Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
A rule at school or work you do not like - Cue Card # 784
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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 a rule (at school or work) that you do not (/did not) like.
You should say:
- what rule it is/was
- how important it is/was
- how others feel/felt about this rule
and explain why you do/did not like this rule.
[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, this is such a tricky topic to talk about, and I just hope that my boss or anybody from my job is not listening to this!!! But, yes, you have guessed it right, and for this topic, I am going to talk about a rule at my workplace – a rule which I don’t exactly like.
Then again, I don’t really like to believe that the rules are actually made to be liked or appreciated by everybody in the same fashion. In other words, some would prefer certain rules, if these rules serve their own interest, while they will dislike the others if they, the concerned people, find those rules detrimental to their interest. So, we are essentially “walking on a tightrope” when we are choosing which rules to like and which to dislike!
Anyway, talking about the rule at my work which I don’t like, the rule says that nobody is really allowed to eat anything – including full meals, snacks, and any kinds of cold or hot drinks – in the actual working area during office hours. In other words, if anybody needs to eat anything, he or she has to leave the desk and eat it in a designated area.
Now, initially, after this rule had become effective, I thought that most of my coworkers, if not all, would oppose such a rule because of its implications. But very much to my pleasant surprise, I found out that most of them actually like this rule! Needless to say, I actually became a little embarrassed after learning how I don’t like the rule while most of my coworkers do!
Now, I don’t really believe that this rule is that important because it has very little, if any at all, to do with the efficiency or productivity of our workers, and that’s probably the main reason why I don’t really like it. I don’t like this rule also because it restricts us from enjoying little “quality time” at our desks while forcing us to behave like we are some kind of “robot” or “modern-day servant”!
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
In many workplaces, there are certain rules and policies that employees are expected to adhere to. While some rules are necessary for ensuring discipline and maintaining the decorum of the workplace, others can be frustrating and even demotivating. For this topic, here, I'll be discussing a rule that I do not like.
What rule it is/was:
The rule that I do not like is the one that does not allow me to select flexible office timings. As per the company's policy, all employees are required to report to work at the same time, which is 9:00 am, and leave at the same time, which is 6:00 pm. This means that there is no flexibility when it comes to choosing the hours that I work.
How important it is/was:
While I understand the importance of maintaining a fixed schedule, I believe that allowing employees to choose their own timings can have numerous benefits. For instance, some employees may be more productive in the morning, while others may work better during the evening.
How others feel/felt about this rule:
I have spoken to several colleagues about this rule, and many of them share my sentiments. They feel that having a fixed schedule can be inconvenient, especially if they have personal commitments or if they are not feeling well. In addition, some of my colleagues who have children feel that they would be able to balance their work and personal life better if they had the option to work flexible hours.
And explain why you do/did not like this rule:
Personally, I find this rule to be frustrating because it limits my ability to manage my work and personal life effectively. There have been times when I have had to miss important appointments or events because they clashed with my office timings. Moreover, I feel that being able to work during my most productive hours would enable me to do a better job and contribute more to the company.
I can only hope that in the future, my company will consider implementing a more flexible policy that takes into account the needs and preferences of its employees when it comes to office hours.
Sample Answer 3:
Introduction:
During my high school years, in an institution designed to mould young minds and instil discipline, there was one particular rule that stood out as more irksome than instructive. I was not fond of this rule, and today, I would like to talk about it.
What rule it is/was:
The rule in question pertained to the strict dress code enforced by the school. This dress code governed every aspect of our attire, from the colour of our socks to the style of our hair.
How important it is/was:
While the school argued that the dress code was essential for fostering a sense of uniformity and discipline among the students, it often felt like an unnecessarily rigid imposition.
How others feel/felt about this rule:
Opinions about the dress code were divided among the student body. Some believed it created a level playing field, preventing economic disparities from being glaringly obvious. On the other hand, many students found it stifling and resented the lack of individual expression it allowed.
And explain why you do/did not like this rule:
Personally, I found this rule stifling to creativity and self-expression. High school is a crucial period where individuals are discovering their identities, and being forced into a sartorial mould seemed counterintuitive to the spirit of exploration and self-discovery. It felt like an arbitrary exercise of authority that did little to prepare us for the diverse, dynamic world awaiting us beyond the school gates. The rule not only restricted our freedom but, in my view, missed an opportunity to teach us about the importance of responsible decision-making without imposing unnecessary constraints.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Rules at school or work are designed to maintain order, but not all rules are popular or well-received. Some rules can feel restrictive or unnecessary, leading to dissatisfaction among those who are expected to follow them. Here are some ideas to help you describe a rule you do not (or did not) like:
1. Strict dress code at work:
At my previous workplace, there was a strict dress code that required employees to wear formal business attire every day. The rule was considered important by the company to maintain a professional appearance, but I found it uncomfortable, especially on casual days or when the weather was hot. Most of my colleagues felt the same way, as it limited personal expression and was often impractical. I didn’t like this rule because it made me feel restricted and less comfortable at work, and I believe a more flexible dress code would have had a positive impact on employee morale.
2. No personal phone use during work hours:
At my current workplace, there’s a rule that prohibits using personal phones during work hours. This rule is intended to maintain productivity, but I find it inconvenient, especially in emergency situations when I need to check my phone. Many of my colleagues also feel frustrated by this rule because they often need to stay in touch with family members or handle personal matters during breaks. I don’t like this rule because I believe it should be more flexible, allowing for short, necessary phone calls or messages without negatively impacting work performance.
