In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners evaluate a candidate’s fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. One common topic that candidates often face is describing an experience where they had to wait for something. This topic assesses your ability to narrate past events, use descriptive language, and demonstrate time management in your response. The Speaking test consists of three parts, each with its unique set of questions and expectations from the examiner.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions in Part 1
- Do you often have to wait for public transport?
- How do you feel when you have to wait for something?
- Do you think waiting is a waste of time?
Example Question & Suggested Answer
Q: How do you feel when you have to wait for something?
A: “Waiting can be quite frustrating for me, especially if I am in a hurry. However, I try to make the best use of the time by either reading a book or listening to a podcast. I believe that finding ways to use waiting time productively can make the experience less irritating.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe A Time When You Had To Wait For Something.
You should say:
- What you were waiting for
- How long you had to wait
- Why you had to wait
- And explain how you felt about the waiting
Example Answer
“I vividly remember a time when I had to wait for my university admission results. I had applied to several universities and was eagerly waiting to know the outcome. The waiting period lasted for about three weeks, which felt like an eternity. The reason for the long wait was due to the high number of applications that had to be processed. During this period, I felt a mixture of nervousness and excitement. I kept checking my email and the university’s website obsessively. Eventually, I received an acceptance letter from my first-choice university, and all the anxiety turned into jubilation. This experience taught me patience and the importance of staying optimistic even when things are beyond my control.”
Follow-up Questions
Why is waiting considered difficult by many people?
Answer: “Many people find waiting difficult because it creates a sense of uncertainty and helplessness. Additionally, in today’s fast-paced world, we are used to instant gratification, making the act of waiting even more intolerable.”How can people make waiting more bearable?
Answer: “People can make waiting more bearable by engaging in productive activities like reading, listening to music, or even practicing mindfulness. Such activities help to distract the mind and reduce anxiety.”
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
Examiner Questions & Suggested Answers
Q: In what kinds of situations do people have to wait in your country?
A: “People in my country often have to wait in traffic jams, for public transport, and in queues at various service centers. Waiting is also common at hospitals and banks. These waits can sometimes be quite long due to high demand and inefficient systems.”
Q: Do people in your country value patience?
A: “In general, patience is considered a valuable virtue in my country, and it is often taught from a young age. However, with the increasing pace of life, many people find it difficult to remain patient, especially in everyday situations like waiting in line or dealing with delays.”
Q: How has technology changed the way we experience waiting?
A: “Technology has had a profound impact on how we experience waiting. For instance, mobile apps now allow us to book appointments and track waiting times, thereby reducing uncertainty. Social media and entertainment apps provide distractions that can make waiting periods seem shorter and less boring.”
Key Vocabulary & Phrases to Achieve a High Score
Frustrating (adjective) – causing annoyance or upset
- “Waiting can be quite frustrating for me…”
Irritating (adjective) – causing annoyance or irritation
- “…make the experience less irritating.”
Results (noun) – the outcome of an action or event
- “…waiting for my university admission results.”
Eternity (noun) – an infinite or very long time
- “The waiting period lasted for about three weeks, which felt like an eternity.”
Mixture (noun) – a combination of different emotions or things
- “I felt a mixture of nervousness and excitement.”
Obsessively (adverb) – with excessive preoccupation or focus
- “I kept checking my email and the university’s website obsessively.”
Jubilation (noun) – great joy or celebration
- “…all the anxiety turned into jubilation.”
Optimistic (adjective) – hopeful and confident about the future
- “…the importance of staying optimistic…”
Uncertainty (noun) – the state of being uncertain or not sure
- “…it creates a sense of uncertainty and helplessness.”
Virtue (noun) – a behavior showing high moral standards
- “Patience is considered a valuable virtue in my country…”
Queues (noun) – lines of people or vehicles waiting for something
- “…and in queues at various service centers.”
Distractions (noun) – things that divert attention from the main issue
- “…provide distractions that can make waiting periods seem shorter…”
Advice for Preparation
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice helps in enhancing fluency and confidence. Try recording yourself to evaluate your performance.
- Learn Vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary related to common themes and practice using them in sentences.
- Maintain Coherence: Ensure your responses are well-structured, logical, and coherent.
- Use Varied Sentence Structures: Incorporate a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences.
- Seek Feedback: Get feedback from peers, teachers, or use online forums to improve your speaking skills.
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Maintaining a calm demeanor and using productive activities can make waiting more bearable. Practice these tips to excel in your IELTS Speaking test and secure a high band score!
