IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a Time You Were Late

Now, I'm going to give you a topic to talk about.

I'd like you to describe a time you were late for something.

You have one minute to prepare, and you can make notes.

Oh... okay. Hmm, I think I know which one.

Right, your time's up. Please begin now.

Well, I'd like to talk about my first job interview.

It was about two years ago, at a design company.

I was so excited, because it was my dream job!

The interview was at ten, so I caught the bus at nine.

But halfway there, the bus suddenly broke down.

Ugh, the driver told us to wait for another one!

Then it started pouring with rain. I was panicking.

So I decided to run the rest of the way.

It was nearly two kilometres! Can you imagine?

I arrived fifteen minutes late, completely soaked...

My hair was dripping, and my notes were ruined.

But guess what the receptionist told me?

The interviewer was stuck in traffic too!

Ha, so in the end, I was actually early.

I even had time to dry my hair in the bathroom.

Looking back, it taught me a valuable lesson.

Now I always leave at least an hour early.

And yes, I got the job, by the way!

That's a lucky ending! Do you usually arrive on time?

Oh, these days I'm almost annoyingly punctual.

And how do people in your country feel about lateness?

Well, it depends. For work, it's taken very seriously.

But with friends, ten minutes late is quite normal.

Thank you. That's the end of part two.