Describe an occasion when you had to wait a long time for someone | Speaking for IELTS PDF Download

You should say:

• who or what you waited for
• where you waited
• why you waited (or, had to wait)
• and explain how you felt while you were waiting

Sample Answer:

• I would like to confess that waiting for somebody for a long time is something I am not fond of, especially if the person has not arrived at the agreed time. Talking about this, I am reminded of a time when I had to wait for a friend of mine, Vaishali, at a nearby park. She showed up at least an hour late than she was supposed to.
• This incident took place almost a year back when Vaishali invited me to visit her hometown during the vacation. I had convinced my parents of this trip. Moreover, I needed a getaway to rejuvenate myself and experience the enchantments of a suburban area. Also, Vaishali had promised that she would pick me up from the park. I left and reached there within 20 minutes, and I thought she would be there any minute. That was the time when the horrible waiting period commenced, and I had to wait for an entire hour till she finally appeared.
• If I had any idea that Vaishali was to arrive this late, I would have not reached early either. Moreover, when I tried calling her several times, she kept telling me that she was reaching in 2 minutes. At that time, I was quite worried and thought of returning plenty of times. However, I still kept my patience intact. The waiting time somehow seemed longer. I was a bag of mixed emotions. I was anxious, angry and worried – all at the same time. So, I would say my experience was not great.
• At last, when Vaishali arrived and apologized profusely, I felt calm and tried cheering up. And then, we spent some quality time together.

Follow-ups
Q1: Why do you think people sometimes make others wait for a long time?
Ans: People can sometimes make others wait due to various reasons, such as being caught up in work, facing unexpected delays, or simply not managing their time well. Sometimes, it could also be due to a lack of consideration for the other person's time.

Q2: How do you feel when you have to wait for a long time?
Ans: I usually feel frustrated and impatient when I have to wait for a long time, especially if I have other things to do. It can also make me feel like my time is not being valued. However, I try to stay calm and use the time to do something productive, like reading or listening to music.

Q3: Do you think it's important to be punctual? Why?
Ans: Yes, I believe punctuality is very important. It shows respect for other people's time and helps in building trust and reliability. Being punctual also helps in keeping things organized and ensures that the day runs smoothly.

Q4: How do you usually pass the time when you are waiting for someone?
Ans: When I have to wait for someone, I usually pass the time by checking my phone for messages, browsing social media, or listening to music. Sometimes, if I'm in a public place, I might watch people around me or engage in light reading to stay distracted.