In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates are assessed on their fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and accuracy. One common topic in Part 2 is “Describe A Time When You Were Very Busy With Work Or Study.” This topic allows examiners to evaluate your ability to describe past events fully and cohesively while using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. In this guide, we will explore how to approach this topic and provide model answers to help you prepare.
I. Introduction
The IELTS Speaking test is divided into three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). For the Speaking test, examiners will look for:
- Fluency and Coherence: Ability to speak smoothly and logically.
- Lexical Resource: Range of vocabulary used.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Use of complex sentences accurately.
- Pronunciation: Clarity of speech.
One frequently asked question in Part 2 is related to describing a time when you were very busy with work or study. This type of question is an excellent opportunity to showcase your ability to narrate personal experiences eloquently and descriptively.
II. Sample Questions and Model Answers
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner might ask you general questions about yourself, your work, or studies.
Example Question:
- “Do you often find yourself busy with work or study?”
Model Answer:
“Yes, I often find myself quite busy with both work and study. As a final-year university student, I have numerous assignments and projects to complete. Additionally, I work part-time at a local café, which means I have to juggle my time between my academic responsibilities and my job. However, I believe being busy keeps me productive and helps me develop effective time management skills.”
2. Part 2: Long Turn
For Part 2, you will receive a cue card and have one minute to prepare your answer. You should speak for up to two minutes.
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you were very busy with work or study.
- When it was
- Why you were so busy
- How you managed your time
- And explain how you felt about being so busy
Model Answer:
“One of the busiest times I’ve experienced was during my final semester at university, around six months ago. I had multiple deadlines for projects and assignments, and on top of that, I was also preparing for my final exams. The primary reason for this hectic period was that all my major assignments were due within the same timeframe, and I had to put in extra hours to ensure quality work.
To manage my time better, I created a detailed schedule outlining all the tasks I needed to complete each day. I prioritized the most critical assignments and broke them down into smaller, manageable tasks. Additionally, I set specific deadlines for each segment of work to keep myself on track.
Despite the stress, I felt a sense of accomplishment once I finished everything on time. Being well-organized and having a clear plan helped me cope with the workload. This experience taught me valuable lessons in time management and prioritization, which I believe will benefit me in my future career.”
busy-schedule|Busy Schedule|A cluttered desk with a laptop, books, coffee mugs, and a calendar filled with appointments and deadlines, representing a busy schedule.
Possible Follow-up Questions:
- How did you ensure you didn’t get too stressed during this busy period?
- What methods did you use to stay organized?
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic.
Example Questions and Model Answers:
Examiner Question:
- “Do you think being busy is always a positive thing?”
Model Answer:
“Being busy can have both positive and negative aspects. On the one hand, it can be beneficial as it keeps individuals engaged and productive. It can also lead to the development of time management and problem-solving skills. On the other hand, being excessively busy can lead to stress and burnout, especially if one doesn’t have effective coping mechanisms. Therefore, it’s important to find a balance and ensure that busyness does not compromise one’s health and well-being.”
Examiner Question:
- “In your opinion, how can people strike a balance between work and leisure?”
Model Answer:
“Striking a balance between work and leisure requires conscious effort and self-discipline. One effective strategy is to create a well-structured schedule that allocates specific times for work, study, and relaxation. It is equally essential to have regular breaks during work periods to prevent fatigue. Engaging in hobbies and physical activities can also help create this balance, as they provide a necessary outlet for stress relief and mental rejuvenation.”
III. Vocabulary and Key Phrases
Here are some essential vocabulary and phrases that can help you achieve a higher band score:
- Time management: The practice of using your time effectively and productively.
- Prioritize (v): To arrange or decide the order of importance or urgency.
- Manageable (adj): Able to be controlled or handled without difficulty.
- Break tasks down: To divide larger tasks into smaller, more manageable parts.
- Hectic (adj): Full of intense activity, haste, or confusion.
- Stress relief: Methods or activities that reduce stress levels.
- Well-being: The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
- Burnout: Physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress.
Example Usage:
“To effectively manage my workload, I prioritized the most urgent tasks and broke them down into more manageable parts. This method significantly reduced my stress levels and improved my time management skills.”
IV. Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, consider the following tips:
- Practice regularly: Consistent practice will improve your fluency and confidence.
- Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a wide range of words and expressions related to common IELTS topics.
- Stay organized: Structure your answers logically with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
- Be coherent: Ensure your ideas are logically connected and easy to follow.
- Stay calm: Take a deep breath and speak naturally. Nervousness can affect your performance.
By incorporating these strategies and using the model answers provided, you can enhance your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and effectively, thereby increasing your chances of achieving a higher band score.