Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a time when you disagreed with a decision - Cue Card # 835
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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 time when you disagreed with a decision that someone made.
You should say:
- when it was
- what decision was made
- who made this decision
and explain why you disagreed with this decision.
[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.]
[Examiner: All right? Remember you have one to two minutes for this, so don't worry if I stop you. I'll tell you when the time is up. Can you start speaking now, please?]
Model Answer 1:
I think that disagreement is somewhat unavoidable both in our personal and professional lives. In fact, I can’t think of a week or a month in my entire life, as an adult, when I haven’t disagreed with something or somebody just like I disagreed with a decision a few weeks ago. Let me describe what really happened.
It wasn’t some kind of disagreement on any petty or small decisions; rather it was an important decision which was made by none other than my own father, and I had to disagree with his decision on some valid grounds. But before I tell you why I disagreed with him, let me tell you what decision it really was.
The decision was that he – my father that is – was going to sell his shop in a very busy market so that he could buy some kind of government bonds for future benefits and profits. As soon as I learned about his decision, I tried to convince him that it wasn’t exactly a good idea. But, my father was not the one to get convinced. Instead, he kept arguing that he wasn’t even earning, through renting it to some businessman, half of what he was supposed to earn. Besides, he told me that the municipal tax on the shop was increased rather disproportionately, and as such, he was just struggling to pay such a high amount of tax money. Therefore, he just had no option but to sell that shop and invest the money in government bonds if he really wanted to earn some extra money.
Well, I could very well understand his reasoning behind that decision, but I chose to disagree with him mainly because I considered that shop to be a very valuable property since it was located in a rather prime location. I disagreed with him also because I was, in principle, very much against selling any kind of property and keeping money in a bank or as “cash” since such a practice would only result in the depreciation of the money.
Sample Answer 2:
Introduction:
In our lives, we often encounter situations where we disagree with the decisions made by someone else. It can be quite difficult to handle such situations, but it is essential to communicate our concerns in a respectful and constructive way. Here, I'd like to talk about a time when I disagreed with a decision made by my uncle and aunt for their daughter's education.
When it was:
It was about two years ago when my uncle and aunt were discussing their daughter's future plans. They had decided that their daughter should study Bachelor of Business Administration(BBA) after completing high school.
What decision was made:
My cousin was a creative person with a keen interest in fashion design. However, her parents thought that pursuing a degree in business administration would lead her to better job prospects and financial stability.
Who made this decision:
My uncle and aunt made this decision, and they were quite firm about it. They believed that studying BBA was the best option for their daughter and that she would excel in the field of business.
And explain why you disagreed with this decision:
When I found out about their decision, I had a conversation with my cousin and realized that she was not happy with this choice. She was passionate about fashion design and had already started taking online courses in this field. I strongly felt that it was important for her to pursue her passion and follow her dreams. So, I decided to have a talk with my uncle and aunt about it.
During our conversation, I pointed out that their daughter was talented in fashion design and had already taken some courses in that field. I explained how important it was for her to follow her passion and that she would be more successful and happy if she pursued her interest. I am so glad that my uncle and aunt reconsidered their decision and supported their daughter's passion. It was a great learning experience for me as well, as I realized the importance of standing up for what we believe in and supporting our loved one's passions and dreams.
Model Answer 3:
Thank you a lot for this great topic. It prompts me to reflect on a time when I found myself at odds with a decision someone else made. Today, I will share the event with you.
This happened about six months ago, during a crucial planning phase for our community's annual cultural festival. I was part of the organizing committee, a group of about ten volunteers who work together to bring this event to life each year. The decision in question was regarding the selection of the main musical act for the final evening of the festival.
The decision was made by the committee's chairperson, Mr Ratan, a respected and generally well-liked member of our community who has led the committee for several years. He announced that he had unilaterally decided to book a relatively unknown, local band that primarily played a genre of music that, while having some niche appeal, wasn't particularly popular with the broader community or the demographic that typically attends the festival.
My disagreement stemmed from a few key reasons. Firstly, the cultural festival is our community's biggest annual event, and the final evening's musical performance is always a major draw, intended to be a celebratory and inclusive experience for everyone. In previous years, we had always booked well-established artists or bands with a wider appeal, ensuring a large and enthusiastic audience. Secondly, the decision felt somewhat autocratic. While Mr Ratan is the chairperson, we have always operated on a more collaborative basis, with significant discussions and often votes on key decisions like this, especially considering the substantial portion of our budget allocated to the musical act.
While I respected Mr Ratan's dedication to the community and his past contributions, I genuinely believed this decision was not in the best interest of the festival's overall success and the enjoyment of the wider community. I felt a more democratic and audience-focused approach would have been more appropriate in this instance.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Disagreements are a natural part of communication, especially when it comes to decisions that affect our work, studies, or personal lives. Below are several situations where someone might have disagreed with a decision, each offering a useful scenario to develop a strong IELTS Speaking Part 2 response.
1. Disagreement over a group project topic at school:
Last year, my classmates chose a complex topic for a group project. I disagreed because it was too broad and unrealistic to complete in time. I voiced my concerns during the planning meeting, but the group leader insisted. We later struggled to meet the deadline, which validated my initial concerns.
2. Disagreement with a friend’s travel plan:
A friend wanted us to travel during the peak summer season. I disagreed because prices would be high and places too crowded. I suggested travelling in autumn instead, but he went ahead with summer plans. The experience turned out to be stressful, and I felt my perspective was overlooked.
