Describe a person who has strong opinions: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Who this person is
How you know him/her
Why you think he/she is a person who has strong opinions
What kinds of strong opinions this person has
And explain how you feel about his/her opinions

28 unique answers with expert feedback

How do you think strong opinions can influence discussions?

Strong opinions can lead to more engaging discussions, as they encourage debate and critical thinking. However, they can also create tension if people become too entrenched in their views. It's important to balance strong opinions with openness to others' perspectives.

Can having strong opinions be a disadvantage?

Yes, having strong opinions can sometimes lead to closed-mindedness. If someone is unwilling to consider other viewpoints, they may miss out on valuable insights. It can also strain relationships if others feel dismissed or invalidated.

How can one develop their own strong opinions?

Developing strong opinions often involves researching various topics, engaging in discussions, and reflecting on personal values and experiences. It's important to stay informed and consider multiple perspectives to form well-rounded views.

Band 6-7

00:00

The person name was Mohana Priya, we call her Mouni. She is my childhood friend, we both went to the same school from the childhood. She always makes the strong opinion because she always points out and gives the right statement and also her opinion is always right. So it is good to listen to her opinion because she is always right. One time, once upon a day, when I was struggling after my 12th standard graduation, I was struggling which field I have to choose. So I asked her opinion about which field I have to choose. She told me that I am good at Mathematics, because I too know that I am good at Mathematics. I used to teach her and I used to teach her before the exam last minute and she gets smart because of that. So she said me, you are good at teaching field and you are also good at Mathematics other than other subjects, so you should follow that. So I followed her opinion, now I am a Mathematics teacher, I have 3 degrees in Mathematics. So from this I have learned that we should be determined in what we are doing, we should get good respect from others.

Follow up questions

How do you think strong opinions can influence others?

Strong opinions can significantly influence others by providing clarity and direction. When someone expresses a well-thought-out opinion, it can help others see different perspectives and make informed decisions. In my case, Mouni's strong opinion guided me towards a successful career in teaching.

Can having strong opinions lead to conflicts? Why or why not?

Yes, having strong opinions can sometimes lead to conflicts, especially if others disagree. However, it can also foster healthy discussions and debates. It's important to communicate opinions respectfully to avoid misunderstandings and maintain relationships.

Do you think it's important to have your own opinions? Why?

Absolutely! Having your own opinions is crucial as it reflects your values and beliefs. It helps you make decisions that align with who you are. Additionally, sharing your opinions can contribute to discussions and help others see different viewpoints.

Band 6-7

00:00

My father is the person whom I know is having a real strong opinion regarding education, society and women in particular. I know that because I have been watching him making strong opinions about women every now and then. He would often prefer that women should be behaving more delicate and more women-like as per the social norms. And he would not accept that women should be more vocal or more participating in other events which did not consider homely events, kitchen or anything surrounding that.

Follow up questions

How do you feel about your father's opinions on women's roles?

I find my father's opinions quite traditional and limiting. While I respect his views, I believe that women should have the freedom to choose their paths, whether in the home or in society. It's important for everyone to have equal opportunities and to express themselves freely.

Have you ever discussed your views on this topic with him?

Yes, I have tried to share my perspective with him. I explained that women can be strong and independent while still embracing their femininity. However, he tends to hold onto his beliefs, which makes it challenging to have a constructive conversation about it.

Do you think strong opinions can be beneficial or harmful?

Strong opinions can be beneficial as they can drive change and encourage discussions. However, they can also be harmful if they lead to rigid thinking and intolerance. It's essential to balance strong beliefs with openness to different perspectives to foster understanding.

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Band 6-7

00:00

So a person I would describe is my friend Jabirul from my childhood with whom I have been friends for nearly 15 years. So he has very strong opinions because he is a very expressive person in contrast to me who is very shy. Because of the reason I think he is so expressive and his opinions are so strong because definitely due to the things he speaks about like these things are not really talked about enough in a wider scale and sometimes I do feel he does say some things that I don't agree with but most of it makes pretty much sense to me and I also agree with him.

Follow up questions

How do you feel about people who express strong opinions?

I think strong opinions can be both good and bad. They can lead to healthy discussions and debates, but sometimes they can also create conflicts. It's important to balance expressing opinions with being open to others' views.

