IELTS Academic · Speaking

Speaking test: Describe a time you were late for something important

17 questions · 14 minutes · Speaking prompt

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On the computer-delivered layout, timed like test day, and marked by our AI examiner on all four criteria.

Part 1: Part 1

Questions 1–12

The examiner asks you about yourself and familiar topics.

  1. 1 Do you live alone or with other people?
  2. 2 What do you like most about your home?
  3. 3 Do you spend a lot of time in your home?
  4. 4 Is there anything you would like to change about your home?
  5. 5 How many pairs of shoes do you have?
  6. 6 What kind of shoes do you wear most?
  7. 7 Do you prefer comfortable shoes or fashionable shoes?
  8. 8 Is there anything you would like to change about the shoes you buy?
  9. 9 Do you often carry a bag?
  10. 10 What kind of bag do you use?
  11. 11 What do you usually keep in your bag?
  12. 12 Is there anything you would like to change about your bag?

Part 2: Part 2

Question 13

You have one minute to prepare, then talk for one to two minutes.

Describe a time you were late for something important.

You should say:

  • what you were late for
  • why you were late
  • what happened as a result

and explain how you felt about it.

  1. 13 Describe a time you were late for something important.

Part 3: Part 3

Questions 14–17

The examiner asks more general questions linked to Part 2.

  1. 14 Is being on time important in your culture?
  2. 15 Why are some people always late?
  3. 16 Does technology help us manage time better?
  4. 17 Should workers have flexible hours?

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