Skip to main content

When you were made responsible for something you did not do

IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card 569 with Model Answer:

Describe a time when you were made responsible for something you did not do.

You should say:
  • when it was
  • why you think you were made responsible for that
  • what was your initial reaction
and explain how you feel about it now.

[You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]


Model Answer:
The incident I'd like to describe here actually took place a few years ago, perhaps five years ago, when I was working as a project manager for a software development company. It was a fairly large-scale project, and the team was under tremendous pressure to meet deadlines.

One day, a critical bug was discovered in the software we were developing, and it had the potential to delay the project significantly. The bug was traced back to a specific module of the software, and it was supposed to be handled by another team in the company, not my team. However, the senior management misunderstood the situation and mistakenly held my team and me accountable for it.

I believe the reason I was made responsible for this issue was mainly a result of the management's confusion and the urgency of the situation. There was also some miscommunication in the department regarding which team was handling which aspect of the project. Unfortunately, my team became the target of this mix-up.

My initial reaction was a mixture of shock, frustration, and a bit of disbelief. I couldn't understand why me and my team were being held accountable for something we had no involvement with. I immediately arranged a meeting with the senior management to clarify the situation. It was crucial to provide them with evidence and facts to demonstrate that our team was not responsible for the bug and that it fell under the scope of another team's work.

Looking back, I feel a sense of accomplishment in how me and my team handled the situation. We remained composed, professional, and focused on the facts. The incident also reinforced the importance of maintaining clarity in our roles and responsibilities to prevent such misunderstandings. It served as a learning experience that improved my ability to deal with similar challenges in my professional life, emphasizing the importance of open communication, teamwork, and staying calm under pressure.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Describe a crowded place you have been to

IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card   468   with Model Answer: Describe a crowded place you have been to. You should say: where it was when you went there why you went there and explain how you felt about being in this crowded place.  [You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.] Model Answer 1: Introduction: I am going to talk about a crowded place that I have visited. The place was bustling with people, and it was a unique experience for me. I will describe this place in detail and share my thoughts and feelings about it. Where it was: The place I visited was a popular shopping mall in the downtown area of my city. The shopping mall was situated in the heart of the city and was easily accessible through public transport. It was one of the biggest malls in the city, with a vast range of shops and entertainment options. When you went there: I vi...

Person in your family who you most admire

IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card 10 With Model Answer: Describe the person in your family who you most admire. You should say: what his/her relationship is with you what he/she has done in your life what he/she does now and explain why you admire this person the most. [You will have to talk about the topic for 1 to 2 minutes. You have one minute to think about what you're going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.] Model Answer 1: My mother is the person in my family whom I most admire. She is not only my mother but also my role model and best friend. I would like to thank you for this excellent topic that enables me to talk about the person I love and admire the most. My mother has done many things in my life that have made me admire her. Firstly, she has always been there for me, no matter what. Whenever I am going through a difficult time, she listens to me and offers advice or support. Additionally, my mother has always encouraged me to pu...

Describe your favourite book

IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card 444 with Model Answer: Describe your favourite book. You should say: what book it is who wrote this book what it is about and explain why this is your favourite book. [You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.] Model Answer 1: Introduction & What book it is: I believe that books have the power to transport us to different worlds, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impact on our lives. One such book that holds a special place in my heart is "Anna Karenina" by Leo Tolstoy. This classic novel, penned by one of the greatest Russian writers, has captivated readers for generations with its rich storytelling and profound exploration of human nature. First published in 1877, it is considered one of the greatest works of world literature and has had a significant influence on the literary landscape. Who wr...

Describe your family

IELTS Cue Card Question 44 With Model Answer:  Describe your family. You should say:  how many members your family has what they do how close you are and explain why your family is important to you. [You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you're going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.] Model Answer 1: My family is incredibly important to me, and I'm fortunate to have a loving and close-knit family. We have a total of four family members, including my parents, my younger sister, and myself. I am so glad that I have got this topic as it would allow me to talk about something that I love so much. My father is a software engineer, and he works for a reputable IT company. He's always been my role model when it comes to hard work and dedication. His job involves creating computer programs and solving complex technical issues. Despite his busy schedule, he always finds time to h...