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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe An Occasion When You Had To Do Something In A Hurry: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Nov 13, 2024, 06:42

Overview

An IELTS Speaking cue card is vital to the Speaking test, which evaluates your ability to communicate proficiently in English. In this segment, you'll receive a cue card with a topic and prompt. Your task is to speak about the topic for two minutes, addressing the given prompts.

 

Today's topic is ‘Describe An Occasion When You Had To Do Something In A Hurry.’ This cue card prompts you to recount a specific instance where you needed to act swiftly, highlighting your ability to effectively think on your feet and handle time-sensitive situations.

 

Throughout this content piece, we'll explore sample answers for this topic, offering guidance and insights to help you confidently navigate your response. Let's delve into various scenarios and approaches to tackle this cue card topic effectively.

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe An Occasion When You Had To Do Something In A Hurry

You should say

  • What did you have to do?
  • Why did you have to do this in a hurry?
  • How well did you do this?
  • Explain how you felt about having to do this in a hurry.
Sample Answer 1

Introduction (Covers: What did you have to do?):

 

  • One frantic morning, I was racing against the clock to catch a flight to attend an important family event.
  • The task was to pack my bags, complete pending work tasks, and arrive at the airport in time for my flight departure.
  • With time ticking away rapidly, I had to quickly prioritise my tasks and ensure that nothing crucial was left behind.

 

Describe your experience/opinion/interest (Covers: Why did you have to do this quickly?):

 

  • The urgency arose from the fact that missing the flight would disrupt my plans and disappoint my family, who eagerly awaited my arrival.
  • Additionally, I had non-negotiable commitments waiting for me at the destination, making it imperative to arrive on time.
  • The limited options available for rescheduling the flight or finding an alternative mode of transportation further emphasised the need to act quickly.

 

Key highlights (Covers: How well did you do this?):

 

  • Despite the time pressure, I completed all essential tasks efficiently, ensuring I didn't compromise on any vital aspect of the trip.
  • By prioritising tasks and staying focused, I packed my bags, wrapped up pending work assignments, and navigated the rush-hour traffic to reach the airport just in time.
  • The smooth execution of the plan relieved the stress of missing the flight and left me feeling accomplished and in control of the situation.

 

Conclusion (Covers: Explain how you felt about having to do this in a hurry):

 

  • In retrospect, while the rush was undoubtedly stressful, it was also exhilarating to see how effectively I could manage my time and responsibilities under pressure.
  • The experience reinforced the importance of staying composed and making quick, decisive decisions in challenging situations.
  • While I wouldn't frequently wish for such hurried circumstances, I'm grateful for the valuable lessons learned and the sense of achievement gained from successfully navigating through it.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction (Covers: What did you have to do?):

 

  • One morning, I was racing against the clock to catch a flight to attend an important family event.
  • The task at hand was to pack my bags, complete pending work tasks, and arrive at the airport in time for my flight departure.
  • With time ticking away rapidly, I had to quickly prioritise my tasks and ensure that nothing crucial was left behind.

 

Describe your experience/opinion/interest (Covers: Why did you have to do this quickly?):

 

  • The urgency arose from the fact that missing the flight would disrupt my plans and disappoint my family, who eagerly awaited my arrival.
  • Additionally, I had non-negotiable commitments waiting for me at the destination, making it imperative to arrive on time.
  • The limited options available for rescheduling the flight or finding an alternative mode of transportation further emphasised the need to act quickly.

 

Key highlights (Covers: How well did you do this?):

 

  • Despite the unexpected setback, I delivered the presentation with confidence and composure. The adrenaline rush fueled my determination to make the most out of the situation, and surprisingly, it turned out to be one of my most engaging presentations yet.
  • Looking back, I realised that sometimes, our true capabilities shine through in those moments of urgency.
  • The successful completion of the project within the tight deadline filled me with a sense of accomplishment and confidence in my ability to handle stressful situations effectively.

 

Conclusion (Covers: Explain how you felt about having to do this in a hurry):

 

  • In hindsight, while the rush was undoubtedly stressful, it was also exhilarating to see how effectively I could manage my time and responsibilities under pressure.
  • The experience reinforced the importance of staying composed and making quick, decisive decisions in challenging situations.
  • While I wouldn't frequently wish for such hurried circumstances, I'm grateful for the valuable lessons learned and the sense of achievement gained from successfully navigating through it.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers: What did you have to do?):

 

  • Responding to an urgent call from my landlord about a burst pipe in my apartment.
  • The task at hand was to prevent further damage to my belongings and ensure the safety of the property.
  • Time was of the essence, as I needed to act swiftly to address the situation before it escalated.

 

Describe your experience/opinion/interest (Covers: Why did you have to do this quickly?):

 

  • The urgency stemmed from the risk of flooding and extensive damage to the property.
  • It was imperative to mitigate the consequences of the incident and minimise any further harm.
  • As a tenant, I was responsible for taking immediate action and coordinating with the necessary parties to resolve the issue.

 

Key highlights (Covers: How well did you do this?):

 

  • Remained calm and composed, focusing on the task and taking decisive action to address the problem.
  • Promptly shut off the water supply and notified the necessary parties to prevent further damage.
  • Coordinated with the relevant stakeholders to expedite the resolution of the issue and restore normalcy to the situation.

