Describe A Difficult Decision That You Once Made: 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.

Band 6-7

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/

00:00

Well, I have made many decisions in my life. Here I would like to talk about the difficult decisions which I made. Actually, during the pandemic I used to get bored at home. That's why I made up my mind to learn the painting. Firstly, I watched a lot of videos on YouTube. Luckily, I found a channel which was providing free of cost painting course. Without wasting time, I enrolled in it. During the first fortnight, they told me how to generate primary colors from the secondary ones. After that, they teach me about how to use Posca markers to highlight the main part of the painting. After that, they tell me how to make an oil painting. Actually, it is the most difficult part of the painting. After that, they told me about the water, how to use the watercolors. Then I participated in art and craft competition and I decided to make the picture of a toddler. And I made an oil painting in which I made a picture of a toddler carrying a backpack in which he has a sapling, gives oxygen through this painting. I just wanted to give a message that we should save the planet. Fortunately, judges liked my idea and I was able to second runner up position. And I think it was the decision which I made because making an oil painting is not a cup of tea for me. But I successfully done it.

Follow up questions


What motivated you to start painting during the pandemic?
I was feeling bored and wanted to find a productive way to spend my time. Painting seemed like a creative outlet that could help me express myself and learn something new.

How did you feel when you completed your first oil painting?
I felt a great sense of accomplishment and pride. It was challenging, but seeing my idea come to life and receiving positive feedback from the judges made it all worthwhile.

What lessons did you learn from this experience?
I learned that stepping out of my comfort zone can lead to personal growth. I also realized the importance of perseverance and creativity in overcoming challenges.

Band 6-7

00:00

/

00:00

The difficult decision that I made was choosing engineering that too in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. This was because my parents and myself had many expectations that I would get a good score in my 12th but unexpectedly I just scored only 54 percentage in my mathematics and choosing engineering after such a low mark was very difficult for me and my parents didn't allow because as AI and data science requires like lots and lots of mathematics and statistics experience so they didn't allow me but I was very stubborn that I have to take this because I really wanted to pursue AI since I was in my 11th standard and it really took around six months to convince my parents and but thank God it was a COVID during that six months it was COVID time so I got lots of time also to explore and do many things like in what ways I can improve myself and I think that's the most toughest decision I made but the decision was worth it because I passed out my engineering with first class with distinction and now I'm working in an corporate company called Barrow as an AI developer so I'm really happy that all those hard decisions as well as the hard work paid off to me

Follow up questions


What motivated you to pursue AI despite your low mathematics score?
I have always been fascinated by technology and how AI can solve real-world problems. My interest in AI started in 11th grade, and I was determined to overcome my challenges in mathematics. I believed that with hard work and dedication, I could succeed in this field.

How did you manage to convince your parents over six months?
I had many discussions with my parents, sharing my passion for AI and showing them my commitment to improving my math skills. I also researched successful people in the field and presented them as examples. Gradually, they saw my determination and agreed to support my decision.

What challenges did you face during your engineering studies?
The initial challenge was overcoming my math anxiety and catching up on the concepts I struggled with. Additionally, balancing coursework with self-study during COVID was tough. However, I utilized online resources and sought help from peers, which helped me excel in my studies.

Band 6-7

00:00

/

00:00

So the difficult decision was about my studies, like I have to go to my college place to rent a hostel because of my studies as it was a long distance for me to travel every day. So I made this decision after getting admission as it was a very far distance for me to travel So I took around two months to think about this with my family and I made a decision of taking this difficult situation to move from my home to college to reside. So I made this decision as it was a very difficult situation for me to travel a long distance from my home to my college, so that's why I made this decision.

Follow up questions


What factors did you consider before making your decision?
I considered the impact on my daily routine, the cost of living in a hostel, and how it would affect my family. I also thought about the academic benefits of being closer to college and how it would help me manage my studies better.

How did your family react to your decision?
My family was supportive but also concerned about my well-being. They understood the necessity of the decision for my education, but they worried about me living away from home. We discussed it openly, which helped ease their concerns.

What challenges did you face after moving to the hostel?
After moving, I faced challenges like adjusting to a new environment, making new friends, and managing my time effectively. It was also difficult to cope with homesickness initially, but I gradually adapted and focused on my studies.

