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.

117 unique answers with expert feedback

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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.

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.

Show all 117 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 6.5

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Anonymous student Band 7

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Anonymous student Band 7.5

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Answer

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