Chữa đề IELTS Speaking Discuss an important decision you made in your life

Nếu gặp đề bài Discuss an important decision you made in your life trong phần thi IELTS Speaking part 2, bạn sẽ nói như thế nào? Bạn đã có ý tưởng gì cho bài nói của mình chưa? Nếu chưa, hãy tham khảo ngay bài viết này của SOL IELTS nhé!

Discuss an important decision you made in your life

1. Đề bài

Discuss an important decision you made in your life.

You should say

• What was the decision?
• How did you make your decision?
• What were the results of the decision?

2. Ideas - Ý tưởng

• What was the decision?
  • opting to major in Business English during university years
• How did you make your decision?
  • Consideration of interests, career aspirations, and global landscape.
  • Extensive research on curriculum, career paths, and real-world applications.
  • Consultation with professors, professionals, and alumni in the field.
  • Assessment of market demand for language skills and business acumen.
• What were the results of the decision?
  • Academic Transformations
    • Stimulating and comprehensive coursework.
    • Integration of language studies with business theories and applications.
  • Professional Opportunities
    • Securing internships applying language and business skills.
    • Enhanced marketability, especially in global-focused companies.
    • Discovery of passion for cross-cultural communication and international business.
  • Personal Growth
    • Instilled confidence and adaptability.
    • Valuable communication skills applicable in various life aspects.

3. Sample answer - Câu trả lời mẫu

So, a pivotal decision that significantly shaped my life was opting to major in Business English during my university years.

The decision to pursue Business English was not one that I took lightly. It involved a thoughtful consideration of my interests, career aspirations, and the global landscape. At the time, I was passionate about both language and business, and I saw Business English as a unique convergence of these two interests. I envisioned that this major would not only enhance my language proficiency but also equip me with the practical communication skills required in the business world.

To make this decision, I conducted extensive research on the curriculum, potential career paths, and the real-world applications of Business English. I spoke with professors, professionals in the field, and alumni who had pursued similar paths. Additionally, I considered the market demand for individuals with strong language skills and a business acumen, which further motivated my decision.

The results of choosing Business English as my major were transformative. Academically, I found the coursework intellectually stimulating, combining language studies with business theories and practical applications. It provided a well-rounded education that went beyond traditional language studies.

Professionally, the decision opened doors to a range of opportunities. I secured internships that allowed me to apply my language and business skills in real-world settings. The major also positioned me as a valuable asset in the job market, especially in multinational companies and those with a global focus. I discovered a passion for cross-cultural communication and international business, which became a cornerstone of my career.

On a personal level, the decision to major in Business English instilled in me a sense of confidence and adaptability. The ability to communicate effectively in a business context became a valuable asset in various aspects of my life.

Choosing Business English as my major was a pivotal decision that had a profound impact on my academic, professional, and personal growth. It provided me with a unique skill set that continues to open doors and shape my career trajectory in ways I had not initially imagined.

4. Vocabulary - Từ vựng hữu ích

• Pivotal /ˈpɪv.ə.təl/ (adj): Of crucial importance or significance, marking a turning point (quan trọng).
• Opt /ɒpt/ (v): To make a choice or decision (chọn lựa).
• Convergence /kənˈvɜː.dʒəns/ (n): The act of coming together or meeting at a common point (sự hội tụ/kết hợp).
• Proficiency /prəˈfɪʃ.ən.si/ (n): Skillfulness or expertise in a particular area (sự thành thạo).
• Acumen /ˈæk.jə.mən/ (n): Keen insight or the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions (sự nhạy bén).
• Transformative /trænsˈfɔː.mə.tɪv/ (adj): Having the ability to bring about significant change or transformation (tạo ra sự thay đổi lớn).
• Internship /ˈɪn.tɜːn.ʃɪp/ (n): A period of practical training, often in a professional setting, to gain work experience (thực tập).
• Multinational /ˌmʌltiˈnæʃənl/ (adj): Involving or operating in several countries (đa quốc gia).
• Cross-cultural /ˌkrɒsˈkʌl.tʃər.əl/ (adj): Involving or bridging different cultures (giao thoa văn hóa).
• Adaptability /əˌdæp.təˈbɪl.ə.ti/ (n): The ability to adjust or change in response to different conditions or circumstances (khả năng thích ứng).
• Trajectory /trəˈdʒek.tər.i/ (n): The path or course that something takes over time (quỹ đạo, hướng phát triển).

