Describing a situation where you had to change your plans suddenly is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme often appears in Part 2 and can lead to follow-up questions in Part 3. Being prepared to discuss such experiences can significantly boost your performance in the exam. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
While this specific topic is unlikely to appear in Part 1, related questions about planning or adapting to changes might come up. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: “Do you like to plan things in advance or do you prefer to be spontaneous?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d say I’m a bit of both, actually. While I do appreciate the security of having a solid plan, especially for important events or trips, I also enjoy the thrill of spontaneity from time to time. I find that having a general outline allows me to feel prepared, but leaving room for flexibility often leads to unexpected and enjoyable experiences.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a situation where you had to change your plans suddenly
You should say:
- What the original plan was
- Why you had to change it
- How you felt about the change
- What happened as a result of the change
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I remember a time when I had to change my vacation plans unexpectedly. Originally, I had planned a week-long beach holiday with some friends. We had booked a nice resort and were looking forward to relaxing by the sea. However, just two days before we were supposed to leave, there was a severe weather warning for the coastal area we were heading to.
We had to change our plans because of the potential danger and the fact that many facilities in the area were shutting down temporarily. At first, I felt really disappointed and frustrated. We had been planning this trip for months, and I was really looking forward to it.
However, we quickly decided to make the best of the situation. Instead of the beach holiday, we chose to go on a road trip to a nearby mountain region. As a result of this change, we ended up having an adventure we hadn’t expected. We went hiking, explored some beautiful small towns, and even tried local cuisines we hadn’t tasted before.
In the end, while it wasn’t the relaxing beach vacation we had planned, it turned out to be a memorable and exciting experience. This situation taught me the importance of being flexible and making the best of unexpected circumstances.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to recount an instance where I was compelled to drastically alter my plans at the eleventh hour. Initially, I had meticulously organized a solo backpacking trip across Southeast Asia, spanning three countries over the course of a month. I had everything mapped out – from my flights and accommodations to the specific attractions I wanted to visit in each location.
However, fate had other ideas. Merely 48 hours before my scheduled departure, I received an urgent call from my workplace. A critical project had encountered unexpected complications, and my expertise was indispensable for resolving the issues. The timing couldn’t have been worse, but I realized the gravity of the situation.
Confronted with this dilemma, I experienced a whirlwind of emotions. On one hand, I was utterly devastated at the prospect of abandoning my long-awaited adventure. Months of planning and anticipation seemed to be going down the drain. On the other hand, I felt a sense of responsibility towards my team and the project.
After much deliberation, I decided to postpone my trip and stay back to handle the work crisis. This decision led to a series of unexpected outcomes. Professionally, I was able to steer the project back on track, which not only earned me accolades from management but also fast-tracked my career progression. Personally, this experience taught me valuable lessons about adaptability and prioritization.
Interestingly, when I finally embarked on my trip six months later, I found that the delay had actually worked in my favor. I was able to travel during the off-season, enjoying lesser crowds and better deals. Moreover, the additional time allowed me to refine my itinerary and include some off-the-beaten-path destinations I had discovered during my extended research.
This experience reinforced my belief in the old adage that every cloud has a silver lining. It taught me that sometimes, what initially appears as a setback can pave the way for even better opportunities if we approach the situation with flexibility and a positive mindset.”
Follow-up questions:
- How did you manage your emotions during this sudden change?
- Do you think you made the right decision in changing your plans?
- How has this experience affected your approach to planning in the future?
Sample answers (Band 8-9):
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“Managing my emotions during this sudden change was certainly a challenge. Initially, I felt a surge of disappointment and frustration. However, I quickly realized that dwelling on negative emotions would not change the situation. Instead, I consciously shifted my focus to problem-solving mode. I practiced some deep breathing exercises to calm myself and then started to look at the situation objectively. This helped me to channel my energy into finding alternative solutions rather than lamenting over the change.”
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“In retrospect, I firmly believe I made the right decision. While it was difficult at the time, prioritizing my professional responsibilities over personal plans demonstrated my commitment and reliability. The decision yielded positive outcomes both in my career and, unexpectedly, in my travel experiences later on. It reinforced the idea that sometimes, what seems like a sacrifice in the short term can lead to greater benefits in the long run. This experience has taught me to trust my judgment and consider the broader implications of my decisions.”
