Describe A Time When You Changed Your Opinion - IELTS Cue Card

The IELTS speaking part 2 requires the candidate to convey their experiences or viewpoints about a certain topic, based on a cue. They are used to assess the candidates' eloquence, confidence, and vocabulary. As the duration given for it is just two minutes, you must smartly convey a wholesome answer by including important points only. Luckily, the cue cards also have 3-4 pointers that you can expound on.

A breakdown of the duration of the cue card is provided below:

IELTS cue cards are an essential part of the speaking section of the IELTS exam. They are prompts that provide you with a topic to talk about for two minutes.  Here's why they are important!

Throughout my life, I have built preconceived notions regarding things, situations, and people. However, I have also encountered circumstances that compelled me to believe the opposite of what I held onto for a long time. For my cue card on "Describe a time when you changed your opinion," I will discuss a moment when I changed my opinion on maintaining discipline for everyday tasks.

• When was it?

For 2.5 years, I was employed in a non-profit organization (NGO), in charge of a project worth two crores. I was given the chance to work under the Program Director there. He is a methodical, well-organized workaholic who completes tasks timely. Working under his direction taught me how to reframe my beliefs about discipline.

• What was the original opinion?

Originally, I believed that discipline was a repetitive, tedious, dull, and uninspired idea that lacked original thought. I ignored discipline to achieve my objectives. Thus, to accomplish my short- and long-term goals, I hardly ever made a plan or used time management techniques. I had the naive belief that I could accomplish my goals if I worked hard, even if it wasn't every day.

• Why did you change it?

I realized after a few months that my efforts were not producing the desired outcomes, but I was unable to identify the cause. He shared some of his best practices with me while I worked under his supervision. His techniques let me realise some of my goals much sooner than I expected.

• Explain how you felt about it.

At first, I was intimidated by the new way of working style. It involved follow-ups, updates, and meetings daily. However, it helped me complete my chores quickly and take on more duties than before. My personal and professional growth impressed me immensely, consequently changing my perception of being disciplined in every aspect of one's life.

Similar to others, I also have diverse views on life and how to approach difficulties. For my cue card on "Describe a time when you changed your opinion", I would like to share the time when I realised I had to stop the overinvolvement of my elders and be more autonomous.

• When was it?

Until the end of my junior college, my parents would consider the pros and cons and make decisions about everything in my life. Be it clothes, studies, or skills, I took no autonomy and led a dependent life. However, after hours of introspection and conversations with others, I could pinpoint what the issue was that led to a negative self-concept. That is when I decided to take the reigns into my hands and make choices for myself.

• What was the original opinion?

At first, I didn't think twice about my hobbies and desires because I felt immature and unable to distinguish between right and wrong. Like most children, I thought my parents knew best, and mostly, they did. However, something was lacking that made whatever I earned or lost seem unsatisfactory.

• Why did you change it?

That feeling was being completely detached from myself and incredibly unhappy, with no say in my wins or defeats. To experience the contrary and enhance my sense of self, I needed to feel more independent and responsible for all that I accomplished or lost. Since then, I've attempted to make fundamental choices for myself regarding skills I learn, friendships, higher education, and more.

• Explain how you felt about it.

I felt more in control of my life when I began to make decisions. I gained self-assurance and the confidence to persuade my parents and others. In addition, I encountered varied experiences, like hanging out with friends without nags from home and picking up a new language. Broadly, I felt liberated and discovered how to savour every day.

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Opinions frequently change, especially when fresher viewpoints are presented. One instance where my preconceptions were completely disproved occurred when I was sixteen years old. That instance is the one I would like to talk about in my cue card.

• When was it?

Before my 16th birthday celebration, I thought that genuine excitement and liveliness could only be experienced when we celebrated a milestone most grandly. Because of this, I used to organize extravagant parties to celebrate each of my birthdays, inviting everyone, and celebrating it similar to or even better than other teenagers did.

• What was the original opinion?

However, my "sweet sixteenth" could not be celebrated the way I had envisioned because of many mishappenings. I can vividly picture how crumpled my feelings were before my parents brought me to an orphanage. That's when my definition of contentment was altered.

• Why did you change it?

I didn't know who or why my parents were purchasing gifts until we got to the orphanage. Within moments of distributing the gifts, I vividly remember the gorgeous faces of those impoverished kids, their genuine smiles and their laughter. I sobbed and second-guessed my opinions because I was so happy and overwhelmed.

• Explain how you felt about it.

My sixteenth birthday was not only the best one I've ever had, but it also introduced me to the real horizon of humanity and true happiness.

Some people find it very difficult to change their opinions, and so do I. However, I believe it is a lot better than being unyielding. For my cue card on "Describe a time when you changed your opinion", I would like to talk about an elemental change in my viewpoint regarding a subject we studied - history.

• When was it?

I only alter my mind in response to arguments or logic that challenge my preconceived notions and are factual. My view on the importance of the subject of history was one that I modified a few years ago.

• What was the original opinion?

When I was younger, I thought it was pointless to study history. I believe it diverted our attention from more beneficial disciplines like maths and physics. However, my tenth-grade history teacher helped me discover the fascinating realm of the subject. She did so by connecting every historical event to a current circumstance, which made it relatable and interactive to study. She explained how administrators and legislators may respond more skillfully to a given circumstance by studying or knowing the historical significance surrounding it. She also shed light on the historical roots of our shared Indian customs.

• Why did you change it?

It made me realise that traditions are more than petty practices followed to appease elders. Certain customs, such as storing water in copper containers to dissolve and cleanse the copper ions, have scientific support.

• Explain how you felt about it.

My interest in history and my belief that the subject is pointless evolved with each class. Right now, rather than considering it as a waste of time, I ardently read history books and watch historical movies.

Here are some follow-up questions that you may asked during your speaking part 3 by the examiner based on the cue card “Describe a time when you changed your opinion”.

Q1. Do kids like changing their opinions?

A1. I think they do, but it is hard for them. Children, in my opinion, are more sensitive than adults, which implies that their opinions are shaped by their feelings. Moreover, reversing emotional decisions is difficult as doing so damages our ego. 

Q2. Why do people's opinions change?

A2. When individuals come across facts that contradict their preconceived notions, people tend to modify their opinions. They experience guilt if they don't change, which makes them gradually alter their preconceived notions even though they may initially resist.

Q3. Who do young people go to for advice? 

A3. In my opinion, young people go to their families, school counsellors, and other authority figures for advice. Some youth also ask their peers before making decisions. Young people take advice depending on the issue at hand and the significance of the decision to them personally. 

Q4. Is it good or bad for society for people to change their opinions? 

A4. Changing one's opinions can have both positive and negative effects on society because society is ever-evolving and our current beliefs may not hold in the future. Nonetheless, individuals should be willing to adjust and change as society does.

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Doing well on the IELTS cue card ain’t easy, but it can be if you prepare well. So, read on to get some tips to ace the IELTS speaking part 2. 

The cue card is more than just a test instrument. It provides examiners with insight into an individual's ability to formulate thoughts concisely. Undeniably, the way you narrate your viewpoints will reflect your communication skills and vocabulary. Preparing the most commonly asked cue cards, like describing a festival in your country, is smart, but mastering uncommon cue cards like the one discussed above, will allow you to communicate confidently and clearly.

As you navigate your way through the language competency tests, keep in mind that each university's IELTS band requirements vary. If you wish to learn more or require assistance with studying abroad, schedule A FREE video consultation call with Yocket experts. They will guide you through the arduous process of shortlisting and applying to universities, practising for standardised tests, and much more. Leap towards realising your educational dreams today!