One of the most common issues in IELTS Speaking is the repetitive answers given by students. Often speaking exams consist of students answering every question with ‘I think’ or ‘it’s very important’. While it isn’t a problem for one or two answers, after 5 or 6 responses with the same beginning, it becomes clear to the examiner that this is your only natural way of responding. Here is a list of different ways that you can respond to questions and this is particularly useful for part 3.
Giving an Opinion | Agreeing with an Opinion |
Partially Agreeing | Disagree with an opinion |
How important is…….? | Expressing Certainty |
Trying to buy time/have time to think | To get back to the question/original point |
Exercise 1
Practice on your own or with a teacher answering the following questions, while looking at the list of possible
ways to respond while avoiding I think. Comment below with your responses.
Houses/Homes
Which type of homes are popular in your country?
What are the differences between these types of homes?
How important is it to buy a house in your country?
Places to live
What makes difficult for people to live in cities?
Is it anything to change to make it better for people?
Why do people need to create green areas?
It helps me a lot!
Fantastic !!