SPEAKING PART 1:

1. DESCRIPTION QUESTIONS: (Strategy: divide into 2 or 3 parts)

Sample answer
Tell me something about your hometown?
Well as you can probably guess I come from Taipei and I have lived here all my life,
although at the moment Im studying in another city Taizhong. I suppose if I had to
describe Taipei, the first thing I would say is that its very crowded, maybe even one
of the biggest cities in Asia I guess. Its so congested that even the locals have
problems finding their way around! Another significant characteristic is that it offers
splendid examples of contemporary architecture. Actually some of the renowned
landmarks are in the middle of Taipei, such as the Taipei 101, the second tallest
building in the world.
Well, the main thing you need to know is that(1) + (details)
On top of that I can also add that (2)+ (details)
Something else that I need to say is that (3)so actually(detail)
Starting-off
Ok, then; actually; alright; well, you know;
Point 1
The first thing Id like to mention is
The main thing you need to know is
Id like to begin by highlighting the fact
Point 2
In addition I suppose I should say
Another interesting point
Not only that, but _______is also exceedingly ..
Point 3
And I shouldnt forget to mention that
I guess I could also say that (its) sort-of ..
Finally Id also like to mention ..
Practice:
Tell me something about your hometown?
What does your neighborhood look like?
What does your house look like?
Do you like watching movies?
Well, I like to _____________ for a few reasons. The main reason I like_____________
is that I think it is a _____________ . Id also like to point-out that_____________
because _____________
2. LIKING (Strategy: General to specific)
Rephrasing liking

Im pretty fond of
Im really keen on
Im a big fan of
Im passionate about
Structure
1. Well in general I would say
2. To be more precise/specific
3. And I guess this is probably because

Sample answer
What kind of animals do you like?
Well in general I would say small animals, to be more precise cats and dogs; and, I
guess this is because we often kept them when I was growing up, and they were good
companions for me.

Practice:
What do you like about your hometown?
Do you like your job/studies?
What sort of music do you like?
Do you like reading?
Do you like shopping?
3. DISLIKING (Strategy: General to specific)
Rephrasing Disliking
Im not really satisfied with
Im not much of a fan of
Im not really fond of
is simply not my cup of tea.
I really cant stand
simply gets on my nerves.
Sample answer
Is there anything you dont like about your hometown?
In general, Id have to say that I am not so satisfied with the weather. To be more
precise, I really cant stand the summer months. You know, its because the
temperatures are often as high as 35 degrees, plus it is always humid, so it makes you
feel quite uncomfortable!

Practice
Is there anything you dont like about your hometown?
Is there anything you dont like about job/studies?
Is there any food you dont like?
Whats the worst thing about shopping?

Are there any clothes that you dont like?

What type of weather do you dislike?
4. TYPE OF QUESTIONS (strategy: depends on)
theres quite a mixed variety of
theres quite an extensive diversity of
theres quite a wide range of
theres a fairly broad range of
theres quite a diverse mixture of
Sample answer
Tell me about the different types of transportation in your city.
Of course, you know theres quite a mixed variety of public transportation in my city.
Though I think the most commonly-used one could probably be buses. And the
explanation for this could be that they are so cheap and reliable. In fact the average bus
fare in my city is about 20 dollars for a single journey from start to end.

Practice
What kinds of restaurants are popular in your country?
What types of shops can be found in your local area?
What types of things do people collect in your country?
What types of TV programmes are popular in your country?
5. WH-/HOW OFTEN QUESTIONS(strategy: concession)
Well to be honest, I would have to say that it really depends.
Like for instance Whereas in contrast
Sample answer
What sort of restaurants do you usually eat at?
Usually I prefer to get something like fast food such as McDonalds because its quick
and easy to get. However, if I have more time I would rather have something
healthier such as a steak and salad from a decent restaurant like Outback Steakhouse.

Practice
When do you usually read?
Who do you spend your evenings with?
When you go out in the evenings, what do you usually do?
How often do you play sports?
Where do you usually go shopping?

Speaking Unit 2: The long Turn

Requirement
1~2 minute answer
(1 minute preparation), followed by a
couple of questions
The examiner will hand you a card
with a question and three sub
questions on it. You have one minute
to read the question and prepare your
answer.

