The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences, and “describing a time when you planned a surprise for someone” is a popular topic. This theme allows candidates to showcase their storytelling abilities, vocabulary range, and cultural awareness. Let’s explore how to excel in answering questions related to this subject across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about surprises and planning. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:

Sample Question: Do you like surprises?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy surprises. They can be really fun and make special occasions more exciting. I think surprises show that someone has put thought and effort into making you happy.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m quite fond of surprises, both giving and receiving them. There’s something truly magical about the element of unexpectedness that can transform an ordinary moment into a memorable experience. I find that well-planned surprises demonstrate thoughtfulness and can significantly strengthen relationships.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe A Time When You Planned A Surprise For Someone. You should say:

• Who you planned the surprise for
• What the surprise was
• How you planned it
• And explain how the person reacted to the surprise

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

I’d like to share an experience about a surprise I planned for my mother’s 50th birthday. It was a milestone event, and I wanted to make it truly special for her.

The surprise was a heartwarming family reunion combined with a weekend getaway to her favorite coastal town. I knew she had been feeling nostalgic lately, missing her siblings who lived in different parts of the country, so I thought bringing everyone together would be the perfect gift.

Planning this surprise was quite an intricate process that took several months. First and foremost, I had to coordinate with all my aunts and uncles, ensuring they could keep the secret and arrange their travel schedules. Simultaneously, I booked a charming beachfront villa that could accommodate our entire extended family. To add a personal touch, I collected old family photos and created a beautiful photo album chronicling my mother’s life.

The day of the surprise was filled with anticipation. We told my mother we were taking her out for a simple dinner, but instead drove her to the villa. As we walked in, all her siblings jumped out shouting “Surprise!” The look on her face was priceless – a mixture of shock, joy, and disbelief.

Her reaction was truly heartwarming. At first, she was speechless, her eyes welling up with tears of happiness. Then she burst into laughter, hugging everyone in sight. Throughout the weekend, I caught her looking around at all of us with a smile that radiated pure contentment. She later told me it was the best gift she could have ever received, not just the reunion itself, but the thought and effort put into bringing everyone together.

This experience reinforced for me the power of thoughtful surprises in strengthening family bonds and creating lasting memories. It was incredibly rewarding to see how a well-planned surprise could bring such joy and emotional resonance to someone I care about deeply.

Family reunion surprise at beach villa

Follow-up Questions:

1. How did you manage to keep the surprise a secret?
2. Were there any challenges in planning this surprise?

Band 8-9 Answer:
Keeping the surprise under wraps was quite challenging, especially given the number of people involved. I had to be extremely cautious in my communication, often using coded language when discussing plans around my mother. We created a private group chat for coordinating details, and I made sure to clear my browser history after making bookings. There were a few close calls, like when my aunt almost let it slip during a phone call, but we managed to cover it up smoothly.

As for challenges, the main one was definitely coordinating everyone’s schedules. With family members spread across different time zones and having varied work commitments, finding a weekend that worked for everyone was like solving a complex puzzle. Additionally, arranging transportation for everyone without raising suspicion was tricky. I had to enlist the help of family friends to assist with airport pickups to avoid any suspicion from my mother.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to surprises and celebrations. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:

Question 1: Do you think surprise parties are popular in your country? Why or why not?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think surprise parties are quite popular in my country. People enjoy the excitement of keeping a secret and then seeing the reaction of the person being surprised. It’s seen as a fun way to celebrate special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Surprise parties have indeed gained significant popularity in my country in recent years. I believe this trend stems from a combination of factors. Firstly, there’s a growing emphasis on creating unique, memorable experiences rather than just giving material gifts. Surprise parties offer an opportunity to demonstrate thoughtfulness and effort, which is highly valued in our culture.

Moreover, social media has played a crucial role in popularizing surprise parties. People often share videos of surprise reactions online, which inspires others to plan similar events. This has created a sort of positive feedback loop, further entrenching the trend in our social fabric.

