Describe an argument two of your friends had: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

  • Who the friends were?
  • What the argument was about?
  • How did they express their disagreement?
  • And explain how you felt about it.

Band 6-7

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00:00

Okay, I had a recent argument with my friends, they were my college mates. The argument was about who is the greatest of all the time in the football history. We used to do this all the time, but this one was really different. It really went off the chart. It started when we were sitting on the football ground, we were watching a football match, a local match from the sideline, and one of my friends said, Who do you think will be your recommendation for the last penalty for a match, if it goes wrong?

Follow up questions


What were the main points of disagreement between your friends?
The main points of disagreement were about the skills and achievements of different football players. One friend argued for Lionel Messi, citing his dribbling and playmaking abilities, while the other supported Cristiano Ronaldo, emphasizing his goal-scoring record and physical prowess.

How did you feel during the argument?
I felt quite engaged and entertained during the argument. It was interesting to see my friends so passionate about their opinions. However, I also felt a bit uncomfortable when the discussion became heated, as I didn't want it to affect our friendship.

Have you ever resolved a similar argument in the past?
Yes, in the past, we had similar debates about football legends, and we usually resolved them by agreeing to disagree. We often ended up laughing about it and even made a friendly wager on who would win the next match, which helped lighten the mood.

Band 6

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00:00

A few days ago, my two friends had a discussion about our national man, Gandhiji. They were discussing about Gandhiji is a traitor or not. So one friend told Gandhiji was a traitor. But second friend was offended of his friend's topic. So they were motionless in their topic. So they were showing some disagreement about Gandhiji. And other friend showing disagreement about other friend's topic. So I felt this that before you talk you should know about our history and our political techniques. So you were knowledgeable and genuine.

Follow up questions


What do you think are the main reasons for differing opinions on historical figures?
I believe differing opinions on historical figures often stem from personal beliefs, cultural backgrounds, and the way history is taught. People may interpret actions differently based on their values and experiences, leading to debates about figures like Gandhiji.

How do you think arguments like this can affect friendships?
Arguments over sensitive topics can strain friendships, especially if the friends are unable to respect each other's viewpoints. However, if handled maturely, such discussions can lead to deeper understanding and strengthen the bond if both parties are open to dialogue.

What role does knowledge of history play in discussions about historical figures?
Knowledge of history is crucial in discussions about historical figures because it provides context for their actions and decisions. A well-informed perspective allows for more meaningful debates and helps avoid misconceptions that can lead to conflict.

Band 6

00:00

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00:00

Recently, I was witnessed disagreement with two friends who are working with me in my office. These colleagues were quarreling themselves by saying it is good to have cold water in summer and another one is like it is not good for health. Summer makes our body too hot and having cold water soon after getting to office from a sunny day makes her sick. Another one doesn't agree with that, she cleared her statement her side saying it is very refreshment to her to have cold water in summer, it makes her relaxed and what I felt about that was of course it is a refreshing to having cold water in summer very hot or very warm days but of course it create health issues like throat pain, fever and it can also get infection. It is advisable to have a warm water so that it will helps to avoid many of the disease or it also improve immunity also moreover it helps to

Follow up questions


What are some common arguments you have seen among friends?
Common arguments among friends often revolve around preferences, such as food choices, travel plans, or lifestyle habits. For instance, friends might argue about where to eat, which movie to watch, or how to spend their weekends. These disagreements can sometimes lead to humorous situations.

How do you usually resolve conflicts between friends?
I believe communication is key in resolving conflicts. I usually encourage both parties to express their views calmly and listen to each other. Sometimes, finding a compromise or agreeing to disagree can help maintain the friendship and avoid further misunderstandings.

Do you think arguments can strengthen friendships?
Yes, I think arguments can sometimes strengthen friendships. When friends face disagreements, it allows them to understand each other's perspectives better. If resolved positively, it can lead to deeper trust and a stronger bond, as they learn to navigate conflicts together.