Strategy
preparation
1. Identify key words in the
question
2. Think about the tense required
3. Write down some key points
4. Write down some key vocabulary
Speaking
1. Use strong adjectives (fantastic!)
2. Speak with rhythm if possible
3. Try to avoid long pauses

1. Read the question below and the then underline the key words.

Describe a place that you have visited that you particularly liked.
You should say:
a. When you visited there?
b.
Who you went with?
c.
What was most memorable?
And explain what you liked most about this place.
There are many possible ways of starting your answer, including:
Id like to talk about a country called
Im going to talk about a city called
A park that I found really interesting was
2. Decide the place you will describe then write down some notes.
Place:San Francisco, USA
a. When you went there?
b. Who you went with?

For 6 months in1994

friend who is from Viet Nam
vegetarian guy
brother was an artist

c. What was memorable?

There were many tourist attractions such as Fishermans

wharf and Alcatraz Island

d. What you liked most

lots of different types people

good weather
lots of cool places to visit
great restaurants

relaxed lifestyle
3. Introduce your answer, paraphrasing the question, to show you clearly understand the
question.
Id like to talk about San Francisco, because its a place I will never forget.
a. I went there in ..
b. I went there with
c. The thing I remember most is (PRESENT TENSE)
d. Some of the things I enjoyed were
Id like to talk about San Francisco, because its a place I will never forget. I went there in 1994 for about six
months. I went there with a friend of mine who is from Viet Nam. He is a vegetarian, so we couldnt use any
meat when we cooked. I also remember his brother who was a very talented artist. The thing I remember most
about San Francisco is that there were many tourist attractions such as Fishermans wharf, which had lots of
delicious seafood and sour dough bread; and Alcatraz Island, which used to be a prison for murders and other
serious criminals. Some of the things I enjoyed most about San Francisco were the different types people, the
good weather, the many different places and neighborhoods to visit. There were also many great restaurants
and overall it is a very relaxed lifestyle there.

4. Read the question below and the then underline the key words.

Describe a historic place that you have visited that you particularly liked.
You should say:
a.
When you visited there?
b.
Who you went with?
c.
What you saw there?
And explain what you liked most about this place.
5. Decide on a place and then write down some notes.
a. I went there in ..
b. I went there with
c. Some of the things I saw were

d. The main thing that I enjoyed about this place is ..

Describe your favorite place for shopping

You should say:
a. When you go there
b. Where it is located
c. What you can buy there
And explain why you like it
6. Adjectives:
Adjectives make things more interesting. There is a difference between eating a nice dessert, and eating a bowl
of the freshest, sweetest fruit, topped with a delicious chocolate sauce!

Comparatives are used to compare

Cheap
Expensive

Cheaper
More expensive

Cheapest
Most expensive

7. Modifiers
To modify is to change. Modifiers can be weak or strong.

Weak
Strong

A little, sort of
Much, really, very, extremely

8. Useful language to use in your speech

Introductory phrases - when you start your talk:
I want to talk about
Id like to talk about
Im going to talk about
I'm going to describe
What I'm going to talk about is
Developing phrases - when you want to expand your argument:
First of all
Secondly,
Additionally,
Another thing
Another reason why
Furthermore

Background phrases - when you want to add some detail:

At that time
It happened
It took place
Its been going on for/since
It's near
Impression phrases - when you want to say something that made an impression on
you:
... influenced me.
affected me
disturbed me
had an effect on me
impressed me
motivated me
moved me
touched me deeply
Things you like phrases - when you want to describe or talk about things you like:
I enjoy
I like most of all
I love doing...
9. Answering rounding-off questions.
You may be asked one or two questions at the end of your 2 minute speech. You can use this technique to
answer them.

1. Brief answer, repeating auxiliary verb

2. Use the same tense
3. If you are really stuck for an answer just say Yes, I think so, No, I dont think so

Answering follow up questions:

You may be required to give a couple of short answers about your topic. Usually the best way to do this is to
repeat the auxiliary verb. YOU MUST USE THE SAME TENSE!
EXAMPLE 1: Have you done this type of work before?
No, I havent.
EXAMPLE 2: Do you know anyone who has
Yes, I do.

Sample Questions according to different topics

PEOPLE: Individuals : Appearance / Personality / Hobbies / Relationship / My own feeling

Describe one of your neighbors

What is your neighbor like?
Do you like this neighbor?
When do you usually meet his neighbor?
and say if this person is a good neighbor
Describe a young person you admire.
You could say:
who this person is
how long you have known them
what qualities they has
and say why you admire them
Describe someone you know who is a good teacher.
You could say:
who this person is
how you know them
what kinds of subjects they teach
and explain why this person is good at teaching
Describe an interesting person who you know.
You could say:
who the person is
how you know this person
what sort of person this is
and explain why you think this person does that is interesting
PLACES
Buildings : Location / Exterior / Interior / Atmosphere / Service / My own feeling
Cities : Location / People / Food / Cityscape / Entertainment / My own feeling
Organization : History / Members / Location / Duty / Influence / My own feeling
Natural Beauty : Location / History / Visitors / Activities / My own feeling

Describe a house you have visited which you particularly liked.

