Describe a disagreement you had with someone: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Who was the person?
Why did you have the disagreement?
Was the issue resolved? If yes, how?
And explain what happened after the disagreement.

113 unique answers with expert feedback

What other disagreements have you had regarding your career choices?

I've had disagreements with friends and family about my career path. Some believe I should pursue more traditional fields, while I feel strongly about the potential of AI and healthcare. These discussions often lead to interesting debates about the future of work and technology.

How do you usually handle disagreements with others?

I try to approach disagreements calmly and listen to the other person's perspective. I believe in discussing the points respectfully and finding common ground. If we still disagree, I accept that it's okay to have different opinions, especially on complex topics like technology.

Do you think disagreements can lead to positive outcomes?

Absolutely! Disagreements can foster critical thinking and innovation. They challenge our beliefs and encourage us to explore different viewpoints. In my case, discussing AI with my dentist made me reflect on my choices and reinforced my commitment to my career path.

Band >7

00:00

I'm not someone who usually disagrees to people, but there are some times where I had to step in and, you know, counter some issues. So one major disagreement that I could remember was when I argued with my milkman to reduce the use of plastic. This happened a couple of months ago. This was because the milk was delivered in a plastic bag. I offered him a couple of other alternatives that he could opt for, like bringing the container up to my house and then taking the milk in a container or a small bowl, and that would reduce the use of plastic for both of us. I also let him in my house, gave him a glass of water, and discussed about how plastic is such a bad thing for Earth. It takes years and years of, I told him it takes years and years of, you know, uh...

Follow up questions

What motivated you to address the issue of plastic use with your milkman?

I have always been concerned about environmental issues, and plastic pollution is a significant problem. I felt it was important to take action, even in small ways, to encourage others to reduce their plastic usage. It was a chance to make a difference in my community.

How did your milkman react to your suggestions?

Initially, he seemed surprised by my request, but after our discussion, he was open to considering alternatives. He appreciated my suggestions and agreed to try using a container instead of plastic bags for future deliveries. It was a positive conversation.

Have you had any other disagreements about environmental issues?

Yes, I've had discussions with friends and family about recycling and reducing waste. Some people are resistant to change, but I believe it's essential to have these conversations to raise awareness and encourage better practices for the environment.

Band 7

00:00

While I attended a party in Melbourne, I had a friend who started talking about social issues, about how the world is changing and how sustainability has become a priority, as it should be, I said. But at the same time, he kept on saying that how the ocean has it all, how the ocean makes it more easy to grab resources, even though these large bodies of water which are unknown to the mankind and are not a lot to explore there. He kept on persisting about how deep sea mining can be something that is more fruitful for a man, even though it has its own causes and risks. This man made it seem like the sea has everything to offer us and we are entitled to take anything we want from it. But then I disagreed and made it very clear that my opinion on deep sea mining was and has always been a very reluctant one. Deep sea mining has something that most of the creatures do not wish to have upon them. This is a part of humanity that has been more ignorant and that is what touches me the most. People think that there is more for the world to offer than they have to offer to the world. But that is absolutely wrong and we should look into sustainability and continue the practice for our future generations.

Follow up questions

What are some other environmental issues you feel strongly about?

I feel strongly about climate change and deforestation. Both issues have severe impacts on biodiversity and our planet's health. Climate change leads to extreme weather, while deforestation destroys habitats and contributes to carbon emissions. We need to address these issues urgently.

How do you think individuals can contribute to sustainability?

Individuals can contribute by reducing waste, recycling, and supporting sustainable products. Simple actions like using reusable bags, conserving water, and being mindful of energy consumption can collectively make a significant impact. Education and awareness are also crucial.

Have you ever changed your opinion on a controversial topic? What influenced that change?

Yes, I once had a different view on renewable energy. After researching its benefits and seeing successful implementations, I realized its importance for a sustainable future. Engaging in discussions and learning from experts helped shape my current perspective.

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Band 7

00:00

I am trying to recall an incident that happened 3 years back at my home. It was regarding the purchase of a motorcycle for me regarding my work. I really wanted a motorcycle to have a convenient commute to and fro from my office. So we had a discussion planned at my home in order to decide on which motorcycle that I have to purchase. But my parents were more inclined towards fuel efficiency of the vehicle. But instead I was more passionate towards the performance of the motorcycle. So the discussion went on for weeks actually in my home. On the one hand, I was more interested in having a race edition motorcycle. On the other hand, my parents were more interested in a cruise bike. So at the end of the day, I decided to purchase the motorcycle in my dreams. So I purchased a bike called Apache RTR 200 which is a race edition superb bike of TVS. But I did it after convincing my parents of my interest and my passion to have my dream motorcycle. So ultimately they agreed with me and helped me in buying my dream bike. Still now, I am using the same bike and I am really happy that I made this decision because I had the bike of my dreams and I am also happy with the fuel efficiency that this bike is providing me and till now no problems have been observed.

