Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Expertly Describe Cancelling Plans Last Minute

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner may ask you questions related to cancelling plans. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:

Examiner: Do you often have to cancel plans?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
Well, I try my best to stick to my commitments, but occasionally, unforeseen circumstances force me to cancel plans. It doesn’t happen very often, maybe once every couple of months. I always feel a bit guilty when I have to do it, especially if it’s at the last minute, as I know it can be inconvenient for others.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a time when you had to cancel plans at the last minute.

You should say:

• What the plans were
• Why you had to cancel
• How you felt about it
• What happened as a result

Sample Answer (Band 6-7)

Last summer, I had planned a weekend camping trip with my close friends. We were all excited about spending time in nature and getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Unfortunately, I came down with a severe case of flu just two days before we were supposed to leave.

I had no choice but to cancel my participation in the trip. I felt terrible about it because I knew my friends had been looking forward to the trip for weeks, and my absence would affect the group dynamics. I called each of them personally to explain the situation and apologize for the inconvenience.

Needless to say, I was really disappointed. I had been eagerly anticipating this trip for a long time, and it was frustrating to miss out on the fun and bonding time with my friends. However, I knew it was the right decision as I didn’t want to risk spreading the illness to others or worsen my condition.

As a result, my friends went on the trip without me. They sent me photos and videos throughout the weekend, which made me feel included even though I couldn’t be there physically. In the end, we rescheduled another trip for later in the summer when I had fully recovered, so I didn’t completely miss out on the experience.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

Last autumn, I had meticulously planned a surprise birthday party for my best friend. It was going to be an elaborate affair with guests flying in from different parts of the country. I had gone to great lengths to ensure everything was perfect, from the venue decoration to the gourmet catering.

However, fate had other plans. Just 24 hours before the event, my friend’s grandmother fell seriously ill and was hospitalized. Without a moment’s hesitation, I knew I had to cancel the party. It was a difficult decision, but it was the only ethical choice given the circumstances.

I felt a mixture of disappointment and concern. On one hand, I was crestfallen about all the effort and anticipation going to waste. On the other hand, I was deeply worried about my friend’s grandmother and wanted to be supportive during this challenging time.

The repercussions were significant. I had to frantically contact all the guests, many of whom had already made travel arrangements. The financial implications were also substantial, as I lost deposits for the venue and catering. However, the silver lining was the outpouring of support from everyone involved. Guests were incredibly understanding, and many offered to help in any way they could.

In retrospect, while it was undoubtedly a stressful experience, it reinforced the importance of flexibility and empathy in our lives. It also strengthened my friendship as my best friend was deeply touched by my decision to prioritize her family’s well-being over the celebration.

IELTS Speaking: Describing cancelled plans

Follow-up Questions

Examiner: How did you inform others about the cancellation?

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
I made sure to contact everyone personally. I called my closest friends and sent text messages to others. I wanted to explain the situation properly and apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
I adopted a multi-pronged approach to ensure all guests were informed promptly. For close friends and family, I made personal phone calls to convey the gravity of the situation. For other guests, I crafted a thoughtful email explaining the circumstances and expressing my sincere apologies. I also leveraged social media to create a private event update, ensuring that even if someone missed the direct communication, they would still be informed in time.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think people cancel plans more often nowadays compared to in the past?

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
Yes, I think people do cancel plans more frequently these days. With technology making it easier to communicate, it’s simpler to let someone know if you can’t make it. Also, people seem to be busier than ever, which might lead to more cancellations.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
I believe there’s been a noticeable shift in social dynamics regarding plan cancellations. The ubiquity of instant communication has undoubtedly facilitated last-minute changes. However, I think it’s more nuanced than simply increased frequency. The ease of cancellation has perhaps eroded the perceived significance of commitments. This could be attributed to the ‘fear of missing out’ culture, where individuals overcommit and then have to backtrack. Additionally, the blurring of work-life boundaries in our hyper-connected world often leads to unforeseen obligations that necessitate rescheduling social engagements.

Examiner: What are some valid reasons for cancelling plans at the last minute?

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
There are several valid reasons for cancelling plans. Health issues are probably the most common and understandable. If someone falls ill unexpectedly, it’s better for them to stay home and recover. Family emergencies are another good reason. Sometimes work commitments can also come up suddenly, especially for people in certain professions.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
While the validity of reasons can be subjective, there are certainly circumstances that are widely acknowledged as legitimate grounds for last-minute cancellations. Acute health concerns, be it physical or mental, undoubtedly take precedence. Unforeseen familial obligations, particularly those involving the welfare of dependents, are equally compelling. In our increasingly unpredictable work environments, sudden professional demands can also necessitate rescheduling, especially in fields like healthcare or emergency services. Additionally, extreme weather conditions or transportation failures that compromise safety are universally accepted justifications. It’s crucial, however, to maintain a balance between respecting these valid reasons and cultivating a culture of commitment.

IELTS Discussion: Valid reasons for cancelling plans

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. To come down with (phrasal verb) – /kʌm daʊn wɪð/ – to become ill
   Example: I had to cancel my trip because I came down with the flu.

2. To affect the group dynamics (phrase) – /əˈfekt ðə ɡruːp daɪˈnæmɪks/ – to change how people in a group interact with each other
   Example: His absence affected the group dynamics, as he was usually the one who kept everyone motivated.

3. Elaborate affair (phrase) – /ɪˈlæbərət əˈfeər/ – a complex and detailed event
   Example: The wedding was an elaborate affair with hundreds of guests and exquisite decorations.

4. To go to great lengths (idiom) – /ɡəʊ tə ɡreɪt leŋθs/ – to try very hard to do something
   Example: She went to great lengths to keep the party a surprise, even enlisting the help of his coworkers.

5. Crestfallen (adjective) – /ˈkrestfɔːlən/ – very disappointed and sad
   Example: He looked crestfallen when he heard the news that he didn’t get the job.

6. Silver lining (idiom) – /ˈsɪlvər ˈlaɪnɪŋ/ – a positive aspect in an otherwise negative situation
   Example: The silver lining of losing my job was that I finally had time to start my own business.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing cancelled plans:

1. Use a variety of vocabulary related to plans, cancellations, and emotions. This demonstrates your lexical resource.

2. Employ idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses. This shows your fluency and native-like command of English.

3. Provide detailed explanations and examples. This exhibits your ability to speak at length on a topic.

4. Use a range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences. This displays your grammatical range and accuracy.

5. Practice speaking about various scenarios involving cancelled plans to improve your fluency and confidence.

6. Be prepared to discuss the topic from different angles, as in Part 3, where questions become more abstract and analytical.

7. Maintain a natural pace and use appropriate stress and intonation to enhance your pronunciation score.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Regular practice and exposure to English will help you adjust your plans and improve your performance in unexpected situations during the test.