You could say:

what kind of house it is

why you visited the house

how it is different to other houses you have visited

and why you particularly liked it.
Describe a Cafe you know.
You could say:

 where this cafe is

what type of drinks/food the cafe serves
how often you go to this cafe
and explain why you would recommend this Cafe.
Describe a hotel you have stayed in.
You should say:
where it is
what facilities it has
when you stayed there
and say whether you would recommend it to a friend
Describe a shopping centre that you often go to.
Where is the shopping centre?
What do you buy there?
How often do you go to it?
and explain why you choose to go that shopping centre
Describe a country that you would like to travel to.
You could say:
where this country is?
how you would travel there?
who you would go with?
and explain what you like about this country.
Describe a public building you know.
You could say:
where this building is
what you can do in this building
how often you go to this building
and explain why you went to this building.
Describe a park you remember visiting.
You could say:
where it is
what it looks like
what activities people do there
and explain why you still remember it.

Objects
Objects : How I got it / Exterior / Function / Price / another related object / My own feeling
Describe something expensive that you bought recently [not a computer]

What was it?

What does it look
How much did it cost?

And explain why you bought it

Describe an invention that is important in todays society.

You could say:
What is the invention?
What is it used for?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the invention?
and explain why you think this invention is so important
Describe a book you read that you think is interesting
You could say:
how you knew about this book
where you this book from
what is it abut
and explain why you think this book is interesting.
Describe an important letter or email that you received.
You could say:
who wrote it
what the letter or email was about
how you felt about it
and explain why it was important.
Describe your favourite electronic gadget.
You could say:
what it is
when you bought it
why you bought it
and say why you like it so much.

Activities
Leisure activities : What / Who / When / Why / My own feeling

Describe an activity you enjoy doing in your free time.

You could say:
who you do this with
where you do it
why you do it
and explain why you like to spend your free time this way.
Describe a practical skill you have.
You could say:
what the skill is
how often you use it
who taught it to you
and explain why the skill is so practical
Describe an advertisement you think is interesting.
You could say:

what this advertisement is about

where you saw or heard this advertisement
what the contents of the advertisement are
and explain why you think this advertisement is interesting
Describe a sport you have enjoyed playing or watching
You should say
where this sport is played
how the sport is played
what sort of people play this sport
and explain what you like about this sport

Experiences/The past
What / Why / When / Where / Who / My own feeling

Describe a time when you had to be polite

What was the place?

What was the situation?
Who were the people involved?

And explain why you had to be polite

Describe an educational trip that you went on when you were in school.
You could say:
who went with you
where you went
what you did there
and explain what you learned on this trip.
Describe a place you have visited where you learnt something.
You could say:
who went with you
where you went
what you did there
and explain what you learned at this place.
Describe a recent news story that interested you.
You could say:
how you heard about this news story
what the news was about
is this news positive or negative
and explain why this news story was interesting to you.
Describe an important decision that you might have to make in the future

You could say:

what the decision will be about
how you will make your decision
what the results of the decision are likely to be
and explain why it was important.

Speaking Unit 3: The Discussion

Part
PART 3:
4~5 Minutes

Requirement
Discussion based on PART
2.
This normal takes the form
of the Tester asking a
series of questions related
to your topic in Part 2.

Strategy
1. If necessary paraphrase the question for clarity and to give you time to
think.
2. There is no right/wrong answer
3. Give extended replies by using linking words (because, and, but)
4. Try to support your opinions, use examples

1. Dont waste time

In this section it is very very important that you dont waste time trying to think of your real opinion that doesnt
matter what is important is that you give your opinion and then support it.
2. You can even give opinions both for and against the question
EXAMPLE: Do you think its a good idea to work from home
Yes, I think so, because its very convenient and you dont have to waste time to travel to work. But, maybe I have to be
careful that I am not too distracted, and that I dont play online games or sleep all day.
3. Write both positive and negative answers to the following questions
a.

Do you think it is good to live in a foreign country?

I think its fantastic because,

I think its terrible because,

b.

Do you think it is good to retire early?

I think its wonderful because,

I think its a fools paradise because,

4. Some questions will require you to compare two things

Which is better: living in the countryside or in the city?

