Describe A Period When You Were Busy: IELTS Speaking Cue Card
You should say
- When was the period?
- Describe the tasks that kept you busy.
- Explain how you managed your time during the period.
- Share how you cope with these busy schedules.

10 unique answers with expert feedback
Band 6-7
00:00
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00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you manage your time between work and rest?
What skills did you develop while working during that busy period?
How did your family react to your decision to work?
Band 6
00:00
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00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
What strategies did you use to manage your time during your busy period?
How did your friends and family support you during this busy time?
What did you learn from this busy period in your life?
Band 6
00:00
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00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you manage your time during that busy period?
What challenges did you face while working in such a busy environment?
Did you find any strategies to cope with the stress of being busy?
Practice other cue cards
Band 6
00:00
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00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
What strategies did you use for effective time management during your PhD?
How did you handle stress during your busy period?
What did you learn from that busy period in your life?
Band 5-6
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you manage your time during that busy period?
What strategies did you use to cope with the stress of exams?
Looking back, what would you do differently during that busy time?
Cue 1:When was the period?
- Clearly state the time frame when you were busy, such as a specific month or season.
- Mention any significant events or reasons that contributed to your busy schedule.
Example
The period when I was particularly busy was during my final exams in May last year. It was a crucial time as I was preparing for my graduation, and I had to balance studying for multiple subjects.
Cue 2:Describe the tasks that kept you busy.
- List the specific tasks or responsibilities that occupied your time.
- Include both academic and personal commitments to give a full picture.
Example
During this time, I had to study for my core subjects like Mathematics and Physics, complete assignments, and also prepare for presentations. Additionally, I was involved in organizing a farewell party for my classmates, which added to my responsibilities.
Cue 3:Explain how you managed your time during the period.
- Discuss any strategies or tools you used to manage your time effectively.
- Mention how you prioritized tasks to ensure everything was completed.
Example
To manage my time, I created a detailed study schedule that allocated specific hours for each subject. I used a planner to track my assignments and deadlines. I prioritized my tasks based on urgency, focusing on exam preparation first, while fitting in party planning during my breaks.
Cue 4:Share how you cope with these busy schedules.
- Explain any techniques you used to handle stress and maintain productivity.
- Mention any support systems or breaks that helped you recharge.
Example
To cope with the busy schedule, I made sure to take short breaks every couple of hours to relax and recharge. I also relied on my friends for support; we studied together, which made learning more enjoyable. Additionally, I practiced mindfulness techniques to stay calm during stressful moments.
Conclusion
Example
In conclusion, that busy period taught me valuable lessons about time management and the importance of balancing responsibilities. Despite the challenges, I successfully navigated through my exams and the farewell party, which made the experience rewarding.
Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.
Tips to answer this Cue Card
1: Vague Time References
Avoid being unclear about when the busy period occurred. Specificity helps the examiner understand your experience better.
Tip
Clearly state the time frame, such as 'last summer' or 'during my final exams', to provide context.
2: Listing Tasks Without Detail
Simply listing tasks without explaining them can make your answer sound flat and unengaging. It’s important to elaborate.
Tip
Describe each task briefly, explaining what it involved and why it was important to you.
Neglecting Time Management Strategies
Failing to discuss how you managed your time can make your response seem incomplete. Time management is key to handling busy periods.
Tip
Share specific strategies you used, like creating a schedule or prioritizing tasks, to show your organizational skills.

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