Describe a time when you missed an appointment

IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a time when you missed an appointment

You should say:

• When it was
• Who you made it with
• Why you missed it
• And how you felt about it

Sample Answer

It was just last month. I was supposed to meet my best friend at her apartment on Sunday and take her to her hometown so that we could enjoy a meal with her family. It was a super busy time because I have just got a new job. A lot of things to learn about and I buried myself in a mountain of workload(1) . I even burned the midnight oil (2) because I wanted to perform well at work. I was exhausted and there was nothing in my mind except work at that time. I even accepted my boss’s request for a business trip to Hanoi on that Sunday and totally forgot about the appointment with my friend.

On Saturday, I was on the flight to Hanoi and I posted a picture on my Facebook before my flight. After arriving at my hotel, I opened my phone and saw her messages asking me about the dinner with her family the next day. I felt extremely disappointed with myself for forgetting such a special appointment with my best friend. She has always been a thoughtful and supportive friend who gave me good advice and encouragement. She was not mad at me but I knew she was very sad.

After this occasion, I promised myself that I will never ever forget an appointment again and no matter what happens, I need to maintain a work-life balance(3) . Coming back from my business trip, I came to her house with some Hanoi specialties and apologized to her. Thankfully she was happy again and still my bosom buddy(4).

Vocabulary:

1. bury myself in a mountain of workload:
   Ex: I don’t want to bury myself in a mountain of workload
2. burn the midnight oil /bɜːn/ / ðə/ /ˈmɪd.naɪt/ /ɔɪl/
   Ex: We admire those who hunker down, stay the course, burn the midnight oil.
3. maintain a work-life balance: Maintain /meɪnˈteɪn/: Balance /ˈbæl.əns/
   Ex: Women also expect to be able to maintain a work-life balance.
4. bosom buddy /ˈbʊz.əm ˈbʌd.i/:
   Ex: This is a city based on commerce and its bosom buddy, selling.