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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe A Complaint That You Made And You Were Satisfied With The Result: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Sep 16, 2024, 19:05

Overview

In IELTS Speaking, cue cards prompt test-takers to discuss specific topics. Today's focus is on recounting a complaint that ended with a satisfying resolution. Business leaders, with their impactful contributions to society, often serve as beacons of inspiration, driving progress and innovation.

 

Throughout this piece, we'll analyse sample responses to this topic, examining how effective communication and problem-solving led to favourable outcomes. Join us as we explore the art of constructive complaint resolution in diverse contexts.

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe A Complaint That You Made And You Were Satisfied With The Result

You should say

  • What did you complained about?
  • Whom you complained to?
  • When did it happened?
  • What was the result, and why you were satisfied with the result?
  • How did you feel after complaining about it?
Sample Answer 1

Introduction:

 

  • Alright, so let me tell you about the time when I had a problem with my mobile phone.
  •  I got this new phone from a local store in my neighbourhood, and within a week, it started acting up.
  •  It kept shutting down randomly, and I couldn't use it properly. 
  • So, I decided to take action and address the issue.

 

Describing your experience/opinion/interest:

 

  • First off, I went back to the store and explained the problem to the manager, Mr. Sharma.
  • I told him how frustrating it was to have a new phone malfunctioning so soon. 
  • He listened attentively and assured me that they would look into it. 
  • Then, they asked me to leave the phone with them for a couple of days for inspection, which I agreed to. 
  • During this time, I felt a mix of annoyance and hopefulness, hoping they'd fix the issue without much hassle.

 

Key highlights:

 

  • After a few days, I received a call from the store informing me that they found a software glitch causing the problem. 
  • They fixed it and even updated the software to ensure it wouldn't happen again. 
  • When I went to pick up my phone, Mr Sharma apologised for the inconvenience and offered me a discount on accessories as a gesture of goodwill. I was genuinely i
  • mpressed by their professionalism and commitment to customer satisfaction.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • Overall, I was delighted with how the store handled my complaint. 
  • They addressed the issue promptly and efficiently, leaving me with a fully functional phone and a positive impression of their service. 
  • It's reassuring to know that businesses like this prioritise customer satisfaction and are willing to go the extra mile to resolve issues.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction:
 

  • Let me tell you about a time when I had an issue with a faulty internet connection. 
  • It was quite frustrating because I relied on the internet for work and staying connected with friends and family. 
  • So, when the connection kept dropping unexpectedly, I knew I had to do something about it.

 

Describing your experience/opinion/interest:

 

  • I contacted the customer support of my internet service provider, speaking with Mr. Khan. 
  • I explained the problem I was facing, emphasising how it disrupted my daily activities and causing inconvenience. 
  • Mr. Khan listened attentively and assured me they would investigate the issue promptly. 
  • I was irritated at the ongoing problem and optimistic that it would be resolved soon.

 

Key highlights:

 

  • The next day, a technician from the internet company visited my home to check the connection. 
  • He identified a problem with the router and replaced it with a new one. 
  • Additionally, he made some adjustments to the settings to ensure stable connectivity. 
  • Throughout the process, Mr. Khan kept me informed about the progress and ensured that I was satisfied with the solution. 
  • I was relieved to see the internet working smoothly again, allowing me to resume my work and online activities without interruptions.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • In conclusion, I was pleased with how the internet company addressed my complaint. 
  • They responded promptly, sent a technician to fix the issue, and maintained open communication throughout the process. 
  • This experience highlighted the importance of reliable customer support in resolving technical issues and ensuring customer satisfaction. 
  • It also reaffirmed my trust in the internet service provider, knowing that they prioritise resolving customer complaints efficiently.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction:
 

  • Let me share with you a recent experience I had with a complaint regarding a faulty washing machine.
  •  I had purchased the washing machine from a local appliance store, expecting it to make my laundry chores easier. 
  • However, after just a few weeks of use, it started leaking water during the wash cycle, causing quite a mess in my laundry room.

 

Describing your experience/opinion/interest:

 

  • I decided to contact the store's customer service department to address the issue. 
  • I spoke with Ms. Patel and explained my problem with the washing machine. 
  • I expressed my disappointment and frustration, as I had expected the appliance to function properly for a reasonable amount of time. 
  • Ms. Patel listened empathetically and assured me that they would resolve the issue promptly. 
  • I felt a mixture of annoyance at the inconvenience caused and hoped that it would be resolved satisfactorily.

 

Key highlights:

 

  • The store arranged for a technician to visit my home the following day to inspect the washing machine. 
  • The technician identified a problem with the drainage system and replaced the faulty component. 
  • He also thoroughly checked the appliance to ensure there were no other issues. 
  • Throughout the process, Ms. Patel kept me updated on the progress and ensured that I was satisfied with the resolution. 
  • I was relieved to see the washing machine functioning correctly, without any leaks or issues during the wash cycle.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • In conclusion, I was impressed with how the store handled my complaint regarding the faulty washing machine. 
  • They responded promptly, sent a technician to fix the issue, and maintained open communication throughout the process. 
  • This experience reaffirmed my trust in the store's commitment to customer satisfaction and demonstrated the importance of addressing complaints promptly and effectively.

