Describe a rule you dislike and would like to change in the future: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What the rule is?
Where or when it applies?
Why you dislike it?
And explain what you would change and why.

111 unique answers with expert feedback

Why do you think gender equality is important in today's society?

Gender equality is crucial as it ensures that everyone, regardless of gender, has the same rights and opportunities. This leads to a more balanced society where both men and women can contribute equally to various fields, fostering innovation and progress.

What specific changes would you suggest to improve gender equality laws?

I would suggest implementing laws that specifically address gender discrimination in the workplace, ensuring equal pay for equal work, and promoting women's representation in leadership roles. Additionally, educational programs should be introduced to raise awareness about gender issues.

How can schools promote gender equality among students?

Schools can promote gender equality by incorporating gender studies into the curriculum, encouraging mixed-gender group activities, and teaching respect and appreciation for diversity. Workshops and seminars can also help students understand the importance of equality from a young age.

Band 7

00:00

One rule that I truly dislike is how there is confusion or not enough clarity on the legality of marital rape in India. It says that marital rape is illegal if the wife is under the age of 18 years, but the legal age of marriage itself is 21. So it does not make sense that the legality of rape would be based on the age of the victim regardless of the fact that it is a brutal crime in itself. Hence I think that is something that I want to change because this allows and provides space for many men to abuse their wives and force sexual intercourse on them, leading to emotional and physical abuse of women in most Indian marriages. Penalising marital rape thoroughly will ensure that such incidents do not take place or at least give a platform for such incidents to be spoken about and for justice to be served. Women will finally feel like they have a support system in place by the government itself, which is why I think this is something that has to be changed and this needs to be done by women-led organisations and groups that take this issue to the government and resolve it.

Follow up questions

What steps do you think can be taken to raise awareness about marital rape?

Raising awareness can involve educational campaigns, workshops, and community discussions that highlight the issue. Engaging with schools, colleges, and local organizations can help spread the message. Social media can also be a powerful tool to reach a wider audience and encourage conversations.

How do you think the legal system can be improved to protect women better?

The legal system can be improved by establishing clearer laws regarding marital rape, ensuring that they are enforced strictly. Training law enforcement and judiciary members on gender sensitivity and the importance of these laws is crucial. Additionally, creating support systems for victims can help them seek justice.

What role do you think men should play in addressing this issue?

Men can play a vital role by becoming allies in the fight against marital rape. They can educate themselves and others, challenge harmful stereotypes, and support women's rights. Men should also advocate for policy changes and participate in discussions to help create a safer environment for women.

Band 7

00:00

One rule I genuinely dislike is the strict dress code enforced in many schools. I understand that uniforms promote discipline and equality, but I think they often come at a cost of individuality and self-expression. Students should have the freedom to express their identity through what they wear, as long as it's appropriate and respectful. I believe in a more flexible dress policy, maybe allowing students to wear clothes of their choice on certain days, or giving them more options with the uniform system. In the future, I'd like to see the institutions or the schools to adopt a more modern and inclusive approach that balances discipline and with personal freedom. So this is a thing that I really dislike.

Follow up questions

Why do you think individuality is important in schools?

Individuality is crucial in schools because it fosters creativity and self-confidence. When students can express themselves, they are more likely to engage in their learning and develop a strong sense of identity. This can lead to a more vibrant school culture where diversity is celebrated.

How do you think a flexible dress code could benefit students?

A flexible dress code could benefit students by allowing them to express their personalities and feel more comfortable in their environment. This can enhance their confidence and motivation, leading to better academic performance. It also encourages respect for diversity and personal choices among peers.

What other rules in schools do you think should be changed?

Other rules that could be reconsidered include strict grading policies and limited access to technology. These rules can stifle creativity and hinder students' ability to learn in ways that suit them best. A more adaptable approach could lead to a more engaging and effective educational experience.

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Band 7

00:00

Being a woman, I think some of the rules that I hate are, first, how women are expected to do the major chunk of household work, and second, how curfews for women in India are much more stricter compared to men. I think it is important that we support women in progressing in their careers and should help them out with household chores so that they have some time for themselves as well as their future and I think roads in countries such as India are not safe for women traveling at night, so I'd like to change that in the future so that women can travel freely. I think the safety issue restricts women's exposure.

