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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe A Person Who Has Strong Opinions

Updated on Oct 09, 2024, 06:16

Overview

In the IELTS Speaking Test, the topic "Describe a person who has strong opinions" requires you to discuss someone known for holding firm beliefs on certain issues. This might include their ability to express views confidently, stand by their principles, and influence others through their ideas. When addressing this topic, it’s essential to consider the reasons behind their strong opinions, how they communicate them, and how these opinions shape their interactions with others. Reflecting on such factors will help you develop a more structured and coherent response, which is crucial for achieving a high IELTS score.

 

Practising this topic not only broadens your vocabulary related to communication and personality traits but also improves your ability to present balanced and thoughtful arguments. By focusing on fluency, coherence, and effective use of examples, you can enhance the quality of your speaking and improve your chances of reaching your target IELTS band score. Familiarising yourself with such topics will prepare you to handle a variety of question types confidently during the test.

 

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe A Person Who Has Strong Opinions

You should say

  • Who is this person?
  • How did you know him/her
  • Why do you think he/she is an opinionated person?
  • Explain how you feel about him/her.
Sample Answer 1

Introduction (Covers:Who is this person? / How did you know him/her?)

 

  • One person who comes to mind is my uncle, Rajesh. He’s an engineer by profession and a family member I’ve known since childhood. We often have family gatherings where his strong opinions on various subjects are hard to miss.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Why do you think he/she is an opinionated person?)  

 

  • I believe Rajesh is an opinionated person because he always has a clear stance on any topic, whether it’s politics, technology, or even lifestyle choices. He’s never afraid to voice his views and is quite persuasive when discussing matters. For instance, during a recent family dinner, he confidently argued that electric cars are the only viable solution for India’s future, citing detailed facts and figures.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: Explain how you feel about him/her.)

 

  • One particular incident that stands out was during a debate about climate change at a family get-together. While many people were discussing possible causes and solutions, Rajesh firmly believed in solar energy as the sole future for renewable energy. His passion for this idea really sparked a deeper discussion among the family. Although his opinions can sometimes be overwhelming, I admire his dedication to staying informed and sticking to his beliefs, even when they’re not universally accepted.

 

Conclusion

 

  • Overall, while Rajesh’s strong opinions can occasionally cause heated discussions, I respect his commitment to his values. His opinions often make others reflect more deeply on their own views, and though our conversations can be intense, I appreciate his confidence and conviction. It certainly makes family gatherings more lively!
Sample Answer 2

Introduction (Covers:Who is this person? / How did you know him/her?)

 

  • The person I’m talking about is my college friend, Priya. She’s always been someone with strong opinions, especially when it comes to social issues. I met her during our first year of university, and we’ve been close ever since.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Why do you think he/she is an opinionated person?)  

 

  • Priya is the type of person who never hesitates to share her thoughts, particularly on issues like gender equality and environmental conservation. She’s very vocal in discussions, and it’s clear that she’s done a lot of research. For example, during a class discussion about climate change, she passionately defended the need for strict government regulations on industries to reduce pollution. She doesn’t just express her views, but she backs them up with data and evidence, which makes her arguments strong and convincing.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: Explain how you feel about him/her.)

 

  • There was one time in a debate competition when Priya’s firm stance on women’s rights left a lasting impression on everyone. She argued that true equality will only be achieved when workplaces introduce flexible policies for women, and she had the entire room nodding along. While some people find her intensity overwhelming, I actually enjoy these debates with her because they make me think critically about my own views. I admire how well-read she is, and she often introduces new perspectives I hadn’t considered before.

 

Conclusion

 

  • In the end, although Priya can sometimes come off as too intense in her opinions, I really respect her passion and determination. Her views challenge me to think more deeply and help broaden my understanding of different issues. It’s always enlightening to talk to her, even if I don’t always agree.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers:Who is this person? / How did you know him/her?)

 

  • The person I’d like to talk about is my neighbour, Mr. Sharma. He’s a retired school teacher, and I’ve known him since childhood. We often meet at community gatherings, and I’ve always been intrigued by his strong opinions on various topics.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Why do you think he/she is an opinionated person?)  

 

  • Mr. Sharma is quite outspoken, particularly when it comes to politics and education. He frequently shares his views on what’s wrong with the current system and how things should be changed. For instance, he firmly believes that the education system in India needs an overhaul, especially in terms of reducing rote learning and encouraging creative thinking. His opinions are usually backed by his years of teaching experience, and he doesn’t shy away from criticising what he sees as flaws in the system. I think his passion for these topics makes him a very opinionated person.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: Explain how you feel about him/her.)

 

  • One memorable moment was during a neighbourhood meeting where we were discussing the education of underprivileged children. Mr. Sharma was adamant that local communities should play a more active role in supporting these kids. His strong words and convincing arguments left an impact on everyone. While some people may find his directness off-putting, I respect the fact that he stands by his beliefs, even when they are controversial. Personally, I’ve learned a lot from him, and his opinions often make me reconsider my own stance on certain issues.

