Sample Speaking Part 2, 3: Portray a challenging decision you once made

2. Structure of Part 2

2.1. Sample outline (Vietnamese)

2.2. One-minute note-taking (English)

3. Sample Speaking Part 2: Portray a difficult decision you once made

Listen to the Podcast sample of IELTS Speaking Part 2 - Portray a challenging decision you once made: 

If I were to discuss a challenging decision I recall making, I’d choose the gym membership I bought a few months ago. I really had to carefully consider everything before making that choice, as I also wanted to purchase a new laptop at the time. My computer was showing its age and its poor performance was barely tolerable. But I couldn't ignore the fact that I could only afford either the gym membership or the laptop. 

In the end, I opted for the gym membership for the sake of my health. My weight had been increasing rapidly, which was why I even considered joining a gym initially. The gym I had my eye on offered me an extra year of access to its facilities if I purchased the membership, and this really helped sway my decision. I would have to continue using my old laptop for a while longer, though.

I always felt that was a difficult decision because no matter what I chose to buy, it would involve a significant expense. Money doesn’t grow on trees, and my dilemma came at a time when prices were rising across the board. Nonetheless, I’m glad I made the right choice, as now I’m in good health and feel very fit.

Some useful vocabulary used in the sample of IELTS Speaking Part 2 topic Describe a difficult decision you once made:

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    • Think sth through (v.): suy nghĩ điều gì đó kỹ càng
    • Seen better days (v.): cũ kỹ, tồi tàn – chỉ được dùng ở thì hoàn thành
    • Tolerable (adj.): chấp nhận được
    • Balloon (v.): phình to
    • In the first place (adv.): ngay từ đầu
    • Set eyes on sth (v.): để ý đến
    • Decrepit (adj.): mục nát
    • Dilemma (n.): tình huống khó khăn
    • Price hike (n.): tình hình vật giá leo thang
    • Across the board (adv.): trên mọi mặt

II. Sample answer for IELTS Speaking Part 3 topic: Decision Making

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

1. What makes decision-making challenging for some individuals?

In my opinion, the main challenge often arises from having too many options. When individuals are presented with an abundance of choices, they may become immersed in imagining the outcome of each one, leading to difficulty in selecting the one that yields the optimal result.

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      • Caught up in sth (adj.): bị sao nhãng bởi điều gì đó
      • Picture sth (v.): hình dung thứ gì đó
      • Have a hard time V-ing (v.): gặp khó khi làm điều gì đó

2. How crucial is seeking advice from others in decision-making?

It holds considerable importance, particularly for those who are not accustomed to making their own decisions. However, if one constantly seeks advice from others, it suggests they are slightly too obsessed with maximizing the benefits of every endeavor. Some decisions are best made by following one's instincts, as not all of them are critical.

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      • A tad (n.): một chút (như “a bit”)
      • Preoccupied (adj.): bận tâm
      • Maximize sth (v.): tối đa hóa điều gì đó
      • Life-and-death (adj.): hệ trọng

3. What are some significant decisions young individuals often face?

Considering what to pursue after completing high school or university comes to mind. Many young individuals understand that making the wrong choice could result in wasting several years of their lives. Adopting a carefree attitude can alleviate many concerns, but it’s not always feasible to be carefree when resources are limited.

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      • Spring to mind (v.): xuất hiện trong đầu
      • Down the drain (adj.): bị lãng phí
      • Carefree/happy-go-lucky (adj.): vô tư
      • Constrained (adj.): bị hạn chế

4. Do you support the idea that parents should make significant decisions for their children?

I concur, to some extent. Parents should be the primary decision-makers for their children until they reach adulthood. However, parents should also be Mytourared to delegate authority to their children concerning decisions in their adult lives. The worst scenario is for your child to resent you for coercing them into something they dislike.

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      • Decision maker (n.): người đưa ra quyết định
      • Hand back sth (v.): trao trả lại điều gì đó
      • Agency (n.): quyền tự quyết
      • The last thing (sb wants/needs) (n.): điều không mong muốn
      • Resent sth (v.): phẫn uất với điều gì đó

Above is the sample for IELTS Speaking Part 2 + 3 topic Describe a difficult decision you once made crafted by instructors at Mytour. Wishing you effective self-study at home and success in the upcoming real Speaking exam!