Describe a time when you were late
Describe a time when you were late.
You should say:
- when it happened
- where you were going
- why you were late
And explain how you felt about being late.
Practise this cue card with a timer Use it in a full mock
One-minute preparation plan
Build tension in the story, what went wrong step by step, and finish with what you learned.
| Cue card point | What to note (keywords only) |
|---|---|
| When it happened | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| Where you were going | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| Why you were late | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| And explain how you felt about being late. | Your main reason plus how it affected you—save 30 seconds for this |
Sample answer
A time I remember being late was for a job interview, about four years ago, when I'd just finished university.
The interview was at a company in the business district of my city, at nine in the morning. I'd planned everything carefully: I'd printed my CV the night before and checked the route, which was supposed to take forty minutes by metro.
Unfortunately, that morning there was a signal failure, and my train sat in a tunnel for almost half an hour with no phone signal. When it finally moved, I ran from the station in a suit on a hot day and arrived fifteen minutes late, completely out of breath.
I felt terrible, embarrassed and sure I'd lost the job. But I apologised, explained calmly what had happened, and the interviewer was surprisingly understanding. In fact, she later told me she was impressed that I'd stayed composed. I did get the job, but ever since then I always leave at least an hour early for anything important.
About 168 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
- I'd planned everything carefully
- was supposed to take
- completely out of breath
- surprisingly understanding
- stayed composed
- ever since then
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.
- Is punctuality important in your culture?
- Why are some people always late?
- How should employers deal with workers who are often late?
- Has technology made it easier to be on time?
- Is it ever acceptable to be late?
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.