As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve observed many candidates struggle with this common topic. In this guide, I’ll provide you with expert tips and sample answers to help you excel in describing a busy schedule during your IELTS Speaking test.
Understanding the Topic
“Describe a time when you had a busy schedule” is a frequent topic in IELTS Speaking Part 2. It assesses your ability to narrate a personal experience, manage time effectively, and use appropriate vocabulary related to time management and daily activities.
Busy schedule illustration
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about your daily routine or time management. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you usually have a busy schedule?
- How do you manage your time when you’re busy?
- Do you prefer having a busy or relaxed schedule?
Let’s focus on question 2:
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I try to make a to-do list every day. It helps me keep track of my tasks and prioritize the important ones. I also use my phone calendar to set reminders for appointments and deadlines.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“To manage my time effectively when I’m busy, I employ several strategies. Firstly, I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance using the Eisenhower Matrix. Additionally, I utilize time-blocking techniques to allocate specific periods for different activities, which significantly enhances my productivity. I also make use of digital tools like Trello and Google Calendar to keep track of deadlines and appointments, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a time when you had a busy schedule
You should say:
- When it was
- What you had to do
- Why you were so busy
- And explain how you felt about having such a busy schedule
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a particularly busy week I had last month during my final exams. I had to study for five different subjects, each with its own exam scheduled over five consecutive days. I was extremely busy because I needed to revise all the course material, complete practice papers, and attend last-minute study groups with my classmates.
To manage this hectic schedule, I created a study timetable that allocated specific hours for each subject. I woke up early each day and studied late into the night, taking short breaks in between to maintain my focus. I also had to juggle my part-time job commitments, working evening shifts at a local café.
Honestly, I felt quite overwhelmed at times. The pressure to perform well in all subjects while maintaining my work responsibilities was intense. However, I also felt a sense of accomplishment as I ticked off tasks from my to-do list. It was challenging, but it taught me valuable lessons about time management and perseverance.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to recount a particularly hectic period I experienced last semester during my university’s international conference week. As a member of the organizing committee, I found myself immersed in a whirlwind of responsibilities that tested my time management skills to their limits.
The week commenced with finalizing the conference schedule, which involved coordinating with speakers from various time zones and ensuring all technical requirements were met. Simultaneously, I was tasked with overseeing the registration process for over 500 attendees, troubleshooting any issues that arose. Midweek, I had to moderate several panel discussions, which required extensive preparation to familiarize myself with the diverse topics being presented.
The intensity of my schedule was further amplified by my academic commitments. I had to juggle my organizational duties with attending lectures and completing assignments, often working late into the night to meet deadlines. Moreover, as an international student representative, I was responsible for guiding visiting scholars and ensuring their comfortable stay, which added another layer of complexity to my already packed schedule.
Reflecting on this experience, I must admit that I felt both exhilarated and overwhelmed. The constant flux of tasks and the need to adapt quickly to unforeseen challenges was mentally and physically taxing. However, the sense of accomplishment that came with successfully managing such a multifaceted event was incredibly rewarding. This experience honed my multitasking abilities and reinforced the importance of prioritization and efficient time allocation.
In retrospect, while the week was undoubtedly stressful, it was also immensely gratifying. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to discover capabilities I didn’t know I possessed. The skills I developed during this busy period have proven invaluable in my subsequent academic and professional endeavors.”
Follow-up questions:
- How did you prioritize your tasks during this busy period?
- Did you learn any new time management techniques from this experience?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“To prioritize my tasks effectively, I employed the Eisenhower Matrix, categorizing tasks based on their urgency and importance. This allowed me to focus on high-priority items first, such as coordinating with international speakers and managing the registration process. I also utilized the Pareto Principle, identifying the 20% of tasks that would yield 80% of the results, which helped me allocate my time more efficiently. Additionally, I implemented time-blocking techniques, dedicating specific time slots to different responsibilities, which significantly enhanced my productivity and ensured I maintained a balance between my conference duties and academic commitments.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to busy schedules and time management. Here are some potential questions:
- Do you think people are generally busier now than in the past? Why?
- What are some effective ways to manage a busy schedule?
- How can technology help or hinder time management?
Let’s focus on question 1:
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“Yes, I believe people are busier now than in the past. This is mainly due to technological advancements that have blurred the lines between work and personal life. Many people are expected to be available 24/7 through their smartphones and emails. Also, the fast-paced nature of modern society creates more demands on our time.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that people in contemporary society are indeed busier than their counterparts in the past, and this phenomenon can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the advent of digital technology has led to an ‘always-on’ culture, where the boundaries between professional and personal life have become increasingly blurred. The ubiquity of smartphones and constant connectivity means that many individuals feel compelled to respond to work-related matters outside of traditional office hours, effectively extending the workday.
Moreover, the globalization of business has created a 24/7 economy, where transactions and communications occur across time zones, necessitating irregular work schedules for many professionals. This global interconnectedness has also intensified competition in various sectors, pushing individuals to work longer hours to maintain their competitive edge.
Another crucial factor is the proliferation of choices and opportunities available to modern individuals. While this can be seen as a positive development, it also leads to a phenomenon known as ‘decision fatigue’, where people spend significant time and mental energy making choices about various aspects of their lives, from career paths to consumer products.
Lastly, there’s a growing societal pressure to engage in continuous self-improvement and productivity, fueled by social media and the ‘hustle culture’. This often results in people taking on multiple roles and responsibilities, from career advancement to personal development activities, further congesting their schedules.
While these factors contribute to a busier lifestyle, it’s important to note that ‘busyness’ is often subjective and can vary greatly between individuals and cultures. The key lies in developing effective time management strategies and maintaining a healthy work-life balance in the face of these modern challenges.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To prioritize (verb) /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/ – to arrange items or tasks in order of importance
Example: “I need to prioritize my assignments based on their due dates.”Hectic (adjective) /ˈhektɪk/ – very busy and full of activity
Example: “The week before the conference was extremely hectic.”To juggle (verb) /ˈdʒʌɡl/ – to manage several different activities or responsibilities at the same time
Example: “I had to juggle my work commitments with my family responsibilities.”Overwhelmed (adjective) /ˌəʊvəˈwelmd/ – feeling unable to cope due to too many tasks or emotions
Example: “I felt overwhelmed by the amount of work I had to complete in such a short time.”Time-blocking (noun) /taɪm ˈblɒkɪŋ/ – a time management method that divides your day into blocks of time
Example: “I use time-blocking to ensure I allocate sufficient time for each task.”Multitasking (noun) /ˌmʌltiˈtɑːskɪŋ/ – the ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously
Example: “Effective multitasking is crucial when managing a busy schedule.”
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in this topic, focus on:
- Using a wide range of vocabulary related to time management and daily activities.
- Providing specific examples and details to support your statements.
- Demonstrating your ability to analyze the causes and effects of busy schedules.
- Showing awareness of different time management techniques and their effectiveness.
- Practicing your responses to ensure fluency and coherence in your speech.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and natural use of advanced vocabulary will significantly boost your score.
For more IELTS Speaking practice, check out these related topics:
- Describe a time when you forgot something important
- Describe a place where you like to go on weekends
- Describe an app that you find useful in your daily life
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the “Describe a time when you had a busy schedule” topic in your IELTS Speaking test with confidence.