The ability to describe a person who is good at planning things is a valuable skill for the IELTS Speaking test. This topic has appeared in past exams and is likely to resurface in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and showcase your English language skills.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about planning and organization. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you consider yourself a good planner?
A: I’d say I’m reasonably good at planning, but there’s always room for improvement. I usually make to-do lists and try to prioritize my tasks, which helps me stay organized. However, I sometimes struggle with long-term planning and tend to focus more on short-term goals.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a person who is good at planning things:
Describe a person you know who is good at planning things.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What kind of things they plan
- And explain why you think this person is good at planning
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who I’ve known since high school. We’ve been close friends for about ten years now, and I’ve always been impressed by her planning skills.
Sarah is incredibly organized when it comes to planning various aspects of her life. She’s particularly good at planning trips and social events. For example, whenever we go on vacation together, she’s the one who takes charge of creating the itinerary, booking accommodations, and researching the best places to visit.
I think Sarah is excellent at planning because she’s very detail-oriented and thinks ahead. She always considers potential problems and comes up with backup plans. Additionally, she’s great at managing time and resources effectively. Her plans are usually well-balanced, allowing for both structured activities and free time.
What I admire most about Sarah’s planning skills is her ability to adapt when things don’t go as expected. She’s flexible and can quickly come up with alternatives if something doesn’t work out. This combination of thorough preparation and adaptability makes her an exceptional planner.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to talk about my colleague, David, who I’ve had the pleasure of working with for the past three years in our marketing department. David’s exceptional planning skills have not only impressed me but have also significantly contributed to the success of our team projects.
David excels in planning various aspects of our work, from intricate marketing campaigns to large-scale product launches. His ability to break down complex projects into manageable tasks and create comprehensive timelines is truly remarkable. For instance, in our recent rebranding initiative, David meticulously planned every phase, from initial market research to the final rollout, ensuring a seamless transition that exceeded our clients’ expectations.
What sets David apart as an outstanding planner is his holistic approach to project management. He doesn’t just focus on the tasks at hand but also anticipates potential challenges and builds contingencies into his plans. His foresight is complemented by his adaptability; when unforeseen issues arise, he swiftly adjusts the plan without losing sight of the overall objectives.
Moreover, David’s planning prowess extends beyond mere task allocation. He has a knack for identifying and leveraging team members’ strengths, ensuring that each person is assigned roles that align with their skills and interests. This not only optimizes our workflow but also boosts team morale and productivity.
In essence, David’s planning skills are a perfect blend of strategic thinking, attention to detail, and people management. His ability to create plans that are both comprehensive and flexible has been instrumental in our team’s consistent success, making him an invaluable asset to our organization.
Follow-up Questions:
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Q: How has technology changed the way people plan things?
A: Technology has revolutionized planning in numerous ways. Digital calendars and project management tools have made it easier to organize tasks and collaborate with others. AI-powered planning apps can now analyze data and suggest optimal schedules. However, the constant connectivity can sometimes lead to information overload, making it crucial to find a balance between using technology and maintaining personal time management skills. -
Q: Do you think planning skills can be learned or are they innate?
A: While some people may have a natural inclination towards planning, I firmly believe that planning skills can be developed and honed over time. It’s a combination of practice, learning from experiences, and adopting effective strategies. Anyone can improve their planning abilities by setting clear goals, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and regularly evaluating and adjusting their methods. Courses and mentorship can also play a crucial role in enhancing these skills.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How important do you think planning skills are in the workplace?
A (Band 6-7): I believe planning skills are very important in the workplace. Good planning helps employees manage their time better and complete tasks more efficiently. It also helps teams work together more effectively and meet deadlines. Without proper planning, projects can easily become disorganized and fall behind schedule.
A (Band 8-9): Planning skills are absolutely crucial in the contemporary workplace. Effective planning serves as the backbone of successful project management, efficient resource allocation, and strategic goal achievement. In today’s fast-paced business environment, the ability to anticipate challenges, set realistic timelines, and adapt to changing circumstances is invaluable. Moreover, strong planning skills contribute to improved work-life balance, reduced stress levels, and enhanced overall productivity. They also foster a culture of proactivity and accountability, which are essential for organizational success in an increasingly competitive global market.
Q: Do you think the ability to plan well is becoming more or less important in modern society?
A (Band 6-7): I think planning skills are becoming more important in modern society. With our busy lifestyles and many responsibilities, good planning helps us manage our time and tasks better. It’s especially important in jobs where we need to juggle multiple projects and deadlines. However, we also need to be flexible because things can change quickly in today’s world.
A (Band 8-9): In my opinion, the importance of planning skills is escalating exponentially in modern society. The complexity and pace of contemporary life necessitate a more structured approach to both personal and professional endeavors. In the era of information overload and constant connectivity, effective planning serves as a crucial tool for prioritizing tasks, managing time efficiently, and maintaining work-life balance.
Moreover, in the professional sphere, the ability to plan well has become a cornerstone of success. With the rise of remote work and global collaborations, planning skills are essential for coordinating across time zones, managing virtual teams, and ensuring project cohesion. The increasing emphasis on productivity and outcome-based performance further underscores the value of strategic planning.
However, it’s worth noting that modern planning must be coupled with adaptability. The rapid pace of technological advancements and market shifts means that plans need to be flexible and responsive to change. Thus, the most valuable planning skills in modern society are those that balance structure with agility, allowing individuals and organizations to navigate uncertainty while still maintaining a clear direction and purpose.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Meticulous (adjective) /məˈtɪkjələs/ – Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
Example: Her meticulous planning ensured that every aspect of the event was perfectly executed. -
Foresight (noun) /ˈfɔːsaɪt/ – The ability to predict what will happen or be needed in the future.
Example: His foresight in anticipating market trends gave the company a competitive edge. -
Contingency plan (noun phrase) /kənˈtɪndʒənsi plæn/ – A plan designed to take account of a possible future event or circumstance.
Example: We always have a contingency plan in case of unexpected challenges during the project. -
Prioritize (verb) /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/ – To decide which of a group of things are the most important so that you can deal with them first.
Example: It’s essential to prioritize tasks to ensure the most critical objectives are met first. -
Streamline (verb) /ˈstriːmlaɪn/ – To make a system, organization, or process more effective and efficient by employing faster or simpler working methods.
Example: We need to streamline our planning process to reduce unnecessary steps and improve efficiency.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who is good at planning things:
- Use a variety of descriptive adjectives to paint a vivid picture of the person’s planning abilities.
- Provide specific examples to illustrate their planning skills in action.
- Discuss both the practical and personal aspects of their planning abilities.
- Use advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions where appropriate.
- Practice speaking about different types of planners and planning situations to improve fluency.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clear pronunciation, natural intonation, and a confident delivery.
For more practice on describing people and their qualities, you might find it helpful to describe a person you admire for their creativity. This will help you expand your vocabulary and improve your ability to discuss personal characteristics in detail.