Describe a period when you were busy?

Describe a period when you were busy? IELTS Cue Card

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You should say:

• When it was?
• What you do during the period?
• What made you busy?
• And explain how you felt about the experience?

Sample answer (8 bands)

Introduction:

Although I am a person who knows time management well and I am never too busy, there is one instance which I would like to narrate during which I was really occupied.

When it was?

It was two years ago when my older sister was getting married. The memory of this wedding has been etched in my heart. This wedding had to be planned in a short span of time as my brother-in-law was moving back to Canada in a month and he would not have been able to come back for another two years.

What you do during the period?

During this period, we had to plan and arrange for everything, ranging from selecting the venue, arranging for the catering and decorations, getting the invitations printed and distributed to all our loved ones, buying clothes and jewelry, etc.

What made you busy?

As I knew how to drive, I was constantly on the run to the market every few hours. Apart from this, my final exams were also knocking on the door, and I was really apprehensive about appearing for them. I was juggling between my studies and arranging for my sister’s big day and could not cope well. It was then that my friends intervened, and I got their unabated support.

And explain how you felt about the experience?

I’m so glad that I had such supportive friends because of whom I could fare well in my exams. My sister’s wedding also went well. We all had a great time. The memory of this event is still ringing in my mind.

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Some more writings you may like:

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Follow-ups:

Here are some examples of follow-up questions that the examiner might ask during your speaking part 3 related to the cue card “Describe a period when you were busy”.

1. Do you like the fast pace of modern life?

According to my perspective,I have mixed opinon for the fast pace of contemporary life. Many people find the fast pace of modern life to be a “double-edged sword.” It offers efficiency and excitement but can also lead to stress and burnout.

2. How do you feel when you are busy?

Being busy can make people feel like they’re “running on a treadmill” – always moving but never reaching a destination. It can be exhilarating for some and overwhelming for others

3. What’s the best way to deal with stress?

The best way to deal with stress is to “take the bull by the horns” – facing it directly. This can include techniques like mindfulness, exercise, and ensuring a healthy work-life balance.

4. What kind of lifestyle is suitable for people in modern society?

A lifestyle that blends productivity with ample downtime might be most suitable for people in modern society. Balancing the “rat race” with relaxation helps maintain mental and physical health.

5. What relaxation techniques do you usually use?

Well, common relaxation techniques I follow in my life to rejuvenate myself include deep breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, or simply “taking time out” to enjoy hobbies. These can help “recharge the batteries” in a hectic life.

6. What are some common factors that contribute to a busy lifestyle today?

Factors contributing to a busy lifestyle today include high job demands, the “always-on” connectivity afforded by technology, and social expectations to “keep up with the Jones’s”

7. Do you think being busy is a positive or negative aspect of modern life?

Being busy can be seen as a badge of honor or a burden. It can mean productivity and purpose, but also risk burnout and stress, striking a “delicate balance” in modern life.

8. How do you manage your time effectively when you have a lot of tasks to complete? 

Effective time management when facing many tasks involves “keeping all your ducks in a row.” Prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and using tools like calendars or apps can help manage a packed schedule.

9. In what ways do you think technology has impacted the pace of modern life and contributed to busier schedules?

Technology has “revved up” the pace of life, making multitasking more common and increasing expectations for immediate responses, which contributes to busier schedules and less downtime.

 10. Discuss any challenges you face in balancing work studies and personal life.

Balancing work, studies, and personal life is like “juggling” with multiple balls in the air. It requires setting clear priorities and boundaries to ensure none of the areas is neglected.

11. What are some strategies you use to cope with stress?

To cope with stress, strategies might include “stepping back” to evaluate what’s essential, practicing stress-reduction techniques, and seeking support from friends or professionals if needed. Moreover, listening to a calm music is also works like a food to soul and helps us to overcome the level of strain.

12. How do you prioritize your tasks and responsibilities when you have a lot of work to do?

Prioritizing tasks when overwhelmed involves identifying what’s “hot and what’s not,” focusing on urgent and important tasks first, and possibly delegating or postponing less critical duties.

 13. Is it essential to have leisure activities in your schedule?

Having leisure activities in the schedule is essential; it’s like “putting oxygen masks on first” in an airplane. It ensures mental and physical health, which supports productivity and creativity.

14. How do you think a busy lifestyle affects relationships with family and friends?