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A sample piece on “Illustrate a significant choice you made”
what the decision was
where you were
how you made the decision
and explain why it was difficult to make.
Outline
Situation - A few years ago, I was working as a marketing manager in a large company. While the job provided financial security, I felt increasingly unfulfilled and unhappy. I realized that I wanted to pursue my passion for writing and make it my full-time career.
Task - The task was to make the decision of leaving my stable and well-paying corporate job to pursue writing. This decision involved giving up the security of a regular job and entering the unpredictable world of freelance writing.
Action - To make the decision, I took several actions. I spent time researching the writing industry, networking with other writers, and evaluating the pros and cons. I also sought input and support from my close friends and family members to gain different perspectives.
Result - The decision was difficult to make due to the uncertainty, risk, and fear of failure involved. However, despite the challenges, I knew in my heart that it was the right decision for me. I took the leap of faith and pursued my passion for writing. The result of this decision has been incredibly positive. I feel fulfilled and happy in my career, working on projects that truly resonate with me. It has allowed me to grow as a writer and has brought a sense of purpose to my life.
Model Essay
Well, I can think of an important decision I made a few years ago that was quite challenging for me. It was the decision to quit my stable and well-paying corporate job to pursue my passion for writing.
At the time, I was working as a marketing manager in a large company, and while the job provided financial security and stability, I found myself increasingly unfulfilled and unhappy. I had always loved writing, and I realized that it was time for me to take a leap of faith and pursue it as a full-time career.
I remember the moment I made the decision very clearly. I was sitting at my desk, staring at my computer screen, feeling trapped and uninspired. I knew that I wanted to make a change, but I also knew that it was a risky move, especially given the current economic climate. It was scary to consider giving up the security of a stable job and entering the unknown world of freelance writing.
To make the decision, I spent a lot of time researching the writing industry, networking with other writers, and weighing the pros and cons. I also talked to my close friends and family members to get their input and support.
The decision was difficult to make because it involved a lot of uncertainty and risk. I had to give up the stability and security of a regular job and enter the unpredictable and competitive world of freelance writing. There was also the fear of failure and the unknown.
Despite the challenges, I knew that it was the right decision for me, and I haven't regretted it for a moment. Pursuing my passion has allowed me to feel fulfilled and happy in my career, and I've had the opportunity to work on projects that I'm truly passionate about.
Making the decision to leave my corporate job and pursue my passion for writing was one of the most important decisions I've ever made, and it has changed my life in so many positive ways.
Vocabulary
Stable and well-paying corporate job (Công việc ổn định và có thu nhập tốt trong môi trường công ty): Công việc ổn định và có mức lương cao trong môi trường doanh nghiệp.
Financial security and stability (An ninh tài chính và ổn định): Sự bảo đảm về tài chính và ổn định.
Increasingly unfulfilled (Ngày càng không thỏa mãn): Ngày càng cảm thấy không hài lòng.
Take a leap of faith (Liều lĩnh, tin tưởng vào điều không chắc chắn): Liều lĩnh để tin tưởng vào điều không chắc chắn.
A full-time career (Sự nghiệp toàn thời gian): Sự nghiệp làm việc toàn thời gian.
Feeling trapped and uninspired (Cảm thấy bị mắc kẹt và thiếu cảm hứng): Cảm thấy bị mắc kẹt và không có cảm hứng.
A risky move (Một quyết định đầy rủi ro): Một quyết định mang tính rủi ro cao.
The current economic climate (Tình hình kinh tế hiện tại): Tình hình kinh tế hiện tại.
The unknown world of freelance writing (Thế giới không rõ ràng của viết tự do): Thế giới không rõ ràng của việc làm viết tự do.
Weighing the pros and cons (Cân nhắc lợi và hại): Cân nhắc lợi và hại.
Uncertainty (Sự không chắc chắn): Sự không chắc chắn.
Competitive (Cạnh tranh): Cạnh tranh.
The fear of failure and the unknown (Nỗi sợ thất bại và điều không biết): Nỗi sợ thất bại và những điều mà bản thân không biết.
Challenges (Những thách thức): Những thách thức.
IELTS Speaking Part 3 Example – Decision-Making
How do you typically arrive at significant decisions in your life?
When it comes to making important decisions, I usually take a balanced approach. I like to gather as much information as possible, weigh the pros and cons, and consider the potential outcomes. But hey, it's not all about overthinking! I also trust my gut feelings and listen to my intuition. Sometimes, you just have to go with what feels right in your heart.
A balanced approach (Một cách tiếp cận cân đối): Một phương pháp tiếp cận cân đối.
Ví dụ: When it comes to making important decisions, I usually take a balanced approach, considering both the logical aspects and my emotions.
Weigh the pros and cons (Cân nhắc những lợi và hại): Xem xét kỹ lưỡng những lợi và hại.
Ví dụ: Before making a decision, I always weigh the pros and cons to evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks.
Consider the potential outcomes (Xem xét những kết quả tiềm năng): Cân nhắc những kết quả có khả năng xảy ra.
Ví dụ: It's important to consider the potential outcomes of a decision in order to make an informed choice.
Trust my gut feelings (Tin tưởng vào trực giác của mình): Tin tưởng vào những gì trực giác mách bảo.
Ví dụ: Sometimes, I have to trust my gut feelings and follow my instincts when making important decisions.
Listen to my intuition (Lắng nghe trực giác của mình): Lắng nghe những trực giác của mình.
Ví dụ: I believe it's important to listen to my intuition, as it can provide valuable guidance in decision-making.
Do you believe it is crucial to heed the opinions of others before reaching a decision? Why or why not?
