📋 Cue Card
Describe a time when you made a mistake.
You should say:
- What the mistake was
- When it happened
- How you made the mistake
- And explain what you learned from it
📑 Band 8+ Sample Answer
One mistake that I still remember clearly happened about two years ago when I was in my final year at university. I was working on an important group project and was responsible for putting together the final presentation.
I underestimated how long it would take to finish the slides and proofread everything. Instead of starting early, I procrastinated and left most of the work until the night before. As a result, I stayed up all night trying to complete it, and the next morning, I was so exhausted that I made a lot of small errors during the presentation.
Although our team passed the project, I felt guilty because my lack of preparation affected my teammates as well. From this experience, I learned the importance of time management and planning ahead. Now, I always try to start tasks early and break big projects into smaller steps to avoid last-minute stress.
💡 Useful Vocabulary (with meanings & examples)
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Underestimate | To think something is smaller or easier than it really is | I underestimated how much time I needed to study for the exam. |
| Procrastinate | To delay doing something that needs to be done | I tend to procrastinate when I feel overwhelmed by big tasks. |
| Proofread | To read and correct mistakes in written work | It’s essential to proofread your essay before submitting it. |
| Time management | The ability to use time effectively and productively | Good time management is crucial for balancing study and work. |
| Last-minute | Done at the latest possible time before something happens | He always does his homework at the last minute. |
