision-making process?

Answer 1: Several factors influenced my decision, including my personal values, long-term goals, and potential outcomes. I also considered the advice of trusted friends and family members, as well as my past experiences.

 

Answer 2: The main factors influencing my decision were the financial implications, potential risks, and alignment with my values and aspirations. Additionally, I considered market trends and expert opinions to make an informed choice.

Q3. Did you face any challenges or obstacles while making this decision?

Answer 1: Yes, I encountered several challenges, such as uncertainty about the future, fear of failure, and external pressure from peers or colleagues. However, I viewed these challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.

 

Answer 2: Making the decision was not easy, and I faced challenges such as conflicting priorities, limited resources, and doubts about the feasibility of my plan. However, I remained resilient and focused on finding solutions to overcome these obstacles.

Q4. How do you think this decision has impacted your life or career?

Answer 1: This decision has significantly impacted my life and career. It has opened up new opportunities, expanded my horizons, and allowed me to grow personally and professionally.

 

Answer 2: The decision has positively influenced my life and career trajectory by providing me with valuable experiences, enhancing my skills, and leading to greater fulfilment and satisfaction in my endeavours.

FAQs

Q. Are speaking tests for Academic and General the same?

Ans. No, the speaking tests for the IELTS's Academic and General Training are not the same. Both versions differ slightly. While both tests assess your ability to communicate effectively in English, the topics and tasks may vary. Academic candidates may encounter more formal or academic-oriented topics, while General Training candidates may encounter topics related to everyday situations.

Q. How do I frame my answer in 1 minute?

Ans. To frame your answer in 1 minute, quickly analyse the cue card topic and identify key points you want to discuss. Organise your thoughts into an introduction, main points, and conclusion. Use bullet points or keywords to outline your response, and practice speaking fluently and confidently within the time limit.

Q. What is the marking scheme for the IELTS speaking test?

Ans. The IELTS speaking test is marked based on four criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Examiners assess your ability to speak at a natural pace with logical progression of ideas, use a wide range of vocabulary appropriately, demonstrate grammatical accuracy, and pronounce words clearly and intelligibly.

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