Describe a time when you answered a phone call from someone you did not know in a public place. | Cue Card IELTS Speaking | September to December 2024 cue card
When and where it happened
Who called you
What he/she said
How you corresponded
And explain how you felt about the experience
Vocab and idioms
1. Quite – very
2. Persuade- convince
3. Plenty of – many
4. Several – many
5. Thoroughly – deeply
6. Initially – starting
7. Entire – whole
8. Uphill task – challenging task
9. Reluctant- unwilling
Receiving unknown phone calls has become quite common these days, as many organizations try to persuade customers through calls. I also receive plenty of calls from unknown numbers. Sometimes I pay attention to them, but other times I ignore them if I’m busy or during work hours.
However, I want to share a particular instance when I answered a call from a stranger. I am an employee, and my daily routine involves traveling by public transport from my hometown to Barnala City. Last month, while I was waiting at the bus station, my phone suddenly rang. When I checked, the call was from an unknown number.
Normally, I avoid answering unwanted/random calls, but this time I decided to pick up after receiving several calls from the same number. To my surprise, it was a call from the bank, and the caller was trying to convince me to get a credit card at a discount. He explained all the details thoroughly.
Initially, I showed some interest and asked about the entire process. However, it was challenging to focus or really uphill task for me to focus on the conversation because of the excessive noise and activity at the bus station, which was quite distracting.
After a while, I asked him to call me back later, but he was reluctant to end the call. I started to feel frustrated. Eventually, I saw my bus approaching and quickly ended the call so I could board. A short time later, he called me again, but I ignored the call since the bus was crowded, and I had to stand as I couldn’t find a seat.
To sum up, this was the time when I answered a phone call from an unknown number in a public place.
Follow ups
1. Should people be banned from talking loudly in public places?
People shouldn’t be banned from talking loudly everywhere, but they should be careful in places like libraries or theaters where loud talk can be annoying. Being aware of the setting can help keep things pleasant for everyone.
2. Is it acceptable to talk on the phone in public?
Talking on the phone in public is generally acceptable, but it depends on the setting. In quieter or more formal places, such as restaurants or public transport, it’s best to keep conversations brief and low-volume to avoid disturbing others. In casual settings, it’s more permissible as long as it’s done considerately.
3. Should parents teach their children to behave well in public?
Yes, parents should definitely teach their children to behave well in public. Good manners and respect for others are essential for harmonious social interactions. It also makes outings more enjoyable for everyone.
4. Why do some people not care about their actions in public?
Some people might not care about their actions in public because they’re not aware of how it affects others. They could be too focused on their own problems to notice. Being more aware and sensitive can help with this.
5.What are the differences between sitting next to someone who talks on the phone and sitting next to people who talk to each other while traveling by train?
Sitting next to someone on the phone can be more disruptive because you only hear one side of the conversation, which might be loud or annoying. In contrast, sitting next to people who are talking to each other is usually less bothersome because their conversation is more balanced and often less intense.
6 Do most people mind others talking on the phone in public places?
Yes, many people do mind others talking on the phone in public places, especially if the conversation is loud or lengthy. It can be annoying and disrupt the overall atmosphere, particularly in quiet or shared spaces. However, this can vary based on the setting and individual tolerance levels.