Describe an argument you overheard: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Who was involved?
When did it happen? What was it about?
How was it resolved?

24 unique answers with expert feedback

How did you feel when you overheard the argument?

I felt really anxious and scared because I had never seen my parents argue like that before. It made me feel uncomfortable and worried about the atmosphere at home. I didn't know how to react, and I just wanted everything to go back to normal.

What do you think is the impact of arguments on children?

I believe that arguments can have a significant impact on children. They might feel insecure or anxious, thinking that their family is not stable. It can also affect their behavior, as they might mimic the conflict or feel the need to take sides, which can create more tension.

Have you ever had to resolve a conflict with someone? How did you do it?

Yes, I have had conflicts with friends and siblings. I usually try to communicate openly about my feelings and listen to their perspective. We often sit down together to discuss the issue calmly, just like my parents did, which helps us find a solution and restore our relationship.

Band 6-7

00:00

Well, talking about this particular question, the argument which I overheard earlier, it was argument between my two elder brothers. So they were just discussing about the event which is going to happen related to marriage. And that time my elder brother was not convinced with my one of the elder brothers, so there was argument between them. And moreover this argument continued last two hours. So that time I intervened the argument and tried to resolve it by saying that we will definitely going to look whatever that other person is saying. So if it not get, what I mean trying to say is, if the solution is not appropriate, we will definitely find that other alternatives and we should give a chance to consider their ideas. So through this way I tried to solve the argument. Apart from that I would say that whenever such argument in my family, I used to stay apart from it. What usually happens once we intervene in such argument, this become very difficult to handle it. And sometimes it happens that argument comes to us that we just trap into this argument and lose our temperament. So that's the one reason I usually stay away from such incident. Another thing I would like to say that we should all avoid doing argument.

Follow up questions

How do you usually feel when you overhear arguments?

I often feel uncomfortable when I overhear arguments, especially if they involve family members. It can create a tense atmosphere, and I prefer to avoid conflict. I believe it's important to maintain harmony, so I try to distance myself from such situations.

What strategies do you think are effective in resolving arguments?

I think effective strategies include active listening, remaining calm, and finding common ground. It's essential to acknowledge each person's perspective and work towards a compromise. Sometimes, bringing in a neutral party can help facilitate the discussion and find a resolution.

Have you ever been involved in an argument? How did you handle it?

Yes, I have been involved in arguments before. I usually try to stay calm and express my thoughts clearly without raising my voice. If things get too heated, I suggest taking a break to cool down and revisit the discussion later. This helps prevent escalation and allows for more rational conversation.

Band 6-7

00:00

Recently, I overheard an argument in my office between one of my colleagues and my manager. The scenario was, she applied for a leave and without stating a reason, my manager rejected her leave application. So, she got so pissed off and directly went to my manager without prior information and she yelled at him in front of everybody. So, my manager felt so embarrassed and then both of them stopped talking for about a week. How the problem got resolved is, in my team, one of my seniors mediated in between my friend and my manager. He made them understand the misunderstanding and both of them had a meeting after that. Both of them apologized and the things got resolved after that. Now, everything is in place. Both of them are in good terms. I came to know about this problem via another colleague and I was so awestruck because how an employee can go and directly yell at her employer, that too in front of everybody. I thought it was a very inappropriate behavior. I think the mistake is on her side.

Follow up questions

How do you think conflicts like this can be prevented in the workplace?

I believe that clear communication and established protocols for handling leave requests can prevent such conflicts. If employees are encouraged to discuss their concerns privately before escalating issues, it can help maintain a respectful environment.

What role do you think mediation plays in resolving workplace disputes?

Mediation is crucial as it provides a neutral ground for both parties to express their views. A mediator can help clarify misunderstandings and facilitate a constructive dialogue, which can lead to a resolution that satisfies both sides.

Have you ever been involved in a similar situation? How did you handle it?

Yes, I once witnessed a disagreement between two colleagues. I encouraged them to talk it out privately instead of letting it escalate. By facilitating a calm discussion, they were able to resolve their issues without involving others, which I think is the best approach.

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Band 6-7

00:00

Earlier this morning, I overheard an argument. The argument was between my both best friends. They were arguing about the problem on the topic in DSA. They have different opinions to resolve the problem. So, I have suggested them to take this problem to a respected professional in our college to solve the problem in the DSA and they have thought through my suggestion and decided to take the problem to the professor and he clarified the argument between both of them and he suggested a new way to solve the problem. So, my both friends have resolved the argument over there and they worked through the problem they were facing in DSA and the argument is solved.

