Describe a time when you made a plan to do an activity with a lot of people | IELTS Speaking Topic | May to august 2025 Cue Card
What it was
When and where you made it
What the activity was
And explain how you felt about the plan
- Pivotal role – Crucial position
- Clockwork – Precise timing
- Volunteer drive – Charity campaign
- Underprivileged families – Disadvantaged households
- No walk in the park – Difficult task
- Let the grass grow under my feet – Waste time
- Delegated tasks – Assigned duties
- Without a hitch – Smoothly done
- Well-oiled machine – Efficient system
Well, planning plays a pivotal role in the success of any activity, especially when a large number of people are involved. It helps in saving time, reducing confusion, and ensuring everything runs like clockwork.
Speaking of a time when I made a plan with a lot of people, it takes me back to the COVID-19 pandemic period. During that difficult time, my entire residential society and I decided to organise a volunteer drive to support underprivileged families in nearby areas.
If memory serves me right, this plan was made in mid-2021. We held a small meeting in our society park while maintaining social distancing norms. The core idea was to provide essential supplies like groceries, sanitizers, and basic medicines to those who were struggling to make ends meet.
To cut a long story short, around 50 members agreed to join the cause. Since I’ve always been considered a responsible and forward-thinking person, I was selected as the team leader. At first, I felt a bit challenged  because managing such a large group was no walk in the park. But I didn’t let the grass grow under my feet — I quickly formed smaller sub-teams and delegated tasks with the help of a few senior residents.
Step by step, we collected donations from nearby societies and used the funds to purchase necessities like rice, lentils, cooking oil, face masks, and sanitizers. Once everything was bought, we divided the items into equal packages and distributed them in various slum areas over a span of two weeks.
Luckily, the entire plan went off without a hitch. It was heart-warming to see how everyone contributed with full dedication and a selfless attitude. No one complained about tiredness or workload — everyone worked like a well-oiled machine.
All things considered, this experience was not only fulfilling but also eye-opening. It helped me develop important life skills such as teamwork, communication,and leadership. Overall, it was a memorable and meaningful initiative that left a lasting impact on both our community and me personally.
Follow-ups
- What kind of plans do young people often make?
Generally speaking, young people often plan for their future education, career goals, and fitness routines. For example, many teenagers dream of becoming engineers, doctors, or even social media influencers. Additionally, they also plan trips with friends or learn new hobbies like dance or photography. - Why can’t people always follow their plans?
Honestly speaking, people can’t always stick to their plans due to unexpected challenges. For example, financial problems or health issues can disrupt even the best plans. In addition, lack of motivation or changing priorities also play a major role.