Follow up questions

How did you feel during the disagreement with your parents?

During the disagreement, I felt frustrated at times because I wanted my dream motorcycle, but I also understood my parents' concerns about fuel efficiency. It was a mix of passion and respect for their perspective, which made the discussion challenging yet important.

What strategies did you use to convince your parents?

I shared my reasons for wanting the motorcycle, emphasizing how it would improve my commute and overall work experience. I also researched the bike's fuel efficiency and performance to show them that it could meet both my needs and their concerns.

Have you had any other disagreements with your parents about important decisions?

Yes, there have been other disagreements, especially regarding my education and career choices. Each time, we had open discussions where I presented my views, and we worked together to find a compromise that respected both my aspirations and their advice.

Band 7

00:00

I recently had a disagreement with my teacher, Ishwari ma'am. I had the disagreement regarding the social issues. My teacher had a strong opinion that poverty is not such a significant social issue in our country, which I strongly disagreed since poverty is a multi-faceted issue with several underlying causes. Economic factors like unemployment, low wages and income inequality are the major contributors and many people are suffering from poverty. When the disagreement occurred, I convinced my teacher by creating awareness in her about the people suffering from poverty. In addition to that, I also supported my argument by providing necessary examples that in real life. I strongly discussed with my teacher that poverty is a significant issue that need to be considered carefully, wherein it requires government implications like providing more incentives to the developers and making affordable housing available for several people.

Follow up questions

How do you think disagreements can be resolved effectively?

I believe effective communication is key to resolving disagreements. Listening to the other person's perspective and finding common ground can help. It's also important to remain respectful and open-minded, as this can lead to a more productive discussion and a better understanding of each other's viewpoints.

Have you ever changed your opinion after a disagreement?

Yes, I have changed my opinion after a disagreement. Sometimes, when presented with strong arguments or new information, I realize that my perspective might be limited. It's important to be flexible and willing to adapt one's views based on evidence and reasoned discussion.

What role does empathy play in resolving conflicts?

Empathy plays a crucial role in resolving conflicts. By understanding the feelings and motivations of the other person, we can approach disagreements with compassion. This helps to de-escalate tensions and fosters a collaborative environment where both parties can work towards a resolution.

Show all 113 answers

Cue 1:Who was the person?

Introduce the person you had the disagreement with, mentioning your relationship with them.
Provide some context about how long you have known this person and the nature of your interactions.

Example

The person I had a disagreement with was my younger brother, Rohan. We have been close since childhood, sharing everything from toys to secrets. We often have friendly debates, but this particular disagreement was more serious.

Cue 2:Why did you have the disagreement?

Clearly explain the topic of the disagreement and why it was important to both of you.
Share your perspective and Rohan's perspective to give a balanced view.

Example

The disagreement arose over our plans for a family vacation. I wanted to go to the mountains for some adventure, while Rohan insisted on a beach destination for relaxation. Both of us felt strongly about our choices, as I wanted to experience the thrill of trekking, and he wanted to unwind by the sea.

Cue 3:Was the issue resolved? If yes, how?

Discuss how you both approached the resolution of the disagreement.
Mention any compromises or discussions that led to a solution.

Example

Eventually, we decided to sit down and talk it out. We listed the pros and cons of each destination and realized that we could combine both ideas. We agreed to spend a few days in the mountains and then relax at the beach. This compromise made both of us happy.

Cue 4:And explain what happened after the disagreement.

Describe the aftermath of the disagreement and how it affected your relationship.
Share any positive outcomes or lessons learned from the experience.

Example

After resolving the disagreement, our relationship grew stronger. We learned to appreciate each other's viewpoints more. The trip turned out to be a fantastic experience, and we created wonderful memories together. It taught us the importance of communication and compromise.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, disagreements can be challenging, but they also provide opportunities for growth and understanding. My experience with Rohan taught me that listening and finding common ground can lead to better relationships and enjoyable experiences.

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: Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer unclear. It's important to provide specific details about the disagreement to engage the listener and demonstrate your language skills.

Tip

Use clear examples and specific details about the disagreement, such as the person involved and the exact issue to make your response more vivid.

2: Ignoring Resolution

Failing to discuss how the disagreement was resolved can leave your answer incomplete. It’s essential to show how conflicts can be managed and resolved.

Tip

Always include how the issue was resolved, whether through discussion, compromise, or another method, to show your problem-solving skills.

Lack of Reflection

Not reflecting on what happened after the disagreement can make your answer seem shallow. It's important to show personal growth or changes in your relationship.

Tip

Conclude by explaining what you learned from the disagreement and how it affected your relationship with the person involved.

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Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

Answer

I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

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Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

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Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.