Describe an important decision you made
Describe an important decision you made.
You should say:
- what the decision was
- when you made it
- how you made the decision
And explain how you felt about the decision afterwards.
Practise this cue card with a timer Use it in a full mock
One-minute preparation plan
Show the process: the options, the doubts and what finally convinced you.
| Cue card point | What to note (keywords only) |
|---|---|
| What the decision was | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| When you made it | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| How you made the decision | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| And explain how you felt about the decision afterwards. | Your main reason plus how it affected you—save 30 seconds for this |
Sample answer
One of the most important decisions I've made was choosing to leave a stable job in a bank to go back to university and study computer science. I made it about three years ago, when I was twenty-six.
It wasn't a quick decision at all. I'd been unhappy at work for a while, but the job was secure and well paid, and my parents were worried I was throwing that away. So I took about six months to decide. I talked to people who'd changed careers, I took an online programming course in the evenings to check that I actually enjoyed it, and I worked out a budget to see if I could afford two years without a salary.
In the end, what convinced me was realising I'd regret not trying far more than I'd regret failing.
Afterwards I felt a mixture of relief and fear, and the first year was financially tough. But looking back, I'm really glad I did it. I enjoy my work now, and the experience taught me that careful planning can make a risky decision much less frightening.
About 183 words, roughly two minutes at a natural pace. This is an original example written for SpeakingIELTS to show structure and vocabulary—use it for ideas, not as a script to memorise. Real test cards are worded differently, and examiners notice rehearsed answers.
Useful words and phrases
- it wasn't a quick decision at all
- throwing that away
- worked out a budget
- what convinced me was
- a mixture of relief and fear
- looking back
Try using three of these in your own answer. For more topic vocabulary, see the vocabulary helper.
Part 3 follow-up questions
After this cue card, the examiner moves to a Part 3 discussion on the same theme. Give an opinion, a reason and an example for each.
- Do young people today have too many choices?
- Should parents make important decisions for their children?
- Why do some people find it hard to make decisions?
- Is it better to make decisions quickly or slowly?
- What important decisions do people usually make in their twenties?
Practise these Part 3 questions
Check your own answer
Record yourself, then listen once and ask: did I cover every point, keep talking for close to two minutes, link ideas clearly, and explain my reasons at the end? The self-evaluation checklist covers all four speaking criteria.