 

Conclusion (Covers: Explain how you felt about having to do this in a hurry):

 

  • While the situation's urgency was unsettling, it allowed me to demonstrate my ability to think on my feet and respond effectively to emergencies.
  • The experience reinforced the importance of being proactive and resourceful in times of crisis.
  • Overall, while I wouldn't wish for such emergencies to occur frequently, I'm grateful for the lessons learned and the sense of accomplishment gained from successfully navigating through it.

 

Pace Up Your IELTS Preparation With Our Expert Masterclass!

Understanding how to effectively answer cue card topics such as ‘Describe an occasion when you had to do something in a hurry’ is crucial for success in the IELTS test. 
 

It demonstrates your ability to articulate your thoughts and experiences in English. It showcases your capacity to think critically and communicate under pressure, skills highly valued in both academic and professional settings. 
 

Mastering the art of responding to cue cards within the strict time limit of two minutes can significantly enhance your overall performance in the Speaking test, potentially boosting your score and improving your chances of achieving your desired band score. 

 

Here’s how each section of the cue card topic ‘Describe an occasion when you had to do something in a hurry’ should be covered:

 

Introduction (Covers: What did you have to do?):

 

  • Set the scene by introducing the occasion or event where you had to act quickly.
  • Provide a brief overview of the urgency of the situation.
  • Engage the listener by creating interest in your story.

 

Describe your experience/opinion/interest (Covers: Why did you have to do this quickly?):

 

  • Clearly explain the circumstances that led to the need for urgent action.
  • Describe your actions and decisions made under pressure.
  • Share any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

 

Key highlights (Covers: How well did you do this?): 

 

  • Highlight specific details or events that showcase your ability to act swiftly.
  • Emphasise any positive outcomes or achievements resulting from your quick actions.
  • Use descriptive language to convey the intensity of the situation vividly.

 

Conclusion (Covers: Explain how you felt about having to do this in a hurry): 

 

  • Summarise the main points of your response.
  • Reflect on what you learned from the experience.
  • End on a positive note, highlighting any lessons or insights gained.

 

Also read: IELTS Speaking Questions with Answers 2024 

Follow-Up Questions

After completing the cue card round in the IELTS Speaking test, you can expect a follow-up question round in which the examiner will ask questions about the topic discussed. 

 

This round allows you to demonstrate your ability to express opinions, provide explanations, and engage in a more extended conversation. Expect questions related to the cue card topic's theme and broader questions exploring related issues and personal experiences.

Q1. What should happen to people who arrive late for work?

Answer 1: Individuals who arrive late for work should face consequences such as verbal warnings or salary deductions. Maintaining punctuality in the workplace is essential to ensuring smooth operations and respect for colleagues' time.

 

Answer 2: Employees who consistently arrive late for work should be counselled to understand the importance of punctuality. Implementing a system of warnings or penalties for repeated lateness can serve as a deterrent and encourage punctuality.

Q2. Can you suggest how people can make sure they don’t arrive late?

Answer 1: Planning the schedule the night before, setting multiple alarms, and preparing necessary items in advance can help individuals avoid lateness. Utilising navigation apps to check for traffic congestion and leaving home with ample time are also effective strategies.

 

Answer 2: Establishing a consistent morning routine, allocating sufficient time for unforeseen delays, and setting realistic departure goals can prevent lateness. Additionally, allowing buffer time for unexpected events and prioritising punctuality contribute to timely arrivals.

Q3. Do you think it’s ok to arrive late when meeting a friend?

Answer 1: Arriving late for a meeting with a friend is disrespectful and can create unnecessary inconvenience. Valuing others' time and concerted effort to arrive promptly for social engagements is essential for maintaining respectful relationships.

 

Answer 2: Being late for a meeting with a friend demonstrates a lack of consideration and may indicate a disregard for the friendship. Prioritising punctuality shows respect for the friend's time and strengthens the bond of trust and reliability in the relationship.

Q4. What should happen to people who arrive late for work?

Answer 1: Individuals who consistently arrive late for work should be subject to disciplinary action, such as formal warnings or performance reviews. Employers should enforce policies that promote punctuality to maintain productivity and professionalism in the workplace.

 

Answer 2: Employers should address lateness by providing additional time management training and flexible work arrangements. Recognising that lateness can sometimes be due to external factors, employers should adopt a supportive approach to address underlying issues while emphasising the importance of punctuality.

FAQs

Q. How do I frame my answer in 1 minute?

Ans. To frame your answer effectively in one minute, briefly summarise the question to ensure you understand it. Then, organise your response into key points or sections, using bullet points if necessary. Focus on delivering clear and concise information, avoiding unnecessary details. Practice speaking moderately to ensure clarity and coherence in your response within the time limit.

Q. What is the marking scheme for the IELTS speaking test?

Ans. The IELTS speaking test is assessed based on four criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Each criterion is scored on a band scale from 0 to 9, and the overall speaking band score is calculated by averaging the scores for each criterion. Examiners evaluate the candidate's ability to communicate effectively, demonstrate linguistic accuracy, and maintain coherence throughout the test.

Q. How many hours is the IELTS speaking test?

Ans. The IELTS speaking test typically lasts for about 11 to 14 minutes. However, candidates should arrive at the test centre well before their scheduled appointment time, as they may need to complete registration procedures before the speaking test begins. Overall, candidates can expect to spend approximately 15 to 20 minutes for the entire speaking test session, including registration and waiting time.

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