In the IELTS Speaking test, part 2 presents candidates with a cue card topic that requires them to draw upon personal experiences and respond to them clearly and coherently. This cue card task not only tests your ability to communicate in English but also offers a window into your ability to reflect, analyse, and convey personal stories in a manner that is both engaging and insightful. In this blog, we will help you answer one of the topics that you might get in your cue card which is “Describe a time when you were late”.
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IELTS Speaking test format
The Speaking test takes between 11 and 14 minutes and consists of 3 parts.
Part 1: The first part of the test where the examiner will ask you some general questions about familiar topics like work, family, studies, and hobbies.
Part 2: You will be given a cue card with a topic. You will be given one minute to take notes on the topic and will be given a pencil and paper to prepare your response. You will then speak on the topic for two minutes.
Part 3: In the interview, you will have a two-way discussion with the examiner where they will ask questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2.
Explore more: Prepare for IELTS Speaking test
Describe a time when you were late – IELTS cue card topic (Speaking part 2)
In this task you will be given a cue card, for example: With the topic “Describe a time when you were late”
You can form your answer based on your real-life story, It could be about any situation that had ever happened to you.
For instance – if it was rushing to a crucial job interview, missing a flight, or arriving late to an important family gathering.
Note: This topic requires you to share a story that illustrates your ability to tackle unexpected challenges.
Describe a time when you were late – IELTS cue card (Sample question)
Describe a time when you were late
When did it happen?
Why did you get late?
How did you feel about getting late?
Explain how you managed the situation.
Describe a time when you were late – IELTS cue card (Sample answers)
Crafting responses at different IELTS band levels requires varying levels of language proficiency, including vocabulary, grammatical accuracy, coherence, and fluency. Below are sample responses for your reference for bands 6, 7, and 8.
Sample response for IELTS band 6
Introduction:
I understand the importance of being on time and usually make it a point to arrive at my destinations early. However, there was an occasion when there was an incident that caused me to be delayed in getting to my appointment with a dentist.
When did it happen?
Last year, I had an appointment with my dentist, which I ended up being late for. It happened because I underestimated the traffic during rush hour.
Why did you get late?
I left my house thinking I had plenty of time. However, I didn't consider the road works that caused a huge traffic jam. By the time I realised this, it was too late to take an alternative route.
How did you feel about getting late?
I felt anxious and stressed, I tried calling the dentist's office to inform them of my situation. My phone battery was low, and it went off before I could explain my situation fully. This made me feel even worse because I knew they might not wait for me.
Explain how you managed the situation.
Upon finally arriving, I apologised for my tardiness. The receptionist was understanding but mentioned that I might need to wait for another slot or reschedule. I decided to wait, and fortunately, I was seen after a short while. This experience taught me the importance of accounting for unexpected delays and always having a phone charger handy.
Sample response for IELTS band 7
Introduction:
Indeed, time holds immense value for all. As someone who values punctuality, I consistently try to arrive on schedule. But sometimes we don’t realise that something might cause a delay. So, there is an incident that I would like to share with you.
When did it happen?
Approximately a year ago, I experienced a significant delay on my way to a crucial job interview. The root cause of my lateness was a combination of poor time management and unforeseen traffic congestion due to an accident on my usual route.
Why did you get late?
Anticipating a smooth journey, I departed from my home with what I presumed was ample time to spare. Regrettably, I had not checked the traffic updates, which would have alerted me to the accident and the resulting heavy traffic.
How did you feel about getting late?
As I sat in the gridlock, a wave of panic and frustration washed over me. Realising the gravity of the situation, I promptly called the company’s HR department to inform them of my delay, offering my sincerest apologies and requesting any possible accommodation for my situation. The mix of anxiety over making a poor first impression and the stress of the traffic was overwhelming.
Explain how you managed the situation.
Upon my arrival, I was greeted with understanding from the interview panel, who appreciated my proactive communication and willingness to adapt to the circumstances. They allowed me to proceed with the interview, which went surprisingly well despite the rocky start. This incident profoundly underscored the importance of planning for the unexpected and maintaining composure under pressure, lessons that have since influenced my approach to time management and communication.
Sample response for band 8
Introduction:
Certainly, time is incredibly precious to everyone. I am someone who prioritises being on time and always aims to be punctual. However, occasionally we overlook the possibility of unexpected delays. I have a particular story related to this that I'd like to tell you.
When did it happen?
I clearly remember one time when I was late for an important conference where I had to present my research. This happened last fall because I made some mistakes.
Why did you get late?
Like not guessing how bad the traffic would be during rush hour and relying too much on my GPS without thinking it might be wrong.
How did you feel about getting late?
As I started my trip feeling confident after getting ready for the presentation, I didn't expect the mess that was waiting for me. Soon, I was stuck in heavy traffic, and that's when I realised the trouble I was in. I felt a rush of worry and regret.
Explain how you managed the situation.
I quickly called the conference organisers on the phone, explained my situation honestly, and asked if we could reschedule my presentation time. This situation tested my ability to solve problems and made me see where I could've planned better.
When I finally got there, the organisers were surprisingly understanding, which showed me how important it is, to be honest and communicate well when things go wrong. Even though my presentation was moved to later, this experience taught me to always plan for extra time and be ready for anything that might happen, especially when traveling in the city.
Hope these samples will help you prepare for your IELTS test and guide you to score your desired band score for your intended purpose.
Also, if you are looking for any questions related to the IELTS test, you can consider getting in touch with your nearest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team will surely help you give the answers.
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