IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Decisions play an important role in one’s life; whatever the outcome may be, they always teach something valuable. The decision to leave my congenial job for higher education in a challenging environment was one of the most difficult decisions I have made recently. 

Last year, amid the Covid 19 pandemic and work from home scenarios, I had a tough time growing professionally while trying to learn the latest technologies and get trained in them. I started regretting not pursuing higher education in a specialised technological subject. It was then that I realised I was a bit too indulged in the comfort zone I had created for myself in my old job. I then thought of leaving it behind to learn more by applying for a masters education in a specialised field which I think is quite vital to growing in a technological world. 

It was my first workplace and I had been with it for 4 years which made it very difficult for me to part ways. I thought about leaving and crossed it off for eight months when I finally went with the decision of resigning.

I was content with what I was doing as part of my work, but it wasn’t the best. I know I had to learn more and do more in order to achieve a greater goal. It was tough leaving a job that I loved behind but I did not want to regret not pursuing my masters again. I am glad I made the decision at the right time. I believe it is never too late to change something if we have the will to make our life better. I believe it is better to face an adversity to have a finer career which eventually leads to a peaceful life. 

 

Vocabulary:

1. Congenial – pleasant because suited to one’s inclination
2. Amid – in the middle of
3. Indulge – allow oneself to enjoy
4. Content – a state of satisfaction

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Part 3 Follow Up - Questions & Answers

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1. What decisions do people generally make in their daily life?

People make decisions on a daily basis. When we wake up in the morning and start to prepare breakfast and lunch, we decide what kind of vegetable or meat to eat, what to wear to school or office, how to spend our evenings etc. Our whole life is a composition of hundreds of decisions we take every day.

2. Which is easier, making a decision by oneself or making a decision after a group discussion?

I think it is easier to decide by oneself as listening to others think and decide for us who may not have a good idea of our situation might lead to confusion. We might get influenced by others and change our initial thoughts when making a decision. It is best to calm down, sit alone and go over the pros and cons and then decide by oneself.

3. Why are many young people unwilling to listen to their parents advice?

A number of young people think that their parents thoughts are outdated and don’t really align with theirs. Besides, in general, young people, by nature, are rebellious and don’t pay attention to what the elders say thinking that their ways are the right ones because they are not kids anymore.

4. Why do middle-aged people tend to second-guess their decision?

I don’t think second-guessing has anything to do with age. We all tend to second-guess our decisions when making a tough decision as we may not be fully confident about the decision. In my view, the best way to avoid second-guessing is to have limited choices and go over them carefully before arriving at a decision.