As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered countless students grappling with the notorious “Do you make plans every day?” question (or a variation of it) in the IELTS Speaking test. This seemingly simple question often throws test-takers off guard, leading to hesitant responses and missed opportunities to showcase their language skills.
Understanding the Question’s Significance
The IELTS Speaking test assesses your fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Examiners use questions like “Do you make plans every day?” to evaluate your ability to:
- Express personal opinions and experiences: They want to hear about your daily routines and how you approach planning.
- Use a range of vocabulary: Discussing planning allows you to utilize words like “schedule,” “organize,” “prioritize,” “goals,” “time management,” and more.
- Formulate coherent and extended responses: Instead of a simple “yes” or “no,” examiners expect you to elaborate, providing reasons and examples.
Crafting a Winning Response
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, here’s a breakdown of how to structure a compelling response:
1. Acknowledge the Question:
- “That’s an interesting question! I wouldn’t say I make detailed plans every single day, but…”
- “Planning is something I think about quite a bit. Typically…”
2. State Your Tendency:
- If you’re a planner: “I’m quite organized, so I generally like to have a plan for each day. This helps me stay focused and make the most of my time.”
- If you’re more spontaneous: “I tend to be more flexible. While I might have a general idea of what I need to do, I often go with the flow and adapt to situations as they arise.”
- A balanced approach: “It really depends on the day. For weekdays, I’m more structured, but on weekends, I prefer to leave things open to spontaneity.”
3. Provide Specific Examples:
- Work/Study: “For instance, I always create a to-do list for work to prioritize tasks and deadlines.”
- Personal Life: “On evenings, I might plan a quick workout or catch up with friends.”
- Weekends: “Weekends are usually less structured, but I might make plans for a hike or to try a new restaurant.”
4. Explain Your Reasoning:
- Benefits of planning: “I find that planning helps me reduce stress, stay organized, and achieve my goals.”
- Enjoying spontaneity: “I value flexibility because it allows me to embrace unexpected opportunities and enjoy the present moment.”
5. Conclude Concisely:
- “Overall, while I don’t always have a minute-by-minute schedule, I do believe that some level of planning is beneficial.”
Illustrative Examples from IELTS Speaking Tests
Candidate 1: “Well, to be honest, I’m not really a big planner. I prefer to just see what each day brings. Of course, if I have something important like an exam or a doctor’s appointment, I’ll make a note of it. But generally, I like to keep things flexible.”
Candidate 2: “I’m someone who thrives on structure. Each evening, I take a few minutes to outline my tasks for the next day. This way, I feel prepared and can manage my time effectively. It also helps me prioritize important deadlines.”
Tips for Success
- Practice consistently: Simulate the test environment by answering IELTS Speaking practice questions regularly.
- Expand your vocabulary: Learn synonyms for common words related to planning, time management, and routines.
- Focus on fluency: Practice speaking naturally and connecting your ideas smoothly.
- Don’t memorize answers: Examiners can spot memorized responses. Aim for natural and genuine conversation.
Remember, the “Do you make plans every day?” question is an opportunity to demonstrate your English proficiency. By following these tips and crafting a structured and detailed response, you can confidently tackle this question and enhance your IELTS Speaking band score.