Describe a situation when you were late.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card
You should say
- What was the event?
- Why were you late?
- How did you feel about it?
48 unique answers with expert feedback
Band 6-7
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Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel when you realized you were going to be late?
What did you learn from that experience?
Have you ever been late for anything else since then?
Band 6-7
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Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel when you were stopped by the security guard?
What did you learn from that experience?
Have you ever been late for anything else? How did you handle it?
Band 6-7
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Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel during the situation?
What did you learn from being late?
Have you been late for anything else since then?
Practice other cue cards
Band 6-7
00:00
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00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How do you usually manage your time before important events?
What strategies do you use to cope with stress during important presentations?
Have you ever been late to an event that turned out to be a positive experience?
Band 6-7
00:00
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00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How do you usually manage your time to avoid being late?
What do you think are the consequences of being late?
Have you ever been late for an important event? How did you feel?
Cue 1:What was the event?
- Begin by clearly stating the event you were late for, such as a meeting, a family gathering, or an exam.
- Provide some context about the significance of the event to you.
Example
I was supposed to attend my friend's wedding, which was a significant event for me as we had been friends since childhood.
Cue 2:Why were you late?
- Explain the reason for your delay, whether it was due to traffic, personal issues, or something unexpected.
- Make sure to include any details that highlight the situation, such as the time you left home or any obstacles you faced.
Example
I left my house on time, but there was an unexpected traffic jam due to road construction. I was stuck for almost an hour, which made me late.
Cue 3:How did you feel about it?
- Share your emotions regarding being late, such as anxiety, embarrassment, or frustration.
- Reflect on how your feelings might have affected your experience of the event.
Example
I felt really anxious and embarrassed when I arrived. I was worried that I would miss important moments of the wedding, and I hated the thought of letting my friend down.
Conclusion
- Summarize the overall experience and what you learned from it.
- Mention how you might handle a similar situation differently in the future.
Example
In the end, I enjoyed the wedding, but I learned the importance of leaving even earlier for important events. Now, I always plan for extra travel time to avoid being late.
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 Responses
Giving vague or unclear answers can make your response less engaging. It may leave the examiner confused about your experience and feelings.
Tip
Provide specific details about the event, such as the location and people involved, to create a clearer picture.
2: Lack of Emotion
Failing to express your feelings about being late can make your answer sound flat. Emotions help connect with the listener and make your story memorable.
Tip
Share your feelings honestly, whether it was embarrassment, frustration, or something else, to add depth to your response.
Overly Complicated Language
Using complex vocabulary or grammar can lead to mistakes and misunderstandings. It's important to communicate clearly and effectively.
Tip
Stick to simple and clear language to ensure your message is understood, focusing on fluency over complexity.
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