Talk about thing you complained about something but finally got a good result: IELTS exam Cue Card.

Bhargavee Sisodia

11 Jul 2024

It is crucial to know about the structure, categories, and format of the IELTS exam before taking it. While facing the International English Language Testing system assessment, you will be assessed on the four areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. You will be expected to do the listening, reading, and writing tests in just one sitting. However, for the speaking test, you would need to appear on another day, and it takes place for 11-15 minutes. 

Understanding the pattern of each of these areas, and sticking to a suitable IELTS exam preparation schedule is core to bringing excellent results. Since the IELTS exam tests a non-native English speaker's fluency, grammar, vocabulary, and articulation skills, you must take regular IELTS practice tests to foster confidence, and clarity when attempting each category of the IELTS test. 

Rather than waiting any further, we will accustom you with the IELTS speaking test as it turns out to be critical for many. Yet, you must take delight in the opportunity where you can test your spoken English fluidity by engaging in a real interaction. But, are you perplexed with how to devise a strategy to earn good scores in the IELTS speaking part? If so, you have got to not worry because you will just get better in a few months, if you keep up with your regular practice by understanding IELTS speaking topics and responding to IELTS speaking questions. 

Although there are three parts to the IELTS speaking test, which are the General Interview, Cue card task, and follow-up questions round, you need to be conscious of these tips which are common to preparing for all of these three parts:

• Try to focus on quality rather than how much you speak. 
• Keep your body language in balance. 
• Don't use a monotone, or give rehearsed answers. 
• Understand the topic properly and stick to the point without repetition or exaggerating unnecessarily. 
• Speak with confidence as it earns you attention, and ultimately, hints at your potential to communicate efficiently. 

Now, before we have a go at learning how to address the cue card task, you must know some important aspects of the cue card task in the IELTS test. 

The Cue card section in the IELTS speaking test is the second part in which you will receive a topic on which you have to speak for two minutes. This part looks into your capability to use various grammatical structures, organize thoughts, and formulate clear sentences. Before starting with your speech, you will get to prepare for it for a minute, so use that minute to jot down your points in the paper, and formulate answers to three to four prompts/ questions. To learn how to attempt various IELTS speaking topics, you should proceed through your IELTS preparation by practicing from our blogs on various cue card topics for the IELTS test. You can check them out these:

Describe a piece of good news that you heard about someone you know well

Describe a time you taught something new to younger person

Describe a person who likes to buy goods with low price

In this blog, you will get to view two samples on one of the often-asked cue card topics “Talk about thing you complained about something but finally got a good result” to help you get used to the format you can maintain. 

How to attempt this cue card topic for the IELTS test? 

There are simple ways to respond to the cue card task topic with dexterity and awareness. Firstly, you need to break down the topic into parts and structure it as an introduction, key highlights, and conclusion. 

Introduction- You can state the incident that made you complain without going into detail. 

Key highlights- For this part, you should piece it by inculcating prompts like:

• What did you complain about?
• Who did you complain to?
• When did it happen?
• Was the issue solved, and were you satisfied with the result?

Conclusion- You can summarize the impact of your complaint, and include if you learned anything from the experience. 

IELTS exam sample 1 for the topic “Talk about thing you complained about something but finally got a good result”

Introduction 

I have never been someone who likes to complain about petty things in life. A year back, I felt compelled to complain about a disruptive system at a government facility that brought a lot of worries and inconvenience to people. Just like everyone else, I was vexed by the scenario, and I had to voice it out somehow.

What did you complain about? 

I complained about the insufficient communication that was happening at the site. The poor communication made us and other OPD visitors wait for extended hours, and waste so much time. Some of them even remarked it as the reason for not getting quality care and treatment in time. 

Who did you complain to?

I went to the administrative unit to report about the issue. Since there were no patient advocates, I decided to meet with the Chief Medical Officer, which was a long wait, but I had to do it even if it would have cost my day. 

When did it happen?

The incident happened in November 2023 when my father had a check-up scheduled for that particular day. It was a Saturday, and overcrowded since it was a government hospital where people from all backgrounds came to seek cost-effective, and quality treatment.

Was the issue solved and were you satisfied with the result?

After I talked with the CMO regarding the relevant issue of proper communication within the hospital premises, he responded proactively by looking to investigate the matter on his own. He was quick to hold an emergency meeting with the hospital staff, and the healthcare professionals who worked there. All of them were instructed to adhere to maintaining good ethics, and communication with each other as well as the patients, even on hectic, and overcrowded days. 

As they were sent off, I was called in to confirm that from then on, he would be appointing a patient advocate soon and that no patient would have to leave the premises unattended, or without ensuring proper treatment while keeping us updated with insights into the procedures, and tests. I was satisfied with his steps to cater to patients' well-being.

Conclusion

Bringing light to any issue does not necessarily end up in chaos, and altercation. I experienced this on my own, and it was a wholesome experience when voicing out my opinion led to improvements in the facilities of the hospital. 

