Describe A Time When You Change Your Opinion

The cue card questions play an essential role in the IELTS exam. The cue card questions usually demand to test the language proficiency of the candidates. You need to focus on the descriptive language style while you attend to cue card questions. Your ability to use the language effectively can be easily accessed by the mannerisms with which you answer the cue card questions.

Introduction: Understanding the ‘Describe’ Cue Card Questions 

It is important to understand the purpose of the cue card questions and familiarise yourself with how you can outshine yourself. Your English language proficiency will be boosted once you start learning the basics of structuring the response to the cue card questions. 

Master the IELTS Exam with Online Coaching – Enroll Today! 

How to Approach “describe a time when you change your opinion”

While you approach a cue card question, you should focus on why such a question is important and give more stress to the specific context upon which you had to change your opinion or perspective due to a new insight. Such a specific insight can help you to change your perspective and outlook.

Make sure that while approaching such a question, you need to state the reasons for changing your opinion. Here is the step-by-step guideline on how to crack such a question and draft a response which stands out. 

• Most importantly, you need to understand the purpose of the cue card question. 
• The cue card question focuses on personal growth and change in viewpoint.
• You have to focus on personal growth and development as an individual while speaking about the cue card question.
• Choose the right situation where you shifted your original opinion on something to a new opinion due to the new experience or insight.

Master the IELTS Exam with Online Coaching – Enroll Today! 

• Your change in opinion might be the reason for your deep reflection on the topic, if so you need to mention it.
• You have to mention under what circumstances you have changed your opinion
• Mention your initial opinion followed by your changed opinion
• You have to also mention the importance of taking the right opinion in a precise language 
• Describe the initial circumstances followed by the changed circumstances 
• Maintain a positive outlook while you speak about your change in opinion 

Master the IELTS Exam with Online Coaching – Enroll Today! 

Structuring Your Answer: The Ideal Format for “describe a time when you change your opinion”

Structuring a cue card question is the most crucial and critical part of the IELTS cue cards. You need to organise your thoughts and ideas before delivering your response to the listener. You have to describe the concepts in detail to get clarity about the entire story. You have to show your skills in creative storytelling. 

The basic structure of your response should be as follows:

• Introduction
• Body paragraphs 
• Conclusion 
• Introduce the circumstances you had to state your opinion 
• Describe the opinion and how you changed it
• Explain the situation where you changed your opinion 
• Describe the context and what was the reason for your initial opinion
• Reflect upon the reasons for changing your opinion 
• You have to explain why you consider your new opinion 
• You have to give a clear idea of what changed your particular opinion and how well you are satisfied with your new opinion
• You have to explain what you felt after changing your opinion
• You have to understand the importance of the opinions while answering questions 
• Conclude your response by focusing on how you feel about the change in opinion and how it benefitted you to create a new idea about a specific statement 
• Place your ideas in an orderly manner and focus on the most important aspects of the response

Master the IELTS Exam with Online Coaching – Enroll Today! 

Example Answer: A Model Response for “describe a time when you change your opinion”

I would like to talk about a time I changed my opinion. It was when I thought I was not into hiking. I considered hiking as the most tiring thing in the world. Once I had a meaningful conversation with

my friend, I stated that hiking is not an enjoyable activity at all. I deeply regretted that opinion of mine when one of my friends forcefully took me to hike the mountain.

I realised that even though it is the same terrain, hiking relaxes your mind and calms your brain. It is not tiring at all.

Once I hiked to the top, I realised how enjoyable the breathtaking view from the top of the mountain was. The peaceful view and the oneness with nature made me change my initial opinion about hiking.

I realised that the beauty lies in the little things around us. My friend was also happy once she realised that I am now into hiking. I slowly realised that hiking is not about physical tiredness but is just about how you disconnect yourself from your busy life and focus on reuniting with nature.

Master the IELTS Exam with Online Coaching – Enroll Today! 

Tips for Practicing and Preparing for the ‘Describe’ Cue Cards

Attending a cue card question is not an easy task. However, understanding how you can answer the question more effectively can help you to improve the quality of your answer. Here are the tips to improve the structure and standard of your answer. 

• Choose the right situation to explain.
• Pick the most suitable time when you changed your opinion 
• Your opinion should reflect how you feel about the entire concept
• Examples should be clear and precise
• The answer should be organised and structured
• Choose a significant episode to explain 
• Practice speaking loudly
• Practice in front of the mirror 

Master the IELTS Exam with Online Coaching – Enroll Today! 

• Choose a significant incident which created long long-lasting impression on you
• More focus should be given to the questions of why, how, and when
• State the reasons with more precision
• Focus on pronunciation and fluency while handling the English language 
• Experience should be vividly expressed
• State whether the change in opinion added to the overall experience of the candidates.
• Make sure that you are providing specific facts to add more credibility to your response.

Your response to the cue card questions is enough to prove your proficiency in using the English language. The structured responses show that you are efficient in handling language effortlessly. Your response determines your future. The organised answers will get the best band scores.

Make sure to perform well while you are given such a cue card question. Make your answer more engaging. Those who wish to excel in the IELTS should understand the structure and nature of the test. The right guidance can aid you in scoring the best band scores in a limited period.

The candidates will receive personalised mentorship where the candidates can learn in their comfort. The candidates will get one-on-one training on how to effortlessly respond to the cue card questions. You will get a systematic and personalised learning space at Entri App.

The candidates will also get live and recorded sessions, study materials and resource materials to learn the Grammar and speaking tests to enhance fluency and pronunciation. Learn with Entri to make your migration dreams a reality!