IELTS Speaking Cue Card

I am a genial person and usually, I like to be easy-going with everyone. However, there are times when I get bad vibes from a person who may become someone I don’t really like. There is one person I don’t like, but I have become friends with him recently. 

I stay in a shared apartment with two others in the city where I work. One of my roommates has been insolent with me on many occasions ever since I moved in for reasons unknown. It may be because of a bad experience from the past with his other roommate but he vented his frustration on me a couple of times which made me dislike him. He started arguments with me many times over petty little things which I think could’ve been avoided.

Last month, I noticed he was sitting in the living room rather silent and did not really say anything to anyone. I thought something was wrong, so, I went up to him and asked him if everything was alright. He was visibly distraught and started crying about getting laid off from his job. I felt bad about what had happened and chatted with him for a while extending my moral support. I gave him some friendly advice and offered to refer him to my company.

It is true that I don’t really like him but that does not make him a bad person. Although we were never friendly with each other, seeing him dejected made me feel terrible about his situation. I thought he needed a friend in that situation and I did the right thing by listening and helping him. 

 

Vocabulary:

1. Genial - friendly
2. Insolent - rude
3. Petty - trivial
4. Distraught - very upset
5. Dejected - sad

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Part 3 Follow Up - Questions & Answers

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1. Why are people friendly with a person they don’t like?

I believe one of the main reasons people are friendly with someone they don’t like is they don’t want the person to feel bad or get offended. Often, people do so, because they don’t want to be put in a position where they have to explain why which might lead to arguments. Also, some people just do it in hopes of getting some favour from the other person.

2. What kinds of people are usually friendly?

I believe that most of the people in the world are friendly. Some people are introverts who might take a little time to become comfortable which often people mistake for being rude but in reality, they are just taking their time and being friendly at the same time. Also, people who are outgoing quickly become friendly.

3. What are the differences between being friendly and polite?

I think being polite somewhat sets a formal environment while being friendly gives a sense of being in a relaxed atmosphere. Also, being friendly is rather welcoming and people become approachable while being polite is civilized and well-mannered.

4. What do you think about people who are always straightforward?

I think straightforward people are just honest people who like to avoid misunderstandings and arguments. It is always best to speak one’s mind instead of sugar-coating words and people who are straightforward do exactly that. However, I think it is not always possible to be frank as it might offend or hurt the other person in some situations.