IELTS SPEAKING GUIDELINE

PART 1: EXPANDING AND BUILDING WAYS

1. Giving Reason- One good way of extending your answer is by giving reasons to your answer. You may use linking
words to express reason such as:(because, since, for, as, this is because etc(etcetera).

Example: What job would you like to do?

“I’ve always wanted to be a vet since I love animals and I think it would be a very rewarding job”.

2. Offering an example- You can make use of different examples to explain your answer, for example you can talk about
your personal experience connecting to the topic. In giving examples, one can use: for example, for instance, such as,
like, to illustrate, to demonstrate, lets take … for instance

Example: What skills do you need for this job?

“I think you need to be sensitive to people’s feelings, for example, if you’re dealing with their sick or injured pets,
you need to be honest but also appreciate how they might feel.”

3. Giving Details- This is an excellent way to elaborate more on your answer. Give factual data or describe the things
being asked to you.

Example: Where do you come from?

“I am from Mashad in Iran. It’s well known as a religious center and is really crowded most of the year.”

4. Speculate- You can use this for the things that you never experienced but what if you experience. Try to put yourself
on the situation instead of saying “I don’t know because I did not experience it.”

• Example: Have you been to any foreign country?

“Unfortunately, no, but I imagine myself going to Paris, France. I think this country has a lot to offer such as scenic view,
delicious food, and state of the art structures.

5. It Depends- Offering an answer depending on some circumstances

• Example: What kinds of music do you listen to?

“Basically, I like all kinds of music but most of the time it really depends on my condition. For example, when I
feel down or depressed, I usually choose music with slow tempo; on the other hand, if my condition is good I prefer
upbeat music.”

6. Dividing Your Answers into Two to Three Parts- This strategy is used to extend your answers by offering the
examiner different categories and explaining each category.

• Example: What kind of food do you like?

There are three food that I particularly like. First, I have a big appetite for Italian food because the balance of
flavors is just superb. Also, I’m keen on Korean food for its spiciness that just burst in your mouth. Lastly, I enjoy eating
Japanese food since it is fresh and flavorsome.

7. From General to Specific- Give an answer from a broad idea going to a more detailed/ specific one.

• Example: What kinds of books do you like?

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“Oh, I’d say that fiction ones really grab my attention. In particular, I love Thrillers because it makes me want to flip the
pages one after the other. For instance, Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King. It really is a page turner and I read it in just one
sitting

IELTS SPEAKING PART 2 GUIDELINES

Three key points to remember:
1. You can say more than the cue card asks
Many students would think that they have to restrict their answers based on the questions given. This idea is totally
wrong, adding your own questions can help you generate better answer.
For example, if it asks to talk about “when” something happened, you can talk about that time generally and not just
give the date.
2. The more detail you add, the better language you use
If you add detail, both your grammar and vocabulary will improve. This is because detail allows you to use much more
specific vocabulary and use more complex grammatical structures.

Example:
Sample cue card
Describe a wedding you attended
You should say
when it was
who got married
what happened at the wedding
And explain whether it was a typical wedding ceremony
A. Adding detail to “when” questions
The key here is not just to answer in one phrase, you are using almost no language here
Example: “It was 5 years ago”
The first step is simply to add details of season/time of week/time of day, at least this way you get to use more
language.
Example: “It was around 5 years ago in the middle of the winter”
The next step is to add detail about that season/time of week/time of day. As you do this, think about how you felt,
what did it look like, what else was happening at the same time. Don’t just think about time.
Example” “It was around 5 years ago in February. I think it was towards the end of the month. The weather was certainly
extremely cold and everyone was wearing their warmest clothing.”

B. Adding detail to “who” questions

Again, the too simple answer is one phrase – you are using very little and very uninteresting language this way:
“My best friend from university.”
One detail to add is your relationship to this person. How did you meet them? How long have you known them?
“My best friend from university. I first met her because we were studying the same course and went to the same
lectures.”
More detail is possible if you think about what you have done together or why you like them as a person.

“My best friend from university. We first met at university because we were studying the same course and then we found
that we had a lot in common as we both were fascinated by art.”

