Scorify.uzThe cue card
Describe a time when you were very busy.
You should say:
- when it was
- what you were doing
- why you were so busy
- and explain how you managed it
Band 7 sample answer
I remember a very busy period last spring, when I was preparing for my final university exams and also working part-time at a bookshop. It lasted about a month, and it was one of the most tiring times of my life.
In the mornings I attended lectures, in the afternoon I worked, and in the evenings I studied until midnight. I also had a group presentation to finish, so I had almost no time for friends or hobbies.
To manage it, I made a strict weekly plan and divided each task into small steps. I also asked my manager to give me shorter shifts during the exam week, and my family helped by taking care of housework.
At one point, I almost gave up, because I felt that I could not do everything. A close friend noticed that I looked exhausted and invited me for a short walk. Just twenty minutes of fresh air and honest conversation helped me see that the situation was difficult but not impossible.
In the end, I passed all my exams with good marks. The experience taught me how important planning is, and now I never leave tasks until the last minute.
About 197 words, roughly 2 minutes of natural speech.
Key vocabulary
- hectic — very busy and full of activity
- overwhelmed — having too much to deal with
- prioritise — put the most important things first
- deadline — the last time to finish something
- juggle — manage several things at once
- exhausted — extremely tired
- time management — planning how to use time
Tips for this cue card
- Use past continuous for background (“I was preparing…”).
- Explain the method you used to cope.
- Finish with a lesson learned.
Part 3 follow-up questions
Are people busier today than in the past?
Idea: Many feel so, because of technology and long working hours.
How can people manage their time better?
Idea: By planning, setting priorities and avoiding distractions.
Is being busy always bad?
Idea: No, being active can be rewarding, but constant stress is harmful.
More discussion questions with full answers: IELTS Speaking Part 3 topics.
Study guides
How Is IELTS Scored in Speaking and Writing? Criteria, Weighting and Rounding
The short answer first, then the Speaking and Writing criteria tables, how Task 1 and Task 2 combine and how the overall band is rounded.
IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors Explained in Plain English
The IELTS Speaking test is marked on four criteria. Here is what each one means at bands 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, with short examples you can compare with your own answers.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: How Many Minutes to Speak (With a Practice Timer)
How long Part 2 lasts (1 minute to prepare, 1–2 minutes to speak), a practice timer, a four-step structure and a model answer.