As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ve seen countless candidates struggle with the ‘changing plans’ topic in the speaking test. This article will provide you with expert tips and sample answers to help you excel in this common IELTS speaking theme. We’ll cover all three parts of the speaking test, focusing on how to effectively describe a time when you had to change your plans.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about changing plans. Here are some common questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you often change your plans?
A: Well, I’d say I’m generally quite flexible when it comes to plans. While I do try to stick to my original intentions, I’m not averse to making adjustments when necessary. Life can be unpredictable, so being adaptable is crucial.
Q: How do you feel when you have to change your plans?
A: To be honest, it depends on the situation. If it’s a minor change, I’m usually fine with it. However, if it’s a significant alteration to something I’ve been looking forward to, I might feel a bit disappointed initially. That said, I try to maintain a positive outlook and see it as an opportunity for a new experience.
IELTS speaking test room
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s a sample cue card related to changing plans:
Describe a time when you had to change your plans unexpectedly
You should say:
- What the original plan was
- Why you had to change it
- What you did instead
- How you felt about the change
Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about a time when I had to unexpectedly change my travel plans due to a sudden flight cancellation.
Originally, I had meticulously planned a weekend getaway to a coastal town about an hour’s flight from my city. I had booked my flights, reserved a quaint bed and breakfast, and even made reservations at a highly recommended seafood restaurant for dinner on the first night.
However, on the day of my departure, I received a notification that my flight had been cancelled due to severe weather conditions. This came as quite a shock, as the weather in my city seemed perfectly fine. Upon checking, I discovered that a storm was brewing at my destination, making it unsafe for planes to land.
Faced with this unforeseen circumstance, I had to quickly devise an alternative plan. After some rapid research and phone calls, I decided to embark on a road trip to a nearby mountain resort instead. It was about a three-hour drive, but it offered scenic views and outdoor activities that I thought might compensate for my missed beach vacation.
Initially, I felt quite disappointed and frustrated by this sudden change. I had been looking forward to the coastal trip for weeks, and the thought of missing out on the sea breeze and fresh seafood was disheartening. However, as I began my impromptu road trip, my mood started to lift. The drive through the countryside was unexpectedly beautiful, and the prospect of exploring a new destination added an element of excitement to my weekend.
In retrospect, this change of plans turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The mountain resort offered breathtaking views, invigorating hikes, and a much-needed respite from my usual urban environment. It taught me the value of flexibility and the unexpected joys that can arise from embracing change. This experience reinforced my belief that sometimes, the best adventures are the unplanned ones.”
Follow-up Questions:
Q: How did you manage to reorganize your plans so quickly?
A: Well, it was certainly a bit stressful, but I tried to stay calm and methodical. I quickly assessed my options, used online resources to find alternative destinations, and made a few phone calls to secure new accommodations. Being adaptable and decisive in such situations is key.Q: Did this experience change how you plan trips now?
A: Absolutely, it was quite eye-opening. Now, I always have a backup plan for important trips, and I make sure to purchase travel insurance. I’ve learned to be more flexible in my expectations and to see unexpected changes as potential opportunities for new experiences.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some sample questions and answers:
Q: How do you think technology has affected people’s ability to change plans?
A: Technology has undoubtedly revolutionized our ability to adapt to changing circumstances. With smartphones and the internet, we can instantly access information, make new bookings, or communicate changes to others involved in our plans. This increased connectivity and access to real-time information allows for much greater flexibility.
However, there’s also an argument that technology has made us less tolerant of uncertainty and more prone to constant plan changes. The ease of altering arrangements might make some people less committed to their original plans. It’s a double-edged sword that requires balance and thoughtful use.
Q: Do you think the ability to change plans easily is always a good thing?
A: While flexibility is generally positive, I don’t believe that the ability to change plans easily is always beneficial. On one hand, it allows us to adapt to unforeseen circumstances and potentially make better choices based on new information. This adaptability can lead to more efficient use of our time and resources.
On the other hand, constantly changing plans can lead to a lack of commitment and reliability. It might also cause stress and anxiety if people are always anticipating potential changes. Moreover, some experiences require long-term planning and dedication to achieve meaningful results.
The key, in my opinion, is to strike a balance. We should be open to necessary changes while also valuing the commitment and focus that comes with sticking to a plan. It’s about developing the wisdom to know when to adapt and when to persevere.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
Meticulously planned /məˈtɪkjələsli plænd/ (adv. + v.): Carefully and precisely planned
Example: “I had meticulously planned every aspect of my trip.”Unforeseen circumstance /ˌʌnfɔːˈsiːn ˈsɜːkəmstəns/ (adj. + n.): An unexpected situation
Example: “The flight cancellation was an unforeseen circumstance that forced me to change my plans.”Devise an alternative /dɪˈvaɪz ən ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪv/ (v. + n.): To create a different plan or option
Example: “I had to quickly devise an alternative when my original plan fell through.”Blessing in disguise /ˈblesɪŋ ɪn dɪsˈɡaɪz/ (idiom): An apparent misfortune that turns out to have unexpected benefits
Example: “The change of plans turned out to be a blessing in disguise.”Adaptable /əˈdæptəbl/ (adj.): Able to adjust to new conditions
Example: “Being adaptable is crucial when dealing with unexpected changes.”Reinforce my belief /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːs maɪ bɪˈliːf/ (v. + n.): To strengthen an existing idea or opinion
Example: “This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of flexibility.”
IELTS vocabulary flashcards
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing changing plans:
Practice flexibility in your responses: Be prepared to adapt your answers to different question types and unexpected topics.
Use a variety of structures: Incorporate complex sentences and idiomatic expressions to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Provide specific examples: Back up your statements with personal experiences or hypothetical scenarios to add depth to your answers.
Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to analyze situations and discuss their implications.
Maintain fluency: Even if you’re unsure about a topic, try to speak confidently and continuously. It’s okay to take a moment to gather your thoughts.
By following these tips and incorporating the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the ‘changing plans’ topic in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice makes perfect, so try to incorporate these strategies into your everyday English conversations.
For more IELTS Speaking tips, check out our guides on how to describe a time you had to deal with failure and how to describe a time you received unexpected good news. These resources will further enhance your ability to handle various topics in the IELTS Speaking test.