The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess various aspects of your speaking abilities: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. For many test-takers, receiving a question about describing a person who is good at organizing events can be both exciting and challenging. This post will guide you on how to thoroughly address this type of question, providing sample answers, useful phrases, and strategies to help you achieve a high score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions
In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner typically asks you questions about yourself, your home, your work or studies, and other familiar topics. Here is an example of a common question related to organization:
- Question: “Do you think you are good at managing your time?”
Suggested Answer
“I believe I am quite proficient at managing my time. I use a planner to schedule my tasks and set priorities. This helps me to stay organized and meet deadlines effectively.”
Notice the use of words like “proficient,” “planner,” and “priorities” which demonstrate a good command of vocabulary.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
In Part 2, you will be given a cue card and will have 1 minute to prepare before speaking for up to 2 minutes.
Cue Card:
“Describe A Person Who Is Good At Organizing Events. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What kinds of events they organize
- And explain why you think this person is good at organizing events.”
Suggested Answer
“I would like to talk about my friend, Jessica, who is exceptionally adept at organizing events. I first met Jessica in college, where she was always the one to take charge of organizing various college festivals and academic seminars.
Jessica has a knack for attention to detail and time management. She meticulously plans every aspect of an event, from venue selection to catering and guest lists. One event that stands out in my mind is the annual charity gala she organized last year. She managed to coordinate with numerous sponsors, volunteers, and entertainers, ensuring that everything ran smoothly.
What sets Jessica apart is her ability to remain calm under pressure. Even when things don’t go as planned, she always finds a way to troubleshoot on the spot. This, combined with her strong communication skills, makes her extraordinarily proficient in event management.”
Bullet Points:
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Communication skills
- Troubleshooting
Sample Questions and Answers:
Q: “Can you give an example of an event she organized under a tight schedule?”
A: “Yes, last year she organized a corporate conference in just two weeks. Her ability to prioritize tasks and adapt quickly allowed her to pull off the event successfully.”
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
Sample Questions
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic in Part 2. This is to evaluate your ability to discuss issues and express opinions.
Question: “Why do you think some people are better at organizing events than others?”
Suggested Answer
“I believe that organizational skills come from a combination of personal traits and learned techniques. Some individuals are inherently more detail-oriented and methodical, which gives them a natural advantage. Moreover, experience plays a critical role. People who have had practical exposure to event planning tend to develop better skills over time.”
Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to use a rich and varied vocabulary. Here are some useful words and phrases:
- Adept (adj.): having a skillful proficiency.
- “Jessica is adept at event planning.”
- Meticulously (adv.): showing great attention to detail.
- “She meticulously plans every detail.”
- Attention to Detail (noun phrase): thoroughness in attending to details.
- “Her attention to detail is impressive.”
- Time Management (noun phrase): the ability to use one’s time effectively or productively.
- “Good time management is key to her success.”
- Calm under pressure (phrase): remaining composed even in stressful situations.
- “She stays calm under pressure, which is crucial.”
- Troubleshoot (verb): to identify and solve serious problems.
- “She is excellent at troubleshooting unexpected issues.”
Example:
“Jessica’s meticulous approach and calm demeanor during stressful situations make her superb at organizing events. Her time management skills and ability to troubleshoot unforeseen problems are truly noteworthy.”
Advice for High Scores
Here are a few tips for scoring high in your IELTS Speaking test:
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice will help you become more fluent and coherent.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases and practice using them in sentences.
- Get Feedback: Practice with someone who can provide constructive feedback.
- Record Yourself: This allows you to hear your pronunciation and make improvements.
- Stay Calm: Nervousness can affect your performance, so try to stay calm and composed during the test.
By following these strategies and incorporating the provided vocabulary and structures, you’ll be better equipped to handle questions related to describing a person who is good at organizing events in your next IELTS Speaking test.