Cue Card Sample
Decision you made with the help of someone - Cue Card # 653
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- Written by IELTS Mentor
IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
Describe an important decision that you made with the help of someone else.
You should say:
- what the decision was
- who helped you
- how he/she helped you
and explain why you took help from this person regarding this decision.
[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 just 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, I was struggling to decide whether I should pursue a degree at a regular university in Business Administration, or I should 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 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 analyze a situation before coming to a decision. And, knowing how much of a “well-wisher” he really was for me and my family, I and my parents 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:
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:
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 standardized 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 personalized 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 recognized 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.
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