Making sudden changes to plans is a common experience that often appears in IELTS Speaking tests. This topic allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to narrate events, express emotions, and use appropriate vocabulary for unexpected situations.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions you may encounter:
- Do you usually make plans in advance?
- How do you feel when plans change suddenly?
- Are you good at adapting to changes?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I generally prefer to plan things meticulously in advance, but I’ve learned to be flexible when circumstances change. While sudden changes can be challenging, I try to maintain a positive attitude and see them as opportunities to develop my adaptability.”
IELTS candidate discussing planning and flexibility
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a time when you had to make a last-minute change to your plans.
You should say:
- What the original plan was
- Why you had to change it
- What you did instead
- How you felt about this change
Similar to describe a time when you felt disappointed, this topic requires careful consideration of emotional expression.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to tell you about a significant last-minute change I had to make to my graduation celebration plans. Initially, I had meticulously organized a beach party with my closest friends, having arranged everything down to the smallest detail – from the venue to the catering.
However, much like describe a time when the weather disrupted your plans, we received a severe weather warning the day before. I had to swiftly devise an alternative plan.
Taking the initiative, I transformed the celebration into an indoor event at my house. I demonstrated considerable resourcefulness by converting my garage into a party space and coordinating with the catering company to modify their service.
Looking back, while it wasn’t what I had originally envisioned, this experience taught me valuable lessons about flexibility and problem-solving. It actually turned out to be more intimate and memorable than the original plan might have been.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q1: Why do people sometimes need to change their plans?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“People often need to modify their plans due to unforeseen circumstances. These could range from external factors like weather conditions or transportation issues to personal emergencies. In our increasingly interconnected world, the ripple effect of one change can necessitate adjustments to multiple plans.”
Q2: Do you think people are generally good at handling unexpected changes?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe people’s ability to handle unexpected changes varies significantly based on their personality traits and past experiences. Those who have developed resilience and maintain a flexible mindset tend to adapt more effectively. This relates to describe a situation where you had to take a leadership role, where adaptability is crucial.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Contingency plan /kənˈtɪndʒənsi plæn/ (n): a backup plan
- Adaptability /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ (n): ability to adjust to new conditions
- To improvise /ˈɪmprəvaɪz/ (v): to create solutions spontaneously
- Flexible /ˈfleksəbl/ (adj): easily adaptable to change
- To pivot /ˈpɪvət/ (v): to change direction or approach
Examiner’s Tips
- Focus on developing detailed responses with clear examples
- Use a variety of vocabulary related to change and adaptation
- Demonstrate natural hesitation devices rather than memorized phrases
- Practice describing both positive and negative reactions to changes
- Include personal reflections and lessons learned
Similar to describe a day when you had to do something unexpected, remember to maintain a balanced perspective when discussing challenges and solutions.
