Describe a difficult decision that you once made IELTS cue card

In this article, the ‘Describe a difficult decision that you once made’ IELTS speaking cue card topic is discussed in three model answers along with follow-up questions and answers. There will be 1 minute to prepare about the topic on the candidate task card. Then, you need to talk about the topic for 1-2 minutes.

Describe a difficult decision that you once made

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You should say
What the decision was?
When you made the decision?
How long did it take you to make the decision?
And explain why it was a difficult decision to make?

Model Answer 1

Introduction

As we all know, life is not a bed of roses. Life has ups and downs that eventually lead us to make difficult decisions at times. Now, I’m going to share one difficult decision that I made once in my life. 

What the decision was?

The difficult decision I made once was moving to a different country for higher education. Studying at top universities abroad has always been my dream, but I had to sacrifice a lot. Even though, initially, I was elated seeing the acceptance letter from the University of Manchester, UK, later, I was overwhelmed thinking about the new culture and environment. Nevertheless, I accepted the university’s acceptance letter and prepared myself for the journey.

When you made the decision?

I made the decision in April 2022 while studying for my bachelor's degree.

How long did it take you to make the decision?

Since studying abroad is one of the most challenging decisions I would’ve ever made, it took me almost 6 months to make.  

And explain why it was a difficult decision to make?

Factors like new places, food, climate, and culture have made studying abroad a difficult choice to make.

Conclusion

Making difficult decisions is inevitable in one’s life. So, no matter how difficult your decision is, just be prepared and handle the situation with courage. 

Model Answer 2

Introduction

I think taking a decision at times will showcase the potential of the individual. Succeeding or failing is secondary, but having the courage to take the decision itself is a great achievement. 

What the decision was?

Now I will share the decision that I made in regards to pursuing higher education after much struggles and obstacles.

When you made the decision?

I made the decision to do my postgraduate studies while I was doing the final year of my bachelors’ degree. I discovered my interest over the subject and the concept while doing my final-year project which made me take the strong decision.

How long did it take you to make the decision?

The decision was taken after 2 months of convincing my parents by explaining the future plan I have, and the opportunities out there in the market.

And explain why it was a difficult decision to make?

The decision was difficult because of the financial constraints that were held at that time in my family and my parents were not able to afford my studies. But, still I’ve never given up on my dreams and hold off studying my masters. This made me convince them by explaining my desire.

Conclusion

And finally, I’ve pursued my masters course by doing a part time job and managing my expenses.

Model Answer 3

Introduction

As problem-solving, decision making is also a key skill that individuals need to take into consideration. Highlighting the skill in the resume may look fancy but implementing and gaining the insights is really important.

What the decision was?

I remember the time that I was about to make the first-ever decision in my life. It was choosing the stream of studies after 10th as per my wish.

When you made the decision?

The decision was made after completing my 10th grade while planning to undergo my higher secondary education.

How long did it take you to make the decision?

It took a month to make the decision of pursuing higher secondary education in my desired stream by making my family members agree with my decision.

And explain why it was a difficult decision to make?

I’ve decided to take commerce but my family members had a decision of making me pursue the science stream. The reason behind my choice of commerce stream is to take a business course for my undergraduate education. But, they wanted me to get an engineering degree. The conflict within the family turned difficult for me to conclude but I managed to make them aware of my desire and my interest. I had made my school teacher make recommendations on behalf of myself.

Conclusion

As a result, I’ve ended up choosing the commerce stream after a great struggle with the permission of my parents.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 : Follow up Questions

Check out the follow-up questions below that are asked in the IELTS speaking part 3 for the cue-card topic ‘describe a difficult decision that you once made’.

1. What decisions do people generally make in their daily life?

In general, people make many smaller decisions in day-to-day life like the variety of food to eat, clothing they wear, tasks they first do, the show/movie they watch and others. Each day of our lives is made with many small to big decisions.

2. Which is easier, making a decision by oneself or making a decision after a group discussion?

Making a decision after a group discussion may work when we are not aware of particular information or don't have deep knowledge about something. But ultimately the final decision is in our hands to take the decision with or without other’s opinion.

3. Why are many young people unwilling to listen to their parent’s advice?

I think maybe because they are clear about their plans, opportunities and know what they want clearly. Also, the exposure they gain rather than their parents in all aspects will make the young people not listen to their parents.

4. Why do middle-aged people tend to second guess their decision?

I think age and having a second-guess for the decision will not go hand in hand, every person tends to do that. While taking the hardest decision and when we’re not that confident in that decision, it’s usual that people will make the second guess. 

5. Should people consider the consequences of their decisions that impact others or only think of themselves?

It is totally based on the decision we tend to make. As the stronger the decision gets, it's an individual responsibility to take ownership for every impact it creates. The decision we make need not affect anyone.

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