Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Decision you made with the help of someone - Cue Card # 653
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe an important decision that you made with the help of someone else.
You should say:
- what the decision was
- who helped you with it
- how he/she helped you with it
and explain why you took help from this person regarding this decision.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
Sometimes in life, there comes a time when we don’t know what we should do, or what decision we should make when we are presented with a number of options to choose from. Should that be the case, we should always, in my opinion, rely on the wisdom and knowledge of others who are in a position to guide us in the right direction. Please allow me to share with you such an experience in which my older cousin helped me make an important decision in my life.
It was after my A-level graduation when I was struggling to decide whether I should pursue a degree at a regular university in Business Administration, or be more focused on securing admission at an Engineering college. Given the benefits of having a better career option in attending an engineering college, I could have easily gone for an engineering degree. On the other hand, with a real possibility of receiving a very handsome scholarship option in pursuing a degree in Business Administration without leaving home, getting admission at a university wasn’t a bad option either. I needed to make a sound decision since the choice also involved staying with my parents or leaving them for a better “opportunity”. But the problem was that my parents left the decision up to me. Luckily, I had my cousin who almost always had acted as my “saviour” in the past, and this time was no exception. I decided to take admission to a regular university in Business Administration.
My cousin was about 10 years older than me, but I could always count on him because of his cool and calm head. Besides, he was an engineer himself. So, I knew that he would help me with some good advice. On top of that, my cousin would always take time to analyse a situation before coming to a decision. And, knowing how much of a “well-wisher” he really was for me and my family, my parents and I knew that we were going to get a very “practical and right” decision from my cousin.
Finally, my cousin had to struggle a lot in his life before establishing himself as a successful engineer as well as a businessman at the same time. So, it was quite natural for me to value and admire him as a good “counsellor”.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
Thank you very much for this interesting topic. Here I would like to share a situation when I took help from someone else to decide on something important. Well, one significant decision in my life that I made with the assistance of someone else was the choice to pursue higher education abroad.
What the decision was:
The decision revolved around selecting the right university and course of study for my postgraduate studies. It was a pivotal moment that would shape my academic and professional trajectory for years to come.
Who helped you with it:
My elder sister, who had previously pursued her higher education abroad, played a crucial role in guiding me through this decision-making process. With her firsthand experience and insights, she was well-equipped to offer invaluable advice and support.
How he/she helped you with it:
My sister provided comprehensive guidance at every stage of the decision-making process. Initially, she helped me identify my academic and career goals, facilitating a thorough self-assessment to determine the most suitable course of study. She then assisted me in researching potential universities and programs, considering factors such as academic reputation, faculty expertise, and campus amenities. Moreover, she shared practical advice on navigating the application process, including preparing admission documents, securing recommendation letters, and scheduling standardised tests like the GRE or TOEFL.
And explain why you took help from this person regarding this decision:
I sought my sister's assistance regarding this decision primarily because of her firsthand experience of studying abroad. Her guidance was rooted in practical wisdom and personal anecdotes, making it highly relatable and relevant to my situation. Additionally, I trusted her judgment and expertise, knowing that she had my best interests at heart and was genuinely invested in my academic success.
Model Answer 3:
Well, I can think of several situations when I took advice from others regarding making a decision. But one significant decision stands out in my memory, and I would like to share it with you today. I made this decision with the assistance of someone else, and it was about choosing the university where I would pursue my higher education.
The decision revolved around selecting the right university for my undergraduate studies, a pivotal milestone in shaping my academic and professional trajectory.
My high school guidance counsellor played a crucial role in guiding me through the university selection process and providing valuable insights and advice.
My guidance counsellor helped me by offering personalised guidance tailored to my academic strengths, career aspirations, and personal preferences. They meticulously reviewed my academic records, extracurricular achievements, and career interests to identify universities that aligned with my goals. Moreover, they provided comprehensive information about various universities, including their academic programs, campus culture, faculty expertise, and student support services. They also shared their firsthand knowledge and experiences, having helped numerous students navigate the university selection process over the years.
I sought help from my guidance counsellor regarding this decision because I recognised the importance of making an informed choice that would shape my academic and professional future. Given the multitude of options and factors to consider, I felt overwhelmed and uncertain about where to begin. I valued the expertise and experience that my guidance counsellor brought to the table, knowing that their guidance would help me make a well-informed decision aligned with my aspirations and capabilities. Moreover, I trusted their impartial perspective and commitment to supporting students in achieving their academic goals.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Making important decisions can sometimes be challenging, and seeking advice from others can provide valuable perspectives. This topic asks you to describe an important decision you made with the help of someone else. To make your answer great, be sure to explain the decision, the person who helped, how they assisted you, and why you chose to seek their help. Here are a few ideas to help you develop your own response for this topic:
1. Choosing a career path:
One of the most important decisions I made was choosing my career path. I was unsure whether to pursue a career in technology or marketing, so I sought advice from my mentor, who had experience in both fields. He helped me by sharing his insights, guiding me through the pros and cons of each option, and encouraging me to follow my passion. I took his advice seriously because he understood my strengths and interests, and his guidance helped me choose the right career direction.
