Describe a good decision you made.

Sample answer (estimated band 7.5)

To be honest, one of the best decisions I made was accepting a job offer in a different city about three years ago. It wasn't an easy choice because I had a steady routine where I lived, plus my family and friends were nearby. I spent a few weeks weighing the pros and cons, talking to my partner and a former manager, and I visited the city twice before committing. The main reason I accepted the job was the chance to lead a small team and work on projects that matched my interests — opportunities I knew would be rare if I stayed put. In the end, the move pushed me out of my comfort zone in a good way. Professionally, I learned new management skills, met people from diverse backgrounds, and got promoted within two years. Personally, I had to learn to plan better and manage my time, which helped my relationship back home because our visits became more intentional. Looking back, that decision felt like a turning point; I became more resilient and I grew more confident in handling uncertainty. Of course there were challenges — loneliness at first and higher living costs — but overall the experience shaped my career and outlook for the better.

Part 3 discussion questions

1. How do people in your country usually make important life decisions?
2. What role should schools play in teaching decision-making skills?
3. Do you think social media influences people's decisions? How?
4. Are people more likely to take risks now than in the past? Why or why not?
5. How can governments help citizens make better financial or health decisions?

Part 1 questions: Decisions

1. Do you often make decisions quickly or slowly?
2. Who do you ask for advice when you are unsure?
3. Can you give an example of a small decision you made recently?
4. Do you regret any decisions you made as a teenager?
5. Do you prefer planning ahead or being spontaneous when choosing something?