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Written by IELTS Mentor

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Individual Long Run - IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.

[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]

Describe an occasion when you had to do something in a hurry.

You should say:

• what you had to do
• why you had to do this in a hurry
• how well you did this

and explain how you felt about having to do this in a hurry.

[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]

[Examiner: All right? Remember you have one to two minutes for this, so don't worry if I stop you. I'll tell you when the time is up. Can you start speaking now, please?]

Model Answer 1:

Ohh! That's an interesting topic, no doubt! For this, I'll tell you about an occasion when I had to hurry to complete something. 

A few months ago, I had to prepare a presentation for an important business meeting, and I had very little time to finish it. I had to deliver a comprehensive analysis of market trends and propose strategies for our company's growth and I had to hurry to prepare all these. The urgency arose because our team received the meeting invitation on short notice, and it was a crucial opportunity to impress potential investors.

Given the limited time, I had to quickly gather data, analyze market reports, and condense the information into a concise and impactful presentation. I worked diligently, prioritizing key points and ensuring the content was well-structured and supported by relevant statistics and graphs. Despite the time constraint, I managed to complete the presentation before the deadline.

Considering the circumstances, I was satisfied with how well I handled the task. The presentation effectively communicated market insights and provided clear recommendations for our company's future direction. I was able to deliver the key messages concisely, engaging the audience and addressing their potential concerns.

However, I must admit that doing something in a hurry can be quite stressful. There was constant pressure to meet the deadline and deliver a high-quality presentation. I had to manage my time meticulously, sacrificing breaks and personal commitments. The sense of urgency made it difficult to maintain a calm and composed mindset, but I remained focused and determined to accomplish the task to the best of my ability.

Model Answer 2:

At the beginning of the last year, I had just a couple of days to prepare for a flight to travel to a different city to attend the marriage ceremony of one of my cousins. It was an unexpected invitation, and I had to make quick arrangements to ensure I could be present for the special occasion.

With limited time, I had to act swiftly and efficiently. Firstly, I requested leave from my university to be able to attend the wedding. Then, I had to manage all the necessary logistics, such as booking the air ticket, reserving accommodation, and organizing transportation from the airport to the wedding venue. Additionally, I needed to do some shopping to ensure I had appropriate attire for the various events during the wedding celebration.

Despite the time constraint, I managed to handle the preparations fairly well. I immediately contacted my university and took a week's leave, then I contacted the airline and secured a seat on the available flight. I efficiently researched and booked a suitable hotel near the wedding venue. I made a comprehensive list of the things I needed to pack and completed my shopping within a short span of time. I ensured that everything was in order, from my travel documents to my wedding attire.

Although the hurried preparations did cause some stress, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation as well. It was thrilling to have the opportunity to be part of such an important family celebration. The time pressure motivated me to stay focused and organized, making the most of the limited time I had. It was a reminder of how efficiently one can manage tasks when faced with urgency.

In the end, attending the wedding was a memorable experience. Despite the short notice, I managed to reach the city on time, fully prepared to celebrate the joyous occasion with my cousin and our extended family.

PART - 3: Detail Discussion.

Discussion topic: 

Q. Do you think it's OK to arrive late when meeting a friend?
Answer: Arriving late when meeting a friend is generally considered impolite and disrespectful of their time. I have always believed that "punctuality" is an important aspect of maintaining healthy relationships, as it shows consideration and reliability. While occasional lateness may be forgiven by some friends due to unforeseen circumstances, consistently being late can strain friendships and create a sense of frustration and inconvenience. It is best to value and respect our friends' time by making an effort to be punctual.

Q. What should happen to people who arrive late for work?
Answer: I think the consequences for arriving late for work can vary depending on company policies and the frequency or severity of lateness. Generally, it is important for organizations to have clear guidelines in place regarding tardiness. Actions may include verbal warnings, written warnings, or even more serious disciplinary measures if the lateness becomes a recurring issue. The objective is to instil a sense of responsibility and ensure that employees understand the importance of punctuality in maintaining a productive work environment.

Q. Can you suggest how people can make sure they don't arrive late?
Answer: To avoid arriving late, individuals can adopt several strategies. Firstly, planning ahead and allowing extra time for unexpected delays can be helpful. Setting alarms or reminders can help manage time effectively and prompt individuals to stay on track. Additionally, prioritizing tasks, creating to-do lists, and setting realistic goals can assist in better time management. 
 

Discussion topic: 

Q. Is it better to study for long periods or in shorter blocks of time?
Answer: The effectiveness of studying can vary depending on individual preferences and learning styles. However, research suggests that shorter, focused study sessions with regular breaks can be more beneficial than prolonged study periods. This method is efficient in my case as well. Breaking down study sessions into manageable blocks helps maintain concentration and prevent mental fatigue. It is evident that shorter study sessions allow for better retention of information and promote active learning. Therefore, it is important to find a study routine that works best for each individual and balances study time with adequate rest and relaxation.

Q. What are the likely effects of students not managing their study time well?
Answer: Poor time management in studying can have negative consequences on academic performance and overall well-being. Students who struggle with managing their study time may experience increased stress, anxiety, and burnout. They may find it challenging to meet deadlines, complete assignments, or adequately prepare for exams. Inadequate time management can lead to a lack of understanding of the subject matter, resulting in lower grades and reduced learning outcomes.

Q. How important is it for students to have enough leisure time?
Answer: I wholeheartedly believe that having enough leisure time is vital for students' overall well-being and academic success. Leisure time provides a necessary break from academic demands, allowing students to recharge, relax, and engage in activities they enjoy. It promotes mental and physical well-being, reduces stress levels, and enhances creativity. Leisure time also fosters social connections and personal growth. Engaging in hobbies, spending time with friends and family, and pursuing interests outside of academics contribute to a balanced and fulfilling student life. 

• IELTS Cue Card
• Candidate Task Card
• Speaking Part 2

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