Cue Card

Describe a difficult decision that you made that had a good result

You should say:

• what the decision was
• when you made the decision
• why it was a difficult decision; and
• explain why you felt you had a good result.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What kinds of decisions do young people have to make?
2. Do you think young people are easily influenced by others?
3. Do you think some people make good decisions without asking for advice from others?
4. Do you think it’s necessary for kids to make as many decisions by themselves?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I recall a particularly tough decision I had to make during my junior year of college. I was part of a group project that was tasked with creating a marketing campaign for a local business. As the project leader, I had to decide whether to go with a safe, tried-and-true approach or take a risk and try something entirely new. I chose the latter, and it paid off in a big way. Our campaign won first prize at a regional competition, and we even got a call from a potential client who wanted to collaborate with us.

Looking back, I realize that taking that risk was a turning point for me. It taught me that sometimes you have to take a leap of faith and trust your instincts. It's not always easy, but it's often worth it. I learned to weigh the pros and cons, but also to listen to my gut. And let me tell you, it's amazing how often your intuition can guide you towards making the right choice.

That experience has stuck with me to this day, and I apply it to all areas of my life. Whether it's switching careers or trying a new hobby, I remind myself that calculated risks can lead to incredible 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 will work out well

I decided to take a leap of faith and quit my job to start my own business.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What kinds of decisions do young people have to make? One of the most difficult decisions I had to make as a young person was choosing between pursuing a career in the arts or in business. I had always been passionate about music and had been playing the guitar since I was a kid, but my parents were pushing me to study business because it was a'stable' career path. I was torn between following my heart and making my parents happy. Ultimately, I decided to pursue music, and it was a difficult decision because it meant potentially disappointing my parents and facing an uncertain future. However, it ended up being a great decision because it allowed me to develop my creativity and pursue my passion, which has brought me a lot of fulfillment.

Do you think young people are easily influenced by others? I think young people can be easily influenced by others, especially when it comes to making decisions. When I was in high school, I was considering joining a fraternity, and all my friends were telling me it was the best thing to do. They said it would be a great way to meet new people and have fun. But my parents were against it, and they had some valid concerns about the potential risks and distractions. I was torn between listening to my friends and listening to my parents. In the end, I decided not to join the fraternity, and it was a good decision because it allowed me to focus on my studies and avoid some of the negative influences that can come with fraternity life.

Do you think some people make good decisions without asking for advice from others? I think some people are naturally more self-assured and confident in their decision-making abilities, and they may not need to ask for advice from others. For example, I have a friend who is a very independent person and always trusts her instincts. She made the decision to quit her job and travel the world without consulting anyone, and it ended up being a great decision for her. She learned a lot about herself and gained valuable life experience. However, for me, I think it's always helpful to get different perspectives and advice from others, especially when making big decisions.

Do you think it’s necessary for kids to make as many decisions by themselves? I think it's essential for kids to make some decisions on their own, but not necessarily all of them. When I was a kid, my parents encouraged me to make small decisions, like what to wear or what game to play, but they also guided me on bigger decisions, like what school to attend or what extracurricular activities to pursue. This approach helped me develop my decision-making skills and build confidence, but also ensured that I didn't make any decisions that could have negative consequences. As kids get older, they should be given more autonomy to make decisions, but it's still important for parents or guardians to provide guidance and support when needed.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

follow your heart

to do what you want to do, even if it's not the most practical or safe choice

I decided to follow my heart and pursue a career in the arts.