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“This experience has significantly influenced my approach to planning. While I still believe in the value of thorough planning, I’ve become more adept at building flexibility into my schedules. I now always have a ‘Plan B’ in mind and set aside contingency time and resources. Moreover, I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty as a potential opportunity for growth and unexpected positive outcomes. This balanced approach allows me to enjoy the benefits of planning while remaining open to and prepared for sudden changes.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “In general, how do people in your country react to unexpected changes in their plans?”
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“From my observation, people in my country generally don’t handle unexpected changes very well. Most people prefer to stick to their original plans and can get quite upset when things don’t go as expected. This is probably because our culture values stability and predictability. However, younger generations seem to be more flexible and adaptable to changes, possibly due to the influence of global trends and technology.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The reaction to unexpected changes in plans can vary significantly among individuals in my country, but I’ve noticed some general trends. Traditionally, there’s been a cultural emphasis on stability and adherence to plans, which often leads to initial resistance or frustration when faced with sudden changes. This is particularly evident among older generations who tend to value predictability and routine.
However, I’ve observed a gradual shift in attitudes, especially among younger demographics. This new generation, having grown up in a rapidly changing technological landscape, seems to exhibit greater flexibility and adaptability. They often view unexpected changes as potential opportunities rather than setbacks.
Interestingly, this dichotomy has led to a societal evolution in handling unexpected changes. Many workplaces and educational institutions are now actively promoting adaptability skills, recognizing their importance in our increasingly dynamic world. This has resulted in a more nuanced approach to dealing with change, where people are learning to balance the need for planning with the ability to pivot when circumstances demand it.
That being said, the reaction can also depend on the nature and scale of the change. Minor alterations to plans are generally handled with more ease compared to major disruptions, which can still cause significant stress across all age groups. Overall, I’d say there’s a growing recognition of the need for flexibility, but it’s a gradual process of cultural adaptation.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
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To change plans suddenly [phrasal verb] – /tə ʧeɪnʤ plænz ˈsʌdnli/
Definition: To alter arrangements or intentions unexpectedly or at short notice.
Example: “We had to change our plans suddenly due to the unforeseen circumstances.” -
Adaptability [noun] – /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/
Definition: The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions or situations.
Example: “Her adaptability helped her thrive in the ever-changing work environment.” -
To be flexible [adjective phrase] – /tə bi ˈfleksəbl/
Definition: To be willing to change or compromise.
Example: “It’s important to be flexible when traveling, as things don’t always go as planned.” -
To pivot [verb] – /tə ˈpɪvət/
Definition: To radically change direction, strategy, or approach.
Example: “The company had to pivot quickly to adapt to the new market conditions.” -
To embrace uncertainty [idiomatic phrase] – /tə ɪmˈbreɪs ʌnˈsɜːtnti/
Definition: To accept and even welcome unpredictable situations or outcomes.
Example: “Successful entrepreneurs often learn to embrace uncertainty as part of their journey.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in discussing sudden changes of plans in your IELTS Speaking test:
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Prepare diverse examples: Have several personal stories ready about times you had to change plans unexpectedly. This will help you respond quickly and confidently.
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Practice expressing emotions: Be prepared to articulate how you felt about the change. Use a range of adjectives to describe your emotions accurately.
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Highlight problem-solving skills: Demonstrate how you handled the situation, focusing on your ability to adapt and find solutions.
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Use appropriate tenses: When narrating past events, ensure you use past tenses correctly. For hypothetical situations, practice using conditional structures.
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Incorporate idiomatic expressions: Phrases like “every cloud has a silver lining” or “to play it by ear” can enhance your language use when discussing unexpected changes.
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Develop your answers: In Part 3, try to give extended responses that include your opinion, examples, and wider implications of the topic.
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Stay relevant: While it’s good to elaborate, make sure your answers directly address the question asked.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, a wide range of vocabulary, and grammatical accuracy in your responses.
For more practice on handling unexpected situations in IELTS Speaking, you might find it helpful to describe a time when you had to help someone during an emergency or describe an occasion when you were surprised. These topics can help you develop a broader range of language and examples for discussing unexpected events.