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Band 5-6

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00:00

Here I would like to talk about a decision that I that's difficult for me. It's none other than it was choosing my subjects for higher studies. After 10 the major dilemma I faced whether to go for medicine or engineer or choose schooling like commerce or science subjects. But my parents told me you should take science because you score a full mark in your SSLC so science is better goes for you. But I'm very confused what subject to choose because that career depend on my which subjects I choose in my senior secondary and also my future is also depends on that subject. So I'm very tensed and I don't know what to do. That time I asked help for my sir. His name is Anoop. Anoop sir he is my tuition teacher and also one of my favorite teacher in my life. So I called immediately and asked him what to do in my career discussion. He recommended me that you should choose science as your career because you have the capability to study that subject. But my friends even focused me to choose medical field or engineering field but I didn't like professional courses. That's why I few weeks later I made up my mind to take science.

Follow up questions


How did you feel after making your final decision about your subjects?
After making my final decision to choose science, I felt a sense of relief and clarity. It was a weight off my shoulders knowing that I had made a choice that aligned with my interests and capabilities. I was excited to start my studies and explore the subject further.

What factors do you think are important when making a difficult decision?
I believe that several factors are crucial when making a difficult decision, such as personal interests, strengths, and future career prospects. Additionally, seeking advice from trusted mentors or teachers can provide valuable insights and help clarify one's thoughts.

Have you faced any other difficult decisions since then? How did you handle them?
Yes, I have faced other difficult decisions, such as choosing a university and deciding on a major. I handled them by reflecting on my interests, researching options, and discussing with family and friends. This approach helped me make informed choices that felt right for me.

Band <5

00:00

/

00:00

Thank you for watching. Diolch yn fawr iawn am wylio'r fideo. Diolch am wylio'r fideo. Diolch am wylio'r fideo. Diolch am wylio'r fideo. Diolch am wylio'r fideo. Diolch am wylio'r video. Diolch am wylio'r video. Diolch am wylio'r video. Diolch am wylio'r video. Diolch am wylio'r video. Diolch am wylio'r video. Diolch am wylio'r video. Diolch am wylio'r video.

Follow up questions


What factors influenced your decision-making process?
When making a difficult decision, I considered various factors such as potential outcomes, advice from trusted friends, and my own values. Weighing the pros and cons helped me to clarify what was most important to me.

How did you feel after making that decision?
After making the decision, I felt a mix of relief and anxiety. It was a weight off my shoulders, but I also worried about whether I had made the right choice. Over time, I learned to accept my decision and focus on the positives.

What did you learn from that experience?
I learned that making difficult decisions is a part of life and that it's important to trust my instincts. I also realized the value of seeking advice but ultimately making a choice that aligns with my own beliefs and goals.
Show all 7 answers

All Answers

Here are all the answers by real-users practicing speaking for IELTS Cue Cards on our IELTS Prep App.

Band 6-7

So the difficult decision was about my studies, like I have to go to my college place to rent a hostel because of my studies as it was a long distance for me to travel every day. So I made this decision after getting admission as it was a very far distance for me to travel So I took around two months to think about this with my family and I made a decision of taking this difficult situation to move from my home to college to reside. So I made this decision as it was a very difficult situation for me to travel a long distance from my home to my college, so that's why I made this decision.

Band 6-7

The difficult decision that I made was choosing engineering that too in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. This was because my parents and myself had many expectations that I would get a good score in my 12th but unexpectedly I just scored only 54 percentage in my mathematics and choosing engineering after such a low mark was very difficult for me and my parents didn't allow because as AI and data science requires like lots and lots of mathematics and statistics experience so they didn't allow me but I was very stubborn that I have to take this because I really wanted to pursue AI since I was in my 11th standard and it really took around six months to convince my parents and but thank God it was a COVID during that six months it was COVID time so I got lots of time also to explore and do many things like in what ways I can improve myself and I think that's the most toughest decision I made but the decision was worth it because I passed out my engineering with first class with distinction and now I'm working in an corporate company called Barrow as an AI developer so I'm really happy that all those hard decisions as well as the hard work paid off to me

