A Time When You Were Late

🗂️ Part 2 – Cue Card

🗣️ Sample Answer

One time I was significantly late was for a university entrance interview about two years ago. It was a very important day, as I had been shortlisted for a scholarship program in Warsaw. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned that morning.

I had set my alarm the night before, but due to a power cut in the middle of the night, it didn’t go off. I woke up 45 minutes later than I was supposed to, and I immediately started rushing. Additionally, there was unexpected road construction on the route I usually take, which caused further delays. Everything seemed to go wrong that morning.

By the time I reached the university, I was almost 25 minutes late, and I felt embarrassed and anxious. I had prepared for this interview for weeks, and I thought I had lost my chance. However, when I explained the situation to the staff politely, they were understanding and allowed me to wait for the next available interview slot.

The interview ultimately went quite well, and I even received the scholarship. However, this incident taught me the importance of having backup plans, such as using a battery-powered alarm and checking traffic updates in adv

🔁 Part 3: Follow-Up Questions

1. Are people in your country generally punctual?
In Poland, most people value punctuality, especially in professional or academic settings. Being late is often seen as disrespectful unless there’s a valid reason.

2. What are some common reasons for being late in modern life?
Heavy traffic, public transport delays, poor time management, or oversleeping are quite common. Technology can help avoid this, but distractions like social media can also cause delays.

3. How do you feel when someone else is late?
If it happens occasionally, I understand. But if it’s a pattern, it feels inconsiderate, especially when it wastes my time or affects group work.

4. What should people do if they’re going to be late?
They should always inform the other person as early as possible and apologise sincerely. Communication is key to maintaining trust.

5. Is being on time more important for work or for social events?
It’s important for both, but being late to work or meetings often has more serious consequences. Social events are usually more flexible, but habitual lateness still reflects poorly on one’s character.

6. Do older and younger generations view punctuality differently?
Yes, older generations tend to be more strict about punctuality. Younger people may be more casual, especially with friends, but still professional when it comes to work.

7. How does culture influence people’s views on time?
In some cultures, being 15 minutes late is considered normal; in others, it’s perceived as rude. Cultural norms significantly influence what is considered acceptable regarding time.

8. Should schools teach time management?
Absolutely. Time management is a vital life skill. Learning how to plan, prioritise, and be punctual helps students in both academic and personal areas.

9. How does technology help or harm punctuality?
Apps, alarms, and calendars help people stay on schedule. However, distractions like scrolling through phones can cause them to lose track of time.

10. Can being late ever be beneficial?
Very rarely. Sometimes it helps avoid an accident or missing a negative situation. However, it’s generally better to be early or on time.

Top 10 Topic Vocabulary – A Time When You Were Late