Describe a positive change in your life

IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card 514 with Model Answer:

Describe a positive change in your life.

You should say:

• what it was
• when it happened
• how it happened

and explain why it is a positive change in your life.

[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.]

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Model Answer 1:
It was about a few years ago when this change took place. Back then, I had “thin skin”, meaning I couldn’t accept any criticism about me, or my ways of doing things, lightly, even though they were legitimate most of the time. But, then something happened, which I am going to describe shortly, and I told myself that I would never get upset if anybody ever had “critical” opinions of me.

It was a rather “bitter pill” to swallow for me, but nevertheless, I did it; I accepted the fact that we were all open to criticism, one way or another. Now, let me tell you what exactly forced me to bring that change in me.

It was a simple incident at a super shop where I used to go to do my grocery on a regular basis. Then one day, a young boy, who had just started working in that store, said to me something about my grocery packing. Anybody else in that situation would have probably taken that ‘something” as a suggestion, but I took it as a “criticism”. So, I just got upset a bit and said something to that young boy in an angry manner. When I came back to that store the next time, I couldn’t find that boy anymore. When I asked the manager about that boy, he told me that he had quit his job because I was upset with him for no apparent reason. Needless to say, after learning that news, I felt terrible, and later started to even blame myself. Not only that, but also I promised myself that I would always try my best not to get upset again unnecessarily.

Now, I very seldom get upset if somebody is ever critical of me, which certainly is a positive change. And it is because of this change, I have learned many important lessons about life. Not only that but also I have managed to befriend many decent people. Finally, because of this positive change, I am actually more confident about myself and my ways of doing things than ever before!

Model Answer 2:

Introduction:
Thank you for this wonderful topic to talk about. I believe that life is full of changes, both positive and negative. However, there was one positive change in my life that I would like to talk about, which has had a significant impact on my personal growth and happiness.

What it was:
The positive change in my life was when I started practising mindfulness and meditation regularly.

When it happened:
It happened around two years ago when I was going through a difficult time in my life. I was feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, and I knew I needed to make a change.

How it happened:
I started practising mindfulness and meditation by attending a class at a local meditation centre. At first, it was challenging to sit still and quiet my mind, but with regular practice, I began to feel the benefits of the practice. I started to feel calmer, more centred, and more focused. I also noticed that I was better able to handle stress and difficult situations in my life.

Why it is a positive change in my life:
Practising mindfulness and meditation has had a profound positive impact on my life. It has helped me become more self-aware, more compassionate, and more accepting of myself and others. I've learned to let go of negative thoughts and emotions, which has improved my mental health and overall well-being. It has also helped me to be more present in the moment, which has allowed me to appreciate the small things in life that bring joy and happiness.