Describe A Difficult Decision That You Made And Had A Good Result: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What was the decision?
When did you make the decision?
How long did it take you to make the decision?
Explain why it was a difficult decision to make.

77 unique answers with expert feedback

What challenges did you face during your career transition?

During my transition, I faced several challenges, including self-doubt and the fear of starting over. I had to learn new technical skills quickly and adapt to a different work culture. Additionally, there was pressure from peers who were pursuing traditional paths like an MBA, which made me question my decision.

How did you prepare for the new role in the technical domain?

I prepared by taking online courses in analytics and programming languages relevant to my new role. I also sought mentorship from professionals in the field and attended workshops to enhance my skills. Networking with others in the technical domain helped me gain insights and confidence.

What skills did you find most valuable in your new position?

The most valuable skills were my analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, my previous experience in project management helped me lead teams effectively. Communication skills were crucial for collaborating with technical teams and ensuring project success.

Band >7

00:00

The decision was about what will I choose for my future. The options were either taking up a job or plan to study for my masters. But even then there was a choice to choose which country I will be going to. It took me a long time to research and come to a conclusion. Earlier I made the choice to go for a masters and then I had to decide which country to choose. It took around 3-4 months to come to a conclusion which country to choose then which university to choose. Right now I have decided that Australia might be the best to go ahead with. After choosing that I am at a mental peace because deciding what to do in future is a very big decision. It will impact how I live my life for the upcoming years. I feel it is very necessary for me to do a detailed research and then make the decision. So that is why it took me that much time to come to that conclusion.

Follow up questions

What factors influenced your decision to study in Australia?

I considered several factors such as the quality of education, the reputation of universities, and the lifestyle in Australia. Additionally, I looked into the availability of courses that align with my career goals and the opportunities for international students.

How did you feel during the decision-making process?

I experienced a mix of excitement and anxiety. It was a significant choice that would shape my future, so I felt the pressure to make the right decision. However, as I conducted my research and narrowed down my options, I gained more confidence in my choice.

What advice would you give to someone facing a similar decision?

I would advise them to take their time and do thorough research. It's important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and consider how each choice aligns with their long-term goals. Seeking advice from mentors or peers can also provide valuable insights.

Band >7

00:00

One of the most difficult decisions I made was switching my career focus from traditional engineering to AI and machine learning in IOT. This happened about a year ago when I realized that AI is transforming industries and I wanted to be a part of that change. However, it was a tough decision because I had no prior experience in AI or ML and I knew it would require a lot of effort to learn new skills and transition into a different field. I spent several months researching, taking online courses, and working on projects to gain hands-on experience. There were moments of doubt because I wasn't sure if I could succeed in a completely new domain. However, I stayed persistent and eventually I started working on real-world AI or ML projects related to IOT security and optimization. The result was incredibly rewarding. Not only did I gain valuable knowledge, but I also got the opportunity to contribute to innovating solutions in AI and IOT. Looking back, I am glad I took the risk because it opened up better career opportunities and allowed me to work on something I truly passionate about.

Follow up questions

What specific challenges did you face during your transition to AI and machine learning?

During my transition, I faced challenges like understanding complex algorithms, finding the right resources, and managing my time effectively between learning and working on projects. It was overwhelming at times, but I tackled these challenges by breaking down my learning into manageable tasks.

How did you stay motivated while learning new skills in AI and machine learning?

I stayed motivated by setting clear goals for myself and celebrating small achievements along the way. I also connected with online communities and forums where I could share my progress and learn from others, which kept my enthusiasm high.

What advice would you give to someone considering a similar career change?

I would advise them to thoroughly research the field they are interested in and to start learning as soon as possible. It's important to be persistent and not to fear failure. Networking with professionals in the field can also provide valuable insights and opportunities.

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Band 7

00:00

The challenging decision that I made was to hit the gym. To be honest, I have been trying to make this possible for quite some time. Initially, I planned it months back, but I finally was able to accomplish this task few weeks back. To list out the reasons for not doing this earlier, Firstly, I would say was poor balance between work and allocating time for gym. Secondly, it was my laziness that delayed this task. Finally, I made up my mind and headed straight to the gym, enrolled myself and started working out. To talk about the experience, it was indeed rewarding. I sensed a level of self-accomplishment because I was able to do this for myself. It not only helped me get better physically but also mentally. I started practicing mindful eating, managed my sleep schedule and finally gained confidence in me. In conclusion, this has also helped me gain the sense of feeling that I can do this.

