Part 2 · Band 7

Describe a time when you answered phone call from someone you did not kow in a public place

Illustrative target band for this model answer · 219 words

AI-completed learning example

This happened a few months ago when I was at a busy cafe, working and enjoying a coffee. My phone rang, and it was an unknown number. I hesitated at first, but my curiosity got the better of me, and I answered the call. It turned out to be a representative from a company I was not familiar with. They introduced themselves and explained why they were calling. Since I had not expected the call, I listened carefully but avoided sharing any personal information. Because I was in a public place, I kept my voice low and tried not to disturb anyone nearby. I asked the representative to repeat the company’s name and explain how they had got my number. Their explanation sounded plausible, but I did not want to make a decision immediately. I said I would look into it later and ended the call politely. Afterwards, I felt relieved that I had answered, because I had found out who was calling, but I was also glad that I had stayed cautious. The experience taught me that an unexpected call is not necessarily a problem, although it is sensible to check who is on the line before sharing anything. Then I went back to my coffee and work. It was a small interruption, but one I still remember.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The answer follows a clear event sequence: the phone rings, curiosity leads you to answer, you respond cautiously, and you reflect on the experience. That progression gives the story a natural beginning, middle and ending. The supplied excerpt itself stops mid-sentence, so it cannot show how the original speaker continued. Practise telling this account in two minutes, using only four cue words: setting, call, response, lesson.

Lexical Resource

Phrases such as “my curiosity got the better of me” and “an unknown number” communicate the situation naturally, while “a busy cafe” provides a concise setting. The vocabulary in the visible excerpt is relevant and varied enough for this familiar anecdote, though its short length limits evidence of range. As a refinement, add precise words for your reaction and the caller’s purpose, without relying on several general phrases such as “turned out to be.”

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

The visible sentences use a good mix of structures, including the opening time clause “when I was at a busy cafe” and the contrast in “I hesitated at first, but…”. Verb forms and punctuation are controlled in the complete sentences shown. The final supplied words, “a company I”, are an unfinished source excerpt rather than evidence of a grammatical mistake; the continuation in the completed version is editorially added. Practise joining short event steps with varied time and contrast clauses.

Pronunciation

This text-only response cannot show how you pronounce the words, so this is a practice guide, not an assessment of a recording. Practise the word stress in “representative” and “curiosity,” then group the opening into thought units: “My phone rang / and it was an unknown number.” Record yourself reading it, check that each group is easy to understand, and compare a second recording after practising the stress.

A transcript shows language and organisation. Fluency, delivery and pronunciation require an audio recording; the synthetic voice demonstrates the text, not the original speaker.

  • For a complete Part 2 response, add what the representative wanted, using only details that match your real experience.
  • Make the outcome specific: explain what you said or did before ending the call, then connect that action to how you felt.
  • Practise a two-minute retelling with the sequence setting → unexpected call → your response → feeling or lesson; use brief cue words rather than memorising full sentences.

Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Explain why you answered an unknown number instead of ignoring it.
  • Describe the caller’s request and how you tried to help, even if you could not give exact directions.
  • Contrast your initial surprise with how you felt after the short conversation.

Suggested structure

  1. Set the scene with when and where you were having coffee.
  2. Describe the unexpected call and identify that the caller was a stranger.
  3. Explain what the caller needed and how you responded.
  4. Conclude with your feelings and why you remember the incident.
Useful vocabulary & examples
ring unexpectedly
to make a sound suddenly when you were not expecting a call

My phone rang unexpectedly while I was having coffee.

call the wrong number
to telephone someone by mistake

The caller had called the wrong number but asked me for directions.

give directions
to explain how someone can get to a place

I tried to give directions to the restaurant he was looking for.

carry on with my day
to continue your usual activities

After we said goodbye, I finished my coffee and carried on with my day.

Practise your answer →

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