Part 2 · Band 5

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 · 237 words

AI-completed learning example

For this question, I'm going to talk about a time when I had to answer a call from an unknown number, from someone I didn't know, while I was in a public place. It was during the summer, on a rainy day. I was in a hurry to go to my child's school to attend a parents' meeting. I was walking along a crowded street, and the rain was getting heavier, so I stopped near a shop entrance to take shelter. My phone rang, and I noticed that the number was not saved in my contacts. I hesitated for a moment, but I thought it could be something important, so I answered. The caller was a man who asked whether I was expecting a parcel. I told him that he had the wrong number, and he apologized before ending the call. Although it was a very short conversation, I felt a little nervous at first because I was alone and did not know who was calling. After I hung up, I checked the time and continued to my child's school. I remember this incident because it happened when I was already in a rush and trying to keep dry. It also reminded me to be careful with unexpected calls in public: I can answer briefly, but I should not share any personal information. In the end, nothing serious happened, and I arrived at the school in time.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The ideas develop in a clear sequence: you set the rainy-day and school context, explain why you answered, recount the brief parcel mix-up, and finish with your reaction and lesson. The opening repeats the idea of an unknown caller, so you could reach the event more quickly. Practise speaking this answer for two minutes, using the sequence context → call → reaction → reflection, then check whether each stage has enough detail.

Lexical Resource

The answer uses relevant everyday phrases such as “take shelter,” “not saved in my contacts,” and “share any personal information,” which make the situation easy to picture. Most vocabulary is straightforward and appropriate to the story. “Call,” “number,” and “school” recur, and the opening repeats that the caller was unknown. For a refinement, replace one repeated reference with a precise phrase such as “the unexpected caller,” while keeping the language natural.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

You use accurate past-tense narration in “I hesitated for a moment” and add variety with clauses beginning “Although” and “because.” The sequence is generally easy to follow, and the final reflection also uses a clear modal structure: “I should not share.” The opening phrase “from an unknown number, from someone I didn't know” is repetitive rather than a major grammatical problem. Try combining it into one concise clause and retain the varied sentence patterns.

Pronunciation

This is not an assessment of a recording, so pronunciation cannot be judged from the text. For practice, give the main stress to “unknown number,” “parents' meeting,” and “personal information.” Group the answer into thought units at the sentence boundaries, pausing briefly after the setting and after the caller's explanation. Record one timed retelling, listen back, and check that each phrase is clear and the key words stand out.

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

  • Shorten the opening so you introduce the incident once, then move straight to the rainy street and school meeting.
  • Add one specific detail about your reaction after the caller explained the mistake, such as whether you felt relieved or simply continued your journey.
  • Practise a two-minute retelling with four stages—setting, call, response, reflection—and record it to check that you give each stage enough attention.

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.

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