Talk about a time you complained about something but finally got a good result IELTS Cue Card

IELTS CUE CARD TOPIC

Talk about a time you complained about something but finally got a good result

You should say:

What did you complain about?

Who you complained to?

When it happened?

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

NOTE – The examiner gives you one minute to plan your answer, and to help you prepare for the topic, the examiner provides you with a pencil and a notepad. You’ll have to answer the questions given on the topic for one-to-two minutes.

Sample Answer 1

Introduction

In this modern era, we face a lot of problems as consumers. Although most of the time I ignore the faults of others, sometimes I raise complaints. One such instance is worth mentioning.

What did you complain about?

Last year I purchased chocolates from the market, and when I returned home, I looked at the bill and ascertained that the shopkeeper charged me more than the maximum retail price. I felt cheated and immediately went back to the shop to complain. To my surprise, the shopkeeper did not pay enough attention to my concern and asked me to leave.

After that, I decided to complain to the competent authorities.

Who you complained to?

I complained to the consumer court.

When did it happen?

It happened during the festival of Diwali.

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

After complaining, I did not do much because the next day I got a call from the shopkeeper and he apologised.

He wanted me to take back the complaint and was willing to refund the extra am amount I paid. But I had different plans as I wanted to teach him a lesson for his misdemeanour.

I pursued the company and presented my point of view to the judge. The court gave the verdict in my favour and cancelled the licence of the shopkeeper for one month. Furthermore, the court told the shopkeeper to pay a hefty fine.

I was happy with the court’s judgement because the overcharging from the shopkeepers in my area ended after that.

Sample Answer 2

Introduction

In the modern era, companies leave no stone unturned to sell products and services, but as far as customer service is concerned, they do not pay enough attention to it.

Last month I complained to a company and got a good result.

What did you complain about?

It was about the delivery of a water purifier which I stopped working after two days of installation.

Who you complained to?

It was a Kent RO complaint, and I called the company’s customer service.

When did it happen?

Last year I shifted to a new accommodation, and to avoid the hassle of uninstalling and reinstalling my old RO purifier, I decided to buy a new one. I read numerous reviews on the internet and finalised the machine of Kent company.

The product reached in time, but to my dismay, it stooped working after two days. I immediately called customer service, but the concerned person told me that all of their technicians were busy and would take seven days to resolve my complaint.

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

There is no denying this conviction that clean drinking water is necessary to live a healthy life. So, I immediately posted a bad review of Kent’s customer service on the Internet and shared it on various social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram etc.

My initiative worked like a charm, and an executive from the company called me and apologized for the mistake. I told her that it takes years to build a reputation which could ruin immediately with bad after-sales service.

The company executive sent the technician, and my machine started working efficiently.

Follow up Questions

Here are some examples of follow-up questions that the examiner might ask during your speaking part 3 related to the cue card “Talk about a time you complained about something but finally got a good result”.

1. When do people usually complain?

Most people complain when they dislike a product or service. Sometimes, they complain about another person’s behaviour if it is rude.

2. Can complaining help solve problems?

Yes, complaining helps to solve problems. Because through it, we tell another person about the deficiency in his product, service or behaviour. If we do not complain, the other person believes he is right.

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

The other measure could be to give a suggestion instead of complaining. We could also read about the problem to check whether it is temporary or permanent. In the case of the former, we need not do anything, but complain about the latter.

4. What kind of people complain?

Most people complain, but they differ in tolerance. For example, short-tampered people usually do not wait for things to get resolved; they press the panic button and complain. On the other hand, those who are patient wait for some time for issues to resolution. However, if it takes more than usual time, then they complain.

5. Do you usually get angry?

Earlier I used to get angry, but nowadays, I remain calm and composed because I have realized that certain things are in our hands and we must strive hard to fix them. However, for those tasks for which the circumstances are not in our hands, we have no option but to wait because by worrying, we cannot change the situation.

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

Customer complaints are the best parameter of a company’s service and support. Those companies which take the concerns of the customers seriously usually lead towat=rds an impressive growth trajectory.

On the other hand, those companies which do not pay attention to the companions lost by the consumers for faulty products and services face problems in getting new customers. Consequently, their sales decline.

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

Setting up customer service is necessary for companies because, in the modern era, the business of a company thrives primarily on the feedback provided by the customers. With no customer service, the company’s business nosedives because the customers post negative reviews of the company on various platforms. It jeopardizes the company’s reputation.

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

There are many advantages of setting up customer service. Firstly it enhances the company’s reputation because most customers do not prefer companies that do not focus on customer care.

Apart from this, it helps the companies get proper feedback, which allows them to alter their products and services.

Thirdly it leads to better customer retention because happy customers generally stay with the company.

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

I would give a second chance to the shop where I have complained before because that helps me check whether the outlet has given attention to my concerns.

Moreover, everybody deserves a second chance.

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

People usually complain about late delivery, poor quality and a cumbersome customer service process.