Skip to main content

When you had to disagree or oppose your manager at work

IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card 277 with Model Answer:

Describe a time when you had to disagree or oppose your manager at work.

You should say:
  • what it was about
  • why you had to disagree or oppose your manager
  • how you felt after that
and explain what the outcome of this was.

[You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you're going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]


Model Answer 1:

Introduction:
In our professional life, there come situations when we have to rely on our instincts even if it means that we need to contradict or oppose our superiors. Today, for this topic, I will talk about one such event when I had to oppose my manager in my office.

What it was about:
It was about two years ago, and I was working under my manager - Mr David, in a manufacturing company as a junior executive. Even though I was capable enough, and I believe I had proved that several times, my manager thought that I was better off from my main duty and act as his personal secretary. I, in fact, had been doing exactly that for the past six months back then, and I was planning to move on to the next level and contribute more and learn from my work. However, my manager did not believe that someone, no matter their skills and passion, is capable of doing so before they gain at least one year's experience. So I had to oppose him and strongly suggest to him that I was ready to start doing some real work. 

Why you had to disagree or oppose your manager:
I still believe that my manager was a great person and a very skilled employee, but he was a bit traditional when it comes to treating junior employees. After joining this company, I just worked on my manager's personal stuff like preparing something in MS Excel, sending a few emails, making meeting agendas and passing notes to other departments. Those were necessary work but as an engineering graduate, I was not supposed to do only that. So when I felt that I was not allowed to perform my real duty and that would harm my future career, I opposed my manager's decision politely but strongly.

How you felt after that:
When I planned that I would disagree with my manager on that issue, I was very nervous and a bit intimidated too. So I took a few days, tried to persuade myself and then talk to my manager when two other superiors were also present. After I did confront my manager and expressed myself, I was a bit worried that he could fire me, but I also felt relieved that I could stand for something I thought was logical and important. 

And explain what the outcome of this was:
And as an outcome of this event, I was transferred to one of our factories where I could work with the production team, contribute to my company through my work and skill, and be satisfied with my day-to-day work as I was learning every day. Later, I had a very frank discussion with my manager - Mr David, and we had a great relationship till I worked in this company.

Popular posts from this blog

Describe a crowded place you have been to

IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card   468   with Model Answer: Describe a crowded place you have been to. You should say: where it was when you went there why you went there and explain how you felt about being in this crowded place.  [You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.] Model Answer 1: Introduction: I am going to talk about a crowded place that I have visited. The place was bustling with people, and it was a unique experience for me. I will describe this place in detail and share my thoughts and feelings about it. Where it was: The place I visited was a popular shopping mall in the downtown area of my city. The shopping mall was situated in the heart of the city and was easily accessible through public transport. It was one of the biggest malls in the city, with a vast range of shops and entertainment options. When you went there: I vi...

Person in your family who you most admire

IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card 10 With Model Answer: Describe the person in your family who you most admire. You should say: what his/her relationship is with you what he/she has done in your life what he/she does now and explain why you admire this person the most. [You will have to talk about the topic for 1 to 2 minutes. You have one minute to think about what you're going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.] Model Answer 1: My mother is the person in my family whom I most admire. She is not only my mother but also my role model and best friend. I would like to thank you for this excellent topic that enables me to talk about the person I love and admire the most. My mother has done many things in my life that have made me admire her. Firstly, she has always been there for me, no matter what. Whenever I am going through a difficult time, she listens to me and offers advice or support. Additionally, my mother has always encouraged me to pu...

Describe your favourite book

IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card 444 with Model Answer: Describe your favourite book. You should say: what book it is who wrote this book what it is about and explain why this is your favourite book. [You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.] Model Answer 1: Introduction & What book it is: I believe that books have the power to transport us to different worlds, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impact on our lives. One such book that holds a special place in my heart is "Anna Karenina" by Leo Tolstoy. This classic novel, penned by one of the greatest Russian writers, has captivated readers for generations with its rich storytelling and profound exploration of human nature. First published in 1877, it is considered one of the greatest works of world literature and has had a significant influence on the literary landscape. Who wr...

Describe your family

IELTS Cue Card Question 44 With Model Answer:  Describe your family. You should say:  how many members your family has what they do how close you are and explain why your family is important to you. [You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you're going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.] Model Answer 1: My family is incredibly important to me, and I'm fortunate to have a loving and close-knit family. We have a total of four family members, including my parents, my younger sister, and myself. I am so glad that I have got this topic as it would allow me to talk about something that I love so much. My father is a software engineer, and he works for a reputable IT company. He's always been my role model when it comes to hard work and dedication. His job involves creating computer programs and solving complex technical issues. Despite his busy schedule, he always finds time to h...