However, it’s worth noting that the effectiveness of surprise parties can vary depending on the individual. While many people appreciate the gesture, some may find the sudden attention overwhelming. This has led to a more nuanced approach where people often try to gauge the recipient’s personality before deciding to throw a surprise party.

Question 2: How has technology changed the way people plan surprises or celebrate special occasions?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Technology has made planning surprises much easier. We can use messaging apps to coordinate with others secretly. Online shopping also helps in buying gifts or decorations without the person knowing. Social media platforms are useful for sharing photos and videos of the surprise afterwards.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Technology has revolutionized the way we plan surprises and celebrate special occasions in several profound ways. Firstly, digital communication tools have significantly enhanced our ability to coordinate complex surprises involving multiple participants. Encrypted messaging apps and private social media groups allow planners to discuss details discreetly, minimizing the risk of the surprise being accidentally revealed.

Furthermore, e-commerce platforms have expanded our options for gifts and experiences exponentially. We can now source unique items or book experiences from around the world, tailoring surprises to the recipient’s interests with unprecedented precision. Virtual reality technologies are even beginning to enable long-distance participation in celebrations, allowing absent loved ones to feel present in a more immersive way.

However, this technological revolution is not without its drawbacks. The constant connectivity we experience today can make it challenging to truly surprise someone, as people are often aware of each other’s whereabouts and activities through social media. This has led to the emergence of “digital detox” surprises, where the act of disconnecting from technology itself becomes part of the special experience.

Moreover, the ease of planning through technology has, in some ways, raised expectations for celebrations. There’s now often pressure to create “Insta-worthy” moments, which can sometimes overshadow the genuine emotion and connection that surprises are meant to foster.

In essence, while technology has undoubtedly made surprise planning more efficient and opened up new possibilities, it has also added layers of complexity to the social dynamics surrounding celebrations.

Planning surprises with digital tools

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Milestone event [ˈmaɪlstəʊn ɪˈvent] (noun phrase): An important point in development.
   Example: Turning 50 was a milestone event in my mother’s life.

2. Heartwarming [ˈhɑːtwɔːmɪŋ] (adjective): Emotionally rewarding or uplifting.
   Example: The reunion was a heartwarming experience for the whole family.

3. To radiate [ˈreɪdieɪt] (verb): To emit or send out in all directions.
   Example: Her smile radiated pure joy throughout the celebration.

4. To burst into [bɜːst ˈɪntə] (phrasal verb): To suddenly begin doing something.
   Example: When she saw her siblings, she burst into tears of happiness.

5. To reinforce [ˌriːɪnˈfɔːs] (verb): To strengthen or support.
   Example: The surprise party reinforced the strong bonds within our family.

6. Emotional resonance [ɪˈməʊʃənl ˈrezənəns] (noun phrase): The power to evoke strong feelings.
   Example: The carefully planned surprise had great emotional resonance for everyone involved.

7. To coordinate [kəʊˈɔːdɪneɪt] (verb): To organize or plan jointly.
   Example: Coordinating everyone’s schedules for the surprise was challenging but rewarding.

8. To enlist [ɪnˈlɪst] (verb): To engage the support or cooperation of.
   Example: I had to enlist the help of family friends to keep the surprise a secret.

IELTS Speaking vocabulary flashcards

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a surprise you planned:

1. Use a variety of descriptive vocabulary to make your story vivid and engaging.
2. Practice structuring your answer logically, covering all points in the cue card.
3. Include specific details and personal reactions to demonstrate the depth of your English expression.
4. Incorporate idiomatic expressions naturally to showcase your language proficiency.
5. Be prepared to expand on your ideas in Part 3, linking your personal experience to broader themes.
6. Work on your pronunciation and fluency through regular practice with native materials.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, clarity, and the ability to express complex ideas fluently are crucial factors in achieving a high band score.

For more practice on describing memorable experiences, you might want to try describing a situation that made you laugh or describing a memorable family celebration. These topics can help you develop a rich vocabulary for expressing emotions and describing social interactions, which are valuable skills for the IELTS Speaking test.