Describe a time you had to wait for something
Describe a time you had to wait for something.
You should say:
- what you were waiting for
- how long you waited
- what you did while you were waiting
And explain how you felt while waiting.
Practise this cue card with a timer Use it in a full mock
One-minute preparation plan
Waiting can be literal (a delayed flight) or longer-term (exam results). Longer waits give more to say.
| Cue card point | What to note (keywords only) |
|---|---|
| What you were waiting for | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| How long you waited | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| What you did while you were waiting | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| And explain how you felt while waiting. | Your main reason plus how it affected you—save 30 seconds for this |
Sample answer
I'd like to talk about waiting for my university admission results, which was probably the most stressful wait of my life.
I'd applied to study medicine at my first-choice university, and after the entrance exam there was a gap of about seven weeks before the results were published online.
At first I tried to keep busy. I got a temporary job at a bookshop, which helped because I had to focus on customers rather than my own thoughts. I also started swimming every morning and spent a lot of time with friends who were in the same situation, so we could support each other. But in the evenings, I'd often find myself checking the university website, even though I knew nothing would be there yet.
I felt a mix of hope and anxiety the whole time. Some days I was sure I'd done well; other days I convinced myself I'd failed. When the results finally came out, I had a place, and the relief was enormous. Looking back, it taught me that worrying doesn't change outcomes, so I try to stay calmer about things I can't control.
About 187 words, roughly two minutes at a natural pace. This is an original example written for SpeakingIELTS to show structure and vocabulary—use it for ideas, not as a script to memorise. Real test cards are worded differently, and examiners notice rehearsed answers.
Useful words and phrases
- the most stressful wait of my life
- keep busy
- in the same situation
- find myself checking
- a mix of hope and anxiety
- the relief was enormous
Try using three of these in your own answer. For more topic vocabulary, see the vocabulary helper.
Part 3 follow-up questions
After this cue card, the examiner moves to a Part 3 discussion on the same theme. Give an opinion, a reason and an example for each.
- Are people less patient than they used to be?
- Why do people hate waiting in queues?
- How has technology reduced waiting times?
- Is patience an important quality for children to learn?
- In what situations is it worth waiting for something?
Practise these Part 3 questions
Check your own answer
Record yourself, then listen once and ask: did I cover every point, keep talking for close to two minutes, link ideas clearly, and explain my reasons at the end? The self-evaluation checklist covers all four speaking criteria.