Cue Card

Describe a disagreement you had with somebody

You should say:

• who you had the disagreement with
• what the disagreement was about
• what the outcome was; and
• explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What do you do if you disagree with someone?
2. What can be done to stop an argument from escalating into a fight?
3. Who do you think should teach children respect?
4. What kind of disagreements do parents and children usually have?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I recall a disagreement I had with my best friend, Rachel, a few years ago. We were planning a road trip together, and we couldn't agree on the route to take. I wanted to take the scenic route, while she wanted to take the highway. The argument escalated, and we both said some things we didn't mean. I remember feeling frustrated and angry, but also hurt because I felt like she wasn't listening to me. I realized later that we were both stressed out about different things, and it boiled over into our conversation.

Looking back, I wish I had taken a step back and listened to her perspective more. I wish I had asked her what was really going on and why she was so adamant about taking the highway. I think if we had communicated better, we could have avoided the argument altogether. It was a good lesson for me in the importance of active listening and empathy, even in difficult conversations.

We eventually made up, but it took some time. We talked it out and apologized to each other. I learned that sometimes, disagreements can be opportunities for growth and deeper understanding, if we approach them with an open mind and a willingness to listen.

Now, when I'm in a disagreement with someone, I try to take a deep breath and remember that the other person has a perspective that's valid, even if I don't agree with it. I try to ask questions and really listen to their point of view. It's not always easy, but it's made a big difference in my relationships.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

take a step back

to stop what you're doing and think carefully before you do anything else

Take a step back and think about what you're doing before you make a decision.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What do you do if you disagree with someone? When I disagree with someone, I try to take a step back and understand where they're coming from. I think it's really important to listen actively and not just hear the words they're saying, but also try to understand the reasoning behind their perspective. I had a disagreement with a friend once about a movie we saw together. I thought it was amazing, but she hated it. At first, I was taken aback by her strong reaction, but then I asked her to explain why she didn't like it. She told me that she thought the plot was predictable and the characters were underdeveloped. I realized that I had been so caught up in the excitement of the movie that I hadn't noticed those flaws. By listening to her perspective, I was able to see the movie in a new light and understand why she didn't enjoy it as much as I did.

What can be done to stop an argument from escalating into a fight? I think one of the most important things you can do to prevent an argument from escalating into a fight is to take a break and calm down before things get out of hand. When emotions are running high, it's easy to say things you don't mean or react impulsively, which can lead to hurt feelings and damaged relationships. I remember a disagreement I had with my sister a few years ago. We were discussing politics, and things started to get heated. We both said some things we regretted, and it seemed like the argument was going to get out of control. But then we both took a deep breath, apologized, and agreed to revisit the conversation when we were feeling calmer. It was amazing how much more productive and respectful our conversation was once we had cooled off. By taking a break and calming down, we were able to have a more constructive and respectful conversation.

Who do you think should teach children respect? I think parents and caregivers have a huge responsibility to teach children respect, but I also believe that teachers and other role models can play a significant role. Children learn by observing the behavior of the adults around them, so it's essential that we model respectful behavior ourselves. I had a disagreement with a colleague once about how to handle a difficult student. I thought we should be more lenient, but my colleague believed we should be stricter. We had a respectful discussion, and I was impressed by how she listened to my perspective and explained her own reasoning. I realized that she was teaching me something important about respect – that it's not just about being polite, but also about being open-minded and willing to listen to others. By modeling respectful behavior, we can teach children the value of empathy, active listening, and constructive conflict resolution.

What kind of disagreements do parents and children usually have? I think one of the most common disagreements between parents and children is about boundaries and rules. Children often push against the limits set by their parents, and parents may struggle to find the right balance between giving their children freedom and keeping them safe. I had a disagreement with my parents when I was a teenager about curfew. I thought it was unfair that I had to be home by 10 pm, while my friends could stay out later. My parents were worried about my safety, but I felt like they didn't trust me. We had a long conversation about it, and I explained why I felt like I was responsible enough to make my own decisions. They listened to my perspective, and we were able to find a compromise that worked for both of us. By listening to each other and finding common ground, we were able to resolve our disagreement and strengthen our relationship.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

take a step back

to give yourself time to think and calm down before reacting to a situation

I took a step back and realized that I was overreacting.

She took a step back and apologized for what she said.