A Time You Were Late to a Meeting or Appointment

🗂️ Part 2 – Cue Card

🗣️ Sample Answer

A time I was late to an important appointment was about six months ago, when I had a scheduled interview for a part-time tutoring job. The interview was scheduled for 10 a.m. and took place at a private school located across town. I had left my house with what I thought was enough time, but unfortunately, there was unexpected heavy traffic due to a car accident on the main road.

I tried contacting the interviewer while stuck in traffic, but the call didn’t go through. I finally arrived 15 minutes late, feeling flustered and anxious. I quickly apologised and explained the situation honestly. Thankfully, the interviewer was understanding and even thanked me for showing up despite the delay.

That experience taught me a valuable lesson about planning for unpredictable delays. I always leave for important meetings much earlier than necessary. It was an embarrassing situation, but I’m glad it ended positively and taught me how to manage time better.

🔁 Part 3: Follow-Up Questions

(Each answer includes at least 3 sentences)

1. Why do people sometimes arrive late to appointments?
People may be late due to traffic, oversleeping, poor planning, or unexpected emergencies. Sometimes it’s caused by underestimating how long a task will take. In other cases, bad habits or lack of punctuality contribute to delays.

2. Is being late considered rude in your culture?
Yes, in Iranian culture, being punctual is regarded as a sign of respect. Arriving late to formal events or meetings is usually frowned upon. However, for casual social gatherings, people may be more flexible with time.

3. How can people improve their punctuality?
Setting alarms, preparing in advance, and tracking time more effectively can help. It’s also useful to factor in unexpected delays and aim to arrive early. Developing a routine can build consistent time-management habits.

4. Are some people naturally more punctual than others?
Yes, some individuals are naturally more organised and time-conscious. Others may struggle with time management due to personality traits such as forgetfulness or procrastination. Still, punctuality can be learned and improved with effort.

5. What are the consequences of being late in professional settings?
Being late to work or meetings can damage one’s reputation and reduce trust. It may lead to missed opportunities, disciplinary action, or even job loss. In professional environments, punctuality reflects reliability.

6. How does being late affect group activities or teamwork?
It can disrupt plans, slow down progress, and frustrate other team members. When one person is late, everyone else’s schedule might be impacted. It creates a negative impression and reduces group efficiency.

7. Do you think technology can help people be more punctual?
Definitely. Apps for scheduling, reminders, and real-time traffic updates make it easier to stay on time. Smartwatches and phones can send alerts, helping people stay on track with their schedules.

8. Is there a difference between being late for personal vs. professional events?
Yes, people often take professional events more seriously and try harder to be punctual. Personal events may allow more flexibility, depending on the relationship. However, respect should be shown in both contexts.

9. How do you feel when others are late for appointments with you?
If someone is late without informing me, I feel disrespected. But if they communicate the reason honestly, I try to be understanding. Repeated lateness, however, can affect trust and reliability in a relationship.

10. What advice would you give to someone who is always late?
I would suggest keeping a planner, practising time estimates, and leaving early for appointments. Identifying time-wasting habits can also help. Most importantly, they should recognise that being on time shows respect for others.

Top 10 Topic Vocabulary – A Time You Were Late to a Meeting or Appointment