Ambivalent – Word of the day for IELTS

• I have some ambivalence towards travelling to the UK

• He spoke ambivalently about his feelings for his family.

Exercise:

Talk about a time when you had to make a difficult choice.

You should say:

• Why was it difficult?
• What and whom did it involve?
• What was the outcome of the choice you made?

and explain if there were any consequences?

Try to use Ambivalent in your answers and some words and phrases about Mixed Feelings to boost your IELTS Speaking score.

Sample Answer:

One of the hardest choices I have ever made was which university I would attend to pursue my dream and further explore the world. That was when I was eighteen. Now years later, even though I haven’t figured out what I should do with my life and keep tip toeing on my way to discover my inner self, I still believe my decision was right.

When you were eighteen and living in an Asian country, going to university was all you know. When your parents were looking forward to seeing you being a college students and your classmates up to their neck with homework and extra classes, things might get stressed and you felt like you were carrying a giant candy bag big enough to trick or treat all the kids in your neighborhood until the next Halloween. That was how stressful it was. However, once you successfully passed the university entrance exams, the real deal began. I was lucky enough to get accepted by both schools that I had applied for, one in economics, the other in pedagogy. It was such a dilemma since I enjoyed studying how the world economy operated as well as looked forward to the day when I could share my knowledge and inspire my students to become anything they wanted to be. At that time, I felt really ambivalent. I felt like my future was hanging by a thread at that moment and in serious need of others’ help. Thankfully, my family and friends were always there for me when I needed them most. After sharing my concerns, with their in-depth analysis and personal sharing, we came to a conclusion that economics would be a more appropriate choice. And that was what I did.

Until now, I have never regretted it since going to ABC school has changed me, in a positive way and afforded me many opportunities to learn and grow. After graduation, in spite of working full-time in financial industry, I still pursue my teaching hobby with some classes during weekend, which is the best of both worlds to me.

Inner self (noun) a person’s true or internal mind, soul, or nature

Up to one’s neck (idiom) deeply involved or occupied fully

Dilemma (noun) a situation that requires a choice between options that are or seem equally unfavorable or unsatisfactory.

Trick or treat (phrase) a Halloween custom for children in many countries. Children in costumes travel from house to house asking for treats such as candy

Hang by a thread (idiom) to be in danger of having something unlucky or bad happen

In-depth (adj) detailed and thorough