# Describe a time you were late for something: IELTS Speaking sample answers

Speaking Part 2 - Experiences

Describe a time you were late for something.

You should say:
- what you were late for
- when it happened
- why you were late
- and explain how you felt about being late

Source: Sample answers and examiner notes are written by Testmigo.

## Band 7 sample

I'd like to talk about a time when I was late for a job interview. It happened about three years ago, just after I finished university, and it was for a position at a marketing company that I really wanted to work for.

The interview was at ten o'clock in the morning, in the city centre. I live about forty minutes away by bus, so I planned to leave home at eight thirty, which I thought gave me plenty of time. But that morning everything went wrong. First, my alarm didn't go off, because my phone switched off during the night. I woke up at eight forty-five and I was in a total panic. I got dressed very quickly, forgot to eat breakfast and ran to the bus stop.

Then, about halfway there, the bus broke down. The driver told everybody to get off and wait for the next one, but it was very crowded and I couldn't get on. In the end I took a taxi, which was really expensive, and I arrived at ten twenty-five, almost half an hour late.

I felt terrible, to be honest. I was embarrassed and stressed, and I was sure that I had lost my chance. When I arrived, I apologised the receptionist and explained what happened. Luckily, the manager was very understanding, and she still interviewed me, although I was nervous and I don't think I performed my best.

I didn't get that job in the end, but I learned an important lesson. Now I always charge my phone before bed, I set two alarms and I leave much earlier than I need to for anything important.

**Examiner notes.** This Band 7 answer tells a clear, well-sequenced story and covers all four points, with good phrases like "in a total panic" and "very understanding". It speaks at length without difficulty, but the narrative relies heavily on simple sequencing ("First", "Then", "In the end"), and there are typical errors: a missing preposition in "I apologised the receptionist" (rather than "apologised to") and the wrong collocation "performed my best" (rather than "did my best"). In "explained what happened", the past perfect would be more precise ("what had happened"). Band 8 adds more vivid, idiomatic language, more accurate past perfect forms and a more reflective treatment of feelings.

The Band 8 sample is free with an account on the [topic page](https://testmigo.com/ielts/speaking/topics/describe-a-time-you-were-late).

## Common questions

### How long should an IELTS Speaking Part 2 answer be?

You get one minute to prepare and then speak for up to two minutes; the examiner stops you at two. Aim to keep talking for the full time, which is usually 220 to 300 words.

### Can I use these sample answers in my test?

No. Examiners are trained to spot memorised answers, and a learned script is marked down. Use the samples to see what each band does, then answer in your own words.