IELTS VocabMaster

Describe a time when you organized a happy event successfully.

Describe a time when you organized a happy event successfully. You should say: - what the event was - when it took place - how you organized it - and explain why it was successful

Part 2 model answer

A happy event I organised successfully was a surprise party for my parents' twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. It took place about eight months ago, and my younger sister and I planned the whole thing together.

The idea came up when we realised that our parents had never really celebrated their anniversary properly. They're both quite simple people and always put us first. So we decided it was time to do something special for them, but we wanted to keep it a complete surprise.

We started planning about a month in advance. First, we made a guest list of close relatives and some of our parents' old friends, and contacted them secretly through phone calls and a WhatsApp group. Then we booked the rooftop of our building and decorated it with fairy lights, flowers, and a big banner. For food, we ordered biryani and desserts from a local restaurant, and my aunt kindly offered to make some traditional sweets. I also created a short video slideshow on my phone with old family photos, including their wedding pictures, which I collected from relatives. On the day, we told our parents that we were just going upstairs to get some fresh air.

When they came up and saw everyone waiting, they were completely shocked. My mother actually started crying, and my father, who's usually quite reserved, had tears in his eyes when the video played.

I think it was successful because everything went exactly as planned, and the surprise remained a secret until the very end. But more importantly, our parents felt truly loved and appreciated. Seeing them so happy made all the stress and planning completely worth it.

Part 3 discussion

What skills are needed to organize an event?

Organising an event requires good planning and time management skills. Communication skills are also important, as you need to coordinate with guests, vendors, and helpers. Budgeting is another key skill, so that costs don't get out of control. Finally, problem-solving is essential, because unexpected issues almost always come up.

Why do people like to organize surprise parties?

People organise surprise parties to make someone feel special and loved. The shocked and happy reaction of the person is often the most memorable part. Surprises also add excitement and fun to a celebration. In addition, it shows that friends or family members have put real thought and effort into the event.

Is it better to hire professionals or organize events yourself?

For big events like weddings, hiring professionals can save a lot of stress and ensure everything runs smoothly. However, it's expensive. For smaller family events, organising them yourself is cheaper and feels more personal. It also brings family members closer, as everyone works together towards the same goal.

What are the most common events people celebrate in your country?

In Bangladesh, the biggest celebrations are religious festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, as well as Durga Puja for Hindus. Weddings are also huge events, often lasting several days. Cultural festivals like Pohela Boishakh are celebrated by almost everyone. Birthdays and anniversaries have also become more popular in recent years.

Do you think celebrations bring people closer together?

Yes, definitely. Celebrations give people a reason to meet, especially relatives and friends who rarely see each other. Sharing happy moments creates strong emotional bonds and lasting memories. Even preparing for an event together can strengthen relationships, as people cooperate and support each other.