Step 1: Identify the Part 2 question requirements
The question asks you to describe a time when you changed an important decision. You should cover:
- When you changed the decision
- What the original decision was
- Why you changed it
- How you felt about the experience
Step 2: Strategies for a better answer
- Expand your answer with more details or extra stories: Give background about the situation and the people involved.
- Coherence is important: Make sure your story flows logically from the original decision to the change and the outcome.
- Paraphrasing: Use different words to express the same ideas, especially for “decision” and “change.”
- Referring: Refer back to earlier points to show connections.
- Signposting: Use phrases like “At first,” “However,” “Eventually,” and “Looking back.”
- Vocabulary needs to be appropriate and varied: Use words like “choice,” “alternative,” “reconsider,” “weigh up,” “consequences,” etc.
- Using synonyms or substitution: For example, “altered my mind,” “reversed my choice,” “opted for something else.”
- Demonstrating a range of grammar is key: Use complex sentences, conditionals, and passive voice where appropriate.
- Whole Model Answer MUST be more than 300 words.
Topic:Changing my university major
When you changed the decision
I’d like to talk about a significant moment in my life when I changed my mind about what to study at university. This happened about three years ago, just a few months before I was due to start my first year at college. I had already applied and been accepted to study engineering, and I thought I was set on that path. However, as the start date approached, I began to have second thoughts.
What the original decision was
Originally, I had decided to major in mechanical engineering. The main reason was that my parents are both engineers, and they had always encouraged me to follow in their footsteps. I also thought that engineering would guarantee me a stable and well-paid job in the future. I had even started reading some introductory textbooks and watching online lectures to prepare myself for the course.
Why you changed it
However, as I started to learn more about what the course would involve, I realized that my true passion was actually in graphic design. I had always loved drawing and creating digital art, but I had never seriously considered it as a career because I was worried about job prospects. After a lot of soul-searching and discussions with my friends and teachers, I decided to switch my major to graphic design. I realized that I would be much happier pursuing something I genuinely enjoyed, even if it was a bit riskier.
And explain how you felt about the experience
Looking back, I feel incredibly relieved and proud of myself for making that change. At first, I was really anxious about disappointing my parents and worried that I might regret my decision. But as soon as I started my graphic design classes, I knew I had made the right choice. I felt much more motivated and inspired, and I started to excel in my studies. This experience taught me the importance of listening to my own instincts and not being afraid to change direction, even when it’s difficult. It was a turning point in my life, and I’m grateful that I had the courage to reconsider my original plan and choose a path that truly suits me.
Step 1: Identify the Part 2 question requirements
The question asks you to describe a time when you changed an important decision. You should cover:
- When you changed the decision
- What the original decision was
- Why you changed it
- How you felt about the experience
Step 2: Strategies for a better answer
- Expand your answer with more details or extra stories: Give background about the situation and the people involved.
- Coherence is important: Make sure your story flows logically from the original decision to the change and the outcome.
- Paraphrasing: Use different words to express the same ideas, especially for “decision” and “change.”
- Referring: Refer back to earlier points to show connections.
- Signposting: Use phrases like “At first,” “However,” “Eventually,” and “Looking back.”
- Vocabulary needs to be appropriate and varied: Use words like “choice,” “alternative,” “reconsider,” “weigh up,” “consequences,” etc.
- Using synonyms or substitution: For example, “altered my mind,” “reversed my choice,” “opted for something else.”
- Demonstrating a range of grammar is key: Use complex sentences, conditionals, and passive voice where appropriate.
- Whole Model Answer MUST be more than 300 words.
Topic:Changing my university major
When you changed the decision
I’d like to talk about a significant moment in my life when I changed my mind about what to study at university. This happened about three years ago, just a few months before I was due to start my first year at college. I had already applied and been accepted to study engineering, and I thought I was set on that path. However, as the start date approached, I began to have second thoughts.
What the original decision was
Originally, I had decided to major in mechanical engineering. The main reason was that my parents are both engineers, and they had always encouraged me to follow in their footsteps. I also thought that engineering would guarantee me a stable and well-paid job in the future. I had even started reading some introductory textbooks and watching online lectures to prepare myself for the course.
Why you changed it
However, as I started to learn more about what the course would involve, I realized that my true passion was actually in graphic design. I had always loved drawing and creating digital art, but I had never seriously considered it as a career because I was worried about job prospects. After a lot of soul-searching and discussions with my friends and teachers, I decided to switch my major to graphic design. I realized that I would be much happier pursuing something I genuinely enjoyed, even if it was a bit riskier.
And explain how you felt about the experience
Looking back, I feel incredibly relieved and proud of myself for making that change. At first, I was really anxious about disappointing my parents and worried that I might regret my decision. But as soon as I started my graphic design classes, I knew I had made the right choice. I felt much more motivated and inspired, and I started to excel in my studies. This experience taught me the importance of listening to my own instincts and not being afraid to change direction, even when it’s difficult. It was a turning point in my life, and I’m grateful that I had the courage to reconsider my original plan and choose a path that truly suits me.