Event/ Instance IELTS Speaking Part 3 Cue Card Questions with Answers

I think there are lots of people who are very conscientious and do not break laws or rules. Most people believe that laws are there to keep the public safe and are sensible enough not to break them. For example, speeding is common but very dangerous. It comes naturally to a lot of people to conform.

Not really. Although there are different degrees of crime and many reasons about why people commit crime. For instance, a parent stealing food from a supermarket because they are poor is viewed as less serious than somebody stealing money from a grandmother. Some people have difficult circumstances that lead them to a life of crime, it’s not all black and white.

Generally, I agree. Without fines, people would park where they want, drive at high speed and have less courtesy for other people. On the other hand, some authorities give out millions of fines to raise money and I think they should give people a chance before dishing out an expensive ticket.

I think laws protect everyone in society. Anyone can be hit by a speeding car or have their car stolen. I think the punishments should be more severe if the criminal targets people who are old or weak. The stories you hear in the news about beating up grandmothers really turn my stomach.

Normally, I arrive on time for appointments as I think it is important to be punctual. However, I think it is unnecessary to get there very early. I don’t think arriving a few minutes late is rude, but any more is impolite.

I suppose it depends on the type of appointment and how important it is. For instance, if you are meeting friends it is not as important. Say it´s a job interview, then it is important to arrive on time and be prepared.

I would rather arrive late to a party than be the first person to get there. If you are the first person, it can be awkward waiting for the guests to arrive and making small talk with the hosts. I always feel embarrassed arriving first

The main drawback is that you have to wait for the other person which can be quite annoying. I am quite impatient so waiting for other people seems like a waste of time to me. It is even worse if you don’t have a book of something to occupy yourself.

I think some people are just rude and don´t think about other people. On the other hand, some people´s lives are very hectic and they find it difficult to keep track of the time. So they are probably not selfish, just disorganized!

Maybe some teachers prefer to copy the style of a teacher they liked when they were young. Sometimes it’s a good thing if it suits the students they are teaching, but it can also be counterproductive, if the methods²⁰ are outdated²¹ or the class doesn’t respond²² to them well.

Sometimes my old classmates and I reminisce about²³ our school days, which can be quite enjoyable and helps to solidify²⁴ our bond²⁵. With other groups of friends, talking about memories that we haven’t shared can either be therapeutic²⁶, or turn into negative conversations, which may affect the mood.

I remember one birthday I had invited all of my close friends to celebrate with me. Everybody was so kind and they all showered²⁷ me with gifts. Every time I think of it, it warms my heart²⁸, because I had felt so loved and cared for.

Something I used to do when I was younger was to keep a diary²⁹ and write about my day. Just like historical documents, anything written can be used as a way to preserve³⁰ the past and any memories that come with it. Another way is to look at photographs

I think there are different reasons for that. Some people may promise to do something to guarantee it will happen. Others may make promises to establish trust, like keeping a secret, or making sure that people feel safe confiding something private or difficult in them.

I believe that it is circumstantial. Promises are very definitive, but plans change, sometimes. For example, someone you care about may make you promise to not take them to the hospital when they are unwell. However, if it gets worse, you may need to take them there, after all.

I think that when people make promises, it gives others a sense of safety in a world where plans often change and nothing is set in stone. When someone does not keep their promise, the other person might feel betrayed or disappointed, as that sense of security disappears.

In most cases, I think I prefer a written contract. A verbal agreement is fine with low-stake agreements and generally with people I know fairly well. Written contracts, however, can act as clarification tools or proof, in case certain aspects of a given deal aren’t met.

Sure.

Humans are expected not to make mistakes because they are capable of learning, adapting and perceiving. While most of the animals act on instinct, humans learn from life experiences and structured and unstructured training imparted to them by the society. Thus, humans are expected to have more abilities to perform tasks and respond to situations accordingly.

Parents should teach children how to realize and correct mistakes on their own. They should allow children to commit mistakes naturally because those mistakes would strengthen their children’s ability to make proper decisions in life. Likewise, parents should make the children understand that making mistakes at a certain level is acceptable.

It depends on the type of mistake committed. I think it should be corrected immediately if there is outright danger. However, delaying the discussion about the mistake and giving people time to think and figure out their own mistakes is also a wise approach at times.

