The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences, including times when candidates were particularly busy. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss past events, time management, and work/study habits. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to describe a time when you were very busy in the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about your work or study habits. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Q: Are you usually busy?
A: Yes, I’d say I’m generally quite busy. Between my studies, part-time job, and various extracurricular activities, I often find myself juggling multiple responsibilities. However, I try to maintain a good work-life balance by prioritizing tasks and managing my time effectively.
Part 2: Long Turn
For Part 2, you might receive a cue card like this:
Describe a time when you were very busy with work or study.
You should say:
- What you were busy with
- When this happened
- Why you were so busy
- And explain how you felt about being busy
Here are sample answers for different band scores:
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I remember a particularly busy time last semester when I had multiple assignments due and exams to prepare for. It was about two months ago, during the final weeks of the term. I was swamped with coursework because several deadlines coincided, and I also had to study for three major exams.
To manage everything, I created a study schedule and prioritized my tasks. I spent long hours in the library, often staying until closing time. Despite the stress, I felt a sense of accomplishment as I completed each task.
Being so busy was challenging, but it taught me valuable time management skills. I felt overwhelmed at times, but also motivated to succeed. Looking back, I’m proud of how I handled the pressure and completed everything on time.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I vividly recall an exceptionally hectic period during my final year of university, approximately six months ago. I was inundated with a plethora of responsibilities, including my thesis submission, preparation for final exams, and coordination of a major student conference.
The culmination of these tasks was particularly challenging as they all converged within a three-week window. The intensity of this period was exacerbated by my role as the lead organizer for our department’s annual conference, which required meticulous planning and execution.
To navigate this demanding phase, I implemented a rigorous time management strategy. I compartmentalized my days, allocating specific hours to each task, and utilized productivity techniques like the Pomodoro method to maintain focus. I also delegated some conference responsibilities to my team members, which was a valuable lesson in leadership and trust.
While the experience was undoubtedly stressful, it was also incredibly rewarding. I felt a profound sense of accomplishment upon successfully managing all my commitments. This period honed my multitasking abilities and resilience under pressure, skills that have proven invaluable in my professional life. Reflecting on this time, I’m grateful for the growth it facilitated and the confidence it instilled in my capabilities to handle high-pressure situations.”
Busy student studying in library
Follow-up questions:
- How do you usually manage your time when you’re very busy?
- Do you think being busy is always a good thing?
Sample answers:
Band 6-7:
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“When I’m very busy, I usually make a to-do list and try to prioritize the most important tasks. I also try to avoid distractions like social media to focus better on my work.”
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“I don’t think being busy is always good. While it can make you productive, it can also lead to stress and burnout if you don’t take breaks or have time for yourself.”
Band 8-9:
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“To manage my time effectively during busy periods, I employ a combination of strategies. Firstly, I utilize digital tools like Trello or Asana to organize and prioritize tasks. I also implement the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks based on their urgency and importance. Additionally, I practice time-blocking, allocating specific time slots for different activities to ensure a balanced approach to my responsibilities.”
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“While being busy can certainly foster productivity and a sense of purpose, I believe it’s crucial to strike a balance. Constant busyness without adequate rest can lead to diminished creativity, reduced overall efficiency, and potential health issues. It’s essential to incorporate periods of downtime and reflection to maintain long-term productivity and well-being.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some examples with suggested answers:
Q: Do you think people are busier now than in the past?
Band 6-7: “Yes, I think people are generally busier now. With technology, we’re always connected to work and have more distractions. Also, many jobs require longer hours and there’s more pressure to be productive all the time.”
Band 8-9: “I believe there’s a pervasive perception that people are busier now than in the past, which is largely attributable to several factors. The advent of digital technology has blurred the boundaries between work and personal life, creating an always-on culture. Moreover, the gig economy and increased global competition have led many to juggle multiple roles or constantly upskill to remain relevant. However, it’s worth noting that this increased ‘busyness’ doesn’t necessarily equate to increased productivity. In fact, the quality of work and overall well-being might be compromised in this relentless pursuit of being busy.”
Q: How can being too busy affect someone’s health?
Band 6-7: “Being too busy can be bad for health. It can cause stress and make people lose sleep. They might also skip meals or exercise, which isn’t good. Over time, this could lead to serious health problems.”
Band 8-9: “Excessive busyness can have profound implications on an individual’s physical and mental well-being. Chronically busy people often experience elevated stress levels, which can lead to a cascade of health issues. This includes compromised immune function, increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, and hormonal imbalances. Moreover, the neglect of self-care routines such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep can exacerbate these health risks. On the psychological front, constant busyness can result in burnout, anxiety disorders, and depression. It’s crucial to recognize that sustained productivity hinges on maintaining a healthy work-life equilibrium.”
Stressed businessman multitasking
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated terms and phrases:
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Inundated (verb) /ˈɪnəndeɪtɪd/ – overwhelmed with things to deal with
Example: “I was inundated with assignments last semester.” -
Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – make a problem worse
Example: “The tight deadline exacerbated my stress levels.” -
Plethora (noun) /ˈpleθərə/ – a large or excessive amount
Example: “I had a plethora of tasks to complete in a short time.” -
Compartmentalize (verb) /kəmˌpɑːtˌmentəlaɪz/ – divide into sections or categories
Example: “I learned to compartmentalize my time to manage multiple projects.” -
Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – the ability to recover quickly from difficulties
Example: “This experience helped build my resilience under pressure.” -
Culmination (noun) /ˌkʌlmɪˈneɪʃn/ – the highest or climactic point
Example: “The conference was the culmination of months of planning.”
Using these terms appropriately can demonstrate a rich vocabulary and help you achieve a higher band score in your IELTS Speaking test.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing busy periods:
- Practice narrating past experiences fluently and coherently.
- Develop a range of sophisticated vocabulary related to time management and work/study habits.
- Prepare examples from different aspects of life (work, study, personal projects) to demonstrate versatility.
- Practice expressing opinions on abstract topics related to busyness and time management.
- Work on your pronunciation and intonation to ensure clarity in your responses.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural conversation flow. Regular practice with a variety of topics will help you feel more confident and perform better on test day.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the suggested vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-prepared to describe a time when you were very busy with work or study in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!
