Describe a time when you changed your opinion IELTS Cue Card

If you get an IELTS speaking cue card: describe a time when you changed your opinion, mostly talk about your own experience.

You should say
When was it?
What was the original opinion?
Why did you change it?
And explain how you felt about it.

Here, you will get one or two minutes to plan your thoughts in the IELTS Speaking Part 2. 

Describe a time when you changed your opinion IELTS cue card: Model answers and follow up questions

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For this ‘describe a time when you changed your opinion’ cue card, you will get three model answers and follow-up questions to improve your speaking ability.

Model Answer - 1:

Introduction:
It is natural for humans to develop a perception of anything and everything. I, as a human being, developed my perceptions of certain things. Later in life, I realised that I must change my opinion on something that I initially thought was wrong. Now, I share a time when I changed my opinion on discipline.

When was it?
I worked at a Non-Profit Organisation (NGO) for two and a half years. I was holding the overall responsibility of a project worth 2 crores. There I had an opportunity to work under the Program Director. He is a disciplined, well-organised workaholic who gets the job done. Working under his leadership made me realise how to change my opinion on discipline.

What was the original opinion?

• At an early age, I had a perception of discipline as a monotonous, dull, boring and repetitive concept lacking creative thinking. 
• I disregarded discipline in pursuing my goals. That means I was not disciplined.
• I never followed a routine. I hardly created a plan and time management to achieve my short-term and long-term goals.
• I blindly believed that if I did work hard daily, I could achieve my goals. 
• Within a few months, I was aware that my attempts were not giving the expected results and couldn’t figure out what went wrong.

Why did you change it?

• When I worked under his guidance, he shared some of his best practices with me. 
• After practising his techniques, I could accomplish a lot of tasks in less time. 
• Later, he told me how to plan and organise my work. 
• These essential inputs changed my working style a lot. 
• I started to draft an outline of my tasks. Plan and executive with strict deadlines.
• Even though I couldn’t meet all deadlines, I could complete the tasks well in advance.
• He told me the significance of discipline and how it helps you achieve your goals.

And explain how you felt about it?

Initially, I felt overwhelmed with the new working style. It had a daily routine, including meetings, updates, and follow-ups. Later on, I became normal. Since my work is already planned, I know what is most important. Over time, I could work faster and take on additional responsibilities. I felt amazed with my performance and finally changed my opinion from bad to good regarding discipline.

Model Answer - 2:

Introduction:
I, as an individual, had different opinions about life and how to deal with it. While growing up, I came across some twists and turns that shook my attitude towards life. When I shared it with my friends of the same age, they could relate it to their lives. That’s when I decided to change my opinion on life and how to live.

When was it?
Till my 12th grade, whatever I wanted to do, my parents would think and decide. But after 12th grade, I changed that system. I wanted to make decisions on my own. Then, I would make decisions and tell my parents. Since they had confidence in me, they didn’t doubt my decisions.

What was the original opinion?

• Originally, I thought I didn't know what was right or wrong.
• I didn’t give any thought to my interest and passion.
• I was dependent on my parents. Whatever they tell me, I would do it without asking any questions.
• Be it clothes, books or anything else; if they choose something for me, I will take it. 
• Since my parents were great, I trusted their decisions hundred percent, and I still do.
• But after some time, I couldn’t feel joy in anything. 

Why did you change it?

• I couldn’t find happiness in anything I did.
• I was not excited about the next part of my life because my parents made decisions for me.
• When I felt like I was not living my life, I decided to make decisions for myself.
• I should admit that my parents did make bad decisions.
• Actually, I didn’t say whether I liked it or not.
• I didn’t tell my parents or anyone else about this.
• Since then, I have decided what to do next in my life, including higher studies, sports, friends, etc.

And explain how you felt about it?

When I changed my opinion and started making decisions, I felt more responsible. I became confident; so I could convince my parents and others. Moreover, I encountered various experiences ranging from hanging out with friends to learning a new language. I felt the freedom and learned how to enjoy every moment in life.

Model Answer - 3:

Introduction:
Changing your opinion is not an easy task. It requires open-mindedness, being ready to accept reality, and importantly, willingness to change. It applies to all individuals, with no exceptions. When it comes to marriage, I changed my opinion concerning marriage. Earlier, I thought that marriage was between a man and a woman. Well, I changed my opinion that marriage is common for all. We must accept gay and lesbian marriages.

When was it?
During my college days, I had serious thoughts about love, relationships, and marriage. In the second year of my undergraduate degree, I saw a documentary about homosexuality. I came to know that gay and lesbian affairs are normal and there is nothing against nature. 

What was the original opinion?

• I initially thought that marriage was between men and women.
• A man and a man or a woman and a woman cannot live together.
• When a man loves another man, it’s a crime and against nature.
• After discussing the same topic with my friends, it became normal. Everybody acknowledges the fact that LGBTQ++ is a human right.
• I was happy that there was a Supreme Court judgement accepting LGBT community and their marriage.

Why did you change it?

• When homosexuality is normal and purely a biological thing, I realised that it is nothing to deal with moral and other societal aspects.
• Since the homosexual community suffers from anxiety and neglect, they commit suicide or have a psychological disorder.
• Many NGOs and human rights activists support the LGBT community and protect their rights. 
• So, I understood that LGBT is inclusive of our society, and we must support them.

And explain how you felt about it?

I felt good about acknowledging that LGBT is a part of our society, and I’m supporting something good. Similarly, many misconceptions are prevailing in our society, and I must address them (if possible). I felt like I wanted to update my knowledge, be aware of current events and how it affects our society.

IELTS Speaking Test Part 3: Follow up Questions

The IELTS Speaking cue card - ‘describe a time when you changed your opinion’ has follow-up questions, asked by the examiner in the IELTS Speaking Test part 3. They are given below.

1. Do children like to change opinions?
Yes. Children tend to change their opinions whenever they commit any mistake. Since children are prone to wrong interpretation, they understand something and act accordingly. When they realise that it’s wrong, they will change their opinion. Nevertheless, some children are stubborn and don’t want to change as it makes them feel like giving up something.

2. Why do people change their opinion?
There are quite a few reasons why people change their opinion. When their opinions are biassed, wrong or irrational, they change. But it’s not easy to prove their opinions are not correct. After facing some incidents in their lives, they understand that their opinion on family, children, etc., is due to societal pressure, and it needs to be changed. 

3. Who do young people turn to for advice?
Young people often take advice from their friends. Since they feel close to them and share some secrets, they feel comfortable taking their advice. Other than friends, young people also take advice from people who are 5 or 10 years older than them. This is because they have a brother or sister kind of relationship and their advice sounds practical. 

4. Do people like giving an opinion about politics?
Yes. Most people like to give their opinion about politics. Since politics is easily relatable to our daily lives, it gives them the freedom to express their opinions. In a way, it is good that people give their opinion about politics as it paves the way to decision-making and doing something better for society. 

5. Is changing opinions good for society?
When people change their opinions, it’s a double-edged sword. It is both good and bad for society. Since society changes with time, whatever opinions we have now won’t be suitable tomorrow. However, people should be open-minded and adapt with time.

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Conclusion

‘Describe a time when you changed your opinion’ IELTS Speaking cue card is a sample topic that allows you to experiment with new vocabulary and sentence formation. So practice them until you master them.