IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a person who is good at planning

Describe a person who is good at planning

You should say:

One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.

How to plan it in one minute

  1. Choose someone you know well to make the personal anecdotes sound more authentic and natural.
  2. Use the bullet points as a roadmap to ensure you cover each aspect without rushing.
  3. Spend the first thirty seconds jotting down specific examples of their planning skills.

Band 8 model answer

I’d like to talk about my older sister, Elena, who is arguably the most organised person I have ever encountered. We grew up in the same household in Manchester, so I have had a front-row seat to her meticulous nature for nearly twenty years. She is the sort of person who seems to have a mental spreadsheet for every aspect of her life.

Elena is constantly planning, whether it is something mundane like her weekly meal prep or more complex undertakings like our family holidays. When we go away, she doesn’t just book flights; she creates a colour-coded itinerary that includes everything from opening times of local galleries to the best spots for sunset photography, complete with contingency plans in case of bad weather. Even her career as a project manager reflects this skill, as she thrives on managing tight deadlines and complex workflows for her team.

I believe she is exceptionally good at planning because she possesses a rare blend of foresight and pragmatism. She never gets overwhelmed because she breaks down massive, daunting objectives into tiny, manageable tasks. It is not just about having a list; it is about her ability to anticipate potential hurdles before they even manifest. If a flight is delayed or a reservation falls through, she is never rattled because she has already mapped out a 'plan B'. Her approach isn't rigid or stifling; rather, it provides a sense of calm and clarity that allows everyone around her to enjoy the experience without the usual stress of logistical chaos. Watching her operate is genuinely inspiring.

261 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

Vocabulary from the answer

Meticulous
Showing great attention to detail and precision.
Contingency plans
Back-up strategies for when things go wrong.
Logistical chaos
A state of total confusion regarding planning.
Foresight
The ability to predict what will happen.
Pragmatism
Dealing with things in a practical way.
Manifest
To become clear or appear in reality.
Rattled
To feel nervous, worried, or easily upset.
Stifling
Restricting freedom or preventing natural development.

Part 3 questions that follow this card

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See the Part 3 guide.

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Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe a person who is good at planning"?

Choose someone you know well to make the personal anecdotes sound more authentic and natural.

How long should my answer be?

Speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.

Can I use this model answer in the exam?

Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.

More cue cards: a person