The topic of describing an occasion when you did something in a hurry is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate past events, express emotions, and use appropriate vocabulary and grammar structures. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for future tests.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about being in a hurry or doing things quickly. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Question: Do you often do things in a hurry?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I sometimes find myself doing things in a hurry, especially when I’m running late for work or have a lot of tasks to complete. It can be quite stressful, but I try to manage my time better to avoid these situations.

Band 8-9 Answer:
While I generally prefer to approach tasks in a calm and organized manner, there are inevitably occasions when I find myself pressed for time. These situations often arise due to unforeseen circumstances or when I’m juggling multiple responsibilities. However, I’ve learned to prioritize tasks effectively and maintain my composure even when working under pressure.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe An Occasion When You Did Something In A Hurry.
You should say:

• What you did
• Why you were in a hurry
• Where it happened
• And explain how you felt about doing it in a hurry

Band 6-7 Sample Answer:

I remember a time when I had to pack for a trip in a hurry. It happened last summer when I was at home. I suddenly got a call from my friend inviting me on a weekend getaway, but I only had an hour to get ready and meet them.

I quickly grabbed a backpack and started throwing in clothes, toiletries, and other essentials. I was rushing because I didn’t want to miss this opportunity to travel with my friends, and I knew they were waiting for me.

While packing, I felt quite stressed and worried that I might forget something important. I was also excited about the trip, which made me pack even faster. In the end, I managed to get everything ready just in time, but I was out of breath when I met my friends.

Looking back, I wish I had more time to prepare, but I’m glad I made it. It taught me the importance of being more organized in the future.

Band 8-9 Sample Answer:

I’d like to recount an incident that occurred last summer when I found myself in a race against time to pack for an impromptu weekend getaway. I was engrossed in my work at home when I received an unexpected call from a close friend, extending a last-minute invitation to join a group trip. The catch was that I had merely an hour to prepare and rendezvous with them at the designated meeting point.

Without a moment’s hesitation, I sprang into action, grabbing my trusty backpack and methodically selecting essential items. The urgency of the situation stemmed from my unwillingness to miss out on this rare opportunity for adventure and bonding with friends. Moreover, I was acutely aware that my tardiness would inconvenience the entire group.

As I frantically packed, I experienced a whirlwind of emotions. There was an undeniable surge of adrenaline propelling me forward, coupled with a hint of anxiety about potentially overlooking crucial items. Simultaneously, an undercurrent of excitement about the impending trip added to the frenetic energy of the moment.

In retrospect, while I successfully met the deadline and joined my friends for what turned out to be a memorable weekend, the experience was a valuable lesson in preparedness. It underscored the importance of maintaining an organized living space and perhaps keeping a pre-packed travel kit for such spontaneous occasions. Despite the initial stress, I now view this episode as a testament to my ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances and make the most of unexpected opportunities.

Follow-up questions:

1. Do you think it’s good to do things in a hurry?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I don’t think it’s usually good to do things in a hurry. When we rush, we’re more likely to make mistakes or forget important things. It can also be stressful. However, sometimes we have no choice, especially in emergencies.

Band 8-9 Answer:
While there are certainly situations that demand swift action, I generally believe that haste makes waste. Rushing through tasks often leads to subpar results and increased stress levels. That being said, the ability to work efficiently under pressure is a valuable skill in our fast-paced world. The key lies in striking a balance between promptness and thoroughness, ensuring that quality isn’t sacrificed for the sake of speed.

2. What kind of people usually do things in a hurry?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think people who are very busy or have poor time management skills often do things in a hurry. This might include students with lots of assignments, working professionals with tight deadlines, or parents juggling many responsibilities.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Various factors can contribute to a person’s tendency to rush. Often, it’s individuals who are juggling multiple responsibilities or those in high-pressure professions that find themselves frequently pressed for time. This could include ambitious professionals striving to climb the corporate ladder, entrepreneurs managing fledgling businesses, or students grappling with rigorous academic schedules. Additionally, people with Type A personalities or those prone to procrastination may find themselves more frequently in time-crunched situations. It’s worth noting, however, that the propensity to hurry isn’t necessarily an inherent trait but can be a learned behavior influenced by societal pressures and personal circumstances.