 

Conclusion

 

  • Overall, Mr. Sharma’s opinions, though strong, are rooted in his personal experiences and knowledge. I’ve come to appreciate his candidness, even though it can sometimes be challenging to debate with him. He’s the kind of person who makes you think deeply, and I value the insights he brings to our conversations.

When the cue card section starts, the examiner will hand you a card with a topic written on it. You will have one minute to prepare your response, and then you will need to speak about the topic for one to two minutes. This is your opportunity to showcase your ability to speak fluently and coherently on a given subject.

 

The best way to answer these cue cards is by breaking down your response into four parts: Introduction, describing your experience/opinion/interest, key highlights, and conclusion.

 

Introduction (Covers:Who is this person? / How did you know him/her?)

 

  • State the person’s name or role.
  • Briefly mention how you know them.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Why do you think he/she is an opinionated person?)  

 

  • Explain why you believe this person is strongly opinionated. 
  • Share your perspective or any specific examples that support your claim.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: Explain how you feel about him/her.)

 

  • Describe a particular incident that showcases their opinions.
  • Highlight any positive or negative impact their opinions have had on others 

 

Conclusion

 

  • End with your personal reflection on how you feel about the person and their strong opinions. 
  • Summarise the impact this has on your relationship or others.

 

By following this structure, you can ensure that your response is well-organised, clear, and detailed, fitting within the two-minute time limit. Now, let’s look at a sample answer to illustrate how you can apply this structure effectively.

Follow-Up Questions

In the IELTS Speaking Test, the examiner will ask follow-up/ two-way discussion questions after you finish speaking about your cue card topic. This part of the test helps the examiner assess your ability to discuss the topic in more depth, providing detailed answers and expanding on your initial response. You should expect questions that explore your reasoning, experiences, and opinions related to the topic.


 

Q1: Do you think it’s important for people to have strong opinions?

Answer 1: Yes, I think it’s important for people to have strong opinions, as it reflects their beliefs and values. Having a firm stance on certain issues shows that a person has thought deeply about them. However, it’s equally important to be open to other perspectives and willing to adapt or reconsider one’s opinion if presented with new information.

Answer 2: I believe it’s essential for people to have strong opinions, especially on important matters like social justice or environmental issues. Strong opinions drive action and change. However, being too rigid can be problematic. It’s important to balance strong opinions with a willingness to engage in open dialogue and listen to others’ viewpoints.

Q2. How do you think people should express their strong opinions?

Answer 1: I think people should express their strong opinions respectfully and calmly. It’s important to communicate your views clearly, but without belittling or offending others who may disagree. Keeping an open mind during discussions and backing up your points with reasoned arguments can help create a productive dialogue, even when opinions differ.

Answer 2: People should express their strong opinions thoughtfully and respectfully. It’s important to avoid being confrontational, as that can lead to unnecessary conflict. Instead, they should focus on explaining their point of view while also considering others’ opinions. A well-structured argument can be far more persuasive than one delivered aggressively.

Q3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having strong opinions?

Answer 1: The advantage of having strong opinions is that it shows confidence and conviction. It can help in making decisive choices and standing up for important causes. However, the disadvantage is that it can lead to stubbornness and difficulty in accepting alternative perspectives. If someone is too rigid in their views, it might strain relationships or hinder meaningful discussions.

Answer 2: Having strong opinions can be empowering, as it reflects a clear sense of direction and belief in one’s principles. On the downside, strong opinions can sometimes alienate others, especially if they are expressed too forcefully or without consideration for different viewpoints. Balancing conviction with open-mindedness is key to avoiding this issue.

Q4. Do you think society benefits from people having strong opinions?

Answer 1: Yes, society definitely benefits from people having strong opinions, as it drives discussions and promotes change. Strong opinions can lead to progress in areas like human rights or environmental protection. However, for society to truly benefit, these opinions must be shared constructively, allowing for dialogue and compromise, rather than conflict.

Answer 2: I think society benefits from strong opinions because they spark debate and can lead to positive change. For example, movements for equality and justice often begin with individuals who have strong views. However, these opinions need to be expressed in a way that fosters understanding and collaboration, rather than creating division.

FAQs

Q. What happens in Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking section?

Ans. In Part 2, you'll be given a cue card with a specific topic and some points to cover. You’ll have one minute to prepare, during which you can jot down notes. Then, you’ll speak on the topic for 1-2 minutes. This part tests your ability to organize thoughts and speak at length on a given subject.

Q. What should I focus on in Part 3?

Ans. Part 3 is a two-way discussion with the examiner about more abstract and complex topics related to Part 2. You should focus on expressing your opinions clearly, providing detailed explanations, and supporting your ideas with examples. This part assesses your ability to discuss ideas in depth and engage in analytical thinking.


 

Q. How is the Speaking section scored?

Ans. The Speaking section is scored on four criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Each criterion is weighted equally, and you'll receive a band score for each, which are then averaged to give your overall Speaking score. The examiner evaluates how well you communicate, not just the accuracy of your language.


 

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