Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Unpopular opinion you hold or have - Cue Card # 707
- Details
- Last Updated: Tuesday, 17 June 2025 14:41
- Written by IELTS Mentor
- Hits: 20007
IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe an unpopular opinion you hold or have.
You should say:
- what it is
- for how long you have this opinion in your mind
- whether you have ever shared it with someone
and explain why you think this is an unpopular opinion.
[Instruction: 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:
Well, that's an intriguing topic and I am delighted that I have been given a chance to talk about something I feel deeply but can't discuss very often.
The obvious and yet very unpopular opinion I want to talk about is how our police and special security forces have been given an autocratic power to get away with their misconduct and oftentimes serious crimes. I am not talking about one or two corrupt cops and their discrete horrendous acts, but about the whole system that helps them get away with it.
Police and special forces are meant to protect ordinary people and their property and lives and maintain peace and harmony in our society by acting lawfully. They are also a part of society and they should be made responsible for any crime they commit. But, the legislative system and the existing policies make it really tough to hold them responsible, and discriminate when it comes to ensuring justice. Police, in our country and many other countries, go unpunished for their crimes but ordinary citizens are convicted swiftly for the same crime. It's like a single country with dual policy, and that's something I believe is totally unfair and unjust.
I have been holding this unpopular opinion for more than ten years. The first time a corrupt cop killed an innocent boy in our neighbourhood over a false charge of extortion and got away with it, I started to believe that something was wrong in our system. Despite the media attention and demonstration from ordinary citizens, the same policeman is now working in a different department with the police and seems like have been promoted for his crime!
I have shared my opinion with a few of my friends and their opinions are mostly against these discriminatory policies and systems. My uncle is a retired policeman and when I discussed it with him, to my surprise, his opinion accorded with mine.
This is an unpopular opinion because people don't want to talk about it, let alone do something to break the corrupt system. They either believe that they can't do anything about it or feel that police personnel are above the law and should be granted special privileges. Their opinion is often biased because they consider it a political issue rather than a social or human rights issue.
Model Answer 2:
I am not exactly an opinionated person who likes to impose his views or opinions on others. But, there are some issues and opinions, which I feel really strongly about from time to time. Today, I would like to talk about one such opinion which is considered to be very unpopular by many.
This unpopular opinion involves imposing more than 100% VAT or sales tax on all kinds of tobacco products and banning public smoking altogether, if possible. I have held this opinion for more than a decade, after witnessing the death of one of my dear uncles, but I started to feel even more strongly about all kinds of smoking in recent years after learning about its negative effects on our health and environment.
In fact, smoking can cause fatal diseases such as pneumonia, emphysema and lung cancer. Smoking causes 84% of deaths from lung cancer and 83% of deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). And, I am not even talking about the more regular negative health effects like cough, cold, wheezing and asthma. On top of that, the negative effects of smoking on our environments are just immeasurable, given the fact that trillions of cigarettes filters/butts, made of a form of cellulose acetate plastic, are tossed out every year worldwide which takes about a decade to decompose and then get absorbed by the soil.
And, because of this long process to recycle these plastic matters back into the soil, it slowly and slowly loses its fertility and natural characteristics to liven our earth. By the way, I have already taken up the issue to our local city council authority to put some kind of ban on smoking, but they simply laughed at my suggestion.
I think that this is an unpopular opinion, mainly because the businessmen, who are involved with the business of manufacturing and selling tobacco products, are vehemently opposing this idea because that would make them lose their business and money. Besides, some chain smokers would simply never let go of their habit of smoking because they are just too addicted to this deadly habit.
Model Answer 3:
What it is:
Well, one unpopular opinion I hold pertains to university admissions, particularly regarding the use of a quota system to grant special privileges to certain groups of students. I firmly believe that universities should accept students based solely on their talents and merits, without the implementation of any quota system.
For how long you have this opinion in your mind:
I believe I have held this opinion for quite some time, as it aligns with my principles of fairness, equality, and meritocracy. Growing up, I was exposed to discussions about the importance of equal opportunities and the detrimental effects of preferential treatment based on factors other than individual abilities.
Whether you have ever shared it with someone:
While I have shared this opinion with friends and family during casual conversations, I understand that it is a contentious topic that may not be well-received by everyone. I have encountered differing perspectives and engaged in respectful debates, but I remain steadfast in my belief that merit should be the sole criterion for university admissions.
And explain why you think this is an unpopular opinion:
This opinion is considered unpopular because it challenges the status quo and calls into question existing practices aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in higher education. Advocates for quotas argue that they are necessary to address historical inequalities and ensure the representation of marginalized groups. However, I believe that quotas can sometimes lead to unfair advantages or disadvantages based on factors beyond an individual's control, such as their demographic background.
I firmly believe that admitting students to a university based on their talents and achievements fosters a level playing field and rewards individuals for their hard work and dedication, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and meritocratic society.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to talk about an unpopular opinion you hold. You should explain what this opinion is, how long you've held it, whether you've shared it with others, and why you believe it's not widely accepted. To give a great response to this question, try to choose a topic that may go against mainstream views, express your reasoning clearly, and reflect on the reactions of others. Here are a few ideas to help you develop your own answer. We hope you find this section useful.
1. Social media is more harmful than helpful:
I’ve always believed that social media does more harm than good, especially to mental health and real-life relationships. I’ve held this opinion for the last five or six years. I’ve mentioned it to friends and classmates, but most of them strongly disagreed. They argue that it helps them stay connected and get news quickly. I think it’s unpopular because people enjoy using these platforms, but I’ve seen how they can cause anxiety, envy, and wasted time.
