IELTS Speaking tests often include questions where you need to describe a person, event, or experience in detail. One common topic is “Describe a person who is very good at planning.” This article will guide you through this topic to help you achieve a high band score, using examples, detailed explanations, and practical tips.
I. Introduction
The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. Examiners evaluate fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. Questions about planning are frequent because they test your ability to describe characteristics, details, and your understanding of organizational skills.
II. Main Content
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner asks questions about familiar topics like your home, family, work, studies, and interests. Here are some example questions and a suggested response:
Example Question
“Do you enjoy planning things in advance?”
Suggested Answer
“Absolutely! I’m a meticulous person, and I believe that careful planning is crucial for achieving goals efficiently. For example, when organizing a trip, I always create a detailed itinerary to ensure that every activity is well-timed and that we make the most out of our travel experience.”
This answer shows a strong command of vocabulary related to planning and clear, structured thinking.
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you’re given a topic (cue card) and talk for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a cue card example based on this theme:
Cue Card
Describe a person you know who is very good at planning.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What kinds of things this person plans
- And explain how you feel about this person’s planning abilities
Suggested Answer
“I would like to talk about my friend, John, who is incredibly skilled at planning. We met during our university years and have stayed close ever since. John is particularly good at organizing events and trips. Whenever our group of friends plans an outing, he takes charge and creates detailed schedules, makes reservations, and ensures that everyone is informed and comfortable.
For instance, last year he organized a week-long trip to Japan for us. He meticulously planned every aspect of the trip, from booking flights and accommodations to sorting out daily activities and transportation. Thanks to his comprehensive planning, we had a wonderful and hassle-free vacation.
I truly admire John’s planning abilities because they not only show his consideration for others but also how he effectively manages time and resources. His skills have taught me the importance of foresight and organization in achieving enjoyable and successful experiences.”
Major Points:
- Meticulously
- Detailed schedules
- Hassle-free vacation
- Consideration for others
These phrases indicate a high level of vocabulary and thoughtfulness, which are crucial for scoring well in IELTS Speaking.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, you discuss more abstract ideas and issues related to the topic in Part 2.
Example Discussion
Examiner: “In your opinion, why is planning an important skill in life?”
Candidate: “Planning is essential because it helps individuals set goals and devise strategies to achieve them efficiently. People with strong planning skills can manage their time and resources better, thus reducing stress and increasing productivity. For instance, in a professional setting, a well-structured project plan ensures that all team members are on the same page and deadlines are met.“
Important Phrases:
- Devise strategies
- Efficiency
- Reduce stress
- Increase productivity
- Well-structured project plan
These phrases not only showcase your vocabulary but also your ability to think critically about the value of planning.
Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Here are some key terms and concepts:
-
Meticulous (adj)
- Pronunciation: /məˈtɪkjələs/
- Meaning: Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
- Example: “She is meticulous in her financial planning.”
-
Efficient (adj)
- Pronunciation: /ɪˈfɪʃnt/
- Meaning: Achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.
- Example: “His efficient approach to project management saves the company time and money.”
-
Comprehensive (adj)
- Pronunciation: /ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnsɪv/
- Meaning: Complete and including everything that is necessary.
- Example: “The report provides a comprehensive overview of the economic situation.”
-
Consideration (n)
- Pronunciation: /kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃn/
- Meaning: Careful thought, typically over a period of time.
- Example: “After careful consideration, we decided to go ahead with the plan.”
III. Tips for High Scores
- Practice Regularly: Ensure you practice speaking English daily to boost your fluency and confidence.
- Expand Vocabulary: Learn and incorporate advanced vocabulary and phrases related to various topics.
- Structure Your Responses: Make sure your answers are well-organized with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
- Seek Feedback: Practice with a partner or tutor and get constructive feedback on your speaking skills.
- Stay Calm: Confidence is key. Stay calm and think before you speak to deliver clear and coherent responses.
By following these strategies, you’ll be better prepared to describe a person who is very good at planning and perform well in your IELTS Speaking test.