Follow up questions

How do you feel when you overhear arguments between friends?

I often feel uncomfortable when I overhear arguments between friends. It puts me in a difficult position because I want to support both sides but also want to maintain harmony in our group. I usually try to mediate or suggest a solution to help them resolve their differences.

What do you think is the best way to resolve conflicts among friends?

I believe the best way to resolve conflicts among friends is through open communication. Encouraging them to express their feelings and opinions honestly can help. Sometimes, involving a neutral third party, like a professor or counselor, can provide a fresh perspective and facilitate a resolution.

Have you ever been involved in an argument with friends? How did you handle it?

Yes, I have been involved in arguments with friends before. In those situations, I tried to stay calm and listen to their points of view. I focused on finding common ground and suggested compromises. It helped us to understand each other better and strengthen our friendship.

Band 6-7

00:00

Argument happens in everyone's life but it should not be the reason for you to be far from your relatives or parents because arguing with someone can cause the losing of the requisite bond they carry. So I think we should argue less to the elders but yes if it is happening with you with your friends then you should probably mention your side because justice means a lot. I remember the case when my best friend and one classmate was arguing and I overheard it. Actually eavesdropping is not my type but I overheard their conversation. They were arguing about being skinny and they were body shaming each other. My best friend was skinny and the opponent whom he was arguing with was a muscular man but when they were arguing, my teacher came into it and resolved that whole matter else because body shaming should not be the reason to get biased or feel discomforted with. So my teacher taught a lesson to that person who was teasing my best friend and that was the moment I felt relaxed because punishing him was a sign to everyone that you should not body shame each other. Moreover, my friend was so disappointed but I made him motivated so that he cannot think of himself like a skinny person.

Follow up questions

How do you think arguments can affect relationships?

Arguments can create distance between people if not handled properly. They can lead to misunderstandings and resentment, which can weaken bonds. However, if resolved respectfully, they can also strengthen relationships by fostering open communication and understanding.

What strategies can people use to resolve arguments peacefully?

People can use active listening, empathy, and open dialogue to resolve arguments peacefully. It's important to acknowledge the other person's feelings, find common ground, and focus on solutions rather than blame. Taking a break to cool down can also help before discussing the issue.

Why do you think body shaming is a serious issue?

Body shaming can lead to low self-esteem, mental health issues, and social anxiety for those targeted. It perpetuates negative body image and can cause long-term emotional harm. Addressing body shaming is crucial to promote body positivity and acceptance in society.

Show all 24 answers

Cue 1:Who was involved?

Identify the people involved in the argument clearly.
Mention your relationship to them, if any, to provide context.

Example

I overheard an argument between my two colleagues, Riya and Aman, during a team meeting. They have been working together on a project for the past few weeks, and I could sense some tension between them.

Cue 2:When did it happen? What was it about?

Describe the time and place where the argument took place.
Summarize the main topic of the argument to give a clear picture.

Example

This happened last Friday in our office conference room. The argument was about the direction of our project. Riya believed we should focus on a more innovative approach, while Aman insisted on sticking to the original plan.

Cue 3:How was it resolved?

Explain how the argument was addressed or resolved.
Mention any actions taken by the individuals or a mediator to settle the dispute.

Example

The argument was eventually resolved by our manager, who stepped in to mediate. She suggested that they both present their ideas in a more structured way, allowing the team to vote on which approach to take. This helped them find common ground and move forward.

Conclusion

Summarize the key points of the argument and its resolution.
Reflect on what you learned from witnessing the argument.

Example

In conclusion, witnessing this argument taught me the importance of open communication in a team. It also highlighted how different perspectives can lead to better solutions when managed properly.

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: Ignoring Key Details

Candidates often skip important details about the people involved or the context of the argument. This can make the story less engaging and informative.

Tip

Make sure to include who was involved and the background of the argument to provide a clearer picture.

2: Rushing Through the Resolution

Many candidates quickly mention how the argument was resolved without explaining the process. This can leave listeners confused about the outcome.

Tip

Take time to describe how the argument was resolved, including any discussions or actions taken to reach a conclusion.

Lack of Personal Reflection

Some candidates fail to share their thoughts or feelings about the argument, making their response less personal and relatable.

Tip

Include your perspective on the argument and its resolution to make your answer more engaging and reflective.

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