Id rather live in the city. City life offers modern living. There are many opportunities in terms of work, entertainment,
leisure and dining. However, the countryside gives a very common and limited life style which is I guess preferred by
people in their old age.
Do you think childrens lives are very different nowadays?
Yes, of course! With modern life style, children are similarly affected as with adults. Before, children were confined in
their house. They were just limited to some activities such as playing indoor games of simple nature. However
nowadays, they are faced with enormous challenges such as meeting deadlines for a school project, waking up early to
beat the traffic and do homework using computers. These things are a few examples of the notable changes in the lives of
the children.

5. In Pairs practice asking and answering questions (Comparing).

Are cities nowadays different then they were in the past? (transport, parks, entertainment)
Do children have better lives nowadays than they did in the past? (entertainment, pressure, parents support)
6. Use redundant phrases to buy yourself time to think
1. Well, thats an interesting question. Ive never really thought about that before, but I guess I would have to say
that I agree.
2. Im not really sure about that; however, if you are asking me for my honest opinion, I would have to say that I
agree.
1. Comparing
Try to use language of comparison (cheaper, more expensive, more/less than)

Opening:
Well, obviously, there are a variety of possible differences here.
Well, undoubtedly, they are like chalk and cheese.
The First difference:
However, I (guess/ suppose) that the most striking difference is ~; whereas in contrast
But I would say the most fundamental would be that (S+V). On the contrary,
The second difference:
In addition, a subsequent contrast could be that (S+V). Conversely,
Moreover, a further distinction might be that (S+V). While on the other hand,
Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM
In what ways magazines are different to newspapers?
How could we deal with the problems of Internet?
Are people travelling more now than in the past?
Who make better teachers men or women?
How have family values changed over the years?

2. Predicting
Try to use future tense (will, going to + verb)
Opening:
I am sure that in years to come we will see a number of changes related to this.
I imagine that in the near future, we will witness some major changes with regard to (N).
The first prediction:
To begin with, I would predict that we will most likely have (N).
Primarily, it looks quite possible that we are going to have (N).
The second prediction:
As well as this, some people claim that we will probably start to see (N).
Likewise, I would imagine that we may even be able to see (N).
The third prediction:
And who knows, there is even a chance that we will have (N).
And I know it is a bit of a crazy thought, but one day we may even have (N).
Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM
What will schools be like in the future?
What will cars be like in the future?
Do you think people will have to conserve water in the future?
Do you think we will get the news in different ways in the future?
What will your country be like in 50 years?

3. Advantages (merits, benefits, rewards)

Opening:
Clearly there are a number of obvious merits.
Obviously there are a number of positive features.
The main advantage:
But I would probably say that for the most part, the one thing that really stands out is that~. This is obviously favourable because
(S+V).
However, I guess that the most evident would be that (S+V). This is surely a positive feature as (S+V).
The second advantages:
Besides this, a second plus point could be that (S+V). This is undoubtedly favourable because (S+V).
At the same time, a second bonus might be that (S+V). This is surely a positive feature as~
Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM
What are the advantages of living in an old building?
What are the advantages of living in big cities?
What are the advantages of owning an up-to-date mobile phone?
What are the advantages of advertising?
What are the advantages of studying abroad?
4. Disadvantages (drawbacks, shortcomings)
Opening:
I am sure most people would agree that there are some drawbacks.
Of course there are a couple of shortcomings.
The main disadvantages:
I suppose the most unfavourable quality might be that (S+V). This is an obviously weakness because (S+V).
I guess the most impractical characteristic would be that (S+V). This is a clear limitation because (S+V).
The second disadvantages:
At the same time, another stumbling block might be that ~. And the trouble with this is that

Correspondingly, an additional weak point may be that (S+V). And this can be a hassle as~
Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM
What are the disadvantages of living in an old building?
What are the disadvantages of living in big cities?
What are the disadvantages of owning an up-to-date mobile phone?
What are the disadvantages of advertising?
What are the disadvantages of studying abroad?
5. Problems
Opening:
Obviously we can say there are quite a lot of dangers with regard to this issue.
It is universally accepted that there are a few hazards involved with (N).
The main problem:
Essentially, one fundamental concern is probably that ~. This is clearly alarming because~.
The second problem:
Equally worrying is the suggestion that~. And the underlying repercussions of this are that.
Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

What problems are associated with eating fast food?

What problems are caused by a lack of physical exercise?
How is our busy lifestyle contributing to health problems?
What problems are associated with global warming?
What problems are associated with violence being shown on TV?

