Describe a time when you arrived very early for an appointment

Describe a time when you arrived very early for an appointment

You should say:

When and where it happened
Why you arrived early
What you did while waiting
Explain how you felt about arriving early.

MODEL ANSWER 

(When and where it happened) Today, I’d like to share with you about a time that I arrived very early for an appointment. This occasion occurred some months ago when I applied for a position at Park Hyatt Hotel and received an interview offer from the recruitment team. The interview was due to take place at 3 pm on a day in September. However, I arrived at to the interview venue at around 2 pm, which was 1 hour earlier than expected.

(Why you arrived early) Everyone was supposed to be at the venue around only 10 minutes prior to the interview time. My presence at 2 pm was too early, which was attributable to some factors. Firstly, I overestimate the amount of time it took to commute from my place to the interview venue which was approximately 20 km in length and took around more than one hour travelling by bus. However, I boarded the bus for the interview at 12 pm and reached the venue at slightly over 1 pm. I went to the toilet to make sure I did not look bedraggled or so. Everything was ready as I entered waiting room at 2 pm. Also, as it was the first interview in my life, I did not want to create a negative first impression by my late presence.

(What you did while waiting) While waiting, I had butterflies in my stomach so I decided to listen to some calming music in order to relax a bit. Moreover, it was quite wise of me to come up with some impressive questions for post-interview Q&A because they were instrumental in helping me to be selected by the company.

(Explain how you felt about arriving early) I thought that it was not a waste of time to arrive too early, around 1 hour or so, because by arriving “too early”, I had the chance to look at myself one more time so that everything looked nice and ready.

1. Take place (phrase): to happen
The concert takes place next Thursday.

2. Prior (adjective)
the weeks prior to her death

3. Attributable (adjective)
Do you think that these higher-than-average temperatures are attributable to global warming?

4. Board (v)
At London airport she boarded a plane to Australia.

5. Bedraggled (adj)
He looked weary and bedraggled.

6. To have butterflies in stomach (phrase)
I’m meeting her parents tonight, and I have a bad case of butterflies in my stomach.

7. To come up with (phrase)
He came up with a great idea for the ad campaign.

 

IELTS Speaking Part 3:

1. On what occasions should people arrive early?
I believe that people are supposed to be on time rather than being late in all occasions. However, there would be some occasions that punctuality is more crucial. For example, in formal occasions such as conferences, interviews or meetings, it is crucially essential that people arrive on time.

2. When do you think people should arrive on time?
People always need to be on time as I have previously mentioned in the last question. However, as mentioned, there would be some occasions when being late can be acceptable. For example, when a group of friends hang out, being 5 or 10 minutes late would not be a greal deal. But when it comes to formal occasions, punctuality is crucially essential.

3. Why do people need to be on time?
There are many reasons, however, there would be two reasons that stand out. Firstly, when people are punctual, they show respect for each other as everything will be carried out smoothly as expected. Secondly, punctuality is reportedly instrumental in boosting efficiency.

4. Do you think doing nothing is a waste of time?
Absolutely! Rather than sitting at home and watching useless videos, people’d better make use of their spare time wisely by joining in activities that can sharpen their skills. For instance, learning to play the piano will improve people’s creativity as well as intelligence, which has been scientifically confirmed to be true.

5. Do you think it is important to be punctual?
Punctuality is of paramount importance for me. It demonstrates that I respect other people’s time and in turn, they will also try to respect my time and myself also. Moreover, punctuality is pivotal to the enhancement of productivity.

 

Vocabulary

1. Crucial (adjective): important
Her work has been crucial to the project’s success.

2. Show respect (phrase)
She grumbled that young people today have/show no respect for the law.

3. Carry out (phrase): do/ perform
Our soldiers carried out a successful attack last night.

4. Instrumental (adj): involved in an important way in making something happen
She was instrumental in bringing about the prison reform act.

5. To boost efficiency (phrase)
The company invested substantial amounts of money upgrading the plant, and its workers agreed to flexible work rules that boosted efficiency.

6. To sharpen a skill (phrase)
Sharpening your computer skills can help you find higher-paid work.

7. Pivotal (adj): very important
She played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement.