Describe a difficult decision that you made: IELTS Cue Card Sample 40
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Contents
Decisions taken for oneself or someone else is mostly difficult as it affects the person gravely. Therefore, decide quickly to ractice this cue card topic, which can help you get Band 8.0+ for IELTS Speaking.
Describe a difficult decision that you made
You should say:
- what decision it was
- what difficulties you faced
- how you made the decision
- and explain why it was a difficult decision
Sample Answer 1
Undeniably, taking decisions is an integral part of everybody’s routine life. Right from minor to major, there are plenty of decisions we take during our lifetime. Here, I would like to highlight a decision that didn’t come easy to me, but I still had to take it. And, it was regarding the study stream to choose after finishing my 10th standard.
I vividly remember that time and how confused I was as my parents had given me complete freedom to choose whatever stream I wanted.
While they were still promoting the benefits of taking a non-medical stream, my inclination was more towards commerce. This, in turn, added more to my confusion. My parents had their own justification as they were cognizant of the types of prospects and opportunities I could get by taking the non-medical stream. However, rather than opposing their suggestion outrightly, I decided to do my own research before I could zero down upon one stream.
I read a lot of blogs on Google where students had shared similar experiences. I also read articles that guided me on how to choose a stream, what factors to consider, and their consequences. After reading a few articles, I realized I was still in no position to get to a conclusion. To get more clarity, I approached one of my school teachers. She taught me for more than 10 years; thus, she was aware of my capabilities, weaknesses and strengths. After a brief conversation, she recommended commerce as I could do much better in it.
Also, the fact that a few of my friends are already settled in Canada after taking the commerce stream pumped me further. So, even if I decided to move to Canada, I could easily do it. I told my parents’ recommendation to my teacher. So, to help me out, she convinced my parents. After this, they let me join commerce. At last, even they realized that performing well in academics without much interest is not a possibility. Finally, I decided to go with commerce. However, it took a lot of time and effort for me to decide upon it.
Sample Answer 2
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It was when I was filling up the application form for the university entrance exam that I had to make an important but difficult decision. At that time, I was at a crossroads, where I had to decide which university to apply to. Actually, my interest was in economics, which was taught in two separate universities, one of which specialized in international trade while the other focused more on the national economy. Fortunately, my sister, who graduated from an economics college, gave me some sound advice. Having weighed up the pros and cons of each school, she encouraged me to choose the university specializing in international trade. Finally, I applied for this school after thinking carefully about all the options. At present, I feel so satisfied with the learning environment of this university that I am always thankful for my decision as well as my sister’s advice. Without her guidance, I probably wouldn’t be as content with my university life as I am.
Vocabulary
- At a crossroads: At an important point in someone’s life or development.
Eg: His life was at a crossroads – whether to join the army or to continue studying at university. - Sound advice: Sensible and reliable advice.
Eg: My parents gave me sound advice about my choice of career. - Weighed up the pros and cons: Considered carefully the advantages and disadvantages of something.
Eg: Having weighed up the pros and cons, I decided that it would be more useful for me to learn English rather than French. - Learning environment:The conditions that affect the behaviour and development of people who are learning a subject.
Eg: The school had the latest technology, the buildings were modern and the teachers were very helpful – it was the perfect learning environment.
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