How to Describe a Time When You Were Responsible for Organizing an Event for IELTS Speaking Exam

In the IELTS Speaking exam, candidates might be asked to talk about a time when they were responsible for organizing an event. This type of question is quite common as it assesses not only your English proficiency but also your ability to narrate experiences and manage certain responsibilities. Your performance will be evaluated based on four criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. This article will guide you on how to effectively respond to such questions with detailed examples, aiming to help you achieve the highest score possible.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking exam, the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics. Below are some common Part 1 questions and a suggested answer.

Common Part 1 Questions

1. What do you do in your free time?
2. Do you prefer to spend time with friends or alone?
3. Have you ever organized an event before? What was it?

Example Answer:

“I enjoy spending my free time engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. However, I also appreciate quiet moments when I can read a good book or listen to music. I find that balancing social interactions with solitary hobbies helps me relax and recharge. Regarding organizing events, yes, I have done it a few times. For instance, I recently organized a surprise birthday party for my best friend, which was a fantastic experience.”

Part 2: Long Turn

In Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points that you need to cover in your response. You will have one minute to prepare and then speak for up to two minutes.

Cue Card Example

Describe a time when you were responsible for organizing an event.

You should say:

• What the event was
• Where it was held
• Who attended the event
• And explain how you felt about organizing it

Suggested Answer (2-3 minutes):

“One particular time when I was responsible for organizing an event was last year, when I organized a fundraiser for a local animal shelter. The event was a charity bake sale, and it was held in the community center of our neighborhood. I had to coordinate with volunteers who would bake and donate goods, set up stalls, and manage sales throughout the day.

The bake sale was quite popular, and we had a good turnout. Local community members, including families and animal lovers, attended the event. I also invited a representative from the animal shelter to speak about their work and how the funds would be utilized, which helped attract more participants.

Charity Bake Sale

Organizing this event was both challenging and rewarding. Initially, I felt overwhelmed by the responsibilities, but as I started planning and tasks began to fall into place, my confidence grew. I had to delegate tasks efficiently, manage communications, and solve unexpected issues like the shortage of tables. Ultimately, the event was a success, and we raised a significant amount of money. Seeing the joy and gratitude on the faces of the shelter representatives made all the hard work worthwhile. This experience taught me valuable organizational skills and the importance of teamwork.”

Follow-up Questions

After your long turn, the examiner might ask some follow-up questions related to the topic.

1. How did you manage to bring people together for the event?

   • Suggested Answer: “I used various methods to gather people for the event. I distributed flyers, posted on social media, and personally invited neighbors and friends. I also involved key community members who helped spread the word.”

2. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

   • Suggested Answer: “One major challenge was the shortage of tables on the event day. We overcame this by borrowing additional tables from nearby residents. It required quick thinking and problem-solving skills, which I was glad to have developed.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract and complex questions related to the topic in Part 2 to test your ability to discuss and analyze issues in depth.

Example Questions and Answers

1. Why do people like to attend events?

   • Suggested Answer: “People attend events for various reasons. Social events provide an opportunity for mingling and building networks. They also offer a break from routine and can be a source of enjoyment and learning. Attending events allows individuals to engage with their communities and support causes they care about.”

2. Do you think organizing events is a necessary skill?

   • Suggested Answer: “Yes, I believe organizing events is an essential skill. It involves planning, time management, leadership, and problem-solving, all of which are transferable to many areas of life and work. Being able to coordinate and execute an event successfully demonstrates one’s ability to manage projects and collaborate with others.”

3. How has technology impacted the way we organize events?

   • Suggested Answer: “Technology has significantly transformed event organization. Online platforms make it easier to communicate, market the event, and handle logistics such as ticket sales and registrations. Social media allows for broader reach and engagement. Moreover, technology can facilitate virtual or hybrid events, making them accessible to a larger audience globally.”

Vocabulary and Structures to Score High

Vocabulary

• Event management /ɪˈvɛnt ˈmænɪdʒmənt/: the process of planning and hosting an event
• Delegate /ˈdɛlɪɡeɪt/: to assign responsibility to others
• Logistics /ləˈdʒɪstɪks/: the detailed coordination of complex operations
• Fundraiser /ˈfʌndˌreɪzə/: an event to collect money for a cause

Examples

1. “Effective event management is crucial for a successful gathering.”
2. “I had to delegate tasks to different team members to ensure everything was covered.”
3. “The logistics of the event required meticulous planning and coordination.”
4. “We organized a fundraiser to support the local food bank.”

Tips for High Scores

1. Practice Fluency: Try speaking continuously without too many pauses to avoid hesitation.
2. Use Rich Vocabulary: Incorporate a variety of words to display range.
3. Structure Your Answer: Start with a brief introduction, followed by detailed points, and conclude with your thoughts.
4. Engage with the Examiner: Make eye contact and react naturally to the examiner’s questions to show confidence.

By following this structure and using the suggested language, you can effectively showcase your speaking skills and potential to achieve a high band score in the IELTS Speaking exam.