Describe a time when you were late: IELTS Speaking Cue Card
You should say
- When it was?
- why you were late?
- how you felt about being late?

11 unique answers with expert feedback
Band 6-7
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel about being late to your convocation?
What steps did you take to ensure your documents were processed quickly?
Have you ever been late to any other important events?
Band 6-7
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel about missing part of your exam?
What did you learn from this experience?
How did your family react to your situation?
Band 6
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel when you realized you were late?
What did you do after you left school that day?
Have you ever been late to an important event besides school?
Practice other cue cards
Band 6
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel when you realized you were late?
What did you learn from that experience?
Have you been late to any other important events?
Band 6
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How do you usually manage your time during important events?
What are some common reasons people are late?
How do you feel when someone else is late?
Cue 1:When it was?
- Begin by stating the specific day and time when you were late, providing context to the situation.
- Mention the event or occasion you were supposed to attend, as this will help the listener understand the importance of being on time.
Example
It was last Saturday afternoon around 3 PM when I was supposed to meet my friends at a popular café in the city. We had planned to celebrate my friend's birthday, and everyone was looking forward to it.
Cue 2:Why you were late?
- Explain the reason for your delay clearly and concisely, making sure to include any unexpected circumstances.
- You can also mention any steps you took to try to be on time, which shows your effort.
Example
I was late because I got stuck in traffic due to a sudden rainstorm. I had left home early, but the roads were flooded, and it took me much longer to reach the café. I even tried to take a different route, but it was just as congested.
Cue 3:How you felt about being late?
- Share your feelings about being late, emphasizing any emotions like guilt or frustration.
- You can also mention how your friends reacted when you finally arrived, which adds to the narrative.
Example
I felt really bad about being late, especially since it was a special occasion for my friend. I was worried they would be upset, but when I finally arrived, they were understanding and welcomed me with smiles. I apologized profusely, and we quickly got back to enjoying the celebration.
Conclusion
Example
In conclusion, being late was a stressful experience for me, but it taught me the importance of planning ahead, especially during unpredictable weather. I now make sure to leave even earlier for important events to avoid such situations in the future.
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: Being Vague About Details
Candidates often provide unclear or general answers without specific details. This can make the response less engaging and informative.
Tip
Include specific details about the time, place, and reason for being late to create a vivid picture for the examiner.
2: Neglecting to Express Feelings
Some candidates forget to share their emotions regarding being late. This can make the response feel flat and uninteresting.
Tip
Describe how you felt about being late, whether it was embarrassment, frustration, or something else, to add depth to your answer.
Overly Complicated Language
Using complex vocabulary or long sentences can confuse the listener and detract from the clarity of your message.
Tip
Use simple and clear language to convey your thoughts effectively, ensuring your message is easily understood.

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