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Describe a time when someone did not reply to your messages for a long time.

This test has appeared in 5 seasons

  • Sep–Dec/2026
  • May–Aug/2026
  • Sep–Dec/2025
  • May–Aug/2025
  • Jan–Apr/2025

Reported by test takers Forecast only

Take this test with the AI examiner

Part 1

The examiner asks about you and two familiar topics. About 4–5 minutes.

Work or study

  1. Do you work, or are you a student? (Why?)
  2. Why did you choose that job or that subject? (Tell me more about that.)
  3. What do you enjoy most about it? (Why?)
  4. Is there anything you would like to change about it? (Why?)

Mornings

  1. What do you usually do in the morning? (Tell me more about that.)
  2. Do you have the same routine every morning? (Why is that?)
  3. Do you eat breakfast every day? (Why is that?)
  4. Are your mornings different at weekends? (Why is that?)

Computers and tablets

  1. Do you use a computer or a tablet more often? (Why is that?)
  2. What do you usually use it for? (Tell me more about that.)
  3. When did you first start using a computer? (Tell me more about that.)
  4. Would you find it difficult to live without one? (Why is that?)

Part 2

One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.

Describe a time when someone did not reply to your messages for a long time.

You should say:

  • who you sent the message to
  • what the message was about
  • how long you waited for a reply

and explain how you felt about it.

Follow-up question after your talk: Do you usually reply to messages quickly? / What did you do while you were waiting?

Part 3

A broader, more abstract discussion of the Part 2 topic. About 4–5 minutes.

everyday communication

  1. Can you explain why people sometimes take a long time to answer messages?
  2. In general, what do people in your country consider polite when they send messages?
  3. How would you contrast sending a message with making a phone call?

technology and relationships

  1. Can you explain why being contactable all day can be tiring?
  2. What could be done about being expected to answer messages at any time of day?
  3. Can you speculate on how the way people keep in touch will change in the next ten years?

Test titles follow test-taker reports and each season's forecasts — IELTS does not publish its papers. "Reported" means someone reported meeting this topic in a dated test. The questions are written by us in the format of the real test.