Decision Making and English Learning with Keith

Introduction

• Welcome to Keith's Speaking Academy
• Focus: Improving English speaking & IELTS speaking test scores

Topic: Decision Making

• Vocabulary, idioms, model answers for decision making

Basic Vocabulary

• Decide (verb): Example: "I've decided to learn Japanese."
• Decision (noun): Example: "I've made a decision to get married."
  • Make a decision
  • Take a decision
  • Come to a decision (formal)
  • Arrive at a decision (formal)

Adjectives

• Decisive: Capable of making decisions quickly
• Indecisive: Struggling to make decisions

Collocations

• Snap decision (quick decision)
• Unanimous decision (everyone agrees)
• Tough decision
• Important decision
• Bold decision
• Rushed decision

Common Decisions People Make Daily

• What to wear
• What to eat
• What to cook
• Other routine decisions

Expressions for Difficult Choices

• Weigh up the options
• Weigh up the pros and cons
• Consider all options
• Face tough/difficult choices
• High uncertainty levels

Idiomatic Expressions

• Make up your mind: Decide
• In two minds: Can't decide
• At a crossroads: Needing to make a crucial decision
• In a real dilemma: Not knowing what to do
• Have a change of heart: Change your decision

Who Is Better at Decision Making? Adults vs. Children

• Children:
  • Intuitive (following gut feeling)
  • Decide quickly (don't deliberate)
• Adults:
  • Tend to be more analytical
  • Look at things from all angles

Hedging (Making Statements Less Direct and More Natural)

• Hedging Devices: can be, tend to, often, are more likely to
  • Example: "Children can be very intuitive."
  • "Adults tend to be more analytical."

Being a Better Decision Maker

• Change your self-identity
• Make mistakes intentionally
• Don't rely on positive outcomes for happiness

Additional Language Tips

• Common Reasons for Procrastination: Afraid of making mistakes, easier to delay decisions
• Expressions about Choices: Spoiled for choice – too many options lead to difficulty in decision making

Practice and Interaction

• Model Answers:
  • Example of a recent decision you made
  • Why do some people procrastinate?
• Interactive questions and Kahoot review game to test vocabulary comprehension

Conclusion

• Live lesson recaps & resources available on Keith's website
• Weekly live lessons and supplementary materials available
• Encourage engagement and further study