Scorify.uzThe cue card
Describe an important decision that you made.
You should say:
- what the decision was
- when you made it
- how you made it
- and explain why it was important
Band 7 sample answer
An important decision I made was choosing to study abroad for my bachelor's degree. I made it about two years ago, after I received an offer from a university in Malaysia.
It was not an easy choice. My family was worried about the cost and about me living far from home. I spent several weeks listing the advantages and disadvantages, and I talked to students who had already studied abroad. In the end, I decided that the opportunity to improve my English and meet people from different countries was worth the risk.
The decision was important because it changed my life. I became more independent, learned to manage money and gained confidence. If I had stayed at home, I would probably have a more comfortable life now, but I would not have grown as much. I am glad I took the chance.
Looking back, the most useful advice came from my father, who said that I would regret what I did not try more than what I tried and failed. That sentence has influenced several of my decisions since then, including the way I choose internships and projects.
About 188 words, roughly 1 minutes of natural speech.
Key vocabulary
- weigh up — carefully compare options
- a tough choice — a difficult decision
- take the plunge — do something risky
- life-changing — greatly changing your life
- independent — not needing others' help
- a leap of faith — trusting without being certain
- no regrets — not wishing you had chosen differently
Tips for this cue card
- Include a third conditional example: “If I had stayed, I would have…”.
- Describe the process: advice, research, pros and cons.
- Finish with the result and how you feel about it now.
Part 3 follow-up questions
Do people make better decisions alone or with others?
Idea: Others provide different views, but personal responsibility matters, so a mix of advice and independent thinking works best.
What kinds of decisions are hardest for young people?
Idea: Choosing a career, a university or whether to study abroad, because they affect the future and are uncertain.
Should schools teach decision-making skills?
Idea: Yes, through projects and discussions so students learn to evaluate information and consequences.
More discussion questions with full answers: IELTS Speaking Part 3 topics.
Study guides
How Is IELTS Scored in Speaking and Writing? Criteria, Weighting and Rounding
The short answer first, then the Speaking and Writing criteria tables, how Task 1 and Task 2 combine and how the overall band is rounded.
IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors Explained in Plain English
The IELTS Speaking test is marked on four criteria. Here is what each one means at bands 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, with short examples you can compare with your own answers.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: How Many Minutes to Speak (With a Practice Timer)
How long Part 2 lasts (1 minute to prepare, 1–2 minutes to speak), a practice timer, a four-step structure and a model answer.