Describe an important decision made with the help of other people: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What the decision was
Who helped you / how they helped
Why you needed help
And explain the result of the decision

55 unique answers with expert feedback

How do you think teamwork influences decision-making?

Teamwork brings diverse perspectives and skills, which can lead to better decision-making. When individuals collaborate, they can share ideas, provide support, and enhance the quality of the final outcome, as seen in my maths project where my classmates and teacher guided me.

Can you describe a time when you had to make a decision alone?

Yes, there was a time when I had to choose my elective subjects for the next academic year. I researched each subject, considered my interests and future goals, and ultimately made a decision that aligned with my career aspirations without seeking help from others.

What role do you think teachers play in helping students make decisions?

Teachers play a crucial role in guiding students through their decision-making processes. They provide knowledge, resources, and support, helping students understand their options and the potential consequences, which can lead to more informed and confident decisions.

Band 7

00:00

A recent important decision I had to make was related to my dad's health as he was diagnosed with stage 4 cholangiocarcinoma and was said to have very limited time, me and my family had to make a decision whether or not to proceed with invasive procedures. Already knowing that dad will have limited time, we didn't want to disrupt his cycle as he is nearing his death. We wanted to have minimal invasive procedures as possible. We want him to live with dignity and with even the better quality of his life till his death. So this decision was made with the help of my family members and obviously doctors helped a lot. There were moments when we couldn't make or we didn't know what to do, then doctors stepped up to make the decision for ourselves and we are ready to do whatever we said. Along with others, family members, my sister, my mother, everyone played a huge role in this decision as to step away from any invasive procedures such as ventilation or any type of surgery. As we know nothing would help him other than just prolong him for some more time. We didn't want him to be in any kind of vegetative state. If he was alive, we wanted him to have a dignified life, not bedridden in the hospital.

Follow up questions

How did you feel during the decision-making process?

It was an incredibly emotional time for me and my family. We felt a mix of sadness, fear, and a sense of responsibility. Knowing that we were making a decision that would impact my dad's final days was heavy, but we also felt a sense of unity as we supported each other through it.

What role did the doctors play in your decision?

The doctors were crucial in providing us with information about my dad's condition and the potential outcomes of different procedures. They helped us understand the implications of invasive treatments versus palliative care, which guided us in making an informed decision that prioritized my dad's quality of life.

How has this experience affected your view on healthcare decisions?

This experience has made me realize the importance of patient dignity and quality of life in healthcare decisions. It has taught me that sometimes, less invasive options can be more compassionate. I now believe that involving family and healthcare professionals in such decisions is vital for emotional support and clarity.

Band 7

00:00

One of the most important decisions an individual can make in their life would be probably your future career, your future ambition, your passion. And it's really hard to incorporate your interests as well as the amount of income you would need to live your desired life into forming a career that would effectively satisfy your needs while not tying you out. So the decision I made was probably my career path, to choose to study criminology. The decision was actually helped by my 11th grade psychology teacher who at random started talking about this new era of psychology, this new field of psychology and how, and how vital it is and how important the scope is to the future and how it is rapidly rising. That kind of, I've always seen psychology as a side interest, as something that is not a means of income and the environment that I primarily grew up in as well, it was something that was not encouraged, something that was not common, not really a common source of income. But I never really wanted to go to your typical 9-5 jobs as they gave me no interest or never really fueled my passion to work hard. So my teacher on giving her speech really inspired me to take on my interests and made me realize that it is actually possible to be happy with your job and earn a good income. And I think that was really impactful on my decisions on my education.

Follow up questions

How did your teacher influence your decision-making process?

My teacher's passionate discussion about the potential of psychology opened my eyes to a career I hadn't considered. She highlighted its relevance and growth, which made me rethink my interests and how they could align with a fulfilling career.

What challenges did you face when making this decision?

I faced societal pressure to choose a more conventional career path. Growing up, pursuing psychology wasn't common, and I worried about job security and income. Overcoming these fears and societal expectations was a significant challenge in my decision-making process.

How do you feel about your decision now?

I feel very positive about my decision to study criminology. It has allowed me to pursue my passion while also providing a viable career path. I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead in this field.

Practice other cue cards

Describe a risk you took that you thought would lead to a terrible result but ended up with a positive result

View answers

Describe a piece of good advice that you gave to someone

View answers

Describe a difficult skill you learned.

View answers

Describe A Skill That You Learned In Your Childhood

View answers

Describe an ambition that you haven't achieved.

View answers

Describe A Resolution You Made In The New Year

View answers

Describe a time you taught something new to a younger person?

View answers

Describe A Time When You Needed To Search For Information

View answers

Describe Something You Do That Can Help You Concentrate On Work/Study

View answers

Describe a thing you did to learn another language?

View answers

Describe the type of home you'd like to reside in.

View answers

Describe A Volunteering Experience You Have Had

View answers

Describe A Time When You Helped Someone

View answers

Describe An Success You Are Proud Of

View answers

Describe a natural talent you want to improve.

View answers

Describe an exercise you know.

View answers

Describe something you taught to your friend/relative.

View answers

Talk about a time you learned a new skill.

View answers

Describe a time when you changed your opinion

View answers

Describe An Activity You Do To Keep Fit

View answers

Describe a difficult task that you completed at work/study that you felt proud of

View answers

Describe an event that ended in failure.

View answers

Describe A Positive Change In Your Life

View answers

Describe an achievement/success you are proud of

View answers

Describe a long-term goal you would like to achieve.

View answers

Describe an activity you enjoyed in your free time when you were young.

