What do I choose when the speaker changes their mind?
Tell the speaker's earlier expectation from their final opinion.
2 min read · Updated 9/8/2026
The key idea
A speaker may first take a negative view of a class and then change their mind. Structures like I thought … but … and at first … now … separate the speaker's position at two points in time.
Look at what the question asks: what did they expect before, or what do they think now? The answer must match that time.
In a task with several speakers, also follow whose opinion it is. Don't note one person's suggestion as another's decision.
See an example
Example: I thought the presentation would be boring, but the speaker used interesting real-life examples.
The earlier expectation is negative; the actual experience of the presentation is more positive. “He expected it to be boring” and “He found it boring” are not the same idea.
Now you try
Listening practice
Computer narration for practice. Listen first, then open the transcript.
Listen to the audio.
What does the speaker think about the group project now?
A. It was less useful than expected. B. It was more useful than expected. C. It should have been cancelled.
Catch the phrase that shows the opinion has changed.
A personal draft. It is not saved when you leave or automatically graded.
Show transcript
Show transcript
At first, I thought the group project would be a waste of time. Actually, working with the others taught me a lot. It was much more useful than I had expected.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Answer and explanation
B — It was more useful than expected. At first they thought it might be a waste of time; in the end they say that working with the others taught them a lot.
The transition word Actually separates the earlier expectation from the actual experience. It is not said that they wanted the project to be cancelled.
How do I follow the main idea in a lecture?
Official sources for this topic
IELTS · Listening