IELTS Speaking Part 2(Cue Card):Talk about a thing you complained about something (but finally got a good result) (topic 20), with follow up questions – IELTS 7 band speaking – Dynamic IELTS

Talk about a thing you complained about something (but finally got a good result)

– What did you complain about

– Who you complained to

– When it happened

– What was the result and why were you satisfied with the result?

One thing that I complained about in the past was the accommodation conditions during my last year internship for my Agriculture undergraduate degree. The accommodation provided to me was not up to the mark, and I faced several issues while staying there. I was not getting proper meals, and the monthly expenditures were quite high. In addition, during the summer season, the heat was unbearable, and it was very difficult to survive.

I raised my concerns with my academic advisor, who was responsible for overseeing our internships. I remember that this happened around the middle of the internship when I was feeling particularly frustrated with the living conditions. I had a meeting with my academic advisor to discuss my concerns, and I was happy to find out that she was very supportive.

My academic advisor listened to my complaints patiently and understood the gravity of the situation. She immediately took the initiative to speak with the accommodation authorities and ensured that my meals were improved, and the monthly expenditures were reduced. Moreover, she arranged for an air cooler to be installed in my room to cope up with the scorching heat.

I was very satisfied with the result of my complaint because it significantly improved my living conditions. The quality of my meals improved, and the monthly expenditures were reduced, which eased my financial burden. The air cooler made it possible for me to survive the summer heat and made my stay more comfortable.

Overall, I learned that raising concerns about difficult situations can bring positive results. In this case, my academic advisor was able to understand my problems and take concrete steps to improve my situation. This experience taught me that it’s always better to speak up when we face challenges instead of bottling up our concerns.

Follow up questions

1. When do people usually complain?

People usually complain when they face difficult or unpleasant situations that they feel are beyond their control. For example, if they receive poor service, experience a delay or a problem with a product, or feel like they have been treated unfairly, they might complain. However, some people tend to complain excessively about small or insignificant issues, and this can be seen as unreasonable or petty.

2. Can complaining help solve problems?

Complaining can definitely help solve problems, especially if it is done in a constructive way. When people complain, it can bring attention to a problem and prompt action to be taken to fix it. However, it’s important to complain in a respectful and effective manner, as simply venting frustration without offering a solution is unlikely to bring about positive results.

3. What other measures should you take to solve problems rather than complain?

In addition to complaining, there are several other measures that people can take to solve problems. They can try to solve the problem themselves, seek help from someone who can help, or look for alternative solutions. For example, if a product is defective, they could try to fix it themselves, ask a friend who is knowledgeable about the product for help, or seek a replacement.

4. What kind of people complains?

People from all walks of life complain, regardless of their age, gender, or socioeconomic status. However, some people are more likely to complain than others. I feel people who are more assertive, confident, and have high standards for they are more likely to complain when they encounter a problem.

5. Do you usually get angry?

I don’t usually get angry when I complain, but I do get frustrated or disappointed when things don’t go as planned. However, I try to remain calm and respectful when complaining, as getting angry rarely help to solve the problem and can often make things worse.

6. Do you think customers’ complaints will improve product or services?

Yes, customers’ complaints can definitely improve products or services. When customers complain, it can provide valuable feedback to companies about the problems they are facing and the areas that need improvement. Companies that take customer complaints seriously and use them to improve their products or services are more likely to succeed in the long run.

7. Is it necessary for companies to set up customer service?

Yes, it is necessary for companies to set up customer service. Good customer service is essential for building a loyal customer base and for retaining customers. When customers have questions, concerns, or complaints, they want to be able to reach out to someone who can help them in a timely and efficient manner.

8. Are there any disadvantages to set up customer service?

One potential disadvantage of setting up customer service is the cost involved. It can be expensive to hire and train customer service representatives, and some companies may try to cut corners by outsourcing customer service to countries with lower labor costs. However, this can lead to problems with language barriers and cultural differences, which can make it difficult for customers to get the help they need.

9. Would you buy things in the shops in which you have made complaints before?

It depends on the severity of the complaint and how it was resolved. If the company responded quickly and effectively to the complaint and provided a satisfactory solution, I would be willing to buy from them again. However, if the company ignored the complaint or provided a poor solution, I would be less likely to buy from them again.

10. What product or services do people in your country like to complain about?

People in my country like to complain about a wide range of products and services, including public transportation, healthcare, and customer service. They often complain about long wait times, poor quality, or lack of availability.

11. Do you think it is better to complain, by talking or in writing?

It depends on the situation. If the problem can be easily explained in writing, then it might be better to complain in writing. However, if the problem is more complex and requires a back-and-forth conversation to reach a solution, then it might be better to complain by talking.

12. Who is more likely to complain, young people or old people?

It is a natural human tendency to express our dissatisfaction when things don’t go as expected. However, the way young people and old people express their complaints might differ. Young people tend to be more vocal and assertive in their complaints. On the other hand, older people might be more reserved and cautious when expressing their complaints. Overall, I believe that people of all ages have the right to complain when they encounter a problem. However, it is important to express our complaints in a constructive and respectful manner.