IELTS Academic · Speaking

Speaking test: Describe a difficult decision you had to make

17 questions · 14 minutes · Speaking prompt

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On the computer-delivered layout, timed like test day, and marked by our AI examiner on all four criteria.

Part 1: Part 1

Questions 1–12

The examiner asks you about yourself and familiar topics.

  1. 1 Do you work or study?
  2. 2 What are your main responsibilities?
  3. 3 Do you prefer working or studying in the morning or in the evening?
  4. 4 Is there anything you would like to change about your work or studies?
  5. 5 What do you usually do on public holidays?
  6. 6 Do you like public holidays?
  7. 7 Are there enough public holidays in your country?
  8. 8 Is there anything you would like to change about public holidays?
  9. 9 What kind of clothes do you usually wear?
  10. 10 Do you care about fashion?
  11. 11 Do you ever wear traditional clothes?
  12. 12 Is there anything you would like to change about the clothes you wear?

Part 2: Part 2

Question 13

You have one minute to prepare, then talk for one to two minutes.

Describe a difficult decision you had to make.

You should say:

  • what the decision was
  • when you made it
  • how you made it

and explain how you feel about it now.

  1. 13 Describe a difficult decision you had to make.

Part 3: Part 3

Questions 14–17

The examiner asks more general questions linked to Part 2.

  1. 14 Should young people make big decisions on their own?
  2. 15 Do people have too many choices today?
  3. 16 Who gives the best advice: family or friends?
  4. 17 Is it better to decide quickly or slowly?

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