View answers

Describe a daily routine that you enjoy

View answers

Describe A Difficult Decision That You Made And Had A Good Result

View answers

Describe Something You Do Regularly That Helps You Work And Study Better

View answers

Describe a skill that was difficult to learn

View answers

Describe an important thing you learned (not at school or college)

View answers

Describe a book you recently read.

View answers

Describe a piece of advice you recently received.

View answers

Describe a plan that you had to change recently

View answers

Describe Something Healthy You Enjoy Doing

View answers

Describe Something You Do To Keep Fit And Healthy

View answers

Describe Something That Helps You Concentrate

View answers

Describe a habit your friend has and you want to develop.

View answers

Describe an impressive talk/conversation you had that you remember well

View answers

Describe an article about health that you read.

View answers

Describe a goal you set that you tried your best to achieve

View answers

Band 7

00:00

An important decision that I made was choosing to go for higher studies. My parents helped me with this decision. I needed help since I was very confused. I was at crossroads and I couldn't decide which way to go. My parents helped me channelize my thoughts into meaningful cues to help me decide what I want to do. It's a very important decision since it changes the course of my life and is a major crossroad in the course of my life. In the course of my career and professional life.

Follow up questions

How did your parents influence your decision-making process?

My parents provided me with insights based on their experiences. They encouraged me to consider my interests and strengths, which helped me clarify my goals. Their support made me feel more confident in pursuing higher studies.

What factors did you consider when deciding on higher studies?

I considered my career aspirations, the subjects I enjoyed, and the potential job market. I also thought about the financial implications and the time commitment involved in pursuing further education.

How do you feel about your decision now?

Looking back, I feel that choosing to pursue higher studies was one of the best decisions I've made. It has opened up many opportunities for me and has significantly contributed to my personal and professional growth.

Band 7

00:00

One of the most important decisions which I had to take in my life was choosing between the National Institute of Technology and the Government Engineering College of my district. So, when I completed my high school, I was presented with an option, either I could go to a National Institute of Technology for Production Engineering B.Tech or I could opt for B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering in the Government Engineering College of my own district. Now the dilemma was this that the course I wanted was Mechanical Engineering, but the institute I wanted was NIT. Now I could only choose the later or the former. So that is where I took the help of my friends and my family. I talked with my family regarding my issues. They helped me get connected to some experts in the field who have done their education from similar institutes. I had a talk with some of my friends who had their elder brothers and sisters who also had to make a similar choice. This went on for almost a month and I was very much confused to be honest. But at the end, I took a call and I decided to go to NIT for Production Engineering and it was one of the best decisions that I have made in my life. I am so happy for everyone who supported me in my decision as those four years were one of the best. I was able to learn a lot of new things. The technology and the facilities available in the campus were top-notch. And overall, the professors, the friends, even my job.

Follow up questions

How did your family influence your decision-making process?

My family played a crucial role by providing emotional support and connecting me with experts who guided me. They helped me weigh the pros and cons of each option, which made me feel more confident in my final choice.

What role did your friends play in your decision?

My friends were instrumental as they shared their own experiences and insights. Some had siblings who faced similar choices, and their stories helped me understand the implications of each option better, making the decision less daunting.

Looking back, would you have made a different choice?

No, I wouldn't change my decision. Choosing NIT for Production Engineering turned out to be a pivotal moment in my life. The education and experiences I gained there were invaluable, and I believe it set a strong foundation for my career.

Show all 55 answers

Cue 1:What the decision was

Clearly state the important decision you made, ensuring it is specific and relevant.
Provide context about why this decision was significant to you.

Example

The important decision I made was to pursue a master's degree in business administration. This was a significant step for me as I wanted to enhance my career prospects and gain deeper knowledge in my field.

Cue 2:Who helped you / how they helped

Mention the people who assisted you in making this decision, such as family, friends, or mentors.
Explain the specific ways they contributed, whether through advice, encouragement, or sharing their experiences.

Example

My parents played a crucial role in this decision. They encouraged me to pursue higher education and shared their own experiences of how it helped them in their careers. Additionally, my friend, who had already completed his MBA, provided insights into the program and its benefits.

Cue 3:Why you needed help

Discuss the reasons you felt you needed assistance in making this decision.
Highlight any uncertainties or challenges you faced that prompted you to seek guidance.

Example

I needed help because I was unsure about the right course and institution to choose. With so many options available, I felt overwhelmed and wanted to ensure that I made the best choice for my future.

Cue 4:And explain the result of the decision

Describe the outcome of your decision and how it impacted your life.
Reflect on any lessons learned or changes that occurred as a result.

Example

As a result of this decision, I successfully enrolled in a reputable MBA program. It has opened up numerous opportunities for me, including internships and job offers. I learned the importance of seeking advice and support from others when making significant life choices.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, making the decision to pursue my MBA with the help of my family and friends was a transformative experience. It taught me the value of collaboration and the importance of seeking guidance when faced with important choices.

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 Descriptions

Avoid being too general when describing the decision. Vague answers can make it hard for the examiner to understand the significance of the decision and the role of others.

Tip

Provide specific details about the decision, including what it was and the exact contributions of those who helped you.

2: Neglecting Personal Impact

Don't forget to explain how the decision affected you personally. Failing to do so can make your response less engaging and meaningful.

Tip

Include your feelings and thoughts about the decision and how it changed your perspective or situation.

Ignoring the Result

Avoid omitting the outcome of the decision. Not discussing the result can leave your answer incomplete and less impactful.

Tip

Clearly explain the result of the decision and how it influenced your life or the lives of others involved.

IELTS Cue Cards asked last week

Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS

Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

Answer

I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.