Describe A Time You Had To Finish Something Quickly: IELTS Speaking Cue Card
You should say
- What it was?
- When it happened?
- How you finished it?
- Why you had to finish it quickly?
- Explain how you felt about it.

26 unique answers with expert feedback
Band 7
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you prioritize the tasks for the financial summary report?
What strategies did you use to manage your time effectively during that task?
What did you learn from this experience about working under pressure?
Band 7
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel during the last-minute rush to complete the project?
What strategies did you use to manage your time effectively?
Have you faced similar situations since then, and how did you handle them?
Band 6-7
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
What strategies did you use to manage your time effectively during this project?
How did you feel when you were under such pressure to complete the project?
What did you learn from this experience that you can apply to future projects?
Practice other cue cards
Band 6-7
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you feel during the preparation process?
What did you learn from this experience?
Would you handle a similar situation differently in the future?
Band 6-7
00:00
/
00:00
Follow up questions
Follow up questions
How did you manage your time during the project?
What did you learn from this experience?
Would you handle a similar situation differently in the future?
Cue 1:What it was?
- Clearly state what task or project you had to finish quickly.
- Provide some context about the importance of this task.
Example
The task I had to finish quickly was my final project for college. It was a group assignment that required extensive research and presentation, and it was crucial for my overall grade.
Cue 2:When it happened?
- Mention the specific time frame when this occurred.
- Include any relevant details about deadlines or time constraints.
Example
This happened just a week before the submission deadline, which was on a Friday. We had started the project late, and I realized that we were running out of time.
Cue 3:How you finished it?
- Describe the steps you took to complete the task quickly.
- Mention any strategies or tools you used to manage your time effectively.
Example
To finish it quickly, I organized a meeting with my group members. We divided the work based on each person's strengths and set specific deadlines for each section. I also used online tools to collaborate efficiently.
Cue 4:Why you had to finish it quickly?
- Explain the reasons that made it necessary to complete the task in a hurry.
- Discuss any consequences of not finishing on time.
Example
We had to finish it quickly because it was worth 40% of our final grade. If we missed the deadline, we would not only lose marks but also risk failing the course.
Cue 5:Explain how you felt about it.
- Share your emotions during the process of completing the task.
- Reflect on what you learned from the experience.
Example
I felt a mix of anxiety and determination. It was stressful to work under pressure, but I also felt proud of our teamwork and the final product we submitted. This experience taught me the importance of time management.
Conclusion
Example
In conclusion, finishing that project quickly was a challenging yet rewarding experience. It helped me develop better organizational skills and reinforced the value of teamwork in achieving our goals.
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: Rushing Through Your Answer
Candidates often rush their responses, leading to unclear or incomplete answers. This can make it difficult for the examiner to follow your story.
Tip
Take a moment to organize your thoughts before speaking. Use a clear structure to ensure you cover all the cues effectively.
2: Lack of Detail
Providing vague or minimal details can make your answer less engaging. Examiners look for specific examples to assess your language skills.
Tip
Include specific details about the situation, such as what you were finishing, when it happened, and how you felt during the process.
Ignoring Emotional Impact
Failing to express your feelings about the experience can make your answer sound flat. Emotions add depth and interest to your response.
Tip
Reflect on your feelings during the experience and share them. Explain why finishing quickly was important to you and how it affected you.

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