IELTS Exam sample 2 on the topic “Talk about the thing you complained about something but finally got a good result”

Introduction

As an environmentalist, I have always been very concerned about the protection of the environment. It happened this year after I shifted to a new locality where I encountered the issue of garbage disposal. I was bothered by the threat to the environment and living beings that was posed by it which is why I launched a complaint.

What did you complain about?

I complained about the inefficiency of the garbage collectors, and trash trucks to collect waste from our neighborhood every day. Distraught about how it led the people to dispose of their waste at an abandoned plot, I had to highlight the situation. 

Who did you complain to?

I wrote a letter to the Municipal Corporation of my city to take immediate steps to help the locality, and community in managing solid waste efficiently. 

When did it happen?

This complaint letter was sent via mail in January this year. However, the issue arose two months ago in October 2023.

Was the issue solved and were you satisfied with the result?

It was after 3 days they sent me how they had been examining the issue, and within 10 days, they resolved it which I greatly appreciated. Due to the prompt action, we have been enjoying the services of the garbage collectors and trash trucks again which arrive every morning without fail. They also sent a cleaning team to clean that abandoned plot and set two separate garbage cans at a distance so that passersby in that route do not throw away the garbage here and there and make it dirty. 

Conclusion

I thanked them for their cooperation in protecting the environment and the well-being of people. All in all, I have had a positive experience through this complaint as they handled it with responsibility. To arrive at a solution when it concerns the public, it is worthwhile to put up formal complaints.

IELTS exam sample 3 on the topic “Talk about the thing you complained about something but finally got a good result”

Introduction

It was my first ever formal complaint in life after I received a faulty product from an online retailer. Faced with disappointment, I had to contact them through a call to resolve the issue. 

What did you complain about? 

I complained about receiving a wrong-sized pair of shoes which had to be worn for a special scheduled occasion that was around the corner in a week. 

Who did you complain to? 

After putting up initial complaints through chat, and emailing to their customer care, which was the suggested way, they called me to discuss the issue. 

When did it happen? 

It happened in June of the year 2023. I had placed the order in the first week, and it arrived in the second week when the faulty item was sent. 

Was the issue solved and were you satisfied with the result? 

I was satisfied with the customer care service as they were proactive in solving the issue on call, and exchanged my item for a new one that was sent within three days. Their immediate actions and professionalism made me trust their service, and I became their regular customer due to their impressive activity in catering to customers' needs. 

Conclusion

The waiting time wasn't long, and I got their call in a few hours, which proved that they did care about the customers, and followed a customer-friendly policy. Also, it gave me the impression that they were maintaining their operations and services efficiently. Honestly speaking, this experience further made me purchase their products, and it fostered a trustworthy relationship. 

Follow-up questions

In the follow-up questions segment of the IELTS speaking test, you will be given some questions to check your ability to speak candidly, organize thoughts, and justify them. Your responses to the Cue Card will determine the basis for these inquiries. Responding to IELTS speaking questions on the IELTS speaking test requires candidates to demonstrate their confidence, and back up their claims. Here are a few probable follow-up questions on the relevant topic.

Follow-up Question 1: Why do people complain?

Answer: Whenever people face a problem and their request is not accepted, they tend to resort to a complaint. Also, there are times when people complain due to being wronged by something or someone, and at other times, if they are experiencing negative moods and feelings. Then, there are situations when people complain after feeling unsatisfied with a product or service. 

Follow-up question 2: Do you feel that complaining can solve problems?

Answer: In most cases, when it is not for silly reasons, complaining can be worthwhile. It is something everybody should do because it helps throw light on issues and leaves a chance for resolution, and improvement. In many cases, even if a partial solution is found, it is helpful and may benefit the individual or those concerned. Else, if there is a proper resolution, then it is the best thing. So, it is always wiser to speak and act up.

Follow-up Question 3: Who is most likely to complain if the comparison is between old and young?

Answer: Age is neither a reason nor an excuse to generalize that people from either of the age groups complain more. Suppose a child can make unnecessary complaints at times that have no resolution, but it comes down to the parent on how to shape the child’s perception. Because unhealthy complaining behavior is detrimental. Yet some children experience abuse and neglect, and complain about it genuinely. This is what the environment or innate behavior can lead to. Again, personality is an important factor to consider. Generally, younger people are vocal, but some hesitate to speak up, and there are older ones who can be plain-spoken.

Follow-up question 4: Is it useful to complain formally or informally?

Answer: An informal complaint is best suited to not-so-serious allegations as it helps to keep a positive relationship. But in matters that are related to public interest, including deception and serious damage, it is appropriate to proceed with a formal complaint.  

Conclusion

As you opt for your IELTS exam preparation, our team at D-VIVID  is equipped with a strategic approach to support and guide you until you are ready to sit for the test. You can expect customized, personalized, and comprehensive study materials for your IELTS preparation, both online and online, to make it easier for you to access whenever and however you want. Our IELTS trainers have worked on developing specific modules that have IELTS speaking topics with most asked IELTS speaking questions on significant topics ranging from personal background to situation-based topics.  At D-VIVID, you will have the opportunity to improve your skills through rigorous IELTS practice tests, and IELTS sample tests. To enjoy your IELTS preparation, take the first step and contact us.