3. No eating or drinking in classrooms:
In my high school, there was a strict rule that banned eating or drinking in classrooms. While I understand the concern for cleanliness and distraction, this rule felt a bit too rigid, especially during long classes. Some students, including myself, felt that having a snack or water would help maintain focus and energy. I didn’t like this rule because it felt unnecessary, especially during break times or in longer sessions where students might get hungry or thirsty. A more reasonable rule, such as allowing small, non-distracting snacks, would have been better.
4. Mandatory overtime at work:
In my last job, there was a rule that required employees to work overtime every month. While the extra hours were compensated, it was still a burden for many of us who valued work-life balance. The rule was meant to ensure that deadlines were met, but it often interfered with personal time. Many colleagues, including myself, felt resentful of this requirement, especially when there were periods of low workload. I didn’t like this rule because it compromised my personal time and made it harder to balance work and family life.
5. No talking during exams at school:
At school, there was a strict rule that prohibited any talking during exams, even if we were just trying to clarify instructions. This rule was in place to prevent cheating, but I found it frustrating, especially when I needed clarification on a question. Many students felt the same, as it created unnecessary stress, especially for those who may have misunderstood the instructions. I didn’t like this rule because I felt it added extra pressure during an already stressful situation, and it didn’t allow for simple communication that could have helped students.
6. No casual attire on casual days:
At my old school, we had "casual days" once a month where students could dress more casually than in the usual school uniform. However, the rule still required us to adhere to certain guidelines, such as no jeans or sneakers. It was frustrating because the whole point of casual days was to relax the dress code, but this rule made it feel like there were still many restrictions. Most of my classmates didn’t like this rule because it didn’t allow for true freedom in what we wore, which defeated the purpose of having a casual day.
7. No group work allowed for certain assignments:
In college, there was a rule that for certain individual assignments, group work was not allowed, even if it would have benefited the project. While I understand that individual assignments assess personal understanding, some tasks could have been more effective if done collaboratively. Many of my classmates felt the same way, as they believed that group work encourages teamwork and the sharing of ideas. I didn’t like this rule because it limited the opportunity to learn from peers and collaborate on improving the assignment’s quality.
8. No personal projects during work hours:
At my previous job, there was a rule that prohibited working on personal projects during work hours, even if it didn’t interfere with job responsibilities. While I understand the need to focus on work tasks, I found it frustrating because many of us had personal projects or creative endeavours that helped us relax or stay motivated. The rule made me feel like I couldn’t pursue my passions during my downtime, which I didn’t like. I believe that employees should be allowed to work on personal projects during breaks or less busy periods, as long as it doesn't affect work quality.
9. No music allowed in study sessions:
In my university, there was a rule that prohibited listening to music during study sessions in the library. While I understand that the library should remain quiet for focused study, I found that listening to soft music actually helped me concentrate better. Some students felt similarly, especially those who used music as a tool to enhance focus. I didn’t like this rule because I believed that allowing music through headphones would create a better balance between a quiet environment and personal concentration.
10. No outside food allowed in work cafeteria:
At work, there was a rule that prohibited bringing outside food into the cafeteria, even though the food provided was often not to everyone’s taste. This rule was in place to ensure uniformity and control over the cafeteria’s sales, but many employees, including myself, found it restrictive. We often had dietary preferences or simply wanted to bring homemade meals for health reasons. I didn’t like this rule because it felt unnecessary, especially when it limited choice and didn’t account for personal dietary needs.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a rule you dislike/disliked, it's important to use vocabulary that conveys your reasons for disliking it, its impact, and the general perception of the rule. Here are some useful words and phrases with example sentences:
Restrictive: – Limiting freedom of action or movement.
Example: The rule about not using phones during breaks felt overly restrictive.
Counterproductive: – Having the opposite of the intended effect.
Example: Some argued that the ban on talking during study hall was counterproductive to collaborative learning.
Arbitrary: – Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.
Example: The rule about the specific colour of notebooks seemed completely arbitrary.
Lack of flexibility: – Not allowing for changes or exceptions.
Example: The lack of flexibility in the attendance policy caused problems for students with legitimate reasons for absence.
Bureaucratic: – Overly concerned with procedure at the expense of efficiency or common sense.
Example: The process for getting permission for anything felt very bureaucratic and time-consuming.
Generated resentment: – Caused feelings of anger or bitterness.
Example: The perceived unfairness of the rule generated resentment among the employees.
Felt stifled by: – Felt restricted or oppressed by.
Example: I often felt stifled by the constant supervision and strict regulations.
Undermined morale: – Weakened the confidence or enthusiasm of a group.
Example: The constant criticism and strict rules undermined the team's morale.
Sense of unfairness: – A feeling that something is not just or equitable.
Example: There was a strong sense of unfairness surrounding the way the break times were allocated.
Challenged the rationale behind: – Questioned the reasons or logic for the rule.
Example: Many students challenged the rationale behind the rule prohibiting electronic devices.
Advocated for change: – Publicly supported or argued for the rule to be altered.
Example: Some students actively advocated for a change in the school's uniform policy.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a rule (at school or work) that you do not (/did not) like", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a rule or law that you do not like.
2) Describe a traffic law or rule you know about.
3) Describe a rule or law that you like.
4) Describe a law that was introduced in your country and that you thought was a very good idea
5) Describe a law or rule that you think your country should adopt or introduce.
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