C1IELTS-style · Band 7.0–8.0Speaking8 min

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Career Decisions

Work & careers

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C1 | IELTS-style Speaking Part 2 | 8 min

Candidate Task Card

Describe a decision you made that changed the direction of your work or studies.

You should say:

  • what the decision was
  • when you made it
  • what influenced you
  • and explain how it changed your life.

You have 1 minute to prepare. Speak for 1-2 minutes.

Preparation hints:

  1. Jot down keywords for each bullet point instead of writing full sentences.
  2. Use narrative tenses (Past Simple, Past Continuous, Past Perfect) to sequence your story smoothly.
  3. Plan a reflective concluding comment to demonstrate evaluative depth.
A fox considers an artist's palette and an office laptop while a kitten encourages it.

A decision about work or study.

APIE · AI doodle

Speaking Practice: 90–120 Seconds

Record your response to the cue card. Aim to speak fluently for 1.5 to 2 minutes, addressing all four prompts systematically.

[Bài tập luyện nói]

Model answer and useful phrases

Well, I’d like to talk about a major decision I made in October 2021. At the time, I was working as a junior data analyst at a logistics firm in Leeds. To be honest, I felt quite uninspired in that role because the daily tasks were rather repetitive, and I didn't see much room for advancement.

So, after months of reflection, I started looking into software engineering and discovered an intensive twelve-week Front-End Web Development course. For several weeks, I carefully weighed up my options because leaving a stable monthly salary felt quite risky. What really tipped the balance was a frank, encouraging conversation with my manager, Sarah. She noticed my growing frustration and advised me to pursue what genuinely excited me. That support gave me the courage to take the plunge and hand in my resignation.

The course was demanding, but it offered invaluable hands-on experience building practical web applications. That shift marked a significant turning point in my career. It boosted my confidence immensely and prepared me well for the tech industry.

Looking back, I realise that stepping out of my comfort zone was essential for both personal and professional growth. I suppose it was a daunting move then, but it completely changed my life.

PhraseMeaning (English)Example in another situation
weighed up my optionsConsidered the advantages and disadvantages before decidingBefore selecting a university, I weighed up my options for several months.
What really tipped the balance wasThe crucial factor that forced a final decision to be madeI was hesitant about relocating, but what really tipped the balance was the higher salary.
take the plungeTo decide to do something major or risky after hesitationAfter years of freelancing, she finally took the plunge and founded her own studio.
hands-on experiencePractical knowledge gained by doing something directlyThe internship offered extensive hands-on experience with commercial contracts.
a significant turning pointA decisive moment marking a major, lasting changePassing the board examination was a significant turning point in his medical career.
boosted my confidenceStrengthened one's self-belief and positive mindsetDelivering the opening keynote boosted my confidence in public speaking.
Looking back, I realiseReflecting retrospectively with greater maturity or perspectiveLooking back, I realise that failing that interview was actually a blessing.

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