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IELTS Model Answers

When Equipment Failed at an Important Moment

General

Speaking Part 2

TechnologyLife experience

Question

Describe a time when a piece of equipment failed you at an important moment. You should say what the equipment was and what you were trying to do. Explain how you dealt with the situation and how you felt.

Model Answer

During an online job interview my laptop microphone suddenly stopped working and the interviewer could not hear me. I was at home and very nervous. I quickly wrote a polite message in the chat box and used my phone to join the same meeting as audio only. I felt embarrassed at first but the interviewer was understanding.

Glossary

piece of equipment

A tool or machine you use for a task.

high-stakes virtual interview

An important job interview conducted online where the outcome matters a lot.

I pivoted swiftly

You changed approach quickly when something went wrong.

contingency planning

Preparing backup options in case the main plan fails.

under pressure

While feeling stress or urgency because something important depends on you.

Although the technical glitch was mortifying in the moment

Contrasts a difficult feeling at the time with what you learned later.

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