Describe a risk you took that you thought would lead to a terrible result but ended up with a positive result: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

When you took the risk
Why you took the risk
How it went
And explain how you felt about it

24 unique answers with expert feedback

What motivated you to choose biology over engineering despite family pressure?

I was genuinely interested in biology and felt a strong connection to the subject. Even though my family preferred engineering, I realized that pursuing my passion would lead to greater satisfaction and success in my career.

How did you overcome the challenges you faced in your biology studies?

Initially, it was tough to grasp the complex concepts and terminologies. However, I dedicated extra time to study, sought help from professors, and formed study groups with classmates, which helped me understand the material better.

What advice would you give to someone facing similar decisions about their career path?

I would advise them to follow their passion and interests rather than succumbing to external pressures. It's important to choose a path that resonates with you, as this will lead to greater fulfillment and success in the long run.

Band 7

00:00

One of the most incredible risk that I have ever taken in my life was during my 12th grade. I have actually completed my schooling and it was my time to apply for college. So I was basically a biology student and maths was never my cup of tea. So I need to crack my NEET exam but the thing is I haven't applied for any colleges other than the medicine ones. NEET was my last ray of hope and I was solely relying on this one exam with high confidence on myself that I will clear this exam. I prepared for a period of about two years for this exam and I was awaiting the results on one fine day and when the results came and when I attended the counselling, I was able to feel elation because I cleared NEET and I have got a seat in medical college in Thiruvarur. Furthermore, my family supported me during all phases of this period and they always provided me with a tranquil environment so that I can study in peace. They supported all my decisions. Furthermore, they were always standing by my side as good well-wishers and taking me through all these hurdles like they were nothing. So I striked the iron when it was hot and yes, I was able to crack my NEET exam and I am a fully flourished doctor now.

Follow up questions

What motivated you to take such a significant risk with your education?

My motivation stemmed from my passion for medicine and the desire to help others. I realized that pursuing a career in medicine was my calling, and despite my struggles with math, I was determined to succeed in the NEET exam to achieve my dream.

How did you manage your stress during the preparation for the NEET exam?

I managed my stress by creating a structured study schedule and incorporating regular breaks. Additionally, my family's support played a crucial role in keeping me calm. I also practiced mindfulness techniques, which helped me stay focused and reduce anxiety.

What advice would you give to someone facing a similar risk in their education?

I would advise them to believe in themselves and stay committed to their goals. It's essential to seek support from family and friends, maintain a positive mindset, and not be afraid to take calculated risks. Hard work and perseverance can lead to unexpected positive outcomes.

Band 6-7

00:00

Okay, so I would like to tell you about one of the most not so terrible but yes the risky experience about my life. I am learning German since 7 to 8 years now. So at the starting phase of learning, I have booked the test date for even exam and I am not yet prepared for the exam at all but still I took the risk and I have booked the date for that exam. So I have booked the exam, it's 10 days before the actual exam date. So I only had 10 days for the preparation. So I went to the library, I read, I have read a lot of books over there. And I studied a lot. I tried to find how I can study in just 10 days. So I take my time, I read a lot of grammar books that helps me a lot. And it's not about the study but it's about the risk that you have to be, that you have to take in your life because the risk will tell you how to do the things without, without risk.

Follow up questions

What motivated you to take that risk despite feeling unprepared?

I was motivated by my desire to challenge myself and improve my German skills. I believed that taking the exam would push me to study harder and focus on my weaknesses, ultimately helping me grow in my language learning journey.

How did you manage your time effectively during those 10 days?

I created a strict study schedule that allocated specific hours for grammar, vocabulary, and practice tests. I prioritized the most important topics and made sure to take short breaks to stay refreshed and maintain my focus throughout the preparation period.

What lessons did you learn from this experience?

I learned that taking risks can lead to unexpected positive outcomes. It taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and that sometimes, a little pressure can motivate me to achieve more than I thought possible.

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Band 6-7

00:00

The risk I took that I thought would lead to a terrible result but ended up with a positive result is definitely planning to move to a different city because all my life I have lived with my parents in my hometown. I was so sophisticated and was so comfortable. So at one point I thought I want to move to a different city and I want to experience the culture and the struggles they are facing because all my friends have moved to different cities from their hometown for work purposes. So I also planned that I want to also experience the same. So I left my hometown after a great struggle after fighting with my parents and I went to a new city. It's a metropolitan city called Chennai in Tamil Nadu, the southern part of India. So that city I got a job there. I went for an interview and I got selected and there I was living in an individual house. I wanted to be independent that is the main thing I went there. So starting it was quite a hectic job, it was so struggle. So I struggled to organize my home, it was a new experience for me. So later I got used to it, I got adapted and managed to somehow. I got new neighbors and I got new friends in that new city and I got many good experiences. I had the opportunity to explore the places with my friends and it's quite a great experience. And I even tried a new dish that's called lobster and that I haven't ever tried in my city because there we can't get lobsters. Initially it was tough for me to handle the situation like paying bills, electricity, cylinder, that was a hectic thing. But later...

