Weather-related topics are perennially popular in IELTS Speaking tests, appearing frequently across all parts of the exam. The specific theme of describing a time when weather disrupted plans is particularly common, as it allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to narrate past events, express emotions, and use weather-related vocabulary. Given its prevalence, it’s highly likely that this topic will continue to feature prominently in future IELTS Speaking tests.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about weather and its impact on daily life. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:
Q: How often do you check the weather forecast?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I usually check the weather forecast every morning before I leave for work. It helps me decide what to wear and whether I need to bring an umbrella.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I make it a point to consult the weather forecast religiously, typically first thing in the morning and again in the evening. This habit ensures I’m well-prepared for any meteorological surprises that might affect my daily plans or wardrobe choices.
Q: Has bad weather ever affected your plans?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, it has. Last summer, a heavy rainstorm forced me to cancel a picnic I had planned with my friends. We ended up staying indoors and watching movies instead.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I’ve had my fair share of plans thwarted by inclement weather. One particularly memorable instance was when a sudden blizzard forced the cancellation of a long-awaited skiing trip. It was quite the disappointment, but we managed to make the best of the situation by organizing an impromptu indoor winter festival at home.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a time when the weather ruined your plans. You should say:
- When it happened
- What your plans were
- How the weather affected your plans
- How you felt about it
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
I remember a time last summer when the weather completely ruined my plans. It was my best friend’s birthday, and we had been planning a big outdoor barbecue party for weeks. We invited about 20 friends and family members to a local park for the celebration.
On the day of the party, we woke up to dark clouds and heavy rain. The forecast said it would continue all day. We tried to wait it out, hoping it would clear up, but it only got worse. There was even some thunder and lightning.
Because of the bad weather, we had to cancel the outdoor party. It was impossible to have a barbecue in the rain, and it wasn’t safe to be outside with the lightning. We quickly had to change our plans and move the party indoors to my friend’s small apartment.
I felt really disappointed and frustrated. We had put so much effort into planning the outdoor event, and it was sad to see it all go to waste. However, we tried to make the best of the situation. We ordered some pizzas and played board games instead. In the end, it turned out to be a fun day, but it wasn’t the celebration we had originally planned.
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
I vividly recall an instance when Mother Nature decided to play havoc with my meticulously laid plans. It was the summer of 2019, and I had spent months organizing what I hoped would be an unforgettable outdoor wedding for my sister. We had chosen a picturesque vineyard as the venue, with rolling hills providing a breathtaking backdrop for the ceremony.
The day dawned, but instead of the anticipated azure skies, we were greeted by ominous dark clouds that loomed menacingly overhead. As the morning progressed, a torrential downpour ensued, accompanied by gusty winds that threatened to upend our carefully arranged decorations. The inclement weather showed no signs of abating, forcing us to hastily implement our contingency plan.
The impact of the weather on our plans was profound. We had to swiftly relocate the entire ceremony and reception to an indoor venue, which proved to be a logistical nightmare. The carefully choreographed outdoor photoshoot had to be scrapped, and we found ourselves scrambling to create makeshift photo opportunities inside.
Initially, I felt utterly crestfallen and overwhelmed by the turn of events. The vision I had nurtured for months seemed to be slipping away like sand through an hourglass. However, as we rallied together to salvage the day, my disappointment gradually gave way to a sense of resilience and even amusement at the unpredictability of life.
In retrospect, while the weather threw a spanner in the works, it also fostered a spirit of camaraderie among the guests as everyone pitched in to help. The day may not have unfolded as planned, but it became a testament to our ability to adapt and find joy in unexpected circumstances.
Follow-up Questions:
Q: How did you manage to stay positive despite the change of plans?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I tried to focus on the fact that we were still together with friends and family. We made jokes about the situation and tried to come up with fun indoor activities. It wasn’t what we planned, but we still had a good time.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Maintaining a positive outlook in the face of such unforeseen circumstances was certainly a challenge, but it also presented an opportunity for personal growth. I made a conscious effort to reframe the situation, viewing it not as a disaster, but as an adventure that would undoubtedly become a memorable anecdote in years to come. Moreover, witnessing the collective resilience of our friends and family, who rallied around us with unwavering support, was truly heartwarming and helped buoy our spirits.