C. Adding detail to “what happened” questions

This time the “mistake” is just to say what happened: on thing after another using the simple past.
“We got to the church at 10 o’clock. Then we had to wait a little time for bride to arrive….
Things to think about here are:
what happened before , during and after
seeing what other people were doing
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If you do this, you should use more variety of tenses and better grammar:
“We had to wait at the church for about 20 minutes before the bride arrived. While we were waiting, I was thinking
about the speech I would have to give at the reception party.”
A particularly useful trick is to try and add detail by adding things people said. Again, this will allow you to use more
interesting grammar by using indirect speech:

” We had to wait a t the church for about 20 minutes before the bride arrived. While we were waiting, I was thinking
about the speech I would have to give at the reception party. That time I was really happy but a little nervous because I
was thinking of my friend’s future.

3. Make it personal – use your memories -see the examiner as your friend in a bar
The part 2 talk is not a presentation. You are talking to someone about your personal memories and ideas.
You need to see the examiner as a friend you are talking to but haven’t seen for some time. The more personal you
make it, the more likely you are to find things to say – everyone has memories.
NOTE TAKING TECHNIQUE
1. Q uadr ant not e
• Draw a cross line in your paper and one point will be placed in each
quadrant
• This is a very helpful way to make your notes more organized and not
be confused during the speaking time
• Example:
Describe a trip you made by public transport.

➢ Where did you go

➢ Why did you choose public transport
➢ How did you feel about the trip
➢ Share details about the trip

Sample notes: Coach

Wher e? Why?

➢ Canada don’t want to drive

➢ Visit my brother feel relaxed- read, sleep
➢ 5-hour trip

H ow I feel? Det ails

➢ Comfortable- spacious and seats spring- scenic view

Which can be reclined expensive but ok
recommend it to someone

Sample speech based on the notes:

Recently, I took a coach from Toronto to Montreal to visit my brother. It is a journey that normally takes about 5 hours,
but this bus company stops halfway for a 30 minute break.

I choose to travel by public transportation because I don’t like driving long distances. When I travel via bus, I can read or
work on my computer or sleep. I find this helps me arrive relaxed. In fact, I often opt for the public transportation option
if I can.

Overall, I felt the journey was quite comfortable. Because it was a coach, the seats were very spacious and reclined
enough that I could get some sleep. There was also a Wi-Fi connection, which is something I haven’t seen on a bus
before. I didn’t use it but I saw several other people connect to it. Travelling in the spring also means it was a very scenic
journey. To get to Montreal from Toronto you spend a lot of time on highways surrounded by lush green nature, so that
was nice. The price, however, was a little steep. I think I paid $110 for a return ticket, which, to me, is quite expensive. I
suppose it would have been cheaper to drive, but I feel arriving fresh is money well spent.

So, on the whole, the entire experience was a positive one. I would highly recommend public transportation to anyone.
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ACITIVITY: MAKE YOUR OWN QUADRANT NOTES USING THE QUESTION.

QUESTION 1:
Describe a house or apartment you would like to what this business does
live in. how you know about this business
and explain why you think this business/company is
You should say: successful.
where it is / Where it would be
what you would (like to) do there QUESTIONS 4:
who you would (like to) live there with? Describe a beautiful place to visit in your country.
and explain why you would like to live in this place.
You should say:
QUESTION 2 where it is
Describe an interesting animal you have seen how to get there
what there is to do when you are there
You should say: and explain why you recommend this place.
What animal it was
When and where you saw it QUESTIONS 5:
And explain how you feel about this animal Describe a special occasion when you had a really
enjoyable meal.
QUESTION 3:
Describe a successful small business that you know You should say:
about. what the occasion was
who was at the meal
You should say: what you ate
what business/company it is and explain why the meal was so enjoyable.

