Describe a Situation When You Had to be Polite Cue Card

Describe a Situation When You Had to be Polite Cue Card is the topic for IELTS Speaking section. Four important questions have been considered like; when it was, with whom it was, what was the situation and how it helped you to manage the situation. 

What is a Cue Card: IELTS Speaking part 2 includes the cue card with different topics on them. Candidates need to speak for 2-3 minutes on the chosen topic. They are allowed 1 minute of time to think about the topic before speaking. Candidates’ proficiency in the English language is assessed in IELTS Speaking based on their skills in grammar, vocabulary, style and usage.

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Topic: Describe a situation when you had to be polite cue card 

You should say:

• When it was?
• With whom?
• What exactly was the situation?
• How politeness help you to manage?

Model Answer 1

When it was?

Being nice can help to lighten a tough situation. But first, I'd like to tell you about a day when I had to be extremely courteous in my classroom. I'll explain it briefly. This happened when I was in college. We have brief intervals in-between classes so the students can prepare for the next teacher. This particular day was very tiring because we had non-stop lectures and our breaks were also consumed by trying to finish our pending assignments. I am a good student and prioritize my assignments, which also means my classmates sometimes come to me for help or assistance.

With whom?

On this day I was stuck on a section of my research paper and was very stressed because the submission deadline was close. One of my classmates approached me and started demanding I help them with their work. At first, I thought maybe they needed help in a particular section, but it turned out that they wanted me to write their entire research paper for them.

What exactly was the situation?

That situation infuriated me because some of us were working hard while some were taking this so lightly. When I politely first told them I was busy with my work, they started saying how selfish I was and how I was stuck-up. This comment angered me because I am not someone who has prejudices against other people. I had to control myself in that position because if I had reacted rudely then it would have reflected negatively on me as a person.

How politeness help you to manage?

I took a deep breather and calmed myself down before reiterating politely that once I am done with my paper I will assist them. But I stated clearly that I won't be doing their entire work. I made sure I was polite as well as firm in my statement. My classmate accepted it and left me alone to finish my assignment. Later on, he told me he realized how unfair it was and that he had attempted and finished his assignment. I was proud of myself that I could remain calm and collected and handle the situation well.

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Model Answer 2

When it was?

I recall a time a few months ago when a situation in my own family had arisen where I had to will myself to remain calm and polite. I had recently been offered employment at a small startup company. My mother had also taught me the importance of independence and how one should never rely on others to live a happy, healthy and comfortable life. My parents also instilled in me the work ethic which would be required further in my life when I get into serious career options.

With whom?

My grandmother is from a different time, so it is fair that her opinions and mine clash sometimes. I have learned to respect her thoughts and move on. When I received my acceptance offer letter I was very excited and told her the good news in conversation. Her reaction was not what I expected. She started saying how I was still a young girl and the thought of me already being employed and earning my money didn't sit right with her.

What exactly was the situation?

It was shocking because she was herself an educator in a time when women were frowned upon to be employed. So when she looked unhappy that I was being independent, it confused me. She went on to make some comments about how as the eldest daughter. My duties in the house and other things, which made me angry. I was a very vocal feminist and was feeling outraged at her comments and beliefs.

How politeness help you to manage?

But I remembered she was my elder and my grandmother, even if I didn't agree with her, I have to respect her. So I didn't say anything contradicting and just moved on. I did well in the field and my parents and friends were proud of me, so that was what I focused on instead of the negative side. I remained calm and polite. Later my mother explained the situation to her. She understood and later on appreciated me. I think if I would have spoken that time, it would have ended up in a quarrel.

Model Answer 3

When it was?

A month back, I went to a live concert with some of my friends. It was an evening show and there were a lot of people and huge crowds in one place. I, along with my friends, decided to move towards the front of the crowd so we could have a good view of the performances and enjoy ourselves. For the safety of people, barricades were placed so a good distance was placed between huge groups.

With whom?

When the performances started, my friends and I were having a lot of fun when another group of people started bumping into our circle.

What exactly was the situation?

This was intentional as we realized there was a lot of space they could’ve shifted to. We quickly realized that this group was thinking of jumping the barricade to get closer to the stage. They tried to ask us to do the same with them but we declined because it was a safety hazard.

They started to become rude because we were declining their offer and started using rude language to address us. At that moment my friends and I were getting frustrated because we were not able to enjoy ourselves and were having to deal with these difficult people. We tried to look for escorts or security who could take care of the situation but found none because they were spread out around the area.

How politeness help you to manage?

It took a lot of patience to not cause a scene there as that group was not only ruining their time but everyone around too. Finally, one of my friends who had walked away to look for security came back with an officer, who then proceeded to put that group away from the front stage. The rest of the evening went by smoother and we all enjoyed ourselves, thankful that we didn't lose our calm and remained polite throughout.