Follow up questions

What motivated you to finally make the decision to hit the gym?

I realized that my health was deteriorating, and I wanted to feel more energetic and confident. Seeing friends who were fit also inspired me to take action and prioritize my well-being.

How did you manage to balance work and gym time effectively?

I started scheduling my workouts like appointments, setting specific times during the week. I also learned to prioritize my tasks and sometimes even worked out early in the morning to ensure I had time.

What changes have you noticed in your life since you started going to the gym?

I've noticed significant improvements in my physical health, such as increased energy levels and better sleep. Mentally, I feel more focused and confident, and I've developed healthier eating habits that contribute to my overall well-being.

Band 7

00:00

In 2023, when I was working in a horticultural company, it was probably a dream job. But before joining that position, I wanted to study master's on food science. So the master's that I wanted to study was completely different from what I was working on. So it was a pretty difficult decision because I wanted a personal growth, and I also wanted to get more exposure. However, my sister helped me to make that decision, to stand with that decision. Because one day she told me that even though this is a dream job, you don't want to be in the same place stuck for your whole life or maybe the 10-20 years. So I think it is the best age that you should go out and explore more things. Maybe you will find more things. Maybe you will find another dream job. So I think from that day onwards, I thought that, okay, whatever decision I make, I don't know if it's going to be wrong or right. But if I stick to it and make it work, it will probably turn out to be a good decision. And I went ahead and got my degree on food science. And I think it was one of the best things I did for my personal development, for my career, because now I have expertise in both food and agriculture. So if I see the market right now, it's really vulnerable. So if I have experience in both these degrees, I probably will find a job.

Follow up questions

What factors did you consider when making your decision?

I considered my long-term career goals, personal growth, and the potential opportunities that a master's in food science could provide. I also thought about the risks of staying in a comfortable job versus the benefits of pursuing my passion for food science.

How did your sister's advice influence your decision?

My sister's advice was crucial. She reminded me that personal growth is important and that staying in one place for too long could limit my potential. Her encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue my master's degree and explore new opportunities.

What challenges did you face while pursuing your master's degree?

I faced several challenges, including balancing my studies with part-time work, adapting to a new academic environment, and managing the financial aspects of further education. However, these challenges ultimately contributed to my personal and professional growth.

Show all 77 answers

Cue 1:What was the decision?

Clearly state the decision you made, providing context about the situation.
Mention the potential outcomes of the decision to highlight its significance.

Example

The difficult decision I made was to leave my stable job in a multinational company to pursue my passion for photography. I had been working there for over three years, and while it provided financial security, I felt unfulfilled.

Cue 2:When did you make the decision?

Specify the time frame when you made this decision, such as a particular month or year.
Share any relevant events that led up to this decision to give it more context.

Example

I made this decision in early 2022, after attending a photography workshop that reignited my passion. The workshop made me realize that I wanted to turn my hobby into a career.

Cue 3:How long did it take you to make the decision?

Discuss the duration it took you to arrive at this decision, emphasizing any internal conflict.
Mention any discussions you had with friends or family that influenced your decision-making process.

Example

It took me about two months to make this decision. I spent countless nights weighing the pros and cons, and I also spoke to my family and friends, who encouraged me to follow my dreams.

Cue 4:Explain why it was a difficult decision to make.

Describe the fears or concerns you had about making this decision.
Explain how the fear of failure or uncertainty contributed to the difficulty of the decision.

Example

This was a difficult decision because I was afraid of financial instability and the fear of failing in a competitive field. Leaving a secure job felt risky, and I worried about what others would think of my choice.

Conclusion

Example

In the end, I took the leap and started my own photography business. It was challenging at first, but I am now thriving and feel more fulfilled than ever. This decision taught me the importance of following my passion and believing in myself.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Vague Responses

Providing vague or unclear answers can make it difficult for the examiner to understand your experience. Specific details help create a clearer picture of your decision-making process.

Tip

Use specific examples and details when describing your decision to make your response more engaging and informative.

2: Rushing Through the Explanation

Rushing through your explanation can lead to missing important points. It may also make your answer sound unstructured and less convincing.

Tip

Take your time to explain each cue clearly, ensuring you cover all aspects of the decision-making process.

Neglecting Emotional Impact

Ignoring the emotional aspects of your decision can make your response less relatable. Emotions often play a significant role in difficult decisions.

Tip

Include how you felt during the decision-making process to add depth and connect with the examiner.

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