IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a time you were very busy

In the IELTS Speaking test, Part 2, you’ll get the chance to talk on a specific topic for up to two minutes. This part, often called the Cue Card section, is about how clearly and fluently you can express your thoughts. 

For the topic "Describe a time you were very busy", think about a particular period in your life when you had a lot on your plate. This could involve juggling work responsibilities, studying for exams, managing personal commitments, or balancing multiple projects. Reflect on how you felt during that time, the challenges you faced, how you managed your tasks, what you learned from the experience and, how it impacted your approach to managing time in the future.

On this page, you’ll find some sample answers and helpful vocabulary to guide you as you prepare your response. Plus, there are sample follow-up questions to help you feel ready for Part 3. 

Cue Card topic: Describe a time you were very busy

In the cue card, you'll be given the topic “Describe a time you were very busy”, along with four prompts to help structure your response. 

The first line of the cue card is crucial, so focus on it. Use the four prompts as a guide, where the first three focus on describing the situation and the last one encourages you to share your feelings or emotions about the experience.

Describe a time you were very busy.

• When did it happen?
• Where were you?
• What did you do?
• And explain why you were that busy.

Sample Answer 1: Organising a college event

One time I was extremely busy was during my final year of college. I had a full course load, was working part-time at a local cafe, and was involved in organising a high-budget college event with prominent chief guests.

As the semester progressed, I had multiple projects and exams coinciding with my preparation for the event. I would wake up early to study, go to classes, work my shifts, and then have a meeting with my team in the evenings to plan the event.

To keep everything organized, I used a planner to write down what I needed to do each day. I focused on one task at a time, whether it was studying for an exam or reaching out to sponsors for the event. I also learned that taking short breaks helped me avoid burnout and stay focused.

Even though it was quite stressful, I learned a lot about managing my time and working with others. The event turned out to be a success, and I graduated with good grades, feeling accomplished despite the busyness. It was a tough but rewarding time in my life.

Watch our YouTube video for helpful tips for Part 2! 

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Sample Answer 2: Starting a new job

When I started my new job, the first few weeks were extremely busy. I joined a marketing agency in my city, and it was an exciting yet challenging experience.

On my first day, I was introduced to my team. I had to learn new systems, meet with different departments, and complete various training modules. I also had to learn about the company’s projects, tools, and the clients we were working with. Not only that, I was also tasked with a few projects that had tight deadlines. 

My days were filled with back-to-back meetings and assignments, often requiring me to stay late. Although it was overwhelming at times, I managed to adapt quickly, build relationships with my colleagues, and ultimately thrive in my new role. This experience highlighted the importance of adaptability and teamwork in a fast-paced environment.

I was that busy because starting a new job requires a lot of adaptation and learning. I wanted to grasp everything quickly and prove myself. Then, there was also the pressure of meeting deadlines, which added to my workload. 

Looking back, even though it was stressful, I enjoyed that busy period. It taught me how to manage my time better and prioritise tasks. It also helped me build relationships with my colleagues, which made the work environment more enjoyable. Overall, that time shaped my work ethic and confidence in my new role.

Watch our YouTube video for expert tips to get a high score on your IELTS Speaking test Part 2!

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Sample answer 3: Balancing freelancing & college studies

One time I was very busy was during the second year of my college. I received a sudden freelance opportunity to work as a video presenter. Since this role required me to be in the studio, I couldn’t work from home.

My days were quite packed. I would start my mornings early, going to the studio to film videos. After spending a few hours there, I would rush to college for my afternoon classes. I made sure to stay focused during lectures, so I could absorb as much information as possible. This was crucial because I still had assignments and exams to prepare for.

Once I got home in the evenings, I would dive into my freelance work again. I had to edit videos and prepare scripts, which often took a lot of time. Balancing this with my college workload was challenging, but I managed by being very organised. I would prioritise my tasks and try to complete assignments during breaks at college.

The reason I was so busy was primarily due to the excitement of the freelance opportunity. Being a video presenter was something I had always wanted to try, and I didn’t want to miss out on the chance. Plus, I felt it was crucial to maintain my college studies and ensure I was still progressing academically.

Overall, this busy period taught me a lot about time management and balancing different responsibilities. It was a hectic time, but I enjoyed every moment of it!

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Follow-up questions

In IELTS Speaking Part 3, you'll dive deeper into the topics you touched on in Part 2. This section is all about sharing your thoughts, explaining your answers, and exploring ideas a bit more. Here are some sample follow-up questions you might encounter:

Are you often busy?

Yes, I often keep myself busy with work and personal commitments. I try to manage my time well, but some days feel quite packed.

Is it good to be busy all the time?

Being busy can be good because it keeps you productive, but too much busyness can lead to stress and burnout.

What are the pros and cons of being busy?

The pros include staying active and achieving goals. The cons are feeling overwhelmed and having less time for relaxation or hobbies.

What is the most difficult task you have ever completed while being busy?

The hardest task was finishing a big project at work while juggling family responsibilities. It took a lot of focus and late nights.

What kind of pressure do people experience at work?

People can feel pressure from tight deadlines, high expectations, or managing multiple tasks. This can lead to stress if not handled well.

What relaxation techniques do you usually use?

I like to use deep breathing, take short walks, play a sport or listen to music to relax. These help me clear my mind and reduce stress.

Watch our YouTube video for expert tips, top strategies, and sample questions and answers to get a high score on your IELTS Speaking test, Part 3 follow-ups!

5 practice Cue Card questions

Preparing for the Cue Card topic “Describe a time you were very busy” will also help you in getting ready for the following Cue Card topics, saving you time and effort:

• Describe a time you had to meet a deadline
• Describe a time when you felt overwhelmed
• Describe an experience of juggling multiple tasks
• Describe a busy day at work or school
• Describe a time you had to prioritise your tasks

Want more practice questions? Register now to get access to a free IELTS masterclass by an IELTS expert!

Also, check out Edvoy’s comprehensive guide to IELTS cue cards to get access to 60 cue card practice questions for free.