Difficult Decision That You Once Made - Speaking Part 2 Topics

"Describe a Difficult Decision That You Once Made" on IELTS Speaking Topics or CUE Cards

The IELTS speaking section consists of three parts, wherein candidates will be required to give a general introduction to themselves in the first part. All test takers will be offered a cue card containing a topic on which candidates will be required to speak for a few minutes. The examiner will subsequently ask questions pertaining to the topic, which require appropriate responses by the candidate.

With a clearer understanding of the exam pattern for the section, we will now discuss one of the common topics that test-takers have taken during the speaking section, i.e. describing a difficult decision that you once made.

This question often repeats itself in the IELTS cue card topics and you must know how to frame the answer to such questions. You will also get follow-up questions on this topic where the examiner will test your understanding and knowledge about the topic.

How Should You Answer “Describe a Difficult Decision That You Once Made?”

If you are given the topic “describe a difficult decision that you once made”, then it is important to prepare yourself with an appropriate answer. While your response will most likely be impromptu in nature when practising the topic, you can jot down some pointers to remember when drafting your responses.
Experts suggest dividing the answer into multiple smaller parts and addressing each part individually will help in creating a better response. In addition to this, candidates are advised to frame short questions or points and either write them down on a piece of paper or remember the questions, whichever is possible.

The most common questions or points related to the topic ‘Describe a difficult decision that you once made’ are:

• What was the decision?

• When did you make the decision?

• How long did it take for you to arrive at the decision?

• Why was the decision a difficult one to make?

As per the exam pattern for the section, candidates will get two to three minutes to speak on the topic “describe a difficult decision that you once made”. It is advisable to efficiently use this limited time by using a mind map or brainstorming ideas. On this page, we have compiled two possible answers that candidates can offer on the topic describe a difficult decision that you once made”.

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Difficult Decision That You Once Made IELTS Sample Answer 1

You can follow the pattern provided in this sample answer.

Our decisions are what shape our lives. We keep taking major and minor decisions throughout that have some impact, both positive and negative on our life. We cannot always choose both roads, we need to settle on any one path to follow. Here I am going to speak about a tough decision which I took while deciding to select whether I should take up mathematics in class 11 or not.

I took up humanities to study in classes 11 and 12 which was, by itself, a huge leap from the ongoing trend of taking science. On top of that, I had to make a choice between two electives: history and mathematics. It was a tough decision to take as my parents were more inclined on taking up mathematics which can open up several career paths after boards but I loved studying history and knowing how our past events impact our present lives. Also, I was afraid of numerics and was under-confident to study mathematics.

Finally, after a week of dilemma, I chose to take history as I did not want to do something against my own wishes. I weighed the pros and cons of the proposition. I knew that if I took mathematics, my scores will not be as expected and can even impact my overall grades.  Though my parents were crest-fallen at first, they supported me when they found my fascination with the subject. Also, by scoring 98 in history on the boards, I proved to them that if I had not taken the difficult decision, I would not have tasted the sweet fruits of labour after.  

Difficult Decision That You Once Made IELTS Sample Answer 2

Another sample answer can be the following one.

The skill of decision-making is an important life skill to learn. Often there are times when we keep doing things in flow and do not consider the effects of it. Also, we should not be in a hurry when taking a decision. We must try to understand the outcomes of our decisions and the course they will take from that moment. 

After my college days were over, I decided to study masters abroad. When I started getting offer letters from UK universities, my results of a government exam taken long back came out. And I was selected. At that moment, I was at a crossway. On one hand, there was the temptation of a government job and a secured future, on the other hand, my dreams were calling me. I consulted my parents and my close relatives. They encouraged me to do what I felt was right. 

I was utterly confused and spent a few sleepless nights. The high unemployment rate in our country reminded me constantly of the lucrative job offer at hand but I also wanted to complete my dreams of higher education. As the day of my accepting the university offer letter was nearing, I finally took the toughest decision of my life. I decided to go abroad and complete my masters first and then hunt for a job. I was sure that my degree will prove valuable to recruiters and once I come back, I can again try for government or corporate jobs. Now I am teaching at a prestigious college in our country and I have fulfilled my aspirations.

Vocabulary Used in Describe a Difficult Decision That You Once Made

Here are some of the important vocabularies that have been used in the sentences with their meanings and an example has been cited to bring out the meaning in IELTS speaking section:

• Dilemma: A situation in which you have to take a difficult decision.

  • Example: I was in a dilemma about whether I should accompany my mother to the doctor or attend an important presentation in the office.

• Proposition: An idea or suggestion.

  • Example: His proposition in the meeting was accepted by all.

• Crest-fallen: Sad or disappointed.

  • Example: I was crest-fallen when I did not score high in the examination.

• At crossways: At an important point in life.

  • Example: I was at crossways when I had to choose between studying abroad and studying in the country.

• Temptation: Desire

Example: I succumbed to the temptation of eating ice cream though I had a cough and cold.

Follow-Up Questions and Answers for Describe a Difficult Decision That You Once Made

After speaking on the topic, the examiner may ask follow-up questions on the topic “describe a difficult decision that you once made”. This will be counted as the third part of the section, where candidates will be asked a couple of questions and be given 2-3 minutes to respond to all the questions. Listed below are some of the few follow-up questions and answers for “describe a difficult decision that you once made”:

Should One Take Decisions on Their Own or Consult Others?

Decisions should always be taken after consulting the relevant person or people as they help us in getting a new insight or bring to our observation a point that we might have been missing while discussing. However, we should not blindly trust the opinion of others and keep room for autonomy.

Why Do Young People Often Take Decisions on their Own?

Technology has empowered people to take decisions on their own nowadays. Young people can research online and gain much knowledge. Still, the importance of consulting parents or elders cannot be downplayed. One must consult them when they are unable to decide on their own.

What Should We Do When We Find Our Decisions are Not Correct?

As it is difficult to turn the wheels of time and go back to the previous time and correct the decision, we should accept whatever the decision has led to. We must learn from the experience and move on with our life.

Why Do Middle-Aged People Take Time to Come to a Decision?

As one grows old and gains experience, one understands that not all decisions will lead to fruitful ends. On top of that, they are burdened with responsibilities that prevent them from taking quicker decisions.

We recommend using these follow-up questions and answers on this topic for reference and understanding purposes only. It is advisable to take the time to understand how to properly answer the different types of questions that have been raised previously by examiners for this particular topic and section. With a clearer and better understanding of the different types of questions and the best ways to answer the respective questions, candidates will stand a better chance of scoring high in the section.