Speaking June 16

Describe a time when you made a plan to do an activity with a lot of people

Answer

Well, it was right before last Chinese New Year when I helped organise a big Spring Festival party for our university’s international students club. A few of us sat down in the student centre meeting room about two weeks before the holiday and brainstormed ideas over cups of coffee. We decided on a potluck dinner, lantern-making corner and a karaoke contest.

Actually, the activity took place in the main lecture hall on campus, where we set up long tables for food, decorated red lanterns and arranged a small stage. I was in charge of food coordination, so I emailed everyone to confirm dishes and dietary needs, then created a shared spreadsheet to track contributions.

Honestly, I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety when the plan came together—excited because it meant bringing dozens of students from different countries together, and anxious about logistics like audio tests and table layouts. Come to think of it, seeing everyone laughing over dumpling-making and singing Spring Festival songs later made me realise how rewarding it is to turn a rough plan into a festive celebration.

Well, it was right before last Chinese New Year when I helped organise a big Spring Festival party for our university’s international students club.
/wel/ /ɪt/ /wɒz/ /raɪt/ /bɪˈfɔː/ /lɑːst/ /tʃaɪˈniːz/ /njuː/ /jɪə/ /wen/ /aɪ/ /hɛlpt/ /ˈɔː.ɡə.naɪz/ /ə/ /bɪɡ/ /sprɪŋ/ /ˈfestəvəl/ /ˈpɑː.ti/ /fə/ /aʊə/ /ˌjuː.nɪˈvɜː.sə.tiz/ /ˌɪn.təˈnæʃ.ə.nəl/ /ˈstjuː.dənts/ /klʌb/

A few of us sat down in the student centre meeting room about two weeks before the holiday and brainstormed ideas over cups of coffee.
/ə/ /fjuː/ /ɒv/ /əs/ /sæt/ /daʊn/ /ɪn/ /ðə/ /ˈstjuː.dənt/ /ˈsɛn.tə/ /ˈmiː.tɪŋ/ /ruːm/ /əˈbaʊt/ /tuː/ /wiːks/ /bɪˈfɔː/ /ðə/ /ˈhɒl.ə.deɪ/ /ænd/ /ˈbreɪnˌstɔːmd/ /aɪˈdɪəz/ /ˈəʊ.və/ /kʌps/ /ɒv/ /ˈkɒf.i/

We decided on a potluck dinner, lantern-making corner and a karaoke contest.
/wiː/ /dɪˈsaɪ.dɪd/ /ɒn/ /ə/ /ˈpɒt.lʌk/ /ˈdɪn.ər/, /ˈlæn.tən-ˈmeɪ.kɪŋ/ /ˈkɔː.nə/ /ænd/ /ə/ /ˌkær.iˈəʊ.ki/ /ˈkɒn.test/

Actually, the activity took place in the main lecture hall on campus, where we set up long tables for food, decorated red lanterns and arranged a small stage.
/ˈæk.tʃu.ə.li/, /ði/ /ækˈtɪv.ɪ.ti/ /tʊk/ /pleɪs/ /ɪn/ /ðə/ /meɪn/ /ˈlɛk.tʃə/ /hɔːl/ /ɒn/ /ˈkæm.pəs/, /weə/ /wiː/ /sɛt/ /ʌp/ /lɒŋ/ /ˈteɪ.bəlz/ /fə/ /fuːd/, /ˈdɛk.ə.reɪ.tɪd/ /rɛd/ /ˈlæn.tənz/ /ænd/ /əˈreɪndʒd/ /ə/ /smɔːl/ /steɪʤ/

I was in charge of food coordination, so I emailed everyone to confirm dishes and dietary needs, then created a shared spreadsheet to track contributions.
/aɪ/ /wɒz/ /ɪn/ /ʧɑːʤ/ /ɒv/ /fuːd/ /kəʊˌɔː.dɪˈneɪ.ʃən/, /səʊ/ /aɪ/ /ˈiː.meɪld/ /ˈev.ri.wʌn/ /tuː/ /kənˈfɜːm/ /ˈdɪʃ.ɪz/ /ænd/ /ˈdaɪ.ə.tər.i/ /niːdz/, /ðɛn/ /kriˈeɪ.tɪd/ /ə/ /ʃeəd/ /ˈsprɛd.ʃiːt/ /tuː/ /træk/ /ˌkɒn.trɪˈbjuː.ʃənz/

