Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
When you asked for an extension of time - Cue Card # 804
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe an event when you asked for an extension of time to complete something.
You should say:
- when it was
- what task you were doing
- whom you requested the extension of time
and explain how long you had been granted as an extension of time.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
Introduction:
I would like to thank you first for this intriguing topic and the opportunity here to let me talk about an event when I had to ask for extra time to complete a task. Well, it reminds me of a time when I needed two more weeks than what I was initially granted to complete an assignment at my university.
When it was:
It was at least two years and a couple of months ago when I was a fourth-year university student. One of our teachers gave me an assignment and asked if I could complete it in just two weeks. Without understanding the depth of the task, I agreed. However, after a week, when I had barely started working on the project, I realised that accepting just two weeks for this colossal task and starting it late was a big mistake! That's when I asked for an extension of time.
What task it was:
The teacher - Mr Albert Robinson - distributed some assignments to the students in his class. He was taking a "Public Speaking & Presentation" course, and selected an assignment on "how to conduct meaningful interviews" for me. It was a difficult task as it involved planning, contacting people, preparing the questionnaires, conducting interviews, recording and then extracting the information. Moreover, I had to contact and convince people who had credible backgrounds and not just random people. Convincing them to agree to be interviewed was the greatest challenge of all for a student like me.
Whom you requested the extension of time:
Naturally, I had to talk to Mr Albert Robinson, our class teacher - who gave me the assignment - and requested extra time. I told him the whole truth and though he was a bit irritated that I had already wasted a few days of my valuable time, he finally agreed to give me some extra time.
And explain how long you had been granted as an extension of time:
I requested for additional two weeks and my teacher - Mr Albert Robinson - after thinking for a while agreed to allow me a two-week extension. But this time, he warned me about not wasting any time at all. Well, in the end, I was able to complete the task before the deadline, and I am proud that the assignment brought me a straight A+.
Sample Answer 2:
Once, I was trying to build a fence around the garden in our backyard about 5 years ago when I was a high school student. At that time, I needed an extension of time. Let me explain to you why I really needed the extension.
Now, I have to tell you that my family members – members of my extended family that is – didn’t really want me to embark on this difficult task because they were fairly certain that I wouldn’t be able to do it properly and on time. But, I still insisted on doing it because I didn’t want my family to spend so much money on something which, I thought, I could do by myself. Well, on second thought, not entirely by myself only since I was counting on my cousins as well to complete the task.
Anyway, to make the story short, as I started building the fence, together with my cousins, I found out that we in no way would be able to finish the task within the stipulated period of time. On the other hand, my family wanted us to complete the fence within that stipulated period of time because the rainy season was to start very soon, and it would become even more difficult for us to complete the task properly. But, despite our best efforts and intentions, we just weren’t able to build the fence on time, so I had no other option but to ask for an extension of time from my father and uncles.
Thankfully, of course, my family did offer us an extra week – more time than what we could actually bargain for - to complete the task. When we asked for the extension, of course, they were initially reluctant to extend the time. In fact, they even thought of hiring some professionals to get the job done on time, but because of our insistence, they just decided to give up on that idea. And we are glad that they did as we were finally able to complete the task like true professionals!
Model Answer 3:
One of the events when I asked for an extension of time to complete a project was a few months ago at my office. For this topic, I will share this experience with you. But before that, I'd like to thank you for this nice topic.
I work as a software developer, and I was assigned a project to develop a new feature for one of our company's clients. The deadline for the project was two weeks from the day I received the task.
However, I encountered some unexpected challenges while working on the project, which slowed down my progress. As a result, when the deadline was approaching, I realised that I wouldn't be able to finish the project on time. I knew I had to do something about it, so I requested an extension of time from my manager.
I went to my manager's office and explained the situation to him. I told him that I had encountered some technical difficulties that were slowing down my progress and that I needed a few more days to finish the project. My manager was understanding and agreed to give me an extension of one week to complete the project.
Having the extension of time helped me a lot. I was able to work at my own pace and focus on the project without the added pressure of the deadline. I made good progress during the additional week and was able to complete the project to the satisfaction of my manager.
I'm glad that I asked for an extension of time when I needed it. It helped me to avoid submitting an incomplete or subpar project, and it also showed my manager that I was responsible and proactive in managing my workload.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When you’re tasked with a project, assignment, task or responsibility and encounter unexpected obstacles, requesting an extension can be necessary. Here are some potential ideas for how to answer the question based on personal experiences. You can customise these ideas according to your own situation.
