Discuss a disagreement | IELTS Speaking Part 2 + 3 Sample

Part 2: Describe a disagreement you had with someone

Describe a disagreement you had with someoneYou should say:Who you had the disagreement withWhat the disagreement wasWhat happenedAnd explain how you felt about it

Here's Ms. Thuy Tien's sample for the topic 'Describe a disagreement you had with someone.' Please refer to it.

1. Sample Answer 1

2. Vocabulary Highlights

• Personal brand: nhân hiệu
• pull out all the stops: Cố gắng hết sức
• shy away from something: Né tránh điều gì
• pushed someone to the depth of despair: Khiến ai đó tuyệt vọng
• Elation: Sự phấn khởi
• On-point: Hoàn hảo
• Directly relevant: Liên quan trực tiếp

2. Sample Answer 2

4. Vocabulary Highlights

• From the get-go = from the beginning
• Map out (v) arrange something carefully
• Elaborate on (v) explain sth in a detailed way
• Be the complete opposite of sth: to be completely different
• Go for (v) choose
• Common ground (n) opinions shared by two or more people
• Tension (n) a situation in which people are unfriendly with each other
• Escalate (v) become greater/worse
• Reach an agreement
  = agree with sb on sth
• Alteration (n) change 
• If [past perfect- had V3], [would/could have V3]: If for an unreal situation in the past
• Perspective (n) a way of thinking about sth 
• Be open to sth (adj) be willing to consider or accept something new

Part 3: Argument

In addition to Part 2, please refer to Part 3 by Ms. Thuy Tien - Mytour HN and with Sample 1 and Mr. Trieu Thanh - Mytour TP. HCM with Sample 2 for this topic.

1. What will you do if you disagree with someone?2. How can we stop an argument from escalating into a fight?3. Who do you think should teach children to respect their teacher?4. What disagreements do parents and children usually have?

1. How do you handle disagreements?

Sample 1: Typically, as I mentioned earlier, at my current age, I rarely engage in disputes. However, in unavoidable situations, I aim to express my opinion calmly, paying attention to the tone and volume of my voice. Rather than forcefully contradicting others, I prefer to acknowledge potential errors in my perspective while explaining my viewpoint.

• Voice pitch: cao độ giọng nói

Sample 2: Typically, I would simply shrug because everyone has the right to their own opinions, unless they're something atrocious. It's often futile to dive deep into issues where views differ. In today's impatient society, discussions can quickly turn into personal attacks, potentially leading to conflicts and subsequent legal issues.

• shrug my shoulder: nhún vai không quan tâm
• heinous: ghê tởm
• getting to the bottom: xoáy sâu
• opinion divides: có nhiều ý kiến trái chiều
• ad hominem remarks: công kích cá nhân
• scuffles: xô xát
• ensuing liabilities: trách nhiệm pháp lý đi kèm

2. How can we prevent arguments from turning into fights?

Sample 1: I actually researched this a few months ago when I realized I needed to improve my ability to de-escalate arguments. Interestingly, I discovered that the first step is to pause for a few seconds to take a deep breath. This allows us to better understand the other person's perspective. Our instinct to immediately defend ourselves often leads to an emotional rather than a logical response, exacerbating the situation.

• De-escalate into fight: Giảm leo thang một cuộc chiến
• Rational: sáng suốt

Sample 2: Perhaps, simply agree to disagree amicably. It's unwise to impose one's beliefs on others who come from different cultural or background contexts. Debates should be conducted with civility and mutual respect, avoiding offensive language that can provoke violence.

• Just friendly agree to disagree: chấp nhận ý kiến của nhau và không tranh luận thêm
• cordial: thân thiện lịch sự
• toleration: dung thứ
• offensive language: ngôn ngữ xúc phạm
• triggers violence: kích động bạo lực

3. Who should be responsible for teaching children to respect their teachers?

Sample 1: This question touches upon a poignant issue currently in Vietnam. Media outlets in my country have recently highlighted cases where students disrespect their teachers, who deserve much more respect. To address this, I strongly believe that both schools and families must collaborate to instill a sense of gratitude in students towards those who guide them. However, schools should take a leading role because, ethically speaking, parents tend to have greater influence on young minds.

Sample 2: This responsibility lies with parents. It would seem odd if a teacher were to demand respect from students. Therefore, parents should educate their children about the role of teachers in shaping character, ensuring they understand its importance.

• formation of character: hình thành nhân cách

4. What are common disagreements between parents and children?

Sample 1: In my experience, disagreements between family members of different generations can range from simple matters like fashion and finances to more significant issues such as differing standards of etiquette. Without attempting to empathize with each other, families may struggle to achieve the ideal of love and peace they often aspire to.

• Put yourselves in other people’s shoes: đặt mình vào vị trí của người khác 
• Grandeur issue: Vấn đề lớn

Sample 2: Many disputes arise from broken promises by parents and persistent demands from children. Parents often promise to appease their children when they become noisy or impatient. However, when parents realize the burden is too great, especially when the promise involves high costs, they retract their commitment, sparking conflict. Similarly, disagreements occur when children request items like toys and parents resist indulging them, leading to tense moments.

• wheedling: vòi vĩnh
• make pledges: hứa hẹn
• go back on: nuốt lời
• squabbling: cự cãi
• erupts: bùng nổ
• overindulge: nuông chiều quá mức
• unpleasant scenes: cảnh tượng không đẹp