Band 6-7

Well, I have made many decisions in my life. Here I would like to talk about the difficult decisions which I made. Actually, during the pandemic I used to get bored at home. That's why I made up my mind to learn the painting. Firstly, I watched a lot of videos on YouTube. Luckily, I found a channel which was providing free of cost painting course. Without wasting time, I enrolled in it. During the first fortnight, they told me how to generate primary colors from the secondary ones. After that, they teach me about how to use Posca markers to highlight the main part of the painting. After that, they tell me how to make an oil painting. Actually, it is the most difficult part of the painting. After that, they told me about the water, how to use the watercolors. Then I participated in art and craft competition and I decided to make the picture of a toddler. And I made an oil painting in which I made a picture of a toddler carrying a backpack in which he has a sapling, gives oxygen through this painting. I just wanted to give a message that we should save the planet. Fortunately, judges liked my idea and I was able to second runner up position. And I think it was the decision which I made because making an oil painting is not a cup of tea for me. But I successfully done it.

Band 6

I would like to share one of the incidents from my past where during my 12th standard I was at the stage where I had to choose my career path and I was stuck between the two paths. At that time I was studying commerce with one marketing and according to my parents they wanted me to go in that field and they were forcing me and my tutor to make me ready for the government examinations where I can further go into banking. But I really didn't wanted to go in that field because I did not feel that I am capable of that. So I decided to tell my parents that I am really interested and passionate for doing bachelors in designing. Later I convinced them how passionate I am about doing fashion for a lifestyle and I want to build a career in that. Additionally I convinced them how I can pursue that without any help. So I started preparing for the examinations. They gave me a deal if I crack it in one go so they let me do what I want. But then I was also preparing for the subject I am not interested in. So I gave the examination and finally I was selected for the college I want to go in.

Band 5-6

Here I would like to talk about a decision that I that's difficult for me. It's none other than it was choosing my subjects for higher studies. After 10 the major dilemma I faced whether to go for medicine or engineer or choose schooling like commerce or science subjects. But my parents told me you should take science because you score a full mark in your SSLC so science is better goes for you. But I'm very confused what subject to choose because that career depend on my which subjects I choose in my senior secondary and also my future is also depends on that subject. So I'm very tensed and I don't know what to do. That time I asked help for my sir. His name is Anoop. Anoop sir he is my tuition teacher and also one of my favorite teacher in my life. So I called immediately and asked him what to do in my career discussion. He recommended me that you should choose science as your career because you have the capability to study that subject. But my friends even focused me to choose medical field or engineering field but I didn't like professional courses. That's why I few weeks later I made up my mind to take science.

Band 5

So a difficult decision for me is to planning my master's from abroad, which decision is really very tough for me to take a first step towards that because I have tried, firstly I have a dream to join Indian Armed Forces and that's why I was not be able for some medical reasons to join Indian Armed Forces and after getting a disappointment from that part and now I am moving further for, I have a backup option of planning a master's from completing it from abroad but as I am a single parent child and I have many responsibility of my mom and younger sister, so I am worried about them that and to moving abroad is really not very easy for me to live alone over there with rest of my family and it's not about for one day or one week, it's almost for two years, so that would be really very difficult for me but my mom motivate me to pursue my master's degree and completing it and achieve your dream goal and get settled in your life so you will get a better job and better stability in your career which help you to take more better quality or to live a quality of life with us, with my mom and younger sister and then only I am be able to more responsible and taking a more responsibility of my mother and sister as well, so she motivates me and after all I take this decision after discussing with my grandfather as well and he motivates me that every man has to face many struggle and after that he will achieve that success and the success is not a chocolate that you can eat and get it and you just have to do many hard works and lots of sacrifice on that.

Band <5

Thank you for watching. Diolch yn fawr iawn am wylio'r fideo. Diolch am wylio'r fideo. Diolch am wylio'r fideo. Diolch am wylio'r fideo. Diolch am wylio'r fideo. Diolch am wylio'r video. Diolch am wylio'r video. Diolch am wylio'r video. Diolch am wylio'r video. Diolch am wylio'r video. Diolch am wylio'r video. Diolch am wylio'r video. Diolch am wylio'r video.
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