A Time You Made a Decision to Wait for Something
IELTS Speaking Part 2 (Cue Card) Part 3: Follow-Up Questions
A Time You Made a Decision to Wait for Something
🗂️ Part 2 – Cue Card
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 to wait
And explain how you felt while waiting.
🗣️ Sample Answer
Last year, I made the decision to wait before buying a new laptop. My old one was working fine, but I really wanted to upgrade to a more powerful model for my graphic design projects. Instead of purchasing it immediately, I decided to wait for the Diwali sale, which is known for offering huge discounts on electronics in India.
This happened around September. I had enough money saved, but I knew that if I could be patient for another month or two, I might get a better deal. During this waiting period, I kept researching different models, reading reviews, and comparing prices online.
The wait wasn’t easy, especially when I saw my classmates using faster and newer devices. However, I stayed focused on my goal. Finally, when the Diwali sale began in November, I found the exact laptop I wanted at nearly 25% off, which saved me a significant amount of money.
In the end, I felt proud of my patience and planning. It taught me the value of delayed gratification, and I now try to apply that mindset in other areas of my life as well.
🔁 Part 3: Follow-Up Questions
1. Why do some people find it hard to wait for things?
Many people are used to instant results due to modern technology and fast lifestyles. Waiting requires patience, which isn’t always easy when emotions or desires are strong.
2. What kinds of things are worth waiting for?
Important goals like education, career growth, or meaningful relationships are definitely worth the wait. These things usually require time and effort to develop fully.
3. Do you think children should be taught to wait for what they want?
Yes, teaching children patience helps them understand the value of effort and discipline. It also helps them manage frustration and make better long-term decisions.
4. How does waiting affect people’s decisions?
Waiting gives people more time to think, compare options, and avoid impulse decisions. It can lead to better outcomes because the decision is made with more clarity.
5. Is waiting always a good thing?
Not necessarily. Sometimes, waiting too long can cause missed opportunities or unnecessary stress. It depends on the situation and what is at stake.
6. What can people do to make waiting easier?
They can stay busy with other tasks, set goals to focus on, or use the time to learn something new. Having a purpose during the wait makes it feel more productive.
7. How has technology affected our patience levels?
Technology has reduced our tolerance for waiting, since everything is available quickly—from food delivery to information. This makes people more impatient in real life situations.
8. Do people in your country usually wait for festivals or sales to shop?
Yes, especially during events like Diwali, people plan purchases in advance to take advantage of major discounts. It’s seen as both economically and culturally significant.
9. Can waiting help people make better financial decisions?
Absolutely. It allows time to compare prices, assess needs, and avoid emotional spending. Waiting often results in smarter financial choices.
10. What is the difference between waiting by choice and waiting by force?
Waiting by choice involves planning and patience, often with a goal in mind. Waiting by force, like in a traffic jam or queue, can be frustrating because it’s beyond your control.
Top 10 Topic Vocabulary – A Time You Made a Decision to Wait for Something
Vocabulary |
Type |
Meaning |
Synonyms |
Antonyms |
Word Family |
Example Sentence |
Delayed gratification |
Noun |
Choosing to wait for a better reward |
Self-control |
Impulse |
Gratify, gratification |
I practised delayed gratification by waiting for the sale. |
Impulse decision |
Noun |
A sudden, unplanned decision |
Spontaneous choice |
Thoughtful decision |
— |
Waiting helped me avoid an impulsive decision. |
Discount |
Noun |
A reduced price |
Markdown |
Markup |
Discounted |
I waited for the Diwali discount before buying. |
Planning |
Noun |
Preparing or organising ahead of time |
Scheduling |
Spontaneity |
Plan, planned |
Proper planning saved me money. |
Patience |
Noun |
The ability to wait calmly |
Tolerance |
Impatience |
Patient, patiently |
I learned patience during the wait. |
Gratification |
Noun |
Pleasure or satisfaction |
Reward |
Frustration |
Gratify, gratifying |
Delaying gratification led to better results. |
Worthwhile |
Adj |
Valuable or deserving effort |
Rewarding |
Pointless |
— |
The wait was definitely worthwhile. |
Self-discipline |
Noun |
Control over one’s own behaviour |
Self-control |
Indulgence |
Disciplined |
Waiting requires self-discipline. |
Financial decision |
Noun |
A choice involving money |
Investment choice |
Wasteful act |
Finance, financially |
Waiting helped me make a smart financial decision. |
Queue |
Noun |
A line of people waiting |
Line, row |
— |
— |
I had to wait in a long queue. |

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