Weather can significantly influence our daily activities and planned events. This topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2, as it allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to narrate personal experiences while using appropriate vocabulary and tenses. Similar to describe an ideal place to spend a holiday, this topic requires detailed description and personal reflection.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions about weather and plans:
- Do you usually check the weather forecast?
- How does weather affect your daily activities?
- What’s your favorite type of weather?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I make it a point to check the weather forecast daily through my smartphone app. It helps me plan ahead and make necessary adjustments to my schedule. Weather significantly influences my choice of clothing and transportation method, especially during the monsoon season.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a time when the weather changed your plans
You should say:
- When it happened
- What your original plans were
- How the weather affected your plans
- How you felt about it
Candidate explaining weather impact with gestures and expressions
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a memorable incident from last summer when a sudden thunderstorm completely derailed our hiking plans. This experience relates to describe an outdoor activity you want to try as it taught me valuable lessons about outdoor activities.
We had meticulously planned a hiking expedition to Mount Baker with a group of friends. The weather forecast had initially predicted clear skies, but nature had other plans. Just as we were about to begin our ascent, dark clouds loomed overhead, and within minutes, lightning illuminated the sky.
The sudden change in weather forced us to abandon our hiking plans immediately. Instead of feeling disappointed, we made the best of the situation by converting our outdoor adventure into an indoor gathering at a nearby café, where we spent hours sharing stories and strengthening our bonds.
Looking back, this experience taught me the importance of being flexible and having backup plans, especially for outdoor activities. It also highlighted the unpredictable nature of weather and how it can shape our experiences in unexpected ways.”
Similar to describe an interesting place to go in your area, this experience helped me appreciate local indoor alternatives.
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q1: How do you think weather patterns have changed in recent years?
Band 8-9 Response: “There has been a noticeable shift in weather patterns globally. We’re witnessing more extreme weather events, from unprecedented heatwaves to irregular rainfall patterns. This climate volatility has profound implications for how we plan our activities and adapt our lifestyle choices.”
Q2: What role does technology play in weather forecasting?
Band 8-9 Response: “Modern technology has revolutionized weather forecasting through advanced satellite systems and AI-powered predictions. These technological advancements have made it possible to forecast weather patterns with increasing accuracy, though there’s still room for improvement.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Meteorological conditions (n.) – /ˌmiːtiərəˈlɒdʒɪkl kənˈdɪʃənz/ – weather-related conditions
- Precipitation (n.) – /prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃən/ – rainfall, snow, or other forms of water falling from the sky
- Inclement weather (phrase) – /ˈɪnkləmənt ˈweðə/ – unpleasant weather conditions
- To take a rain check (idiom) – to postpone plans due to weather
- Weather permitting (phrase) – if the weather allows
As describe a place you would like to live in the future shows, weather can significantly influence our choices about where we live and how we plan our activities.
Examiner’s Tips
- Use weather-specific vocabulary appropriately
- Include personal reactions and emotions
- Maintain coherent narrative structure
- Demonstrate range of tenses when describing sequence of events
- Connect weather changes to specific impacts on plans
Professional explaining weather-related vocabulary and speaking tips
Remember to practice with describe a recent experience you had in a park to combine weather descriptions with location details effectively.