1. Requesting an extension for a university assignment:
When I was in university, I had to submit a final paper for a course, but due to unexpected personal issues, I realised I couldn’t meet the deadline. I requested an extension of three days from my professor. I explained the situation and assured them I would complete the assignment with better quality. The professor was understanding and granted the extension, which allowed me to submit my work on time without compromising its quality.
2. Requesting more time for a work project:
A few months ago, I was working on an important report for my team at the office, but due to unforeseen technical difficulties, I found myself unable to meet the deadline. I asked my manager for an extension of one more day. I detailed the reasons for the delay and how I planned to finalize the project. My manager approved the request, and I was able to complete the project with extra time for review.
3. Asking for more time for personal commitments:
Once, I was tasked with organising an event for my family, and the planning process was taking longer than expected. I requested an extension from the person in charge, my cousin, for an extra two days. I had a lot to prepare, and with her understanding, I was able to complete the arrangements smoothly. The event turned out to be a huge success, and the extra time really made a difference.
4. Requesting an extension for a freelance deadline:
I was working on a freelance project with a tight deadline, and due to the complexity of the task, I realised that I needed more time to meet the client’s expectations. I requested an extension of four days from the client. I outlined the quality I was aiming for and how an extension would ensure that I could deliver the best results. The client appreciated my transparency and granted the extension, allowing me to finalize the project to their satisfaction.
5. Asking for more time for academic research:
During my research for my thesis, I hit a roadblock due to some sources being unavailable at the library. I contacted my advisor and asked for an extension of one week to gather additional information. I explained the circumstances and how the extension would allow me to complete my research properly. My advisor was understanding and approved the extra week, ensuring that I could submit a well-rounded thesis.
Sample Answer 4:
Introduction:
I am a student, and last semester, I had to submit an important research paper for my course. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, I was unable to complete it on time, and I had to request an extension.
When it was:
It was during the last semester when I had to submit an important research paper for my course. I was supposed to submit it within two weeks, but little did I know that it would take more than that!
What task you were doing:
The research paper was an important part of my final evaluation for the semester, and it was a task that required a lot of effort and time to complete. I had to conduct extensive research, compile and analyze data, and write a detailed report. I was working on it diligently for several weeks, but due to some unforeseen circumstances, I was unable to meet the deadline.
Whom you requested the extension of time:
I requested an extension of time from my professor. I explained to him the situation, and he was kind enough to grant me an extension.
And explain how long you had been granted as an extension of time:
My professor granted me an extension of two weeks. Although I was grateful for the extension, I knew that it was not going to be easy to complete the paper within the given timeframe. However, I remained determined to work hard and submit it within the extended deadline. I learned a valuable lesson from this experience. I realised that unforeseen circumstances can occur at any time, and it is important to stay prepared for them.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ cue card topic:
When describing an event where you asked for an extension, using vocabulary that conveys the reason for your request, the process of asking, and the outcome can create a clear and informative response. Focusing on the justification and the specifics of the extension granted will help explain the situation. Here are some useful words and phrases with example sentences:
Faced unforeseen challenges – Encountered unexpected difficulties that hindered progress.
Example: I had to request an extension because I faced unforeseen challenges.
Due to circumstances beyond my control – Because of events that I could not influence or prevent.
Example: The delay was due to circumstances beyond my control.
Fell behind schedule – Progressed slower than planned.
Example: I realised I was falling behind schedule on the assignment.
A tight deadline – A limited amount of time to complete something.
Example: The initial deadline was quite tight.
Politely explained my situation – Clearly and respectfully described the reasons for my request.
Example: I politely explained my situation and the reasons for the delay.
Provided a detailed justification – Gave a thorough explanation with supporting reasons.
Example: I provided a detailed justification for needing more time.
Outlined the progress made so far – Described what I had already accomplished on the task.
Example: I outlined the progress I had made so far to demonstrate my commitment.
Expressed my commitment to complete – Stated clearly that I intended to finish the task.
Example: I expressed my strong commitment to complete the work to a high standard.
Considered my request carefully – Thought seriously about what I was asking for.
Example: They considered my request carefully before making a decision.
Graciously granted me an extension – Kindly agreed to give me more time.
Example: My professor graciously granted me an extension.
Extended the deadline by [amount of time] – Gave me an additional [amount of time].
Example: They extended the deadline by one week.
A [number]-day extension – Additional time of [number] days.
Example: I was granted a three-day extension.
Appreciated their understanding – Was grateful for their willingness to understand my situation.
Example: I really appreciated their understanding and flexibility.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe an event when you asked for an extension of time to complete something", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a difficult task that you succeeded in doing.
2) Describe a time when you could not finish something on time.
3) Describe a kind person you know about.
4) Describe a memorable event from your school or college.
5) Describe an interesting assignment or project that you have done.
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