What raters reward
A focused, well-sequenced story (Content/Coherence), past-tense control and descriptive words (Vocabulary, Listenability), and a response that truly answers the prompt and uses the time (Task Fulfillment). With 60 seconds, narrow detail beats broad summary.
Your time plan
How to structure it
Fill the [slots] with your own ideas — adapt the frames, don't recite them.
Anchor the listener fast with a time and place.
Grammar Past simple
- A couple of years ago, I [situation] while I was [context].
- I'll never forget the time I [event].
Use sequencing words and keep to the key beats.
Grammar Past continuous + sequence (was …-ing, then, after that)
- At first, [setup]. Then, [turning point].
- The key moment was when [climax].
Close on a feeling or takeaway, not mid-event.
Grammar Present perfect ('it has taught me …')
- Looking back, it taught me [lesson].
- Ever since, I've [change].
A worked model answer
A high-scoring sample that follows this shape — use it as a model, not a script.
I remember one afternoon when I was walking home from school, and a small, scruffy dog suddenly darted across the road right in front of me. At first, I was startled because I didn’t expect to see any animals there, but then it stopped and looked at me with these big, curious eyes. It wagged its tail hesitantly, almost as if it was inviting me to approach. I knelt down, and surprisingly, it came closer and sniffed my hand. For a few minutes, we just stayed there, sharing this quiet, unplanned connection. What makes this memory so vivid is the spontaneity of the encounter — it felt like the dog chose that moment to appear, leaving a lasting impression of innocence and unexpected joy.
Useful vocabulary
Vocabulary is one of the four scored dimensions — weave a few in (don't force all of them).
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a topic too broad to tell in 60s.
- Mixing past and present tense.
- Stopping mid-story when time runs out.
- Listing facts with no feeling or point.
Quick tips
- Pick one specific moment — detail beats breadth.
- Keep past tenses consistent.
- End with a feeling or lesson so it feels complete.