IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Topic: Describe a time when someone apologized to you

On Tuesday last week, I was riding my motorbike to school. Actually, I was in a hurry; otherwise, I would have been late for the class. Unfortunately, there was heavy traffic congestion. In front of me there was just a long stream of cars and bikes. Therefore, I had no choice but to slow down and join the queue of vehicles.

Suddenly, a scooter hit me from behind, which made me panic and fall off my bike. I suffered a few bruises and a minor elbow injury. A few seconds later, the rider on the scooter got off, came up to me and apologized for his carelessness. He also offered to take me to hospital for a checkup, but it was unnecessary as I was okay.

To be honest, at first, I was very angry with him for crashing into my motorbike, but his sincere concern calmed me down and I decided to accept his apology. Then, I continued on my way to school.

I realize that we can all make mistakes sometimes, but if we make an apology, almost everyone will forgive us. So, it is best to own up and accept responsibility for your mistakes.

– heavy traffic congestion: [expression] the state of being crowded and full of traffic.
Example: In an attempt to reduce heavy traffic congestion in the centre of London, motorists now have to pay to enter the city centre.

– a long stream of: [expression] a continuous flow of cars and bikes.
Example: A long stream of vehicles was waiting to cross the bridge, but they were moving slowly because of the traffic congestion.

– slow down: [phrasal verb] go at a slower speed.
Example: Near schools and hospitals, motorists should slow down in order to reduce the chances of an accident.

– suffer: [verb] experience something unpleasant, like an injury.
Example: During the meal, he suffered a heart attack and an ambulance took him to hospital.

– bruises: [noun] blue or brown marks that appear on your body after you have fallen or been hit.
Example: After the accident, he suffered some cuts and bruises as a result of falling on to the ground.

– came up to me: [phrasal verb] approached me.
Example: After the match, a journalist came up to me and asked my opinion about the result.

– calmed me down: [phrasal verb] made me less angry.
Example: I was angry with the boy and I wanted to hit him, but the teacher calmed me down by telling the boy to apologise for what he had done.

– on my way: [expression] going.
Example: I am on my way to the park – do you want to come?

– own up: [phrasal verb] admit that you are responsible for something bad or wrong.
Example: When the teacher collected our homework, I had to own up and explain that I had not finished it.