Can you give an example of a topic where you disagree with Jabirul?

One topic we often disagree on is politics. He has very strong views about certain political figures, while I prefer to take a more neutral stance. We often have discussions about it, which helps me understand his perspective better.

Do you think strong opinions can influence others?

Absolutely! Strong opinions can be very persuasive, especially if the person expressing them is passionate and knowledgeable. Jabirul has influenced my views on several social issues, making me more aware of different perspectives.

Band 6-7

00:00

A person who has strong opinion is my friend Aditya. We met 3 years ago through our mutual friends at a party. I believe he has a strong opinion because he is educated well and he is a very experienced person. He has 8 years of experience in working in corporate. I think that has helped him to develop strong opinions. He is a very strong headed person. He knows what is right and what is wrong. Although he listens to advices and opinions from others but he follows his gut feeling and trust his intuition. He is very decisive in nature. I feel proud of him. Also, as a friend, I get to learn a lot of things from him. He motivates me to be a strong opinion person like him.

Follow up questions

How do you think strong opinions can influence a person's career?

Strong opinions can significantly influence a person's career by helping them make decisive choices, stand out in their field, and lead teams effectively. A person with strong opinions is often seen as a leader, which can open up more opportunities for advancement and respect among peers.

Can having strong opinions lead to conflicts in relationships?

Yes, having strong opinions can sometimes lead to conflicts in relationships, especially if others feel their views are dismissed. However, it can also foster healthy debates and discussions if both parties are open-minded and willing to listen to each other.

What qualities do you think are important for someone with strong opinions?

Important qualities include open-mindedness, the ability to listen, confidence, and critical thinking skills. A person with strong opinions should also be respectful of differing views and willing to engage in constructive dialogue to enhance understanding.

Show all 28 answers

Cue 1:Who this person is

Introduce the person by name and relationship to you.
Mention a few key characteristics that define this person.

Example

The person I want to talk about is my uncle, Rajesh. He is a retired professor and has always been known for his strong views on various subjects.

Cue 2:How you know him/her

Explain your relationship with the person and how long you have known them.
Share a brief anecdote that highlights your interactions.

Example

I have known my uncle Rajesh since I was a child. Growing up, I spent many weekends at his house, where we would discuss everything from politics to philosophy over cups of tea.

Cue 3:Why you think he/she is a person who has strong opinions

Discuss specific instances where he/she expressed their opinions passionately.
Mention how these opinions have influenced others around them.

Example

My uncle is a person with strong opinions because he never hesitates to voice his thoughts, especially during family gatherings. He often encourages debates and is not afraid to challenge others' views, which has made him a respected figure in our family.

Cue 4:What kinds of strong opinions this person has

Identify the main topics he/she is passionate about.
Provide examples of specific opinions he/she holds.

Example

He has strong opinions on education reform and environmental issues. For instance, he believes that the education system in India needs a complete overhaul to focus more on critical thinking rather than rote learning.

Cue 5:And explain how you feel about his/her opinions

Share your personal feelings about his/her opinions.
Discuss whether you agree or disagree and why.

Example

I admire my uncle's opinions because they are well-researched and thought-provoking. While I don’t always agree with him, his perspectives challenge me to think critically about important issues.

Conclusion

Summarize the key points about the person and their opinions.
Reflect on the impact this person has had on your own views.

Example

In conclusion, my uncle Rajesh is a person with strong opinions who has significantly influenced my thinking. His passion for education and the environment inspires me to be more aware and engaged in these issues.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Avoid Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your response unclear. It's important to provide specific details about the person and their opinions to engage the listener.

Tip

Use clear examples and specific traits to describe the person, such as their profession or a memorable conversation you had.

2: Don't Overgeneralize Opinions

Making broad statements about the person's opinions can weaken your response. It's essential to provide concrete examples of their strong opinions.

Tip

Mention specific topics they feel strongly about, such as politics or social issues, and explain why these opinions matter to them.

Avoid Personal Bias

Expressing personal bias can make your response seem unbalanced. It's important to present the person's opinions objectively.

Tip

Share your feelings about their opinions while also acknowledging the validity of their perspective, even if you disagree.

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