Planning and organizing events is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. Understanding how to effectively describe such experiences can help you achieve a higher band score. This guide will help you master this topic through sample answers and detailed analysis.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions examiners may ask:
- Do you enjoy organizing events?
- What kind of events have you organized before?
- Is event planning popular in your country?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I absolutely thrive on organizing events because it allows me to exercise my creativity and leadership skills. Last month, I had the opportunity to describe a memorable hike or trek for my hiking club, which was both challenging and rewarding.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Talk about an event you planned and how it went.
You should say:
- What the event was
- How you planned it
- Who helped you
- And explain whether it was successful
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a charity fundraising dinner I organized last summer. Unlike describe a holiday experience that didn’t go as planned, this event required meticulous preparation.
The planning process was incredibly comprehensive. I spearheaded a team of five volunteers, and we started preparations three months in advance. We delegated responsibilities effectively – I handled donor relations and overall coordination, while my colleagues managed venue logistics, catering, and entertainment.
What made the event particularly successful was our attention to detail. We secured a beautiful heritage building as the venue, curated a gourmet menu featuring local specialties, and arranged for a string quartet to provide ambient music.
The outcome exceeded our expectations – we raised 50% more than our target amount, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The key to our success lay in our systematic approach and strong teamwork.”
Successful charity fundraising dinner with elegant setup
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I organized a charity dinner last summer. I worked with five other people to plan it. We spent three months getting everything ready. I was in charge of talking to donors, and my friends helped with other things like food and music.
We chose a nice building for the event and had good food and music. The event went well – we got more money than we hoped for, and people said they enjoyed it. I think it worked because we all worked hard together.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
- What makes an event successful?
- Why do some events fail despite careful planning?
- How has event planning changed with technology?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The cornerstone of any successful event is understanding your audience’s expectations. Just as describe a time when you had to stay up all night to finish a task, event planning requires dedication and attention to detail.
Even meticulously planned events can falter due to unforeseen circumstances. The key is to have contingency plans in place. For instance, if you’re planning an outdoor event, you should always have an indoor alternative ready.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Spearhead (verb) /ˈspɪəhed/ – to lead or organize
- Delegate (verb) /ˈdelɪɡeɪt/ – to assign responsibility
- Curate (verb) /kjʊəˈreɪt/ – to select and organize carefully
- Contingency plan (noun) /kənˈtɪndʒənsi plæn/ – backup plan
- Exceed expectations (phrase) – to perform better than anticipated
Examiner’s Tips
- Use specific examples to support your points
- Demonstrate range in vocabulary and grammar
- Maintain natural fluency while speaking
- Show awareness of event planning challenges and solutions
- Practice describing both successful and unsuccessful events to prepare for various questions
Remember, when discussing event planning, it’s crucial to describe a tourist attraction that disappointed you or describe a trip you had to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances to demonstrate your ability to handle both positive and negative experiences professionally.