3. Disagreement with a team leader’s strategy:
At my part-time job, our supervisor made a decision to run a promotional campaign during a quiet period. I disagreed, believing it would be more effective during a busy shopping season. I shared my reasoning during a meeting, but it wasn’t accepted. Sales figures later proved the timing was wrong.
4. Disagreement with a teacher's assessment method:
My English teacher decided to grade us only through written exams. I disagreed because some students are better at oral communication. I talked to her after class and explained my point, suggesting a more balanced assessment system. She later included presentations as part of the final evaluation.
5. Disagreement in a family decision:
My parents wanted to move to a different city, but I disagreed because I would have to leave my school and friends behind. We had several family discussions about it. Though they eventually moved, they considered my opinion and delayed the move by a few months so I could finish the school year.
6. Disagreement with a club president’s rule change:
In my college photography club, the president changed a rule that limited how many photos we could submit each month. I disagreed as I felt it stifled creativity. I presented my opinion in a club meeting and got support from other members. The rule was later revised to be more flexible.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a time you disagreed with a decision, using clear and diplomatic language to explain your perspective is key. Here are some useful words and phrases with example sentences:
Contentious issue – A topic that causes disagreement or debate.
Example: It was a bit of a contentious issue at the time.
Well-intentioned but misguided – Having good intentions but ultimately being wrong or ill-advised.
Example: While their intentions were well-intentioned, I felt the decision was misguided.
Differing viewpoints – Different opinions or perspectives on a matter.
Example: There were clearly differing viewpoints on the best course of action.
Expressed my reservations – Voiced my doubts or concerns about something.
Example: I made sure to express my reservations politely during the meeting.
Respectfully challenged the rationale – Gently questioned the reasons or logic behind the decision.
Example: I respectfully challenged the rationale behind the proposed changes.
Alternative course of action – A different way of proceeding.
Example: I believed there was a more effective alternative course of action.
Potential adverse consequences – Possible negative effects or outcomes.
Example: I was concerned about the potential adverse consequences of their choice.
Shortsighted approach – A way of thinking that doesn't consider the future implications.
Example: I felt their approach was rather shortsighted and didn't address the root problem.
Intuitive disagreement – A feeling of unease or opposition based on instinct rather than specific reasons initially.
Example: My disagreement was initially more intuitive; something just didn't feel right.
Stood my ground – Maintained my position or opinion firmly.
Example: On this occasion, I felt compelled to stand my ground.
Lack of foresight – A failure to anticipate future needs or consequences.
Example: In my opinion, the decision demonstrated a lack of foresight.
Compromise proved elusive – Finding a mutually acceptable solution was difficult or impossible.
Example: Unfortunately, compromise proved elusive in this situation.
Hindsight offers a different perspective – Looking back, the situation might be viewed differently.
Example: Hindsight offers a different perspective on whether it was the right call.
A valuable learning experience – A situation from which important lessons were learned.
Example: Despite the disagreement, it turned out to be a valuable learning experience for everyone involved.
Part 3: Detailed Discussion.
Q. In your opinion, what skills are necessary when making an important decision?
Answer: I believe critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential when making important decisions. People should be able to assess all the options, consider the possible outcomes, and weigh the pros and cons before choosing the best path. Emotional intelligence is also important, especially for decisions that involve relationships or long-term commitments. Finally, confidence and the ability to stay calm under pressure help individuals make decisions without second-guessing themselves too much.
Q. How can people improve their decision-making skills?
Answer: People can improve their decision-making skills through practice and reflection. For instance, making small decisions daily and learning from their outcomes builds experience and confidence. Reading, observing others, and learning how successful individuals make decisions can also help. It’s also useful to seek advice when unsure and to be open to feedback, as this encourages a more thoughtful and well-rounded decision-making process.
Q. Who has the major influence on the decisions we make in our life? Why?
Answer: In most cases, our family - especially our parents - tend to have a strong influence on our decisions, particularly in early life. Friends, teachers, and mentors also shape our perspectives, especially during adolescence. In adulthood, societal expectations, culture, and even media play a role. These influences affect how we view success, relationships, and priorities, ultimately guiding the choices we make in life.
Q. Do you think that parents should make important decisions for their children? [Why?/ Why not?]
Answer: To some extent, yes. Parents usually have more experience and can guide their children toward making decisions that are in their best interest - especially when it comes to education, health, or safety. However, as children grow older, they should be given opportunities to participate in decisions to develop independence and confidence. So, while parental input is valuable, it’s also important to gradually involve children in the process.
Q. Should parents allow their young children to decide on everyday matters, like which dresses to wear, and what food to eat? [Why?/ Why not?]
Answer: Yes, I think children should be allowed to make simple daily decisions like choosing their clothes or meals - within reason. This helps them develop a sense of independence, confidence, and decision-making skills from an early age. Of course, parents should guide them if their choices are unhealthy or inappropriate, but giving them this freedom on small matters prepares them for bigger responsibilities in the future.
Q. How do the decision-making processes of children and adults vary? [Why?]
Answer: Children often make decisions based on immediate desires, emotions, or curiosity, without fully considering the consequences. Their reasoning tends to be more spontaneous and based on short-term thinking. Adults, however, usually take a more rational and thoughtful approach. They consider long-term effects, weigh pros and cons, and often draw on past experiences before making a choice. This difference comes down to maturity, life experience, and a better understanding of risks and responsibilities.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a time when you disagreed with a decision that someone made", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a time when you had a disagreement with a friend.
2) Describe a time when you had a disagreement with someone.
3) Describe a decision that someone made whom you know.
4) Describe a disappointing experience you have had.
5) Describe a time when you were unsatisfied about an event.
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