Describe a time when you were in a train

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Question: Do you think modern life is making people do things in a hurry more often?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I believe modern life is making people do things in a hurry more often. With technology and social media, everything seems to move faster. People have more responsibilities and distractions, which can lead to rushing to complete tasks or meet deadlines.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Undoubtedly, the frenetic pace of modern life has intensified the pressure to accomplish tasks with increasing rapidity. The advent of digital technology, while ostensibly designed to streamline our lives, has paradoxically created an environment of constant connectivity and immediate gratification. This has led to a culture of multitasking and the expectation of instant responses, often at the expense of thoughtful consideration and quality output.

Moreover, the globalized nature of many industries has blurred traditional work-life boundaries, necessitating rapid responses across time zones. Social media and the 24-hour news cycle have also contributed to a sense of urgency in staying informed and connected. While this acceleration can drive innovation and productivity, it also raises concerns about burnout, decreased attention spans, and the potential erosion of deep thinking and creativity.

It’s crucial to recognize this trend and actively cultivate practices that allow for periods of reflection and deliberation, ensuring that the pursuit of efficiency doesn’t come at the cost of effectiveness and well-being.

Question: What are some negative effects of always being in a hurry?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Always being in a hurry can have several negative effects. It can cause stress and anxiety, which might lead to health problems. People who rush a lot might make more mistakes in their work or forget important things. It can also affect relationships because you might not have enough time for friends and family.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The repercussions of perpetually operating in a state of hurry are multifaceted and can be quite detrimental. On a physiological level, chronic rushing can trigger a constant state of fight-or-flight response, leading to elevated stress hormones, which, over time, can contribute to a host of health issues including cardiovascular problems, weakened immune function, and digestive disorders.

Cognitively, always being in a hurry can significantly impair our decision-making abilities. When we’re rushed, we tend to rely on mental shortcuts or heuristics, which, while efficient, may lead to oversimplification of complex issues and potential errors in judgment. This can be particularly problematic in professional settings where attention to detail is crucial.

Moreover, the quality of our interpersonal relationships often suffers when we’re constantly pressed for time. We may find ourselves neglecting meaningful connections, engaging in superficial interactions, or failing to be fully present in conversations. This can lead to feelings of isolation and a diminished sense of community.

Lastly, there’s a profound impact on our overall quality of life. The constant sense of urgency can rob us of the ability to appreciate life’s small pleasures, engage in mindfulness, or pursue personal growth and creative endeavors. It’s essential to recognize the value of downtime and intentionally create spaces in our lives for relaxation and reflection.

Person rushing through a busy city street

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Race against time (idiom) – /reɪs əˈɡenst taɪm/ – A situation where you’re trying to do or complete something before a deadline.
   Example: Finishing the project was a race against time as the client needed it the next day.

2. Engrossed (adjective) – /ɪnˈɡrəʊst/ – Having all your attention or interest absorbed by someone or something.
   Example: She was so engrossed in her book that she didn’t hear the doorbell.

3. Spring into action (phrasal verb) – /sprɪŋ ˈɪntə ˈækʃən/ – To suddenly start doing something with energy.
   Example: As soon as they heard the alarm, the firefighters sprang into action.

4. Methodically (adverb) – /məˈθɒdɪkli/ – Done in a careful and systematic way.
   Example: He methodically went through each step of the experiment to ensure accuracy.

5. Whirlwind (noun) – /ˈwɜːlwɪnd/ – A very energetic or tumultuous person or process.
   Example: The past week has been a whirlwind of activities and emotions.

6. Frenetic (adjective) – /frəˈnetɪk/ – Fast and energetic in a rather wild and uncontrolled way.
   Example: The stock market saw frenetic trading following the announcement.

7. Underscore (verb) – /ˌʌndəˈskɔː/ – To emphasize or draw attention to.
   Example: This incident underscores the need for better safety measures.

8. Adapt to unforeseen circumstances (phrase) – To adjust one’s behavior or plans in response to unexpected events.
   Example: A good leader must be able to adapt to unforeseen circumstances quickly.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing occasions when you did something in a hurry:

1. Use a variety of vocabulary and avoid repetition. Incorporate idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary where appropriate.

2. Develop your answers fully, providing specific details and examples to support your points.

3. Use a range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences, to demonstrate your language proficiency.

4. Practice speaking about various topics related to time management, stress, and urgent situations to build your confidence and fluency.

5. Work on your pronunciation and intonation to ensure clear communication.

6. When answering follow-up questions, try to provide thoughtful and nuanced responses that demonstrate critical thinking skills.

7. Stay calm and composed during the test, even if you’re discussing hurried situations. Your ability to articulate clearly under pressure will be noted positively.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Regular practice and exposure to a wide range of topics will help you perform confidently on test day.