Follow up questions

What motivated you to take the risk of moving to a new city?

I was motivated by the desire for independence and the urge to experience a new culture. Seeing my friends thrive in different cities inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and seek my own opportunities.

How did you overcome the initial challenges of living alone?

I overcame the initial challenges by gradually adapting to my new environment. I sought help from my neighbors, learned to manage my finances, and developed a routine that made daily tasks easier. Over time, I became more confident in handling my responsibilities.

What was the most rewarding experience you had after moving?

The most rewarding experience was making new friends and exploring the city together. Trying new foods, like lobster, and discovering local attractions made me feel more connected to my new home and enriched my life significantly.

Band 6-7

00:00

When I was preparing for my 11th boards, I chose to prepare only set of 20 to 25 questions maximum and then I was so confident that these are the questions that are gonna come and to be honest, it's a very big risk because you know, I kind of be compromising on my future itself. But then I was very persuasive and then I stuck to my idea which till today I am very thankful for myself to be honest. This is basically like a cheat sheet but it's not exactly something legal or something. But it's a simple sheet which consists of the questions that were repeated and then according to me, according to my theory, these are the only questions that are gonna come and guess what, I was right. It could either have gone very terrible or a very positive result but I ended up with a very positive result which made me happy. I was on cloud nine to be honest. And taking risks is good for you. I mean at least from my experience, they've rewarded me a lot but at the same time, they've let me down a lot but I still say that taking risks is worth it when you have the prize, you know. Thank you.

Follow up questions

What other risks have you taken in your life?

I've taken several risks, like moving to a new city for college without knowing anyone. It was daunting, but it helped me grow and meet amazing people. Each risk has taught me valuable lessons about resilience and adaptability.

How do you evaluate whether a risk is worth taking?

I usually weigh the potential benefits against the possible downsides. I consider my gut feeling and past experiences. If the potential reward is significant and I feel prepared, I tend to go for it, but I also have a backup plan just in case.

Can you think of a time when a risk did not pay off?

Yes, there was a time I invested in a project that seemed promising but ultimately failed. It was disappointing, but it taught me to do more research and not rush into decisions. I learned that not all risks lead to success, but they can still offer valuable lessons.

Show all 24 answers

Cue 1:When you took the risk

Begin by mentioning the specific time and situation when you took the risk.
Make it relatable by sharing a brief background about your life at that time.

Example

I took this risk about two years ago when I was working in a stable job in a multinational company. I had been there for three years, but I felt unfulfilled and wanted to pursue my passion for photography.

Cue 2:Why you took the risk

Explain your motivations for taking the risk, focusing on your passion or desire for change.
Mention any fears or doubts you had before making the decision.

Example

I decided to leave my job because I wanted to follow my dream of becoming a professional photographer. Although I was scared of the financial instability and the possibility of failure, I felt that if I didn’t try, I would always regret it.

Cue 3:How it went

Describe the process of taking the risk and the challenges you faced.
Share the positive outcomes that resulted from your decision.

Example

Initially, it was tough. I struggled to find clients and often doubted my skills. However, after a few months of hard work, I started getting recognition for my work. I even had my first exhibition, which was a huge success.

Cue 4:And explain how you felt about it

Reflect on your emotions during the journey, both the highs and lows.
Conclude with how this experience changed your perspective on taking risks.

Example

Looking back, I felt a mix of anxiety and excitement throughout the journey. The fear of failure was always present, but the joy of pursuing my passion outweighed it. This experience taught me that taking risks can lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, taking that risk to follow my passion for photography turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. It not only brought me happiness but also taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone to achieve my dreams.

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: Avoid Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your story less engaging and unclear. Specific details help the examiner understand your experience better and make your answer more memorable.

Tip

Include specific dates, places, and emotions to paint a clearer picture of your experience.

2: Don't Focus Solely on Negatives

Focusing too much on the potential negative outcomes can make your answer sound pessimistic. It's important to balance the risks with the positive results.

Tip

Start by acknowledging the risk, then shift to the positive outcome and what you learned from the experience.

Neglecting Personal Feelings

Failing to express your feelings about the experience can make your answer less relatable. Personal emotions add depth to your story and engage the listener.

Tip

Share how you felt before, during, and after taking the risk to create a more compelling narrative.

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