Follow up questions

What specific changes would you suggest for household responsibilities?

I believe that household responsibilities should be shared equally between men and women. This could involve creating a system where chores are divided based on each person's schedule and preferences, ensuring that both partners contribute equally to maintaining the home.

How can society improve safety for women traveling at night?

Society can improve safety by increasing street lighting, installing surveillance cameras, and having more police patrols in areas where women travel. Additionally, creating awareness programs about women's safety and encouraging community support can help make women feel safer when traveling at night.

What role do you think education plays in changing these rules?

Education plays a crucial role in changing societal norms. By educating both men and women about gender equality and the importance of shared responsibilities, we can foster a culture that supports women's rights and safety, ultimately leading to a more equitable society.

Band 7

00:00

One rule I really dislike is the no in late entry policy in colleges, especially during morning lectures. This rule usually applies in many Indian colleges, including the ones where I have studied. If a student arrives even 5 or 10 minutes late, they are not allowed to enter the class regardless of the reason. It's enforced quite strictly and the attendance is often tied to internal marks. I personally dislike this rule because it's rigid and lacks flexibility. Sometimes being late is not due to laziness or carelessness. It could be because of genuine reasons like traffic, delayed buses or even health issues. Instead of helping students stay engaged, this rule often pushes them away and wastes an entire lecture. If I could change it, I would suggest introducing a grace period where students can quietly enter without disturbing the class. Another option could be allowing a limited number of late entries per month that don't affect attendance. I believe rules should promote learning, not just discipline. In this case, a small change could help reduce stress and increase participation, especially for sincere students who occasionally face unavoidable delays.

Follow up questions

How do you think a grace period would impact student attendance?

A grace period would likely encourage more students to attend classes, as it would reduce the stress of being late. Students would feel less anxious about minor delays and could focus more on learning rather than worrying about strict attendance policies.

What other rules in colleges do you think need to be changed?

Besides the late entry policy, I believe rules regarding attendance for extracurricular activities could be improved. Sometimes students miss classes for valid reasons like competitions or events, and these absences should be considered more flexibly to support overall student development.

How do you think students can advocate for changing such rules?

Students can advocate for change by forming groups to discuss these issues and presenting their concerns to college administration. They could also gather feedback from peers and suggest practical solutions, like surveys or petitions, to demonstrate the need for more flexible policies.

Show all 111 answers

Cue 1:What the rule is?

Clearly state the rule you dislike, making sure to explain what it entails.
Provide context about where this rule is commonly applied.

Example

The rule I dislike is the strict dress code in my college, which requires students to wear formal attire every day. This rule applies to all students and is enforced during classes and college events.

Cue 2:Why you dislike it?

Explain your personal feelings about the rule and how it affects you.
Mention any specific incidents or experiences that highlight your dislike.

Example

I dislike this rule because it stifles our individuality and self-expression. For instance, I feel uncomfortable wearing formal clothes every day, especially when I prefer casual wear. Once, I had to attend a class in a hot summer, and wearing formal attire made me feel very uneasy and distracted.

Cue 3:What would you change and why?

Suggest a more flexible alternative to the current rule.
Explain the benefits of your proposed change for students and the college environment.

Example

I would change the rule to allow students to wear smart casual attire instead of formal clothes. This change would make students feel more comfortable and confident, which could enhance their learning experience. It would also promote a more relaxed and friendly atmosphere on campus.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, while rules are important for maintaining order, I believe that some, like the strict dress code in my college, can be re-evaluated. Allowing more freedom in our attire would not only reflect our personalities but also create a more enjoyable learning environment.

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 rule you dislike to engage the listener.

Tip

Use clear examples and specific situations to illustrate the rule and your feelings about it.

2: Lack of Structure

Failing to organize your response can lead to confusion. A structured answer helps convey your thoughts more effectively.

Tip

Follow the cue prompts in order: state the rule, its application, your dislike, and your proposed change.

Overly Emotional Responses

Being too emotional can detract from the clarity of your argument. It's important to express your feelings while remaining composed.

Tip

Balance your emotional response with logical reasoning to explain why the rule should change.

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