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Band 5-6

00:00

/

00:00

Hello, my name is Afar Iman. Today I am going to discuss about an argument between my friend which took place two weeks back. They argued on the topic of a cricket game where one is supporting Kolkata Knight Rider and another one is supporting Hyderabad Superstar. So as we know that these days Kolkata Knight Rider is playing very well and they are winning lots of matches. So one of my friend who is a die hard of Kolkata Knight Rider, he told that his player like Mohammad Shammi and Ravinder Chahal is doing very well. In that case my another friend said that in Hyderabad Superstar there is more better ballers they had but Kolkata Knight Rider had fixed the match that's why they lost against Kolkata Knight Rider. So my another friend whose name is Ravi and he told that Kolkata Knight Rider never cheated with Hyderabadi Superstar and it's their fault they couldn't able to play well. That's why they couldn't able to win.

Follow up questions


What do you think about sports arguments among friends?
I believe sports arguments can be fun and engaging as they reflect our passion for the game. However, they should remain friendly and not escalate into serious conflicts. It's important to respect each other's opinions and enjoy the sport together.

How do you usually resolve disagreements with friends?
I usually try to communicate openly and listen to their perspective. If the disagreement is about something trivial, like sports, I suggest we agree to disagree and move on. For more serious issues, I think it's important to find common ground and compromise.

Do you think sports can affect friendships?
Yes, sports can sometimes strain friendships, especially when fans are very passionate about their teams. However, it can also strengthen bonds as friends share experiences and celebrate victories together. It's all about maintaining respect and understanding.

Band 5-6

00:00

/

00:00

I am very soft-spoken and kind and humble girl especially with the people who respect me the same way but also I'm not very sensitive but sometimes I don't like to hear people opinion and harsh feedback about myself so once we are at mall and my friend her name is Priya she suddenly starting shouted yelling at a salesman and she started the argument because she felt that he was not doing his duty properly but I felt very wrong about that moment because if he does that still there is the way of telling someone that how to behave or how to do their work yelling on him is not the necessary thing that I believe at that time so I take the accountability and tell her to stop doing things and shouting on him but she didn't listen to me and she started fighting with me at that moment and I felt very bad about that salesman and also I felt very bad about myself that I'm with friends like her and after that we never try to contact each other in this time and I'm very happy about that that I don't have those kind of people in my life anymore

Follow up questions


How do you usually handle conflicts among friends?
I prefer to address conflicts calmly and respectfully. I believe in open communication, where everyone can express their feelings without yelling or being disrespectful. I try to mediate and find a solution that works for everyone involved.

Have you ever experienced a similar situation with other friends?
Yes, I have encountered similar situations where friends disagreed in public. I always felt uncomfortable and tried to intervene to de-escalate the situation. I believe it's important to maintain respect for others, even during disagreements.

What qualities do you value in a friend?
I value kindness, respect, and the ability to communicate effectively. Friends should support each other and handle conflicts maturely. I appreciate friends who can express their opinions without resorting to anger or disrespect.
Show all 5 answers

Cue 1:Who the friends were?

  • Introduce your friends by mentioning their names and a brief description of their relationship with you.
  • Explain how long you have known them and what common interests they share.

Example

My friends, Ravi and Priya, have been close friends of mine since college. Ravi is an avid cricket fan, while Priya is more into football. They often engage in friendly debates about sports, which is something I enjoy watching.


Cue 2:What the argument was about?

  • Clearly state the topic of the argument and why it was significant to both friends.
  • Mention any specific event or situation that triggered the disagreement.

Example

Recently, they had a heated argument about which sport is better, cricket or football. This debate started during a match screening at my house, where Ravi was supporting India in a cricket match, while Priya was frustrated that she couldn’t watch her favorite football team play.


Cue 3:How did they express their disagreement?

  • Describe the tone and manner in which they expressed their disagreement, whether it was calm or heated.
  • Include any specific phrases or actions that highlighted their disagreement.

Example

Their disagreement escalated quickly. Ravi raised his voice, passionately defending cricket, while Priya countered with statistics about football's global popularity. They both gestured animatedly, which made the argument quite entertaining for me.


Cue 4:And explain how you felt about it.

  • Share your feelings about the argument, whether you found it amusing, concerning, or something else.
  • Mention if you tried to mediate or if you enjoyed watching the debate unfold.

Example

I found their argument quite amusing, as it reminded me of our college days. I didn’t intervene because I knew they would eventually laugh it off. It was interesting to see their passion for their respective sports, and it made for a lively evening.


