Sample for Speaking Part 2, 3: Discuss a recent wise decision you made

2. Arranging Part 2

2.1. Concept of sample essay (Vietnamese)

• Đề bài Describe a good decision you made recently yêu cầu thí sinh mô tả một quyết định đúng đắn của mình, trong đó cần đưa ra những thông tin: 
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    • Đó là quyết định gì
    • Mình đưa ra quyết định đó khi nào
    • Kết quả thu được là gì 
    • Nêu cảm nhận của bản thân về quyết định đó
• Câu hỏi 1: Đó là quyết định gì: 
• Câu hỏi 2: Mình đưa ra quyết định đó khi nào: Ta có thể kể một câu chuyện ở đề bài Describe a good decision you made recently, về việc ta đưa ra quyết định khi nào, bối cảnh là gì, ta đã suy nghĩ, đắn đo như thế nào trước khi đưa ra quyết định đó. Chú ý: sử dụng thì quá khứ đơn trong bài này bạn nhé!
• Câu hỏi 3: Kết quả thu được là gì: Mô tả quyết định đó đúng đắn như thế nào, giống hay khác mình tưởng tượng. Chú ý sử dụng thì quá khứ đơn trong bài Describe a good decision you made recently bạn nhé!
• Câu hỏi 4: Nêu cảm nhận của bản thân về quyết định đó: Phần cảm nhận này không nhất thiết phải nằm ở cuối bài Describe a good decision you made recently, nhìn chung đây là nơi để sử dụng các tính từ mô tả cảm xúc, cảm nhận. 

2.2. One-minute note-taking (English)

Please use a pen to take note of the main ideas in the article below!

3. Example Speaking: Describe a wise decision you recently made

Listen to the sample Podcast IELTS Speaking Part 2 - Describe a wise decision you recently made:

Recently, I made a decision that I consider one of the best in my life, which was to apply to the place where I currently work. It's an educational technology company called Mytour. Most of the online courses they offer are focused on IELTS Mytouraration, but they will soon introduce TOEIC courses.

The story goes back a few months ago, when I was working at my former workplace, a school I'd prefer not to name. I received a message from a friend asking if I wanted to apply for a position at Mytour. She sent me the job description, which was quite enticing. It seemed to offer everything I could hope for, from the role itself to the salary. Despite this, I struggled with the decision because my current job was considered a dream job by many. However, as you know, I eventually decided to make the switch.

And it was the right decision. From the very first day, I felt welcomed into such a supportive and friendly work environment. My manager introduced me to the team and organized an icebreaker activity. My new colleagues were incredibly helpful in helping me adapt quickly and get up to speed. They also have a great sense of humor, which always keeps me from keeping a straight face around them.

Moreover, the job itself is fulfilling as it allows me to pursue my passion for education. Mytour differs from traditional education centers by prioritizing education and technology over profit, which perfectly aligns with my vision of an ideal job.

In summary, I have no regrets about my decision to join this company. Every moment here is enjoyable and rewarding.

Vocabulary that scores points used in the IELTS Speaking Part 2 Describe a wise decision you recently made:

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    • apply to: nộp đơn ứng tuyển vào trường/ công ty nào ddó
    • then (adj) ở thời điểm đó
    • then workplace: nơi làm việc ở hồi xưa (tại thời điểm được nhắc đến)
    • appealing (adj) hấp dẫn, thú vị
    • have a hard time doing sth: có quãng thời gian khó khăn khi làm gì
    • (make) the right call: (đưa ra) quyết định đúng đắn
    • (get) up to speed: có đầy đủ thông tin về một vấn đề, bắt kịp với mọi người, và sẵn sàng để làm tốt
    • keep a straight face: giữ bộ mặt nghiêm túc, đặc biệt là khi đang nhịn cười
    • fulfilling (adj) thỏa mãn
    • happen to V: tình cờ

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Sample + 3 topics 'Describe a challenging decision you once made'

II. Model Answers for IELTS Speaking Part 3 Topic: Decision Making

Listen to the sample Podcast IELTS Speaking Part 3 - Decision Making:

1. What types of decisions do people typically make in their everyday lives?

Choosing what to wear is one of the daily decisions most people face. They decide on the type of shirt, the color of pants, the style of shoes, and other details. For many, this process can take quite a bit of time as they make their selections. An exception to this routine is Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, who opts to wear the same blue shirt, jeans, and running shoes daily, allowing him to focus on more critical decisions.

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    • and everything (informal) dùng sau khi nói 1 hoặc 1 danh sách đồ vật để ám chi rằng còn thêm nhiều đồ vật nữa
    • pick and choose: cân nhắc, lựa chọn kỹ càng (hơn mức cần thiết)

2. How should individuals approach difficult decision-making?

When faced with a challenging decision, it's crucial to slow down and carefully consider all options. This is because in such tough moments, humans often experience an adrenaline rush that can hinder making the best decision. By taking things slowly, one can mitigate the hormonal effects and have more time to thoroughly assess every aspect.

Additionally, meditation serves as another method to achieve mental clarity, fostering mindfulness and clearing the mind of distractions to enable wiser decision-making.

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    • think sth through: suy nghĩ kỹ càng về điều gì
    • andrenaline rush: trạng thái căng thẳng cực độ do lượng andrenaline tăng cao đột ngột
    • curb (v), (n): kìm lại, hạn chế

3. In your opinion, is it easier to make decisions alone or by discussing with others?

Most of the time, making decisions independently is simpler because there's no need to debate with anyone; one can simply proceed as preferred. However, when decisions impact others, it can become complex. For instance, when planning a trip for a group of friends, it's challenging to solely determine what's best for everyone.

Preferences vary—some may prefer destinations near urban areas, while others may opt for economical accommodations, among other considerations. In such scenarios, collaborative discussion proves significantly beneficial.

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    • argue with sb: tranh luận với ai
    • single-handedly (adv): một mình, không cần sự trợ giúp của ai
    • budget (adj) tiết kiệm, rẻ tiền
    • budget trip: chuyến đi tiết kiệm
    • budget hotel: khách sạn rẻ

4. Why do you think many young individuals resist following their parents' advice?

It's a natural inclination for youth, especially during adolescence, to oppose parental guidance. This teenage defiance is part of their maturation process, as they strive for independence and self-identity. Acts of defiance, such as breaking rules, speeding, and challenging authority figures, may test parental patience but are essential for personal growth and typically diminish as teens mature into adulthood.

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    • tendency (n) xu hướng 
    • rebellion (n) cuộc nổi loạn
    • insubordinate (adj) không chịu phục tùng, không vâng lời
    • reach adulthood: đến tuổi trưởng thành

5. How can individuals improve their decision-making?

Engaging in daily mindfulness practices aids in enhancing decision-making abilities. This is because individuals often encounter a plethora of information, ideas, and irrelevant thoughts that can obscure their judgment.

For instance, a manager facing distractions such as music, street noises, reports from other departments, and unrelated phone calls might find it challenging to make significant financial decisions. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, offer a remedy by clearing the mind of irrelevant thoughts and assisting individuals in making more informed decisions.

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    • get into sb's head: cố tình làm mất sự tập trung của ai đó
    • judgement calls: những quyết định chủ quan, dựa vào quan điểm của một người vì không có câu trả lời đúng hoặc dễ dàng
    • make judgement calls: đưa ra những quyết định dựa vào ý kiến cá nhân