IELTS Speaking

50. Describe a time when you missed an appointment.

You should say:

When and where it happened?

What the appointment was for?

What happened when you missed it?

And explain how you felt about the appointment?

Sample Answer 1

It was a sunny Thursday afternoon in a bustling city. The appointment was scheduled at 3:00 PM at a local coffee shop.

The appointment was a job interview for a marketing position at a well-known advertising agency. I had been eagerly preparing for the interview for weeks, researching the company, practicing interview questions, and assembling a portfolio of my best work.

As the clock approached 3:00 PM, I found myself stuck in unexpected traffic due to a road closure. Despite leaving my home with plenty of time to spare, the unexpected delay made me realize I might not make it to the interview on time.

Frantically, I tried to contact the agency to explain the situation and request a possible reschedule. However, due to the nature of the last-minute change, they were unable to reach anyone directly.

Feeling frustrated and anxious, I finally arrived at the coffee shop nearly 30 minutes late. I approached the interviewers, who had been waiting patiently, and apologized profusely for the delay. The interviewers were understanding but explained that they had a tight schedule and couldn't accommodate the delay.

I felt a mix of disappointment, regret, and embarrassment. I had been genuinely excited about the job opportunity and had put in a lot of effort to prepare for the interview. Missing the appointment due to circumstances beyond my control left me feeling disheartened and wishing I could turn back time.

This scenario illustrates how unforeseen circumstances can sometimes lead to missed appointments, causing disappointment and frustration for all parties involved.

Sample Answer 2

I missed an appointment about a year ago, which was for a meeting with a potential employer. The appointment was scheduled for 3 pm in the afternoon and it was at a coffee shop near my home.

Unfortunately, I had a really busy day and I completely forgot about the appointment. I only remembered it when it was already 5 pm in the evening. I felt really embarrassed and frustrated as I had been preparing for the meeting for days and I had even taken the day off from work. 

I immediately called the employer to apologize and explain the situation. Thankfully, they were understanding and they agreed to reschedule the meeting. I was relieved and grateful for their flexibility. I was determined to make it to the next meeting and I made sure to set a reminder on my phone so I wouldn’t forget again.