Honestly, I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety when the plan came together—excited because it meant bringing dozens of students from different countries together, and anxious about logistics like audio tests and table layouts.
/ˈɒn.ɪst.li/, /aɪ/ /felt/ /ə/ /mɪks/ /ɒv/ /ɪkˈsaɪt.mənt/ /ænd/ /æŋˈzaɪ.ə.ti/ /wen/ /ðə/ /plæn/ /keɪm/ /təˈɡɛð.ər/ — /ɪkˈsaɪ.tɪd/ /bɪˈkɒz/ /ɪt/ /mɛnt/ /ˈbrɪŋ.ɪŋ/ /ˈdʌz.ənz/ /ɒv/ /ˈstjuː.dənts/ /frɒm/ /ˈdɪf.ərənt/ /ˈkʌn.triz/ /təˈɡɛð.ər/, /ænd/ /ˈæŋk.ʃəs/ /əˈbaʊt/ /ləʊˈdʒɪs.tɪks/ /laɪk/ /ˈɔː.di.əʊ/ /tɛsts/ /ænd/ /ˈteɪ.bəl/ /ˈleɪ.aʊts/

Come to think of it, seeing everyone laughing over dumpling-making and singing Spring Festival songs later made me realise how rewarding it is to turn a rough plan into a festive celebration.
/kʌm/ /tuː/ /θɪŋk/ /ɒv/ /ɪt/, /ˈsiː.ɪŋ/ /ˈev.ri.wʌn/ /ˈlɑːf.ɪŋ/ /ˈəʊ.və/ /ˈdʌm.plɪŋ-ˈmeɪ.kɪŋ/ /ænd/ /ˈsɪŋ.ɪŋ/ /sprɪŋ/ /ˈfɛs.tɪ.vəl/ /sɒŋz/ /ˈleɪ.tə/ /meɪd/ /miː/ /ˈriː.ə.laɪz/ /haʊ/ /rɪˈwɔː.dɪŋ/ /ɪt/ /ɪz/ /tuː/ /tɜːn/ /ə/ /rʌf/ /plæn/ /ˈɪn.tuː/ /ə/ /ˈfɛs.tɪv/ /ˌselɪˈbreɪʃn/

part3

What kind of plans do young people often make?

Well, a lot of young people map out detailed study and career plans. I guess they’ll set goals like passing certain exams, securing internships, or researching postgraduate options. Come to think of it, classmates often draft timelines—“by June, finish my thesis draft; by August, apply for three companies”—and use apps to track progress. Actually, having that road map reduces anxiety and keeps them motivated, especially when juggling coursework and job hunting.

Well, a lot of young people map out detailed study and career plans.

/wel/ /ə/ /lɒt/ /ɒv/ /jʌŋ/ /ˈpiː.pl̩/ /mæp/ /aʊt/ /dɪˈteɪld/ /ˈstʌd.i/ /ænd/ /kəˈrɪə/ /plænz/

I guess they’ll set goals like passing certain exams, securing internships, or researching postgraduate options.

/aɪ/ /ɡes/ /ðeɪl/ /set/ /ɡəʊlz/ /laɪk/ /ˈpɑːsɪŋ/ /ˈsɜː.tən/ /ɪgˈzæmz/, /sɪˈkjʊə.rɪŋ/ /ɪnˈtɜːn.ʃɪps/, /ɔː/ /rɪˈsɜː.tʃɪŋ/ /ˌpəʊstˈɡræd.jʊ.ət/ /ˈɒp.ʃənz/

Come to think of it, classmates often draft timelines—“by June, finish my thesis draft; by August, apply for three companies”—and use apps to track progress.

/kʌm/ /tuː/ /θɪŋk/ /ɒv/ /ɪt/, /ˈklɑːs.meɪts/ /ˈɒf.ən/ /drɑːft/ /ˈtaɪm.laɪnz/ — “/baɪ/ /ʤuːn/, /ˈfɪn.ɪʃ/ /maɪ/ /ˈθiː.sɪs/ /drɑːft/; /baɪ/ /ˈɔː.gəst/, /əˈplaɪ/ /fə/ /θriː/ /ˈkʌm.pəniz/” — /ænd/ /juːz/ /æps/ /tuː/ /træk/ /ˈprəʊ.ɡres/

Actually, having that road map reduces anxiety and keeps them motivated, especially when juggling coursework and job hunting.