Conclusion

    Example

    In conclusion, witnessing Ravi and Priya's argument was a reminder of how friends can have differing opinions yet maintain a strong bond. It highlighted their personalities and interests, making our friendship even more vibrant.


    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: Lack of Detail in Description

    Providing vague answers without specific details can make your response less engaging. It may leave the examiner with unanswered questions about the argument and the friends involved.

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    Tip

    Include specific examples and details about the friends, the argument, and how they expressed their disagreement to create a vivid picture.


    2: Neglecting Personal Feelings

    Failing to express your feelings about the argument can make your response seem incomplete. Personal reflections add depth and show your engagement with the topic.

    bulb icon

    Tip

    Share your thoughts and feelings about the argument, explaining why it affected you and what you learned from it.


    Overly Complex Language

    Using complicated vocabulary or sentence structures can confuse the listener. It's important to communicate clearly, especially in a speaking test.

    bulb icon

    Tip

    Use simple and clear language to convey your ideas. Focus on clarity rather than trying to impress with difficult words.


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    All Answers

    Here are all the answers by real-users practicing speaking for IELTS Cue Cards on our IELTS Prep App.

    Band 6-7

    Okay, I had a recent argument with my friends, they were my college mates. The argument was about who is the greatest of all the time in the football history. We used to do this all the time, but this one was really different. It really went off the chart. It started when we were sitting on the football ground, we were watching a football match, a local match from the sideline, and one of my friends said, Who do you think will be your recommendation for the last penalty for a match, if it goes wrong?

    Band 6

    Recently, I was witnessed disagreement with two friends who are working with me in my office. These colleagues were quarreling themselves by saying it is good to have cold water in summer and another one is like it is not good for health. Summer makes our body too hot and having cold water soon after getting to office from a sunny day makes her sick. Another one doesn't agree with that, she cleared her statement her side saying it is very refreshment to her to have cold water in summer, it makes her relaxed and what I felt about that was of course it is a refreshing to having cold water in summer very hot or very warm days but of course it create health issues like throat pain, fever and it can also get infection. It is advisable to have a warm water so that it will helps to avoid many of the disease or it also improve immunity also moreover it helps to

    Band 6

    A few days ago, my two friends had a discussion about our national man, Gandhiji. They were discussing about Gandhiji is a traitor or not. So one friend told Gandhiji was a traitor. But second friend was offended of his friend's topic. So they were motionless in their topic. So they were showing some disagreement about Gandhiji. And other friend showing disagreement about other friend's topic. So I felt this that before you talk you should know about our history and our political techniques. So you were knowledgeable and genuine.

    Band 5-6

    Hello, my name is Afar Iman. Today I am going to discuss about an argument between my friend which took place two weeks back. They argued on the topic of a cricket game where one is supporting Kolkata Knight Rider and another one is supporting Hyderabad Superstar. So as we know that these days Kolkata Knight Rider is playing very well and they are winning lots of matches. So one of my friend who is a die hard of Kolkata Knight Rider, he told that his player like Mohammad Shammi and Ravinder Chahal is doing very well. In that case my another friend said that in Hyderabad Superstar there is more better ballers they had but Kolkata Knight Rider had fixed the match that's why they lost against Kolkata Knight Rider. So my another friend whose name is Ravi and he told that Kolkata Knight Rider never cheated with Hyderabadi Superstar and it's their fault they couldn't able to play well. That's why they couldn't able to win.

    Band 5-6

    I am very soft-spoken and kind and humble girl especially with the people who respect me the same way but also I'm not very sensitive but sometimes I don't like to hear people opinion and harsh feedback about myself so once we are at mall and my friend her name is Priya she suddenly starting shouted yelling at a salesman and she started the argument because she felt that he was not doing his duty properly but I felt very wrong about that moment because if he does that still there is the way of telling someone that how to behave or how to do their work yelling on him is not the necessary thing that I believe at that time so I take the accountability and tell her to stop doing things and shouting on him but she didn't listen to me and she started fighting with me at that moment and I felt very bad about that salesman and also I felt very bad about myself that I'm with friends like her and after that we never try to contact each other in this time and I'm very happy about that that I don't have those kind of people in my life anymore
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