In my opinion, mistakes at work may require immediate action especially those with direct effect to the company’s reputation and clients. I feel though that it is necessary to look into the basis and gravity of the mistake prior to correcting them.

I don’t think there can be a one-size-fits-all approach to dealing with mistakes. Rather these need to be look into on a case-by-case basis. For instance, when stakes are very high and involve life-and-death situation, appropriate action, such as termination, suspension or further training, be initiated to avoid a similar mistake in the future. On the other hand, a formal warning, preparation of incident report or apology should suffice in trivial mistakes.

Yes, automation using technology brings down mistakes involving monotonous works. Plenty of errors take place due people being tired or lacking attention, whereas machines have no such issue. Technology also produces more accurate output for humans to make appropriate decisions. For instances, reverse cameras in cars allow drivers a better view of their rear so they are able to reverse the cars without hitting anyone.

I think that children are smarter than we give them credit for. Children know that if they make a fuss in public, they will attract attention, forcing their parents to give them what they want. All children are different, and may learn to accept the denial of their requests differently.

It could be from other children in their school or in public places. Another reason could be due habits they have been developing. If they are accustomed to getting whatever their heart desires, the word ‘no’ might throw them off, causing them to react intensely to get what they want.

Some parents teach compromise to children early on. They may not get the toy they want, but they will get to go to the park and play. Others teach their children how to accept a ‘no’ from a young age, through giving reasons. Children fathom more that we realise.

I believe attitudes change continuously. Through research and experience, I think that greater emphasis is placed nowadays on the early stages of development and the experiences children go through from a young age, as those are defining moments in their lives.

I don’t think that is true. It is nearly impossible to always behave ethically at all times, as life holds unexpected challenges for people to face. I do believe, however, that a great number of people bend over and backwards to do what’s right in all situations.

Like most of Europe, we celebrate Christmas and the King´s Day – this is when the 3 kings visit the children and give presents. Also, I am a big fan of New Year’s Day, you can make a fresh start. Lots of the festivals are based on Christianity, so Easter or celebration of different saints.

I think that some of the religious ceremonies are less widely celebrated in a traditional way as less people are religious or because of our diverse communities. Having said that, we are more likely to join in the celebrations of different cultures due to understanding and diversity. It is important to be proud of the different cultures.

I think today, they are more focussed around fun and celebration and have moved away from the original meaning which was often religious. Festivals like Christmas have become more commercialised and we have adopted many traditions from American culture but in the past festivals were smaller and more local in nature.

Yes, I think that we are always evolving and it is important to celebrate that. Perhaps in the future, we will have an environment day or a diversity day where people come together for a specific cause. On the other hand, I think the trend of commercialisation will continue.

It is hard to think about that scenario, because I strive to always be honest with people, and myself. However, if the tables were reversed, I might have done the same thing out of love. I would have made sure, however, that the truth came from me, and me alone.

I think that people resort to lying when they feel that telling the truth would either make them look bad, or the person they are talking to might take offense at what they are saying. There are certain social expectations that define how honest a person feels they can be.

I believe they should. Even though there are moments in life, specifically adult life, where they may need to bend the truth a little, the truth eventually comes out, and the consequences may be worse if they wait to tell it.

Not too many, no. It is very difficult to be frank when you are responsible for thousands of people whose views and attitudes are so diverse. It seems that dishonesty is sometimes necessary to get power in politics, power being the main authority people possess to make substantial changes

Some people may stay awake during important celebrations, the likes of birthdays or weddings, where their presence is required. Another example could be that of parents attending to their child’s needs, be it feeding time, the changing of their diaper, or simply needing to be comforted.

Some people drink energy drinks which contain caffeine, but come in different flavours. Background music seems to help some people, as well. Depending on the situation, remaining active, through dancing, walking or exercising, proves to be fruitful for some people.

I believe that many people feel run down because if the busy lifestyles they undertake. Some people may have highly demanding jobs that require them to work long hours, leaving them with little time to unwind or get proper sleep.

Lack of sleep is sometimes tied-in with stress or anxiety. Any negative or worrisome thoughts might keep people awake at night. It could also stem from a fear of missing out on activities and opportunities, therefore going out and socialising at night.