IELTS SPEAKING CUE CARD
[PART 2]
A TIME YOU WAITED IN
LINE
FOR A LONG TIME
Describe a time you had to wait in line for a long time
You should say:
- When it was
- Where you were
- Why you were there
And explain how you felt about it
A N S W E R
Just last weekend our family craved fast food since for the past two weeks we had been strictly eating healthy food. Our family unanimously decided to have a cheat day last Sunday and we reached a decision to buy burgers and fries at KFC over pizzas at Domino’s.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Unanimously [adv.] – without opposition
Cheat day [noun] – a scheduled break in a diet
Because it was Sunday, we already thought that it’s not ideal to dine in at KFC as it would be crowded and as you know, with the current situation (pandemic) of our world, it’s not advisable to be in packed places. So, we agreed to order at a drive-thru of KFC. When we got closer to the fast-food restaurant, we were surprised by the long queue of cars at a drive-thru. The line was incredibly longer than we thought. My dad and I were having second thoughts of whether to fall in line or find another restaurant, but my mom insisted on sticking to our plan. So my mom had the final say.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Packed [adj.] – filled with a large number of people
Have second thoughts [phrase] – to begin to doubt a decision that you’ve already made
Sticking to the plan [phrase] – not changing or deviating from the original plan
The final say[phrase] – responsibility for making a decision
I was kinda bored while waiting and to my boredom, I counted the number of cars in front of us. I was so surprised that there were 13 cars. I was thinking that it would take so much time until we’re served. But I didn’t say a word as I didn’t want my mom to feel upset for making the decision, so I distracted myself by chatting with some of my friends, who were online at that time and it did help me entertain myself that I lost track of the time.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Lose track of the time [idiom] – to fail to stay aware of the time
To cut a long story short, we waited for almost 15-minutes and we’re all hungry as a bear. Funnily enough, my mom cracked a joke saying that it’s not all the time that mothers knew best. My dad and I simply burst out laughing.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
To cut a long story short [phrase] – used when you are explaining what happened in a few words without giving all the details
Hungry as a bear [idiom] – very hungry
Funnily enough [phrase] – used for saying that something is surprising
Crack a joke [phrase] – to tell a joke
Burst out laughing [phrase] – to suddenly start laughing
PART 3
Do people in your country often wait in line?
Not always, I believe only during special occasions like Christmas, New Year, or when there is an important public event. During those times, you can see a huge number of people queuing at restaurants, shops, amusement parks, and the like. Besides, stations are incredibly crowded and people flood downtown streets.
If you aren’t patient enough, it’s advisable not to go out during those times as you will just lose your temper. Other than that, we don’t normally wait in line when it’s an ordinary day. Although sometimes in some government offices, we need to wait in line as some of the offices are not systematic.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Queue [noun] – a line or sequence of people waiting
And the like [phrase] – etcetera
Other than that [phrase] – apart from
Systematic [adj.] – organized; methodical
Do you think the development of technology has reduced the time people spend waiting?
Definitely! For instance, in the past, people need to fall in line at ticket booths in stations to buy a bus or train ticket. However, these days commuters can buy tickets online or they can use their credit or debit card to simply tap it on a machine at stations so they can get access to buses or trains.
That’s way more convenient. In some countries, people don’t need to go inside a shop or supermarket to buy something, especially when they are in a rush because vending machines are almost everywhere. Or if they need to go inside the supermarket, they don’t need to fall in line at the cashier because there’s self-checkout. The development of technology has significantly improved the lives of people.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Tap [verb] – to touch the screen
Vending machine [noun] – a machine that dispenses all small articles like food or drinks when a coin is inserted
Self-checkout [noun] – a checkout where customers can scan, pack, and pay for their own goods in a store without the assistance of a sales representative
What do you think of those who cut in line or jump the queue?
They simply lack manners. No well-mannered and rational man would like to cut in line as it’s not just the right thing to do. However, in some cases cutting in line is acceptable when there’s a special reason. Like when a person politely asks you if he can jump the queue because there’s an emergency. In that situation, people are forgiving and letting others be served first and I’m also okay with that.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Manner [noun] – a person’s outward way of behaving towards others
Cut in the line [phrase] – jump the queue
How can companies improve their customer service?
As I once worked in the customer service department before, the ultimate way to improve the customer service of a company is to listen to their customers. I mean, they have to understand the negative or constructive reviews of the customers and diligently make time to address the complaints of every customer who expresses their disappointment with the service or the product that the company offers.
When they work on improving their service or product, customers will surely be happy or satisfied. As a result, they will gain more loyal customers.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Ultimate [adj.] – best; ideal
Diligently [adv.] – in a way that shows care and conscientiousness in one’s work
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Meaning of Words and Phrases Sources: Collins, Macmillan, Cambridge, Oxford
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