2. Deciding on a university:
When it was time to choose a university, I was torn between two institutions. I turned to my older cousin, who had attended one of the universities I was considering. She gave me a detailed breakdown of what to expect, including the academic environment, campus life, and available extracurricular activities. Her first-hand experience helped me make an informed decision, and I appreciated her honest opinion. Ultimately, I chose the university where I felt I could thrive the most.
3. Buying a house:
When I was looking to buy my first house, I was overwhelmed by the options and the financial decisions involved. I asked my close friend, who is a real estate agent, to help me navigate the process. She guided me through the various factors to consider, such as location, pricing, and mortgage options. I took her help because she was knowledgeable about the housing market, and her advice made me feel confident about my purchase.
4. Starting a business:
Starting my own business was an important decision, and I sought help from a family friend who had experience as an entrepreneur. He helped me by advising me on how to write a business plan, secure funding, and manage the early stages of the business. His support was crucial because he had gone through similar challenges and could provide practical advice based on real-world experience.
5. Deciding to move abroad:
When I was considering moving abroad for further studies, I was unsure whether it was the right decision. I turned to my mother, who had lived abroad during her early years. She shared her experiences, including the challenges and benefits of living in another country. Her perspective helped me understand the long-term benefits and encouraged me to take the leap. I trusted her guidance because she had been through a similar transition and understood the emotional and practical aspects.
6. Choosing a career change:
One of the most difficult decisions I made was switching careers. I was unsure if it was the right time, so I sought advice from a former colleague who had made a similar career change. She shared her own journey and the challenges she faced, which made me realise that it was a step worth taking. Her support and encouragement were instrumental in helping me make the transition.
7. Deciding on a vacation destination:
While planning a vacation, I couldn’t decide on the destination, as I had a few options in mind. I asked my best friend for help because she had travelled extensively and could offer recommendations based on her experiences. She suggested a tropical island, which was perfect for relaxation and adventure. I valued her input because she knew my preferences and helped me find the ideal destination.
8. Taking a financial investment decision:
I once had to decide whether to invest in stocks or a more secure savings account. I reached out to a financial advisor who helped me understand the risks and benefits of both options. His expertise in managing investments helped me feel more confident in my decision, and I took his advice to make a more informed financial choice. I trusted his judgment because of his experience in the field.
9. Choosing a health-related treatment:
When I faced a health issue, I had to choose between two different treatments. I asked my doctor, who knew my medical history, to help me make the decision. He explained the pros and cons of each treatment, and his knowledge helped me understand the risks involved. I appreciated his help because I trusted his medical expertise, and it allowed me to make an informed choice regarding my health.
10. Deciding to adopt a pet:
When I was thinking about adopting a pet, I turned to a friend who had adopted several pets in the past. She helped me understand the responsibilities involved, from the time commitment to the financial costs. Her advice made me realise that adopting a pet was a big commitment, but also a rewarding one. I felt confident in my decision to adopt because her experience gave me a clearer picture of what to expect.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a significant decision made with someone's assistance, using vocabulary that highlights their role, the nature of their help, and your reasons for seeking it is important. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the collaborative process and the value of their input, making your response insightful and appreciative. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Crucial juncture: – A very important point in time or a decisive stage.
Example: I was at a crucial juncture in my career when I had to make this decision.
Sought guidance: – Asked for advice or help.
Example: I sought guidance from a trusted mentor regarding my future path.
Offered invaluable insights: – Provided extremely helpful and important understanding.
Example: They offered invaluable insights that I hadn't considered.
Helped weigh the pros and cons: – Assisted in considering the advantages and disadvantages of different options.
Example: We meticulously weighed the pros and cons of each potential choice together.
Provided a fresh perspective: – Offered a new and different way of looking at the situation.
Example: Their fresh perspective helped me see the situation in a new light.
Shared their expertise: – Offered their specialised knowledge or skill.
Example: They generously shared their expertise in the field, which was incredibly helpful.
Navigated complexities: – Helped me deal with difficult or intricate aspects of the decision.
Example: Together, we navigated the complexities of the situation step by step.
Offered unwavering support: – Provided consistent and steadfast encouragement.
Example: Knowing I had their unwavering support made the decision less daunting.
Helped clarify my priorities: – Assisted me in understanding what was most important to me.
Example: Through our discussions, they helped me clarify my priorities.
Reduced my anxiety: – Made me feel less worried, nervous, or uneasy.
Example: Their calm and rational approach significantly reduced my anxiety about the decision.
Empowered me to choose: – Gave me the confidence and authority to make my own choice.
Example: Ultimately, they empowered me to make the final choice with conviction.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe an important decision that you made with the help of someone else", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe an important decision that you made in your life.
2) Describe an important decision that you might have to make in the future.
3) Describe a time when you had to make an important choice in your life.
4) Describe a time when someone helped you with something.
5) Describe a time when you asked for help from a family member or friend.
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