Part 3 IELTS SPEAKING “Seven types of Question and Expressions”

ANSWERS STRUCTURE IN IELTS PART 3 SPEAKING
OVERALL INTRODUCTION (PARAPHRASING AND DEFINITION TECHNIQUES)
DETAILS:
1. (introductory phrase) (ADJECTIVE+ SYNONYM )+ main answer 1 + details (reasons, cause and effect) +
example “personal current/recent”)
◦ Transition signal/EXPRESSION (furthermore, in addition)
2. (introductory phrases+ main answer 2 + details (reasons, cause and effect) + example “personal current/recent”)
◦ Transition signal EXPRESSION (finally, lastly)
3. (introductory phrases+ main answer 3 + details (reasons, cause and effect) + example “personal current/recent”)
CONCLUSION (OPTIONAL)

1. Comparison type of question:

Comparing Template:
1. Begin with an opening linking phrase:
Well obviously...
Well undoubtedly...
Well clearly...
Well unmistakably...
Sure, without a doubt...
Unquestionably...

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2. Now say that there are some differences:
There are a number of underlying differences here.
There are a variety of possible differences here.
There are a range of potential distinctions here.
3. Now introduce the first difference:
However, I guess that the most significant would be that...
Though I suppose that the most obvious would he that...
But I would say the most fundamental would be that...
4. Now use a sentence to describe the first difference. For example, "...men tend to
prefer..."
Develop this first difference with a simple linking word: especially, particularly, in fact, such as,
for example, specifically.
5. Now use your first comparative linking structure:
Whereas on the other hand...
On the contrary...
Though quite the opposite...
On the other Hand
6. Now add your next sentence. For example, "...women are generally keener on..."Develop the second part of the
first difference with a simple linking
word: especially,
particularly, in fact, such as, for example, specifically.
7. So you have described one difference. Now you need to introduce a second
difference. Begin with a linking word:
In addition...
On top of this...
Additionally...
Moreover...
As well as this...
After that...
8. Say there is another important difference.
...a second key distinction would be that...
...a subsequent contrast could be that...
...a further distinction might be that...
9. Now describe the second difference. For example, "...men are quite keen on..."
10. Now use your second comparative linking structure.
While on the other hand...
Conversely...
Alternatively...
Then again, in opposition..

2. Prediction type of question:

1. Begin with an opening linking phrase:
• Certainly, I’m sure that most people would agree that there will be a number of major
changes related to this.
• I'm sure that in years to come we will see a number of changes related to this.
• I reckon that in the not so distant future there are going to be a few imminent changes
with regard to...
• I imagine that in the near future, we will witness some major changes with regard to...
2. Introduce your first prediction.
• Initially, I guess that we might begin to see...• To begin with, I'd predict that we will most likely have...
• Primarily, it looks quite probable that we are going to have...
• First of all, I would envisage that we are going to have...
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3. Use a sentence to describe your first prediction. (Try to use basic future tenses
when giving details.) Try to develop the sentence with a basic linking word.
Initially, I guess that we might begin to see houses that are made of plastic materials because
these will be much cheaper and easier to construct.
4. Now introduce your second prediction.
• At the same time, I suppose it’s quite probable that we may have...
• As well as this, some people claim that we will probably start to see…
• On top of this, I imagine it's quite likely that we will soon have...
• Likewise, I would imagine that we may even be able to see...
5. Use a sentence to describe your second prediction. (Try to use basic future tenses
when giving details.) Try to develop the sentence with a basic linking word.
At the same time, I suppose quite probable that we may have houses that are controlled by
computer because this will make home life much easier.
6. Now introduce your third prediction. It is not always possible to make 3 realistic
predictions, so you can make your final one quite unrealistic.
• And who knows, it could even be possible that see the arrival of...
• And you never know, it could even transpire that we’ll have...
• And I know a bit of a crazy thought, but one day we may even have...
• And who knows, there’s even a chance that we will have...

3. Why Question:
TEMPLATE:
1. Begin with a linking phrase:
• Well in my opinion I guess I would have to say that...
• Well in my view, I suppose I would say that...
• Well in my estimation, I guess that...
• Well generally it's my belief that...
2. Now use a structure to say that "there are many reasons".
• There are probably a number of factors involved.
• There are obviously a number of motives surrounding this idea.• There are unquestionably a number of explanations
for this.
• There are undoubtedly a variety of justifications behind this.
3. Now introduce the first reason:
• The chief cause might be that...
• The main basis is probably because...
• The key explanation is possibly because...
4. Introduce the second reason:
• As well as this, a subsequent factor could be because...
• At the same time, a secondary motive could be that...
• Additionally, a further rationale might be due to the fact that...
If you want to talk about a third reason, you can use a similar structure to the ones
above. Remember try not to repeal the vocabulary, i.e. if you have used "factor" in one
sentence, in your next sentence use a different word, e.g., "motive". Be sure to expand
further your reason by giving examples or details

