Cue Card Sample
Time when you complained about something - Cue Card # 639
- Details
- Last Updated: Friday, 08 March 2024 18:11
- Written by IELTS Mentor
- Hits: 57999
IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
Describe a time when you complained about something.
You should say:
- what the issue was
- whom you complained about it
- what the result was
and explain how you felt about it.
[You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
I am not really much into complaining unless I really, really have to. But, then, there come some situations when you have to complain because if you don’t, nobody will. It is like complaining in the public interest, I suppose. Anyway, the last time, I complained, it was about 3 years ago when I stayed at a hotel, and I wasn’t really happy with some of the services it provided. In particular, the issues were about “unwashed” bedsheets and “irregular” house-keeping.
However, I formally complained about the issues to the General Manager of the hotel as the issues were bad enough for me, but they were even worse for a couple of sick and elderly people. In fact, they were having breathing problems due to some “damp” smell and dust mites which must have been caused by not cleaning the rooms on a regular basis. On top of that, if you have to sleep on some “unwashed” bedsheets and blankets, becoming even sicker is the only logical conclusion.
Anyway, after the complaint was made, the manager seemed to get really busy with his hotel crews and staffs. The manager even apologized to me, saying that he had been just too busy with some other “priorities” lately, and as a result, things had become a bit “rusty” at the hotel, much to the discomfort of its guests. However, in the end, the “hygiene” issue of the hotel was solved after my complaint, which, of course, was a good thing in the end.
But, what I just couldn’t get out of my mind was how possibly a hotel manager could have something with more “priority” than ensuring the best services for his guests! In fact, I felt like the well-being of his hotel guests was the last thing on his mind. Besides, I also felt like I was simply being “ripped off” for the services, I was provided by the hotel, which was way, way below the standards. However, the only good feeling I had, in the end, was that a problem was actually solved because of my initiative.
Model Answer 2:
Well, this topic reminds me of a time when I found myself lodging a complaint about a year ago or so. I usually do not complain about something or somebody unless it is absolutely necessary, and on that occasion, I felt that I had no other way than to complain. Here, I will tell you details about this incident.
I encountered repeated billing errors with my internet service provider and I was annoyed about it. The issue stemmed from discrepancies between the charges listed on my monthly bill and the agreed-upon subscription plan.
Feeling frustrated by the inconsistency, I decided to address the matter directly with the customer service department of the internet company. I reached out to them via their helpline and spoke to a representative, detailing the specific billing discrepancies I had identified over the past few months.
The customer service agent was attentive and understanding, and they assured me that they would investigate the issue promptly. They apologized for the inconvenience caused and assured me that corrective measures would be taken to rectify the billing errors.
In the end, my complaint resulted in a thorough review of my billing history by the company's finance team. They acknowledged the errors and promptly issued refunds for the overcharged amounts. Additionally, they updated my account to ensure that future bills would accurately reflect the terms of my subscription plan.
Reflecting on the experience, I felt a sense of relief and satisfaction knowing that my concerns had been acknowledged and addressed appropriately. The prompt resolution of the billing discrepancies reaffirmed my confidence in the company's commitment to customer satisfaction. It also underscored the importance of speaking up and advocating for oneself when faced with issues that warrant attention.
Report