Describe a rule that you think is important
Try the card on the exam timer first, then read the band-8 sample answer and the Part 3 questions that follow it.
Practice it like the exam
Describe a rule that you think is important.
You should say:
- what the rule is
- where it applies
- who made it
and explain why you think this rule is important.
Ready
1 minute to prepare, then 2 minutes to speak. It switches on its own.
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Band 8 sample answer
270 words · about 2 minutes at a natural pace · Phrases from the vocabulary list are highlighted.
The rule I'd like to talk about is the requirement to wear a seat belt in a car. In my country, this rule applies to everyone in the vehicle, both in the front and the back seats, and the police can fine anyone who doesn't follow it. It was introduced by the government as part of the traffic regulations many years ago, though it has been enforced much more strictly in the last decade.
I think it is extremely important for several reasons. First of all, it saves lives. I once read that wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of dying in a crash by around half, and I have seen the difference myself. A few years ago, my cousin was in a minor accident on the motorway. The car was badly damaged, but he walked away with only a few bruises, and the doctor told him that the seat belt had protected him.
Secondly, the rule helps to create good habits. When I was a child, many people didn't bother, especially on short journeys, but now most people buckle up automatically. Even small children understand it; my little niece reminds her father if he forgets.
Thirdly, the rule benefits society as a whole. Fewer serious injuries mean less pressure on hospitals and less suffering for families.
Some people argue that it should be a personal choice, but I disagree, because the consequences affect more than just the individual. In this case, a small inconvenience of two seconds can make a life-saving difference, which is why I believe it is one of the most sensible rules we have.
What to notice
- It takes the points on the card in order, so the examiner can follow it.
- Each point gets a specific detail or a short story, which is what keeps a talk going for two minutes.
- The "explain" line at the end gets the most time, because that is where you give an opinion and show your range of language.
We wrote this answer for practice; it does not come from IELTS. Take its structure and phrases and tell your own story, because examiners notice memorised answers.
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Useful vocabulary
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| abide by the rules | obey rules |
| strictly enforced | applied firmly |
| for the greater good | for the benefit of everyone |
| break the rules | disobey rules |
| a code of conduct | official rules about behaviour |
| ensure safety | make sure people are protected |
Plan it in one minute
Choose what to talk about in the first ten seconds, then write two or three key words for each point. Full sentences take too long to write and to read back.
Who or what you could talk about
- A traffic rule that saves lives
- A rule at work or in the library that keeps order
- A family rule about respect or mealtimes
How to spend the two minutes
- 25 swhat the rule is
- 25 swhere it applies
- 25 swho made it
- 45 sand explain why you think this rule is important.
Part 3 questions
In the exam these come straight after your talk, on the wider subject: Rules and discipline. Answer each in 3–4 sentences, with your view, a reason and an example.
- Why do societies need rules?
- What happens when people do not follow rules?
- Do you think rules at school are too strict?
- Should rules be the same for everybody?
- Are there any rules that should be changed or removed?
Frequently asked questions
How do I answer an abstract IELTS cue card, like a rule or a decision?
Make it concrete straight away: name the rule, the advice or the decision, then tell the situation where it mattered to you. An abstract card answered with a real example is easier to talk about and easier to follow.
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