/ˈæk.tʃu.ə.li/, /ˈhæv.ɪŋ/ /ðæt/ /rəʊd/ /mæp/ /rɪˈdjuː.sɪz/ /æŋˈzaɪ.ə.ti/ /ænd/ /kiːps/ /ðəm/ /ˈməʊ.tɪ.veɪ.tɪd/, /ɪˈspeʃ.əl.i/ /wen/ /ˈʤʌɡ.lɪŋ/ /ˈkɔːs.wɜːk/ /ænd/ /dʒɒb/ /ˈhʌn.tɪŋ/

Why can't people always follow their plans?

Actually, plans can fail when they’re overly ambitious. I guess someone might set five tasks for a single afternoon, underestimate how long each takes, and then feel overwhelmed. If I’m being honest, realistic goal‐setting and breaking big plans into smaller steps help ensure you can actually stick to them.

*- Actually, plans can fail when they’re overly ambitious.**
/ˈæk.tʃu.ə.li/, /plænz/ /kæn/ /feɪl/ /wen/ /ðeə/ /ˈəʊ.və.li/ /æmˈbɪʃ.əs/.

I guess someone might set five tasks for a single afternoon, underestimate how long each takes, and then feel overwhelmed.
/aɪ/ /ɡes/ /ˈsʌm.wʌn/ /maɪt/ /set/ /faɪv/ /tɑːsks/ /fə/ /ə/ /ˈsɪŋ.ɡəl/ /ˌɑːf.təˈnuːn/, /ˌʌn.dəˈres.tɪ.meɪt/ /haʊ/ /lɒŋ/ /iːʧ/ /teɪks/, /ænd/ /ðen/ /fiːl/ /ˌəʊ.vəˈwelmd/.

If I’m being honest, realistic goal-setting and breaking big plans into smaller steps help ensure you can actually stick to them.
/ɪf/ /aɪm/ /ˈbiː.ɪŋ/ /ˈɒn.ɪst/, /ˌrɪə.lɪˈstɪk/ /ˈɡəʊlˌset.ɪŋ/ /ænd/ /ˈbreɪ.kɪŋ/ /bɪɡ/ /plænz/ /ˈɪn.tuː/ /ˈsmɔː.lər/ /steps/ /help/ /ɪnˈʃɔː(r)/ /juː/ /kæn/ /ˈæk.tʃu.ə.li/ /stɪk/ /tuː/ /ðəm/.

Why do people make plans?

Actually, planning helps people manage their time more effectively. To be honest, our days are often jam-packed, so allocating specific slots for tasks—like studying, meetings, or exercise—ensures nothing important gets overlooked. Believe it or not, breaking larger tasks into smaller steps makes workloads feel less overwhelming and boosts productivity. Frankly, good planning means you spend less time wondering “What next?” and more time actually doing things.

Actually, planning helps people manage their time more effectively.
/ˈæk.tʃu.ə.li/ /ˈplæn.ɪŋ/ /helps/ /ˈpiː.pəl/ /ˈmæn.ɪdʒ/ /ðeə/ /taɪm/ /mɔː/ /ɪˈfek.tɪv.li/

To be honest, our days are often jam-packed, so allocating specific slots for tasks—like studying, meetings, or exercise—ensures nothing important gets overlooked.
/ tə/ /biː/ /ˈɒn.ɪst/, /aʊə/ /deɪz/ /ɑː/ /ˈɒf.ən/ /ˈdʒæm.pækt/, /səʊ/ /ˈæl.əˌkeɪ.tɪŋ/ /spəˈsɪf.ɪk/ /slɒts/ /fə/ /tɑːsks/ — /laɪk/ /ˈstʌd.i.ɪŋ/, /ˈmiː.tɪŋz/, /ɔː/ /ˈek.sə.saɪz/ — /ɪnˈʃɔːz/ /ˈnʌθ.ɪŋ/ /ɪmˈpɔː.tənt/ /gets/ /ˌəʊ.vəˈlʊkt/

