The IELTS Speaking test comprehensively evaluates your English communication skills. It consists of three parts: Introduction and Interview, Long Turn, and Two-way Discussion. Examiners look for fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation during your responses.
Questions related to “Describe a time when you had to change your plans” are common and assess your ability to narrate past events logically and clearly. Let’s dive into practical examples and strategies to effectively answer these questions.
II. Main Content
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner will ask general questions about you. Here are typical questions and an answer example:
Question: Do you make plans frequently?
Suggested Answer:
“Yes, I often make plans to organize my activities, both personal and professional. For instance, I set weekly goals to ensure that I am productive and keep track of my progress.”
2. Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you had to change your plans.
You should say:
- When this happened
- What made you change the plans
- What you did instead
- And explain how you felt about changing your plans
Suggested Answer:
“There was a particular occasion last year when I had to alter my plans suddenly. I had planned a weekend trip to the mountains with my friends. However, on the day of our departure, I received an urgent call from my manager, informing me that our company was facing a critical issue that required immediate attention. Because of this, I had to cancel the trip and head to the office instead.
Initially, I felt quite disappointed as I had been looking forward to the getaway for weeks. Nevertheless, understanding the importance of my work responsibilities, I managed to navigate my tasks efficiently. In the end, we resolved the issue, and I felt a sense of accomplishment. Though the change of plans was unexpected, I learned the value of adaptability and prioritizing duties.”
Examiner Follow-up Questions:
-
How often do you change your plans?
- Suggested Answer: “I try to stick to my plans as much as possible, but sometimes unforeseen circumstances force me to be flexible. On average, I need to change my plans around once a month due to work or family matters.”
-
Do you think it’s important to make plans?
- Suggested Answer: “Yes, making plans is essential because it helps us stay organized and focused. It reduces uncertainty and ensures that we use our time efficiently.”
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
This part involves more abstract questions related to Part 2. The examiner might ask about the importance of planning and its impact.
Example Discussion:
Examiner: “In your opinion, is it better to have a detailed plan or to be spontaneous?”
Suggested Answer:
“I believe having a detailed plan is generally more advantageous as it provides a clear roadmap and ensures we make the most of our time. However, being spontaneous can also be beneficial in certain situations, as it allows for flexibility and can lead to unexpected positive experiences. Balancing both approaches can be the key to successfully navigating various circumstances.”
Examiner: “How do you think technology has changed the way people plan their activities?”
Suggested Answer:
“Technology has significantly altered how we plan activities. Digital tools such as calendars, reminder apps, and project management software have made it easier to organize and keep track of our plans. Moreover, online communication platforms enable us to swiftly adjust plans with others, enhancing collaboration and efficiency.”
III. Important Vocabulary and Structures
Here are some key vocabulary and structures to include in your speaking to score higher:
Vocabulary:
- alter (v.): /ˈɔːl.tər/ change
- unexpected (adj.): /ʌnɪkˈspɛktɪd/ unforeseen
- navigate (v.): /ˈnævɪɡeɪt/ to deal with or handle
- disappointed (adj.): /ˌdɪsəˈpɔɪntɪd/ feelings of sadness or frustration
- accomplishment (n.): /əˈkɒmplɪʃmənt/ achievement
Structures:
- Use past continuous to set the scene, e.g., “I was planning…”
- Employ conditional structures to discuss hypothetical situations, e.g., “If I had stuck to my original plans…”
- Use complex sentences to show grammatical range, e.g., “Although I felt disappointed, I learned the importance of adaptability.”
IV. Practice Tips for Speaking
- Fluency and Coherence: Practice speaking without long pauses. Organize your thoughts logically.
- Lexical Resource: Use varied and precise vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Practice using different sentence structures accurately.
- Pronunciation: Work on clear and natural pronunciation, including stress and intonation.
Regular practice, perhaps recording yourself and seeking feedback, can greatly improve your speaking performance. For further topics to practice, you may refer to these related topics: Describe a time when you were impacted by a global event, Describe a type of weather you like, and Describe a recent educational experience.
By following the strategies and using the sample answers provided above, you should be well-prepared to describe a time when you had to change your plans effectively in the IELTS Speaking test.