Q: Do you think people should always have a backup plan for outdoor events?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think it’s a good idea to have a backup plan, especially for important events. Weather can be unpredictable, so it’s better to be prepared for different scenarios.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I believe having a contingency plan for outdoor events is not just advisable, but essential. The capricious nature of weather makes it imperative to have fallback options. This foresight not only mitigates potential disappointment but also demonstrates responsible event planning. It’s about striking a balance between optimism for ideal conditions and pragmatism in acknowledging and preparing for potential challenges.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How do you think climate change is affecting weather patterns?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think climate change is making weather more extreme and unpredictable. We’re seeing more frequent heatwaves, stronger storms, and unusual weather patterns in many parts of the world. This is causing problems for agriculture and increasing the risk of natural disasters.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Climate change is undeniably exerting a profound influence on global weather patterns. We’re witnessing an unprecedented increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, from prolonged droughts to catastrophic hurricanes. These aberrations in climatic norms are not just statistical anomalies; they’re tangible manifestations of the earth’s changing thermal equilibrium. The ramifications are far-reaching, impacting everything from agricultural productivity to urban planning and even geopolitical stability. It’s a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of our global ecosystem and the urgent need for concerted action to mitigate these effects.
Q: In what ways can unexpected weather changes affect the economy of a country?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Unexpected weather changes can have a big impact on a country’s economy. For example, droughts can damage crops and lead to food shortages, while floods can destroy infrastructure and disrupt businesses. This can result in increased prices, job losses, and a need for government spending on disaster relief.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Unanticipated weather fluctuations can precipitate a cascade of economic repercussions across various sectors. In agriculture, erratic weather patterns can decimate crop yields, leading to food insecurity and inflationary pressures. The tourism industry, often a significant revenue generator for many nations, can be severely impacted by unseasonable weather, resulting in cancelled bookings and diminished visitor numbers.
Moreover, extreme weather events can wreak havoc on infrastructure, necessitating substantial government expenditure on repairs and reconstruction. This diverts funds from other critical areas of the economy. The insurance sector also faces increased strain, with a surge in claims potentially leading to higher premiums and affecting overall economic stability.
On a broader scale, these weather-induced disruptions can ripple through supply chains, causing production delays and market volatility. They may also influence energy consumption patterns, impacting utility companies and potentially straining power grids.
Ultimately, the cumulative effect of these weather-related economic challenges can dampen consumer confidence, stifle investment, and potentially trigger broader economic downturns, underscoring the intricate relationship between climate stability and economic prosperity.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Inclement weather [ɪnˈklem.ənt ˈweð.ər] (adjective phrase): Unpleasant weather conditions, especially cold and wet.
Example: The inclement weather forced us to postpone our outdoor concert. -
To throw a spanner in the works [θrəʊ ə ˈspæn.ər ɪn ðə wɜːks] (idiom): To cause unexpected problems or difficulties.
Example: The sudden snowstorm really threw a spanner in the works for our travel plans. -
Meteorological [ˌmiː.ti.ə.rəˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl] (adjective): Relating to the science of weather or climate.
Example: The meteorological forecast predicted clear skies, but we ended up with a thunderstorm. -
To make the best of a situation [meɪk ðə best əv ə ˌsɪtʃ.uˈeɪ.ʃən] (phrase): To deal with a bad situation in the most positive way possible.
Example: When our beach day was rained out, we decided to make the best of the situation by visiting a nearby museum instead. -
Unpredictability [ʌnˌprɪd.ɪk.təˈbɪl.ə.ti] (noun): The quality of being impossible to know what will happen.
Example: The unpredictability of the local weather makes it challenging to plan outdoor events in advance.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing weather-related topics:
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Expand your weather vocabulary: Learn and use a variety of weather-related terms and expressions to describe different conditions accurately.
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Practice narrating past events: Develop your ability to recount past experiences involving weather, focusing on clear sequencing and appropriate use of tenses.
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Express emotions effectively: When describing how weather affected your plans, use a range of vocabulary to convey your feelings and reactions.
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Develop your ideas: Don’t just state facts; explain your thoughts and opinions about how weather impacts various aspects of life.
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Use idiomatic expressions: Incorporate relevant idioms and colloquial phrases naturally in your responses to demonstrate language fluency.
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Stay coherent and fluent: Practice speaking at length about weather-related topics without excessive hesitation or repetition.
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Be prepared to discuss broader issues: Be ready to talk about climate change, environmental policies, and the economic impact of weather, especially in Part 3 of the test.
Remember, the key to success is not just knowing what to say, but how to say it effectively and naturally. Regular practice with a variety of weather-related topics will help you feel more confident and perform better in the actual test.