4. Advantage type of question:

1. Begin with an opening linking phrase that explains that "there are many
advantages".
• Well I suppose that there are quite a few clear benefits.
• Clearly there are a number of obvious merits.
• Sure there are a few favorable aspects.
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• Obviously there are a number of positive features.
2. Now highlight the most obvious:
• But I would probably say that for the most part, the one thing that really stands out
is that...
• But it goes without saying that the most apparent would be that...
• Although I guess that the most visible would be that...
• However, I guess that the most evident would be that...
3. Add a simple sentence which describes the advantage: "...trains are really cheap..."
Now develop this advantage with one of the following structures:
• This is obviously favorable because...
• This is undoubtedly positive for the simple reason that..
• This is without doubt beneficial because...
4.Now introduce your second advantage:• At the same time a second bonus might be that...
• Besides this, a second plus point could be that...
• As well as this a further favorable aspect would be that...
5. Add a simple sentence to explain the advantage and develop it with one of the
following:
• This is clearly advantageous because...
• This is definitely valuable since...
• This is surely a positive feature because...

5. Disadvantage type of question:

Template:
1. Begin with a linking structure to explain that there are some disadvantages:
• I think it’s fair to say that there are a few negative aspects.
• I’m sure most people would agree that there are some drawbacks.
• Of course there are a couple of shortcomings.
2. Now introduce your main disadvantage:
• I guess the most impractical characteristic would be that...
• I suppose the most unfavorable quality might be that...
• Unquestionably, the most adverse feature would be that...
3. Describe the main advantage with a simple sentence, for example: "...trains are often
overcrowded..."
Now use a linking structure to develop this disadvantage.
• Most people would agree that this is problematic because...
• This is an obvious weakness because...
• This is a clear limitation because...
Add a simple sentence to explain why it is a disadvantage, for example: "...on a long journey
you might not be able to find a seat."
4. Now describe your second disadvantage.
• Correspondingly, an additional weak point may be that...
• Supplementary to this, a further handicap may be that...
• At the same time, another stumbling block might be that...
5. Add a simple sentence and develop it with one of the following structures:
• And the trouble with this is that...
• And this can be a hassle because...
• This is usually an aggravation because...

6. Problem type of question:

Template:
1. Begin with an opening linking phrase to explain that there are problems:

Compiled by: Hardy Ceasar

• Obviously we can say there are quite a lot of dangers with regard to this issue.
• It's universally accepted that there are a few hazards involved with...
• This issue is weighed down with a few problems.
2. Now highlight your main problem:
• At the outset, the most crucial predicament is that...
• First and foremost, one major worry is probably that...
• Essentially, one fundamental concern is probably that...
3. Add a simple statement and develop it with one of the following structures:
• This is clearly alarming because...
• This fact is unmistakably perturbing because...
• This need to be seen as a sensitive matter because…
4. Now introduce your second problem with one of the following linking phrases:
• Additionally, another major cause for concern has to be the fact that...
• Equally worrying is the suggestion that...
• Another matter which causes unease is the point that...
5. Add a simple statement and develop it with one of the following:
• And the short-term and / or long-term implications of this are that...
• And the underlying repercussions of this are that...
• And the principal upshot of this is probably that...

7. Solution type question

Template
1. First, begin with a general statement:
• In my view there are a number of actions that could be taken.
• I honestly believe that there are a few ways to tackle these problems.
• Well I think we could go about this in a number of ways.
2. Highlight your first solution:
• When dealing with the first problem, the easiest way to work it out would be to...
• In reaction to the initial issue, the most effective way to get to the root of the problem
would be to...
3. Give a brief statement to explain the solution. Now offer a solution to the second
problem:
• Now, taking into account the second challenge, the only way to get to the bottom of this
dilemma would be to...
• Taking on the second problem, the most successful way to confront this would be to...

Compiled by: Hardy Ceasar