SPEAKING – HOW TO ANSWER PART 3

* Give your opinion on a topic

- What is your opinion on companies checking job applicants' online profiles?
- Do you think the education system in your country influences young people's behavior?
- Is food safety becoming an increasingly serious problem in our lives? (Yes/ No Question)

Sample question: Do you think people spend too much money on electronic devices?

Step 1: Answer (directly) + paraphrase the question:

If you ask me, yes, I think that some people up spend too much money trying to keep up with
the latest trends in technology.

Step 2: Explain the reason:

However, I can understand why they do it, because these days devices become obsolete (old-
fashioned/ out-of-date/ outdated) almost immediately after they are purchased (bought).

Step 3: Give examples to support your reason:

For example, a new smartphone might have some great new camera today, but tomorrow,
another one will appear with an even better camera. Then, everyone will want to upgrade to the
new device. As for me, I am satisfied with using a slightly outdated device in order to save
money until I really need a new one.

* Express your preference on a topic

- What do you think is better for you? Home cooking or eating out?
- Do you generally read a lot of books or do you prefer watching T.V?
- Do you prefer to live in a big city or in a small town?

Sample question: Do you generally read a lot of books or do you prefer watching T.V?

Step 1: Answer (directly) + paraphrase the question:

Even though I love to read, the reality is I spend quite a bit more time watching TV.

Step 2: Explain the reason:

I think the main reason I watch more TV is because it’s lazier, which is unfortunate. But at the
same time, there are some great shows to choose from.

Step 3: Give examples to support your reason:

For instance, one of my favorite shows is “Dexter”, which has great writing, an interesting plot,
and well-developed characters, just like a book. I think in the age we live in now, TV is just going
to keep getting better and better, so I am going to probably continue watching more TV.

* Compare and contrast two things

* Make a prediction on something in the future
- What do you think cities will be like in 50 years time?
- Will computers and robots replace teachers in the future?

Sample Question: What do you think cities will be like in 50 years time?
Step 1: Describe the prediction
I think cities in the future will be more densely populated. At the same time, people will still
require transportation, so I think the transportation in future cities will be more modern, fast,
and convenient.

Step 2: Describe the current trend and say this trend will probably continue
In fact, I think there is a growing trend across the world of futuristic cities emerging where
transportation is becoming more convenient to meet the growing demands of population. This
trend will probably continue going forward.

Step 3: Describe how you feel about this prediction (optional)

I personally like this trend as more futuristic cities will emerge. A good example of a futuristic
city is I think I will say it is Tokyo, where people have access to clean transportation, and live in
compact spaces, like high-rises.

* Make a comparison with the past

- How are education priorities today different from those in the past?
- How are the eating habits now different from eating habits in the past?
- How has teaching changed in your country over the past few decades?

Sample Question: How has teaching changed in your country over the past few
decades?

Step 1: State that there have been changes over the past decade
In the past few decades, there have definitely been some noticeable changes in education
through generations.

Step 2: Describe the first comparison

I mean… most notably, students today can no longer be punished physically by teachers, while in
the past, that was pretty common.

Step 3: Describe the second comparison

Another way that education has changed is teacher student interaction. Today, it’s more normal
to see students answering questions and having discussions, while in the past, the teacher
simply lectured, and the students listened silently.

Step 4: Describe how you feel about this change (optional)

Overall, I think education is making progress in my country

* Talk about a hypothetical situation

* Talk about your ideas about people in society
* Talk about causes and effects
* Provide solutions to a problem

*** TIPS:
Tip 1: Give a full answer and answer the question to the best of your ability
Tip 2: Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Tip 3: Always give an answer
• I'm really not sure about this question, but if I had to answer, I would say...
• I don't have strong feelings on the subject, really. It is not something people worry about in
my country
• That's not something I have thought about much before. I suppose people who agree with that
would say…
• That’s a difficult question, just give me a second to think about that.
• That's something I honestly don't have much experience with, but I suppose people who …
would say
• That's a little difficult for me to say, since I don't have experience /I never …