When the cue card section starts, the examiner will hand you the cue card with the printed topic. They will then instruct you to speak on the topic for two minutes. You'll have one minute to prepare your response before speaking.
 

To answer cue cards effectively, start with a brief introduction to the complaint you made and the outcome you found satisfactory. Then, break down your response into smaller sections: Introduction, describing your experience/opinion/interest, key highlights, and conclusion.

 

Introduction:
 

  • Begin by stating the nature of the complaint and why you were dissatisfied initially. 
  • Briefly mention the resolution that led to your satisfaction.
     

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest:
 

  • Provide details about the complaint, including when and where it occurred. 
  • Share your feelings or thoughts about the situation and how it impacted you.
     

Key Highlights:
 

  • Discuss the steps you took to address the complaint and the response you received from the relevant parties. 
  • Highlight any specific actions or strategies that contributed to the satisfactory resolution.

 

Conclusion:
 

  • Summarise the key points of your response.
  • Reiterate your satisfaction with the outcome. 
  • End on a positive note, expressing gratitude if applicable.

Follow-Up Questions

After you finish your cue card response, the examiner will ask you some follow-up questions. This part of the test is designed to explore your ideas further and assess your ability to discuss topics in more depth. The questions will often be related to the topic you spoke about in your cue card response. 
 

You should expect to discuss broader issues or share your opinions and experiences related to the topic. It's important to stay calm, speak clearly, and provide detailed answers.

Q1. When do people usually complain?

Answer 1: People typically tend to voice their grievances when they feel dissatisfied or encounter issues with a product, service, or situation. Complaints often arise when expectations are not met or when there's a perceived discrepancy between what was promised and what was delivered.


Answer 2: The common occasions for people to express discontent are when they experience poor customer service, encounter delays or inconveniences, or perceive a lack of quality in the goods or services they've received. Additionally, grievances may surface when individuals feel their rights have been violated or when they perceive unfair treatment.

Q2. What other measures should you take to solve problems rather than complain?

Answer 1: Instead of solely resorting to complaints, individuals should consider proactive approaches to problem-solving. This might involve communicating directly with relevant parties to address concerns, seeking alternative solutions or compromises, and actively engaging in constructive dialogue to find mutually beneficial resolutions.
 

Answer 2: In addition to complaining, individuals can explore various problem-solving strategies such as brainstorming creative solutions, seeking advice or assistance from experts or peers, conducting research to understand the issue better, and taking proactive steps to prevent similar problems from occurring in the future. Adopting a proactive and solution-focused mindset often leads to more effective and sustainable resolutions.

Q3. Do you usually get angry?

Answer 1:It depends on the circumstances. While I strive to maintain composure in most situations, there are times when I do experience anger, particularly when faced with injustice, incompetence, or dishonesty. However, I make a conscious effort to manage and express my anger constructively, focusing on finding solutions rather than dwelling on negative emotions.
 

Answer 2: Generally, I try to keep a level head and approach situations with patience and understanding. However, like anyone, there are instances where I may feel angry or frustrated, especially when faced with challenges or obstacles. In such cases, I endeavour to channel my emotions productively, seeking to address the underlying issues and maintain respectful communication with others.

Q4. Can complaining help solve problems?

Answer 1: Complaining can sometimes serve as an initial step towards problem resolution by highlighting issues that need attention. When done constructively and clearly, complaints can prompt organisations or individuals to address shortcomings, improve services, or rectify mistakes. However, for complaints to effectively solve problems, it's crucial that they are accompanied by proactive efforts to seek solutions and engage in constructive dialogue.

 

Answer 2: While complaining may draw attention to problems, its effectiveness in solving them largely depends on its approach. Simply venting frustration without offering constructive feedback or seeking a resolution is unlikely to lead to meaningful change. However, when complaints are communicated effectively, backed by evidence or suggestions for improvement, and followed up with proactive problem-solving efforts, they can contribute to resolving issues and driving positive change.

FAQs

Q. Do IELTS cue cards repeat?

Ans. While IELTS cue cards may not repeat often, they often cover similar themes or topics. To prepare, focus on developing flexible speaking skills rather than memorising specific answers.

Q. How should I manage my time during the Cue Card task?

Ans. Effective time management during the Cue Card task involves planning your response, allocating time for each point, and practising speaking concisely while covering all relevant information.

Q. What are common mistakes in IELTS speaking?

Ans. Common mistakes in IELTS speaking include grammar errors, pronunciation issues, lack of coherence or fluency, and failure to address the task prompt fully. Regular practice, feedback, and targeted improvement can help address these challenges.

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