Cue Card

Describe a time when you missed an appointment

You should say:

• When it was
• Who you had the appointment with
• Why you missed it
• And explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Is it important to have a daily plan?
2. What kind of things do people need to plan carefully?
3. Is there anything that cannot be planned?
4. Do you think it’s important to have a daily routine?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'm the queen of being on time. My friends even joke that I'm the human version of Google Maps – always estimating arrival times down to the minute. But there was one day when my usually reliable internal clock failed me. I had a job interview at a marketing firm downtown, and I was so excited to land my dream job that I spent hours researching the company and practicing my responses to common interview questions. The night before, I laid out my outfit, packed my bag, and set multiple alarms. But, somehow, I still managed to oversleep. I woke up to the sound of my phone buzzing with a text from the interviewer: 'Running late? We're about to start without you.' My heart sank.

I jumped out of bed, threw on my clothes, and rushed out the door. I hailed a cab, but traffic was a nightmare. I was stuck in the backseat, watching the minutes tick away, feeling my anxiety spike. I arrived 20 minutes late, flustered and apologetic. The interviewer looked up at me with a mix of disappointment and amusement. I knew I'd blown it. But here's the thing – I didn't let it define me. I took a deep breath, composed myself, and nailed the rest of the interview. I didn't get the job, but I learned a valuable lesson: sometimes, it's not about being on time, but about being resilient in the face of unexpected setbacks.

Looking back, I realize that missing that appointment was a blessing in disguise. It taught me to be more flexible and to think on my feet. And it reminded me that even the most Type-A personalities can have an off day. Now, I make sure to build in some buffer time to my schedule – just in case my internal clock decides to take a nap again.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

Type-A personality

A person who is very organized, competitive, and perfectionistic.

She's a total Type-A, always color-coding her notes and arriving early to meetings.

Think on your feet

To think and act quickly in a difficult or unexpected situation.

She's great at thinking on her feet – she handled that tough question from the interviewer with ease.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Is it important to have a daily plan? Having a daily plan is essential for me. It helps me stay organized and focused on what I need to accomplish. I remember one time when I didn't have a plan, and I ended up missing an appointment. It was a dentist appointment, and I had been putting it off for weeks. I kept telling myself I would reschedule, but I never did. Finally, the day of the appointment arrived, and I completely forgot about it. I was supposed to be there at 2 PM, but I didn't even realize I had missed it until my dentist's office called me at 3 PM to ask where I was. I was so embarrassed and apologetic. I promised to reschedule, but I knew I had to do something to make sure it didn't happen again. That's when I started using a planner to keep track of my appointments and tasks. It's been a game-changer for me. I make sure to write down everything I need to do, and I check my planner every morning to make sure I'm on track. It's helped me stay organized and focused, and I haven't missed an appointment since.

What kind of things do people need to plan carefully? I think people need to plan carefully for big events or appointments that have serious consequences if missed. For example, job interviews, doctor's appointments, or important meetings at work. These are things that can have a big impact on your life, so it's crucial to make sure you're prepared and on time. I also think people should plan carefully for things that involve other people, like social events or family gatherings. You don't want to leave someone hanging or make them wait for you. But even small things, like grocery shopping or picking up dry cleaning, can benefit from planning. It's all about being intentional with your time and making the most of it.

Is there anything that cannot be planned? I think some things in life are just unpredictable, and no matter how much you plan, they can still go wrong. Like, have you ever planned a outdoor event, and then it rains? Or you plan a road trip, and then your car breaks down? There are just some things that are outside of our control, and we have to roll with it. But even in those situations, having a plan can help you adapt and adjust. For example, if it rains on your outdoor event, you can have a backup plan, like a tent or an indoor space. So, while some things can't be planned, having a plan can help you prepare for the unexpected.

Do you think it’s important to have a daily routine? I think having a daily routine is important for staying organized and focused, but it's also important to leave some room for flexibility. If you're too rigid with your routine, you can get thrown off when things don't go according to plan. But if you have a general idea of what you want to accomplish each day, you can adjust your routine as needed. For example, I like to start my day with a workout, but if I wake up late, I might have to skip it. But I still try to fit in some exercise later in the day. Having a routine helps me stay on track, but it's not set in stone. I think that's the key to making it work.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

roll with it

to adapt to a difficult or unexpected situation

I had planned a surprise party for my friend, but she cancelled at the last minute. I had to roll with it and come up with a new plan.