6. Solutions:
Opening:
In my view there are a few ways to tackle this problem.
The first solution:
When dealing with _________, the easiest way to solve it out would be ~.
The second solution:
I also think that we could ________________
Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

How could we deal with eating fast food?

What would you do to get more physical exercise?
How can stress from our busy lifestyle be relieved?
What steps could be taken to tackle global warming?
How could kids be prevented from seeing violence on TV?

7. Opinion (why) questions

Opening:
Well in my opinion, there are undoubtedly a variety of justifications for this.
I suppose I would say that (S+V). There are probably a number of factors involved.
Well generally it is my belief that (S+V). There are obviously a number of motives surrounding this idea.
The first reason:
The chief cause might be that (S+V).
The key explanation is possibly because (S+V).
The second reason:
As well as this, a subsequent factor could be because (S+V).

At the same time, a secondary motive could be that (S+V).

Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM
Why do people like travelling to foreign countries?
Why do so many people move from the countryside to cities?
Why is it important for children to play sports?
Why do young people spend so much time on the Internet?
Why is watching TV so popular all over the world?

IDIOMS
1. On the go (Busy) => In this modern high-tech world, most people especially young people are
usually on the go with modern technology like cell phones. I've been on the go all day and I'm really
tired.
2. Up-market (fashionable) => The younger generation buy up-market clothes to impress their peers.
Celebrities have to wear up-market clothes to show their fans how successful they are.
3. Work flat out (work very hard) => I believe that if we work flat out using all our energy, we will be
successful in the future.
4. chill-out (relax) => Students usually chill-out by going on picnics after their exams.
5. the in thing (fashionable) => Eating healthy food and getting regular exercise are the in thing as
trying to be healthy is now really popular.
6. at the height of fashion (fashionable) => Televisions were at the height of fashion in the 1980s.
7. up-to-the-minute (the most recent) => Nowadays, the internet includes up-to-the-minute news
stories.
8. off the top of my head (without thinking) => When Mary asked John about his plans for the holidays,
he replied "off the top of my head, probably I'll go to my lakeside cottage."
9. run of the mill (average, typical) =>. He gave a fairly run-of-the-mill story that quickly had everyone
bored.
10. soul mate (best friend) => A husband and wife should be soul mates to each other in their married
life.
11. a sounding board ( a good person to talk to) => My mother is really a good sounding board for me
whenever I face difficulties in my life.
12. in high spirits (happy) => When I passed the exam with flying colours, I felt in high spirits.
13. bump into (meet without planning) => I usually bump into my old friends once a month at
Starbucks.
14. once in a blue moon (not very often) => If you exercise once in a blue moon, you will have a high
chance of getting cardio-vascular diseases.
15. have a chin-wag (have an informal conversation) =>. Every Friday, I like to meet my mates at the
bar for a chin-way.
16. on cloud nine (happy) => When parents hear good news from their children's success, they feel on
cloud nine.

17. down in the dumps (sad) => My uncle was down in the dumps when his business went bankrupt.
18. the real McCoy (genuine, not fake) => The stamp on the certificate is the real McCoy.
19. the wee hours (very early in the morning after midnight) => Asthma patients can have an attack in
the wee hours due to variations of hormone levels in our body.
20. make a fuss over (overly care for someone/something) =>. Don't make a fuss over this, it is really
quite trivial.
21. early bird (someone who gets up early) => My uncle is an early bird he gets up at 6 o'clock every
morning to do exercise.

SAMPLE SENTENCES
There was a substantial increase in the value of stocks on March 15th.
House prices rose dramatically in July.
The number of tourists visiting New York fell sharply in October.
The percentage of students walking to school continued to rise gradually over the ten
year period from 2000-2010.
There was a sharp increase in employee turnover after the strike.
Interest in environmental issues has risen steadily over the last 10 years.
MORE USEFUL WORDS AND PHRASES
1. Percent the word percent comes after a number

Examples:
More than 25% of the students are from Brazil.
More than 25 percent of the students come from Brazil.
2. Percentage - The word percentage comes after words like the, a, this and that.
Often, it is preceded by an adjective.
Examples:
A small percentage of residents have lived in the building for more than 20 years.
The percentage of students who live on campus has fallen sharply since the fire.
3. For numbers up to ten, write the numbers in words. For numbers over 10, you can
write the numbers in numbers.
Examples:
Five percent of the employees were late this month.
More than 50 percent of the students handed in their assignments late after the
long weekend.
4. If the sentence starts with a number, always write it in words.
Examples: Wrong: 25 students were from China.
Right: Twenty-five students were from China.