Oh, absolutely! Other people's opinions can provide valuable insights and different perspectives. It's like getting a glimpse into their experiences and knowledge. It helps broaden my understanding of the situation and consider aspects that I might have overlooked. Plus, it's always nice to have a sounding board to bounce ideas off and gain some clarity.
Valuable insights (Các góc nhìn có giá trị): Những hiểu biết có giá trị.
Ví dụ: Listening to other people's opinions can provide valuable insights and different perspectives on a decision.
A glimpse into (Một cái nhìn thoáng qua): Một cái nhìn sơ qua.
Ví dụ: Hearing about other people's experiences can give me a glimpse into their perspectives and help me make a more informed decision.
Overlook (Bỏ qua, xem nhẹ): Bỏ qua, không chú ý đến.
Ví dụ: It's important not to overlook any important factors or considerations when making a decision.
Clarity (Sự rõ ràng): Sự rõ ràng, sự minh bạch.
Ví dụ: Seeking clarity in decision-making helps ensure that I have a clear understanding of the situation and its potential consequences.
Do you reckon it is preferable to base decisions on logic or emotions? Why?
Logic or emotions, that's a tough one. I believe both have their place in decision-making. Logic helps us analyze facts, evaluate consequences, and make rational choices. On the other hand, emotions bring in our personal values, desires, and intuition. Striking a balance between the two is important. Sometimes, you need the cold hard facts, and other times, you have to listen to your heart's whispers.
Make rational choices (Đưa ra những lựa chọn hợp lý): Đưa ra những quyết định dựa trên lý trí.
Ví dụ: It's important to make rational choices based on logic and reasoning, considering the available information and evidence.
The cold hard facts (Những sự thật khách quan): Những sự thật rõ ràng và đúng thực tế.
Ví dụ: When making a decision, it's important to consider the cold hard facts and objective information.
Listen to your heart's whispers (Lắng nghe những thì thầm trong lòng): Lắng nghe những cảm xúc và nguyện vọng sâu thẳm trong tim.
Ví dụ: Sometimes, it's important to listen to your heart's whispers and follow your inner desires and passions when making a decision.
What aspects do you take into account when making significant purchase decisions, such as buying a vehicle or a residence?
Big purchase decisions, they can be quite nerve-wracking! When considering buying a car or a house, I look at several factors. Firstly, the practicality and functionality of the item or property. Will it meet my needs and serve its purpose? Then there's the financial aspect, considering the cost, ongoing expenses, and long-term value. Location, quality, and reputation also play a role. It's a mix of practicality, affordability, and long-term investment potential.
Nerve-wracking (Gây cảm giác căng thẳng): Gây cảm giác lo lắng và căng thẳng.
Ví dụ: Making big purchase decisions can be nerve-wracking, as they involve significant financial commitments and long-term consequences.
Practicality (Khả năng thực hiện): Tính khả thi và thực tế.
Ví dụ: When making big purchase decisions, practicality plays a crucial role in assessing whether the item or property meets your needs and requirements.
Affordability (Khả năng chi trả): Khả năng tài chính để chi trả.
Ví dụ: When making a big purchase decision, it's crucial to assess the affordability and ensure that it fits within your financial means.
Have you experienced remorse over a decision you made? Can you narrate the situation and explain why you felt regret?
Oh boy, we've all had those moments, haven't we? I remember one time when I made a hasty decision to take a job without fully considering the work-life balance and job satisfaction aspects. It turned out to be a stressful and demanding role that left me feeling burnt out. I regretted not taking the time to weigh my options and consider my own well-being. Lesson learned: always think long-term and listen to your instincts.
A hasty decision (Một quyết định vội vàng): Một quyết định được đưa ra một cách hấp tấp.
Ví dụ: I regretted making a hasty decision without considering all the available options and implications.
Job satisfaction aspects (Những yếu tố đem lại sự hài lòng trong công việc): Các yếu tố liên quan đến sự hài lòng trong công việc.
Ví dụ: When considering a job, it's important to assess the job satisfaction aspects, such as work-life balance, growth opportunities, and alignment with personal values.
Burnt out (Mệt mỏi, kiệt sức): Kiệt sức về tinh thần.
Ví dụ: I regretted not considering my own well-being and experiencing burnout due to a decision that didn't prioritize work-life balance.
Well-being (Sự an khang và sự hạnh phúc): Sự an khang và sự hạnh phúc trong cuộc sống.
Ví dụ: When making decisions, it's important to consider their impact on personal well-being and overall happiness.
In your perspective, what are some of the key considerations when making decisions that will impact others, such as family or a team?
When making decisions that impact other people, empathy and consideration become crucial. It's important to think about how the decision will affect their lives, values, and goals. Open communication is key. Discussing and involving the individuals or the team affected can lead to better understanding and collective problem-solving. Mutual respect, fairness, and finding common ground are vital in making decisions that prioritize the well-being and interests of everyone involved.
Open communication (Giao tiếp mở): Giao tiếp thật lòng và trung thực.
Ví dụ: When making decisions that affect others, open communication is essential to ensure everyone's perspectives are heard and understood.
Collective problem-solving (Giải quyết vấn đề theo nhóm): Giải quyết vấn đề thông qua sự cộng tác của một nhóm người.
Ví dụ: Within a familial or team context, collaborative problem-solving enables all individuals to contribute their perspectives and arrive at solutions collectively.
Common ground (Đất trời chung): Areas of mutual agreement and unity in decision-making.
Ví dụ: When making decisions that impact others, identifying common ground ensures that the interests of all parties are taken into consideration and honored.
