IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a time you made a decision to wait for something

Describe a time you made a decision to wait for something

You should say:

When it happened

What you waited for

Why you made the decision

And explain how you felt while waiting

 

SUGGESTED IDEAS

When it happened:

• Think of a time when you made a conscious decision to wait for something, such as a job offer, a medical test result, or a special event.
• Explain when this happened and why it was significant.
• For example: “One time I made the decision to wait for something was when I applied for a study abroad program in college.”

What you waited for:

• Share what you were waiting for and why it was important to you.
• Maybe it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, or something that would have a big impact on your life.
• For example: “I was waiting to hear back from the program coordinators about whether I had been accepted or not.”

Why you made the decision:

• Explain why you made the decision to wait.
• Maybe you wanted to gather more information, or you felt it was the best course of action.
• For example: “I made the decision to wait because I wanted to see if there were any other programs that would be a better fit for me, and I wanted to weigh my options before committing to one.”

And explain how you felt while waiting:

• Share how you felt while waiting for the outcome.
• Maybe you felt anxious, excited, or nervous.
• For example: “While waiting to hear back, I felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety. I really wanted to be accepted into the program, but I was also nervous about the prospect of leaving the country for a whole semester.”

 

USEFUL PHRASES

• “What I was waiting for was…”
• “The thing I was waiting for was important to me because…”
• “I made the decision to wait because…”
• “The reason I decided to wait was because…”
• “The time I have in mind is…”
• “I’d like to talk about a time when I had to make a decision to wait for something…”
• “While waiting, I felt…”
• “The emotions I experienced while waiting were…”

 

SAMPLE ANSWER

One time I made a conscious decision to wait for something was when I applied for a study abroad program in college. The time I have in mind is during my sophomore year when I decided to pursue an opportunity to study in a foreign country for a semester.

What I was waiting for was to hear back from the program coordinators about whether I had been accepted or not. This was a highly significant decision for me as studying abroad was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that would have a profound impact on my personal and academic growth.

I made the decision to wait because I wanted to see if there were any other study abroad programs that would be a better fit for me. I also wanted to weigh my options before committing to one specific program. Taking the time to evaluate various opportunities allowed me to make a well-informed decision and choose the program that aligned best with my academic goals and personal interests.

While waiting to hear back, I experienced a mixture of excitement and anxiety. I was thrilled at the prospect of immersing myself in a new culture, meeting people from diverse backgrounds, and broadening my horizons. However, I also felt nervous about leaving the familiarity of my home country for an extended period. The anticipation of the decision created a rollercoaster of emotions, but it also fueled my motivation to make the most of the opportunity if I were accepted.

During the waiting period, I took the time to research about the country, learn about its customs and traditions, and brush up on the local language. This proactive approach helped me stay engaged and focused on the potential experience that awaited me.

In the end, I was accepted into the study abroad program, and the wait was worth it. The experience turned out to be transformative, allowing me to develop a global perspective, gain independence, and forge lifelong friendships. The decision to wait not only enabled me to choose the most suitable program but also heightened the anticipation and made the eventual acceptance even more gratifying.