Describe a Disagreement You Had With A Friend – IELTS Cue Card with Sample Answers

IELTS Cue Card

Describe a Disagreement You Had With A Friend – IELTS Cue Card Band 9 Sample Answer 1

I would like to talk about a disagreement I had with my friend Jack during a group project in college.

We clashed over the direction of our presentation, as I favored a structured, data-driven approach while Jack insisted on a creative, storytelling method.

The disagreement escalated during a long meeting in the library, where both of us were passionate about our viewpoints, leading to a tense atmosphere.

Eventually, after an open and honest discussion, we compromised by blending our ideas, which not only resolved the conflict but also enriched our final project and taught me the importance of flexibility in teamwork.

Describe a Disagreement You Had With A Friend – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 2

I would like to describe a time when I had a disagreement with my friend Sarah about our plans for a weekend getaway.

The conflict arose when we disagreed on the itinerary; I preferred a relaxed schedule while she wanted a packed adventure.

Our discussion became heated during a planning session at a local café, as both of us were firmly attached to our ideas and unwilling to budge.

After taking a break and cooling down, we talked things through calmly and eventually agreed on a balanced plan that combined both relaxation and adventure, reinforcing the importance of compromise in a friendship.

Describe a Disagreement You Had With A Friend – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 3

I would also like to mention a disagreement I once had with my friend Michael regarding our differing political views during a casual dinner.

The discussion quickly turned into a debate when our opinions clashed on a sensitive issue, and the conversation grew quite intense.

Despite the initial tension, we both made an effort to listen to each other’s perspectives and eventually agreed that our friendship was more important than our differences.

This experience taught me that healthy disagreements, when managed with respect and empathy, can actually strengthen a relationship by deepening mutual understanding and trust.

Vocabulary You Can Use to Answer IELTS Speaking Part 2 Questions on Describe a Disagreement You Had With A Friend

• Contentious
  Meaning: Likely to cause an argument; controversial.
  Example: The contentious discussion made us realize the importance of listening.
• Divergent
  Meaning: Differing, especially in opinions or viewpoints.
  Example: Our divergent ideas initially led to a heated debate.
• Resolve
  Meaning: Settle or find a solution to a dispute.
  Example: We eventually managed to resolve our differences through open dialogue.
• Reconcile
  Meaning: Restore friendly relations after a disagreement.
  Example: After our discussion, we were able to reconcile and learn from the experience.
• Misunderstanding
  Meaning: A failure to understand something correctly.
  Example: A simple misunderstanding escalated into a bigger conflict.

Describe a Disagreement You Had With A Friend – IELTS Part 3 Follow-up Questions

1. Why do disagreements often occur among friends?

Disagreements among friends often occur due to differing perspectives, miscommunications, or differing expectations regarding a situation.

2. How important is it to resolve conflicts in friendships?

Resolving conflicts is essential as it helps maintain trust, strengthens bonds, and promotes mutual understanding.

3. What role does communication play in resolving disagreements?

Effective communication is key to clarifying misunderstandings and finding common ground, ultimately resolving conflicts.

4. Can disagreements ever be beneficial for a relationship?

Yes, if managed well, disagreements can lead to growth by encouraging honest dialogue and fostering a deeper understanding of each other.

5. How do you think cultural differences affect conflict resolution among friends?

Cultural differences can influence communication styles and expectations, making it important to approach disagreements with sensitivity and openness.

6. What strategies can people use to manage their emotions during disagreements?

Techniques such as taking a break, practicing active listening, and using empathetic language can help manage emotions during conflicts.

7. How can learning from disagreements improve future interactions?

By reflecting on disagreements, individuals can learn to better understand their own triggers and improve their communication skills, which leads to healthier and more constructive interactions in the future.

Vocabulary You Can Use to Answer IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions on Describe a Disagreement You Had With A Friend

• Amicable
  Meaning: Showing a spirit of friendliness and without serious disagreement.
  Example: An amicable resolution helped mend our friendship.
• Confrontation
  Meaning: A hostile or argumentative situation.
  Example: A direct confrontation can sometimes resolve issues quickly.
• Mediation
  Meaning: Intervention in a dispute to resolve conflict.
  Example: Mediation by a mutual friend helped us find common ground.
• Compromise
  Meaning: An agreement reached by mutual concession.
  Example: We reached a compromise that satisfied both sides.
• Empathy
  Meaning: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
  Example: Empathy played a crucial role in resolving our disagreement.

Tips for Answering Describe a Disagreement You Had With A Friend

• Clearly structure your response into four segments: introduce the context of the disagreement, detail the issues at hand, describe how the disagreement was resolved, and explain what you learned from the experience.
• Use personal anecdotes and specific examples to illustrate the conflict and its resolution vividly.
• Incorporate descriptive vocabulary to emphasize your emotions and the dynamics of the disagreement.
• Practice speaking naturally and confidently, ensuring smooth transitions between each segment of your response.
• Prepare additional points in case the examiner asks follow-up questions about your conflict resolution skills and lessons learned.
• Reflect on how the disagreement has helped you understand the importance of communication and compromise in relationships.
• Maintain a calm and reflective tone to convey maturity in handling conflicts.