2. Expensive weddings are a waste of money:
For a long time, I’ve thought that spending a fortune on weddings is unnecessary and impractical. I’ve held this view since my cousin spent a massive amount on a one-day event that didn’t change anything about their relationship. I once said this at a family gathering, and some people were shocked. I believe it’s unpopular because weddings are often seen as status symbols, but I feel money should be spent on things like a home or savings instead.
3. Reading is better than watching movies:
I’ve believed for many years that reading books is a far superior experience to watching films or series. I mentioned this to my friends during a group discussion, and they looked at me like I was from another planet. Most people find movies easier and more entertaining, so they disagree. I think this opinion is unpopular because people now prefer instant visual entertainment over using imagination while reading.
4. School exams are not a true measure of intelligence:
I’ve thought this way since high school. I believe exams only test memory and speed rather than creativity, critical thinking, or real-world problem-solving skills. I’ve brought this up during debates at school, and teachers usually defend the system. It’s unpopular because exams are still considered the primary method for assessing students around the world, despite their many flaws.
5. Children should not be given smartphones:
I believe young children should not be allowed to use smartphones until they reach their teens. I’ve held this opinion for over four years. I once discussed it with parents in my family, and they felt it was unrealistic in today’s digital world. Still, I think early exposure harms their attention span, creativity, and social development, which is why I strongly support this view.
6. Working from home is more productive than office work:
Since the pandemic started, I’ve come to believe that remote work is actually more productive for most people. I’ve talked about it at work, and not everyone agrees - some prefer office life for social interaction. My opinion is considered unpopular because many employers still associate productivity with being physically present in the office.
7. Not everyone should go to university:
I believe higher education is not necessary for everyone, especially for those with practical skills or entrepreneurial ambition. I formed this opinion during my college years after meeting people who were thriving without degrees. Some friends and relatives completely disagreed, believing that university is essential. I understand their view, but I feel the system doesn’t suit everyone equally.
8. Coffee is overrated:
Many people find this funny, but I’ve always thought that coffee is overrated and unnecessary. I’ve had this view for about ten years and often say it when people talk about their daily caffeine needs. It’s an unpopular opinion because most people are obsessed with coffee, using it as fuel. But I think it's just a habit, not a real need.
9. Traditional schooling should be replaced by skill-based learning:
I strongly feel that our traditional education system should focus more on practical skills than just theoretical knowledge. I’ve discussed this during a workshop and got mixed responses. It’s not a mainstream opinion because most societies value degrees and certificates over actual skills. However, I believe this change could prepare students better for real-life challenges.
10. Celebrating Valentine’s Day is unnecessary:
I’ve always believed that Valentine’s Day is over-commercialised and doesn’t really mean much. I’ve said this to friends, and some of them were surprised, especially those who look forward to it. I think love should be celebrated every day, not just on a specific day with flowers and gifts. This opinion is definitely unpopular among young people, especially couples.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing an unpopular opinion you hold, using precise vocabulary can effectively convey its nature, your conviction, and the reasons for its divergence from common belief. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate your viewpoint and its implications, making your response both clear and intriguing. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Controversial: – Giving rise or likely to give rise to public disagreement.
Example: It's quite a controversial opinion, and I know many disagree.
Unconventional: – Not based on or conforming to what is generally done or believed.
Example: My view on the matter is quite unconventional compared to mainstream thought.
Dissenting: – Holding or expressing opinions that are different from those previously, commonly, or officially expressed.
Example: It's a dissenting opinion that often puts me at odds with others.
Go against the grain: – To be contrary to the general tendency or popular opinion.
Example: My opinion really goes against the grain of popular sentiment on this issue.
Defy common wisdom: – To challenge or resist widely accepted beliefs or advice.
Example: I believe my perspective defies common wisdom, but I have my reasons.
A minority viewpoint: – A belief or opinion held by a smaller number of people within a group.
Example: I'm aware it's a minority viewpoint, not shared by many.
Provokes strong reactions: – Causes intense emotional responses, often negative.
Example: Whenever I share it, it tends to provoke strong reactions from people.
Hold steadfastly to: – Maintain firmly and without wavering in one's beliefs or position.
Example: Despite its unpopularity, I hold steadfastly to this opinion.
Met with skepticism: – Encountered with doubt as to the truth or validity of something.
Example: When I shared it, it was generally met with skepticism and disagreement.
Challenge the status quo: – To question or oppose the existing state of affairs, especially regarding social or political issues.
Example: I believe my opinion helps to challenge the status quo and encourage new thinking.
Rooted in personal experience: – Based deeply on one's own lived events or observations.
Example: This opinion is deeply rooted in my personal experience and observations.
Perceived as radical: – Seen as extreme or advocating fundamental change.
Example: To some, my view might be perceived as radical or extreme.
A matter of conviction: – A matter of strong belief or firm opinion.
Example: For me, it's not just a casual thought; it's a matter of conviction.
Stands in contrast to: – Is noticeably different from or opposed to something else.
Example: My opinion stands in stark contrast to what most people believe on this topic.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe an unpopular opinion you hold or have", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a time when you had a disagreement with someone.
2) Describe an interesting conversation you have had with a friend.
3) Describe a time when you talked to a stranger about an important issue.
4) Describe something you would like to change in your country.
5) Describe a newly introduced law in your country that you like.
Report