Describe a Rule That is Important in Your School or at Work - IELTS Cue Card

During my high school years, in an organisation designed to develop young minds and infuse discipline, one particular rule stood out as more annoying than enlightening. I was not fond of this rule, but I want to discuss it today.

The rule in question concerned the strict clothing code that the organisation enforces. This dress code dictated everything about our outfits, including the colour of our socks and hairstyle.

Even though many students know this guideline, they quickly break it. As a result, he must perform community service, such as emptying the dustbins or picking up trash from the streets outside the school. The offenders may occasionally be denied food for the entire day.

While the school argued that the dress code was essential for fostering a sense of uniformity and discipline among the students, it often felt like an unnecessarily rigid imposition.

This limitation hampers the freedom to express oneself and be creative. In high school, people still figure out who they are, so being pushed to fit into a particular clothing style seems against self-discovery and inquiry. It was an arbitrary use of power that didn't help us prepare for the vibrant, diverse world that awaited us beyond the school. 

In addition to restricting our independence, the regulation lost an opportunity to impart the value of making responsible decisions free from needless limitations.

This guideline makes me feel good since it has improved me. First, it has made me want to get up early and make this a routine. Second, I don't only apply the guidelines I abide by for each task. It has significantly lessened my stress because I always have wiggle room when I travel and don't have to worry about running late.

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In many workplaces, employees are expected to follow specific rules and policies. While some rules are necessary for ensuring discipline and maintaining the decorum of the workplace, others can be frustrating and even demotivating. For this topic, I'll discuss a rule that I do not like.

I don’t like the rule that doesn't allow me to select flexible office hours. As per the company’s policy, all employees are required to start work at the same time, 10:00 a.m., and leave at the same time, 6:30 p.m., which means that I don’t have the flexibility to choose the time that I want to work.

So when we break the rule, they mark half-day leave even if we are 5 minutes late for 3 days in a month or full-day leave when we are 5 minutes late for 5 days.

While I understand the importance of maintaining a fixed schedule, allowing employees to choose their timings can have numerous benefits. For instance, some employees may be more productive in the morning, while others may work better during the evening.

This restriction is annoying since it makes balancing my personal and professional lives more difficult. I've occasionally had to skip significant events or appointments because they clashed with my work schedule. In addition, working at my busiest times would improve my performance and increase my value to the organisation.

My company will consider implementing a more flexible office-hours policy in the future, one that considers the needs and preferences of its employees.

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As a young girl, I appreciated attending school, as it let me learn new things and make new friends. However, there were a couple of rules at my high school that I didn’t enjoy that much, and today, I would like to talk about one of them here.

I loved everything about my school except one thing – regarding the cultural programmes arranged by the teachers and class captains on the last Thursday of the month. Attending this event every month was mandatory, and I did not like it at all.

I occasionally break the rules, but nothing happens when I do. I once went home with my parents after they came to see my math teacher, and I missed this presentation. I attempted to avoid attending this program numerous times, and occasionally, I was successful.

If you ask me whether this was a good rule, it was an excellent rule to introduce art, literature, and cultural programs to young students. I learned more about Shakespeare and his work through this program than by reading academic books. Thus, it was a good initiative and rule, as I understand now.

I hated it because I believed attending this gathering should have been voluntary rather than required. In my situation, this was wrong, and I would not have been drawn to such events if I had simply loved acting, singing, dancing, or arguing. I enjoyed listening to music very much, but I detested having to sing. The same is valid for acting in a Shakespeare play, dancing, arguing, composing poems, etc. This was torturous to my cautious and weak mentality.

Others enjoyed this event and stayed until they were called to attend the programme before the teachers and other students. Some of our classmates are passionate about such events and enjoy participating. They felt that everybody should attend it. Introducing art, literature, and cultural programs to young students was an excellent rule.

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1. Should educational institutions set the length of workdays?

This issue is often discussed, and the government's Department of Children's Welfare and Development and the schools should collaborate to determine the number of hours schools should operate. We shouldn't overburden students with coursework, but we also need to ensure they receive a minimum number of hours to learn.

2. What are the reasons that people break the rules?

People may break the rules for various reasons, including ignorance, carelessness, or believing they won’t get caught. Sometimes, people might break the rules out of necessity or in emergencies.

3. Under what situations might kids break the rules and still be forgiven?

Children may be excused from adhering to certain norms when parents are more indulgent, like on birthdays or during family celebrations. Additionally, they might be exempted if they have a reasonable justification, such as being ill.

4. How would people be punished in your country when they break the rules?

The severity of the violation specifies the penalty for breaking the law in my nation. Depending on the type of offence and how it affects others, it may involve warnings, fines, community service, or even legal action.

5. Do you believe that offices should have strict policies?

The office shouldn't follow the guidelines in the letter. Employees should be taught discipline as well as other virtues through rules. Tighter regulations could undermine this goal and encourage employees to become more disobedient.

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In conclusion, even though the speaking component has a 15-minute time limit, it has the same weight as the other components. You will need to practice a lot to handle this area. The questions in this section are open-ended, so the examiner may ask you two more once you answer one. Make the most of your time and respond appropriately and assuredly.

We hope you know how to respond to cue card questions in your IELTS speaking test. But, if you want to get further details or would like to prepare for IELTS, you can contact our expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). You can also take free online counselling through our website. Our expert counsellors will provide you with the best support and guidance you need for admission and visa. In addition, they will help you shortlist the universities according to your profile. For more information or any queries, contact application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.