IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3 Sample – Topic: An Experience You Were Late for An Event

IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe an experience where you were late for an event
You should say:
• When did this happen
• Why were you late
• What consequence have you caused
• How you felt afterwards

Band 8 Sample:

I am an organised person and tardiness is not my problem. But I’d be lying if I told you that I am never late.

As a matter of fact, there was a time that I wasn’t on time for the job interview. It was just a couple of months ago when I was in search of a new part-time job to gain experience in my career. There was a position in a company whose job description perfectly suited my needs and qualifications. I truly wanted to get the job. I completed an application form online right after I was informed there was a vacancy. To my surprise, just a day after that, they called me for an interview at 9 the next morning. I was exhilarated to hear the news and prepared everything carefully the night before the meeting. I chose what to wear, ironed the set of clothes to leave a good impression on the interviewer, I also put a notebook and a pen in my purse in case I had to take notes during the interview. When everything was done, I set the alarm at 7am so that I wouldn’t rush having breakfast and headed to the firm. However, the problem was that I forgot to charge to phone and it ran out of battery during my sleep. Therefore, it didn’t go off the next morning. I overslept and woke up at 9am in frustration. I decided that I’d rather stay at home than appear as an irresponsible latecomer in the eye of others. I did wonder if I should ask them to postpone the interview, but I couldn’t think of a reasonable excuse, so I just let it go. The consequence was that I missed the chance to do the job that I desperately wanted. I felt ashamed of myself for making such a silly mistake, but I did learn from it. I am now much more careful when it comes to similar situations.

Vocabulary highlights:
• Tardiness: the quality or fact of being late; lateness.
• Exhilarated: to feel very happy, animated, or elated.
• Latecomer: Someone who arrives late.

 

IELTS Speaking Part 3

 Would you forgive those who are late?
To be honest, it is hard for me to feel any sympathy for them. It seems that those who are usually late always find an excuse for their lateness. Some of the reasons, like traffic jams or transportation breakdowns, may make sense, but they can be made up just to cope with the situation. I think, if they know how to manage their time better; the lateness can be improved easily.

 What would you do if others are late?
Although I often lose my temper if I have to wait for someone for more than 15 minutes, (but) I still think it is necessary to ask them for the reason. In fact, showing irritation in such situation can be an immediate reaction to the late comers, but being unable to put our emotion under control may result in worsening the relationship we have built up over a long time.

 What are the reasons for being late?
Well, I think such reasons can be classified into 2 groups, the external and internal ones. The former may include the impacts from the outside such as traffic congestion, transportation breakdowns while the latter may come from the late comers themselves. You know, some people are often late just because of their poor time management or bad habits like getting up late or lagging behind in every activity.

 Would you like to make plans or just let things happen?
Hmm…I prefer to make plans for whatever I do. I think it helps ensure our work to be on the right track. For the most case, a good plan normally results in a desirable outcome at the end of the day. It is also a good way to minimize risks or failure and prevent wasting my time. And you know, by planning things in advance, I believe I have become a more responsible person than I used to be.

 Do you think it’s important to be punctual?
Absolutely yes. It could be because tardiness has never been a pleasure for anyone and in any circumstance. Besides, one’s punctuality also says something about who he or she is. Being frequently late for work, for example, may lead to certain judgments about somebody’s poor working manner and time management.