Chữa đề IELTS Speaking Part 3: 

1. How do you approach making important decisions in your life?

- Ideas - Ý tưởng

• gather information
• weigh the pros and cons
• seek advice 
• trust my instincts

- Sample answer - Câu trả lời mẫu

Well, when it comes to making significant decisions in my life, I tend to take a balanced approach. Firstly, I gather as much information as possible to have a comprehensive understanding of the situation. Then, I weigh the pros and cons, considering both short-term and long-term consequences. Seeking advice from people I trust is also crucial for me, as it provides diverse perspectives. Ultimately, I trust my instincts but ensure that my decisions are well-informed and aligned with my values and goals.

- Vocabulary - Từ vựng

• Comprehensive /ˌkɒm.prɪˈhen.sɪv/ (adj): Thorough and complete, covering all relevant aspects or details.(Toàn diện, bao quát)
• well-informed  /ˌwel ɪnˈfɔːmd/ (adj): having a lot of knowledge or information about a particular subject or things in general (sáng suốt)
• Aligned /əˈlaɪnd/ (adj): In agreement or harmony with something, often in reference to values, goals, or principles.(Đồng đều, phù hợp)
• Crucial /ˈkruː.ʃəl/ (adj): Extremely important or necessary for the success or completion of something. (Quan trọng)
• Instincts /ˈɪn.stɪŋkt/ (n): Inherent, natural, or intuitive behavior or feelings, often without conscious reasoning. (Bản năng, linh cảm)

2. In what ways can making decisions be challenging?

- Ideas - Ý tưởng

• the complexity of the decision itself
• the fear of making the wrong choice
• societal expectations
• conflicting advice

- Sample answer - Câu trả lời mẫu

Making decisions can be challenging for various reasons. Firstly, the complexity of the decision itself can be overwhelming, especially when it involves multiple factors and uncertainties. Additionally, the fear of making the wrong choice or the fear of the unknown can create hesitation. External pressures, such as societal expectations or conflicting advice, can add to the difficulty. Furthermore, decisions that have significant consequences may induce stress and anxiety, making the process even more challenging.

- Vocabulary - Từ vựng

• Overwhelming /ˌoʊvərˈwɛlmɪŋ/ (adj): Extremely intense, overpowering, or causing a feeling of being buried or drowned by something immense. (quá tải)
• Hesitation /ˌhɛz.əˈteɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The act of pausing or delaying in making a decision, often due to uncertainty or doubt. (Sự do dự, ngần ngại)
• Conflicting /kənˈflɪktɪŋ/ (adj): Contradictory or opposing; creating disagreement or inconsistency. (mâu thuẫn)
• Consequences /ˈkɑnsəˌkwɛnsɪz/ (noun): The results or effects of a particular action, decision, or event, often with significant outcomes. (Hậu quả)
• Induce /ɪnˈduːs/ (verb): To cause or bring about a particular effect or response. (Gây ra)

3. Are there cultural differences in decision-making processes?

- Ideas - Ý tưởng: Yes:

• decisions in some cultures may be:
• centralized
• democratic

- Sample answer - Câu trả lời mẫu

Absolutely, there are notable cultural differences in decision-making processes. In some cultures, decisions may be more centralized, with authority figures or elders playing a crucial role. In others, decisions may be more democratic, involving group discussions and consensus-building. The importance given to individual autonomy versus collective harmony can vary significantly across cultures. Understanding and respecting these cultural nuances is vital to navigating diverse decision-making approaches in a global context.

- Vocabulary - Từ vựng

• Centralized /ˈsɛntrəˌlaɪzd/ (adj): Concentrated or controlled in one central place or by a single authority. (Tập trung.)
• Consensus-building /kənˈsɛnsəs ˈbɪldɪŋ/ (noun): The process of reaching an agreement or decision through collaboration and obtaining general consent from a group. (xây dựng sự đồng thuận)
• Autonomy /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/ (noun): The ability or right of an individual or group to govern or make decisions independently, without external control. (quyền/khả năng tự chủ)
• Harmony /ˈhɑːrməni/ (noun): A state of peaceful coexistence and agreement; the quality of forming a harmonious and balanced whole. (sự hài hòa)
• Nuances /nuːˈɑːnsɪz/ (noun): Subtle or slight variations or distinctions, especially in meaning, expression, or understanding. (sắc thái)

4. How important are career-related decisions in a person's life?

- Ideas - Ý tưởng

• Right career-related decisions:
  • have a profound impact on personal fulfillment and overall life satisfaction
  • lead to a sense of purpose, motivation, and financial stability
• Wrong career-related decisions:
  • result in dissatisfaction, stress, and the need for later adjustments 

- Sample answer - Câu trả lời mẫu

Career-related decisions are immensely important in a person's life. Not only do they shape one's professional trajectory, but they also have a profound impact on personal fulfillment and overall life satisfaction. Choosing the right career path can lead to a sense of purpose, motivation, and financial stability. Conversely, making the wrong career choices may result in dissatisfaction, stress, and the need for later adjustments. Therefore, individuals often invest considerable time and effort in making informed career decisions.

- Vocabulary - Từ vựng

• Profound /prəˈfaʊnd/ (adj): having deep meaning or significance; intense or far-reaching (sâu sắc).
• Adjustments /əˈdʒʌstmənts/ (noun): changes made to something in order to improve or adapt it to a particular situation or set of conditions (sự điều chỉnh, sự thích nghi).
• Stability /stəˈbɪlɪti/ (noun): the state of being secure, steady, or unchanging; often used in the context of financial security or emotional well-being (sự ổn định, sự vững chắc).
• Dissatisfaction /ˌdɪsˌsætɪsˈfækʃən/ (noun): the feeling of being displeased or unsatisfied with a situation or outcome (sự không hài lòng, sự bất mãn).
• Conversely /ˈkɒnvəsli/ (adverb): introducing a contrast between two different or opposing ideas; in contrast (ngược lại, đối lập).

5. Should people prioritize passion or practicality when making career decisions?

- Ideas - Ý tưởng

• Passion:
  • brings joy and fulfillment
  • Practical considerations:
  • crucial for a sustainable career

- Sample answer - Câu trả lời mẫu

The balance between passion and practicality in career decisions is a subjective matter. Ideally, finding a career that aligns with both passion and practical considerations is optimal. However, in reality, individuals may face situations where they need to prioritize one over the other. While passion brings joy and fulfillment, practical considerations like financial stability and job prospects are crucial for a sustainable career. Striking a balance that incorporates both elements can lead to a fulfilling and successful career path.

- Vocabulary - Từ vựng

• Optimal /ˈɒp.tɪ.məl/ (adj): The best or most favorable outcome or solution in a given situation. (Tối ưu)
• Sustainable /səˈsteɪ.nə.bl̩/ (adj): Capable of being maintained or continued over the long term without causing significant negative impacts. (Bền vững, có thể duy trì)
• Prospects /ˈprɒs.pekts/ (n): The potential for success or advancement in a particular career or endeavor. (Triển vọng, khả năng thành công trong tương lai)
• Subjective /səbˈdʒek.tɪv/ (adj): Based on personal opinions, feelings, and experiences rather than on external facts or evidence. (Chủ quan, dựa trên quan điểm cá nhân)
• Prioritize /praɪˈɒr.ɪ.taɪz/ (v): To arrange or deal with in order of importance or urgency; to give precedence to one thing over another. (Ưu tiên)
• Incorporate /ɪnˈkɔː.pə.reɪt/ (v): To include or combine something as part of a whole; to integrate or blend. (Kết hợp, tích hợp)

6. What role does education play in shaping career decisions?

- Ideas - Ý tưởng: Education:

• equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications
• influences career preferences
• provides a foundation for informed decision-making

- Sample answer - Câu trả lời mẫu

Education plays a pivotal role in shaping career decisions. It equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications necessary for specific career paths. The educational experiences, exposure to different fields, and guidance from educators can influence career preferences. Additionally, education provides a foundation for informed decision-making, enabling individuals to understand their strengths, interests, and potential career opportunities. Continuous learning and skill development, often facilitated through education, also contribute to adapting to evolving career landscapes.

- Vocabulary - Từ vựng

• Qualifications /ˌkwɒl.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃənz/ (noun): Officially recognized achievements or skills acquired through education or training. (Bằng cấp, kỹ năng) 
• Exposure /ɪkˈspəʊ.ʒər/ (noun): The state of being subjected to or experiencing something, often referring to gaining knowledge or familiarity with a particular subject or environment. (Tiếp xúc, trải nghiệm)
• Guidance /ˈɡaɪ.dəns/ (noun): Assistance, advice, or direction provided by someone with more experience or knowledge, aiming to help others make informed decisions. (Sự hướng dẫn)
• Continuous Learning (phrase): The ongoing process of acquiring new knowledge, skills, or insights throughout one's life or career. (Học tập liên tục)
• Foundation /faʊnˈdeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The basis or groundwork upon which something is built or developed; a fundamental underlying structure. (Nền tảng)
• Strengths /strɛŋkθs/ (noun): Personal qualities or attributes that contribute positively to one's actions, performance, or character. (thế mạnh)

Chúc các bạn học tốt nhé.