Believe it or not, breaking larger tasks into smaller steps makes workloads feel less overwhelming and boosts productivity.
/bɪˈliːv/ /ɪt/ /ɔː/ /nɒt/, /ˈbreɪ.kɪŋ/ /ˈlɑː.dʒə/ /tɑːsks/ /ˈɪn.tuː/ /ˈsmɔː.lə/ /steps/ /meɪks/ /ˈwɜːk.ləʊdz/ /fiːl/ /lɛs/ /ˌəʊ.vəˈwel.mɪŋ/ /ənd/ /buːsts/ /ˌprɒd.ʌkˈtɪv.ɪ.ti/

Frankly, good planning means you spend less time wondering “What next?” and more time actually doing things.
/ˈfræŋ.kli/, /ɡʊd/ /ˈplæn.ɪŋ/ /miːnz/ /juː/ /spɛnd/ /lɛs/ /taɪm/ /ˈwʌn.dər.ɪŋ/ /wɒt nɛkst/ /ænd/ /mɔː/ /taɪm/ /ˈæk.tʃu.ə.li/ /ˈduː.ɪŋ/ /θɪŋz/

Is it important to make plans?

Actually, planning is key to using time effectively. Believe it or not, blocking out specific hours for lectures, revision, and downtime prevents overlap and last-minute panic. Frankly, when you know exactly what needs to be done and when, you waste less time deciding what to do next and more time doing it.

Actually, planning is key to using time effectively.
/ˈæk.tʃu.ə.li/ /ˈplæn.ɪŋ/ /ɪz/ /kiː/ /tuː/ /ˈjuː.zɪŋ/ /taɪm/ /ɪˈfek.tɪv.li/

Believe it or not, blocking out specific hours for lectures, revision, and downtime prevents overlap and last-minute panic.
/bɪˈliːv/ /ɪt/ /ɔː/ /nɒt/, /ˈblɒk.ɪŋ/ /aʊt/ /spəˈsɪf.ɪk/ /ˈaʊ.əz/ /fə/ /ˈlek.tʃəz/, /rɪˈvɪʒ.ən/, /ænd/ /ˈdaʊn.taɪm/ /prɪˈvents/ /ˈəʊ.və.læp/ /ænd/ /lɑːst-ˈmɪn.ɪt/ /ˈpæn.ɪk/

Frankly, when you know exactly what needs to be done and when, you waste less time deciding what to do next and more time doing it.
/ˈfræŋ.kli/, /wen/ /juː/ /nəʊ/ /ɪɡˈzækt.li/ /wɒt/ /niːdz/ /tuː/ /biː/ /dʌn/ /ænd/ /wen/, /juː/ /weɪst/ /lɛs/ /taɪm/ /dɪˈsaɪ.dɪŋ/ /wɒt/ /tuː/ /duː/ /nɛkst/ /ænd/ /mɔː/ /taɪm/ /ˈduː.ɪŋ/ /ɪt/.

Why do some people like to make plans while some others don't like to?

Well, some people are naturally inclined towards structure—they’re conscientious and like knowing exactly what comes next. I mean, having a detailed plan gives them a sense of control and reduces anxiety. Actually, this personality trait—often linked to the “judging” side in Myers-Briggs terms—drives them to sketch out to-do lists and schedules. At the end of the day, planning aligns with their need for order, whereas spontaneous folks find those same lists confining.

Well, some people are naturally inclined towards structure—they’re conscientious and like knowing exactly what comes next.
/wel/ /sʌm/ /ˈpiː.pəl/ /ɑː/ /ˈnætʃ.(ə).rəl.i/ /ɪnˈklaɪnd/ /təˈwɔːdz/ /ˈstrʌk.tʃə/ — /ðeə/ /ˌkɒn.ʃiˈɛn.ʃəs/ /ænd/ /laɪk/ /ˈnəʊ.ɪŋ/ /ɪɡˈzækt.li/ /wɒt/ /kʌmz/ /nɛkst/

