Part 2 · · 15 samples

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

Practise this question →

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.

Sample answers

AI-completed learning example

213 words · Illustrative target band

I remember a time when I answered a phone call from an unknown number in a public place. It was during my school days, and I was with my friend, Morl. The caller was completely anonymous, and I was caught off guard. I didn't know how to respond, so I just tried to politely decline the call. I was unsure whether the caller had reached the wrong number or had a reason to contact me, and that uncertainty made it difficu…

Read full answer & analysis →

AI-completed learning example

237 words · Illustrative target band

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…

Read full answer & analysis →

AI-completed learning example

208 words · Illustrative target band

I remember a time when I answered a phone call from an unknown number while I was on vacation, maybe the last week of August. I was at a party hosted by my neighbor when I got the call. The person on the other end said his name was James. I was surprised, but I wasn't sure whether I should answer, because I didn't recognize the number. The music was quite loud, so I moved away from the speakers and stood near the ent…

Read full answer & analysis →