Cue Card

Describe a difficult decision that you made

You should say:

• What the decision was
• How you made the decision
• Why you made this decision
• And explain why it was a difficult decision to make.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What decisions do people make on a day-to-day basis?
2. Is it easier to make a decision in a group or independently?
3. Why are many young people unwilling to follow their parents’ advice?
4. Why do middle-aged people tend to second guess their own decisions?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'll never forget the day I had to decide whether to drop out of college to pursue my passion for photography. I was 20 years old, and my parents were thrilled that I was on track to graduate with a'respectable' degree in business. But the truth was, I was miserable. I felt like I was sleepwalking through life, just going through the motions. Every time I picked up my camera, I felt alive. But every time I sat in a lecture hall, I felt like I was suffocating.

I knew that if I dropped out, my parents would be disappointed. They'd invested so much in my education, and I didn't want to let them down. But I also knew that if I stayed, I'd be sacrificing my own happiness. I'd be stuck in a career that didn't fulfill me, just to make my parents proud. It was a tough pill to swallow, but I realized that I had to take a leap of faith. I had to trust that I was making the right decision, even if it didn't make sense to anyone else.

It wasn't easy, of course. There were plenty of times when I doubted myself, when I wondered if I'd made a huge mistake. But every time I looked through my lens, I knew I'd made the right choice. I started taking on photography gigs, and slowly but surely, my passion turned into a career. It wasn't always easy, but it was worth it. I learned that sometimes, the hardest decisions are the ones that lead to the greatest rewards.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

take a leap of faith

to do something even though it's scary or uncertain, because you believe it's the right thing to do

She took a leap of faith and quit her job to start her own business.

He took a leap of faith and moved to a new city without a job lined up.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What decisions do people make on a day-to-day basis? People make a multitude of decisions every day, from the moment they wake up to the moment they go to bed. One of the most significant decisions people make on a daily basis is how to manage their time. With so many demands on our time, from work and family responsibilities to social obligations and personal interests, deciding how to prioritize tasks and allocate time can be a daunting task. For instance, should I hit the snooze button and risk being late for work, or should I get up early and get a head start on my day? This decision may seem trivial, but it can set the tone for the rest of the day. By making a conscious decision about how to manage our time, we can take control of our daily lives and make the most of the time we have.

Is it easier to make a decision in a group or independently? While some people may thrive in a group setting and find it easier to make decisions with others, I believe that making decisions independently can be more effective. When we're part of a group, we may feel pressured to conform to the opinions of others, which can lead to a decision that doesn't truly align with our own values or goals. On the other hand, making decisions independently allows us to take full ownership of the outcome and make choices that are truly in our best interest. For example, I recall a time when I was considering switching careers, and I sought advice from friends and family. However, it wasn't until I took the time to reflect on my own strengths, weaknesses, and passions that I was able to make a decision that truly felt right for me. By making the decision independently, I was able to tap into my own intuition and make a choice that has brought me greater fulfillment and happiness.

Why are many young people unwilling to follow their parents’ advice? Many young people are unwilling to follow their parents' advice because they want to assert their independence and autonomy. As we transition from adolescence to adulthood, we begin to form our own identities and make our own decisions. While our parents may have our best interests at heart, their advice can sometimes come across as overly cautious or restrictive. Young people may feel that their parents don't understand their unique circumstances or perspectives, leading them to disregard their advice. For instance, I recall a friend who was considering dropping out of college to pursue a career in the arts. Her parents were adamant that she should stay in school, but she felt that they didn't understand her passion and creativity. By not following their advice, she was able to take a risk and pursue a path that has brought her greater joy and fulfillment. Ultimately, young people need to learn from their own experiences and make their own decisions in order to develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in life.

Why do middle-aged people tend to second guess their own decisions? Middle-aged people often second guess their own decisions because they have accumulated a wealth of life experience and have seen the consequences of their choices play out over time. As we age, we tend to become more reflective and introspective, and we may begin to question whether the decisions we made in the past were truly the right ones. Additionally, middle-aged people may feel a sense of responsibility for their families and loved ones, leading them to worry about the impact of their decisions on others. For example, I know someone who decided to switch careers in their 40s, but then spent years wondering if they had made a huge mistake. They worried about the financial implications for their family and whether they had given up too much stability. However, as they looked back on their decision, they realized that it had brought them greater fulfillment and allowed them to pursue a passion that they had put on hold for too long. By acknowledging and working through their doubts, they were able to come to a place of greater peace and contentment.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

second guess

to question or doubt the wisdom of a decision or action after it has been taken

I second guessed my decision to take the job, but it ended up being the best choice I ever made.