Cue Card Sample
A rule at school or work you do not like - Cue Card # 784
- Details
- Written by IELTS Mentor
IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
Describe a rule (at school or work) that you do not (/did not) like.
You should say:
- what rule it is/was
- how important it is/was
- how others feel/felt about this rule
and explain why you do/did not like this rule.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
Well, this is such a tricky topic to talk about, and I just hope that my boss or anybody from my job is not listening to this!!! But, yes, you have guessed it right, and for this topic, I am going to talk about a rule at my workplace – a rule which I don’t exactly like.
Then again, I don’t really like to believe that the rules are actually made to be liked or appreciated by everybody in the same fashion. In other words, some would prefer certain rules, if these rules serve their own interest, while they will dislike the others if they, the concerned people, find those rules detrimental to their interest. So, we are essentially “walking on a tightrope” when we are choosing which rules to like and which to dislike!
Anyway, talking about the rule at my work which I don’t like, the rule says that nobody is really allowed to eat anything – including full meals, snacks, and any kinds of cold or hot drinks – in the actual working area during office hours. In other words, if anybody needs to eat anything, he or she has to leave the desk and eat it in a designated area.
Now, initially, after this rule had become effective, I thought that most of my coworkers, if not all, would oppose such a rule because of its implication, But very much to my pleasant surprise, I found out that most of them actually like this rule! Needless to say, I actually became a little embarrassed after learning how I don’t like the rule while most of my coworkers do!
Now, I don’t really believe that this rule is that important because it has very little, if any at all, to do with the efficiency or productivity of our workers, and that’s probably the main reason for which I don’t really like it. I don’t like this rule also because it restricts us from enjoying little “quality time” at our desks while forcing us to behave like we are some kind of “robot” or “modern-day servant”!
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
In many workplaces, there are certain rules and policies that employees are expected to adhere to. While some rules are necessary for ensuring discipline and maintaining the decorum of the workplace, others can be frustrating and even demotivating. For this topic, here, I'll be discussing a rule that I do not like.
What rule it is/was:
The rule that I do not like is the one that does not allow me to select flexible office timings. As per the company's policy, all employees are required to report to work at the same time, which is 9:00 am, and leave at the same time, which is 6:00 pm. This means that there is no flexibility when it comes to choosing the hours that I work.
How important it is/was:
While I understand the importance of maintaining a fixed schedule, I believe that allowing employees to choose their own timings can have numerous benefits. For instance, some employees may be more productive in the morning, while others may work better during the evening.
How others feel/felt about this rule:
I have spoken to several colleagues about this rule, and many of them share my sentiments. They feel that having a fixed schedule can be inconvenient, especially if they have personal commitments or if they are not feeling well. In addition, some of my colleagues who have children feel that they would be able to balance their work and personal life better if they had the option to work flexible hours.
And explain why you do/did not like this rule:
Personally, I find this rule to be frustrating because it limits my ability to manage my work and personal life effectively. There have been times when I have had to miss important appointments or events because they clashed with my office timings. Moreover, I feel that being able to work during my most productive hours would enable me to do a better job and contribute more to the company.
I can only hope that in the future, my company will consider implementing a more flexible policy that takes into account the needs and preferences of its employees when it comes to office timing.
Sample Answer 3:
Introduction:
During my high school years, in an institution designed to mould young minds and instil discipline, there was one particular rule that stood out as more irksome than instructive. I was not fond of this rule and today, I would like to talk about it.
What rule it is/was:
The rule in question pertained to the strict dress code enforced by the school. This dress code governed every aspect of our attire, from the colour of our socks to the style of our hair.
How important it is/was:
While the school argued that the dress code was essential for fostering a sense of uniformity and discipline among the students, it often felt like an unnecessarily rigid imposition.
How others feel/felt about this rule:
Opinions about the dress code were divided among the student body. Some believed it created a level playing field, preventing economic disparities from being glaringly obvious. On the other hand, many students found it stifling and resented the lack of individual expression it allowed.
And explain why you do/did not like this rule:
Personally, I found this rule stifling to creativity and self-expression. High school is a crucial period where individuals are discovering their identities, and being forced into a sartorial mould seemed counterintuitive to the spirit of exploration and self-discovery. It felt like an arbitrary exercise of authority that did little to prepare us for the diverse, dynamic world awaiting us beyond the school gates. The rule not only restricted our freedom but, in my view, missed an opportunity to teach us about the importance of responsible decision-making without imposing unnecessary constraints.
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