I mean, having a detailed plan gives them a sense of control and reduces anxiety.
/aɪ/ /miːn/, /ˈhæv.ɪŋ/ /ə/ /dɪˈteɪld/ /plæn/ /ɡɪvz/ /ðəm/ /ə/ /sɛns/ /ɒv/ /kənˈtrəʊl/ /ænd/ /rɪˈdjuː.sɪz/ /æŋˈzaɪ.ə.ti/

Actually, this personality trait—often linked to the “judging” side in Myers-Briggs terms—drives them to sketch out to-do lists and schedules.
/ˈæk.tʃu.ə.li/, /ðɪs/ /ˌpɜː.səˈnæl.ə.ti/ /treɪt/ — /ˈɒf.ən/ /lɪŋkt/ /tə/ /ðə/ /ˈdʒʌdʒ.ɪŋ/ /saɪd/ /ɪn/ /ˌmaɪ.əzˈbrɪɡz/ /tɜːmz/ — /draɪvz/ /ðəm/ /tə/ /skɛʧ/ /aʊt/ /tuː-duː/ /lɪsts/ /ænd/ /ˈsked.juːlz/

At the end of the day, planning aligns with their need for order, whereas spontaneous folks find those same lists confining.
/æt/ /ði/ /end/ /ɒv/ /ðə/ /deɪ/, /ˈplæn.ɪŋ/ /əˈlaɪnz/ /wɪð/ /ðeə/ /niːd/ /fə/ /ˈɔː.də/, /ˌweərˈæz/ /spɒnˈteɪ.ni.əs/ /fəʊks/ /faɪnd/ /ðəʊz/ /seɪm/ /lɪsts/ /kənˈfaɪ.nɪŋ/

Are there any people who never make plans?

Believe it or not, some folks never formalise any plans simply because they’re serial procrastinators. To be honest, they might have good intentions—like promising to study or exercise—but they never actually map out when to do it. Come to think of it, this habit often stems from underestimating how long tasks take or waiting for a perfect “motivational mood.” Frankly, without even a rough plan, deadlines sneak up and things get left undone.

Believe it or not, some folks never formalise any plans simply because they’re serial procrastinators.
/bɪˈliːv/ /ɪt/ /ɔː/ /nɒt/, /sʌm/ /fəʊks/ /ˈnɛv.ə/ /ˈfɔː.məl.aɪz/ /ˈɛni/ /plænz/ /ˈsɪmpli/ /bɪˈkɒz/ /ðeə/ /ˈsɪə.ri.əl/ /prəˈkræs.tɪ.neɪ.təz/

To be honest, they might have good intentions—like promising to study or exercise—but they never actually map out when to do it.
/tuː/ /biː/ /ˈɒn.ɪst/, /ðeɪ/ /maɪt/ /hæv/ /ɡʊd/ /ɪnˈtɛn.ʃənz/ — /laɪk/ /ˈprɒm.ɪs.ɪŋ/ /tə/ /ˈstʌd.i/ /ɔː/ /ˈeks.ə.saɪz/ — /bət/ /ðeɪ/ /ˈnɛv.ə/ /ˈæk.tʃu.ə.li/ /mæp/ /aʊt/ /wen/ /tə/ /duː/ /ɪt/

Come to think of it, this habit often stems from underestimating how long tasks take or waiting for a perfect “motivational mood.”
/kʌm/ /tə/ /θɪŋk/ /ɒv/ /ɪt/, /ðɪs/ /ˈhæb.ɪt/ /ˈɒf.ən/ /stɛmz/ /frɒm/ /ˌʌn.dəˈrɛs.tɪ.meɪ.tɪŋ/ /haʊ/ /lɒŋ/ /tɑːsks/ /teɪk/ /ɔː/ /ˈweɪ.tɪŋ/ /fə/ /ə/ /ˈpɜː.fɛkt/ /ˌməʊ.tɪˈveɪ.ʃən.əl/ /muːd/

Frankly, without even a rough plan, deadlines sneak up and things get left undone.
/ˈfræŋ.kli/, /wɪˈðaʊt/ /ˈiː.vən/ /ə/ /rʌf/ /plæn/, /ˈded.laɪnz/ /sniːk/ /ʌp/ /ænd/ /θɪŋz/ /ɡet/ /lɛft/ /ʌnˈdʌn/