IELTS Tips: 7 Types of Question in the Speaking Test
As you might already know, the IELTS Speaking test is divided into three sections:
In the first section, you are asked a few questions about yourself.
In the second section, you must speak for 1-2 minutes about a life experience.
In the third section, the questions are more complex and involve more than your own perspective.
Today’s topic is the IELTS Speaking test – part 3!
If only the IELTS speaking test was as casual as a conversation in the park
This section of the test often gives students trouble because it is no normal conversation. These questions can seem much more difficult at first. However, with a bit of knowledge we can better prepare ourselves for this challenging part of the test.
Though the questions in this section can seem overwhelming, in fact there are really seven main question types that you might be asked. If you can understand which type of question you are being asked, it will be easier to answer it to the best of your ability.
Below you will see an example of each question type and a strategy for handling the question:
#1 – Opinion
Example: How can we stop young people from eating too much fast food?
Strategy: This type of question is one of the easier types to understand. The examiner just wants to hear some suggestions from you about the topic at hand. Try to begin with a discourse marker such as: In my opinion; I suppose I’d say; or I guess. Then focus on one or two concrete ideas and explain why your ideas are relevant.
#2 – Evaluate
Example: Some people say music isn’t as good nowadays as it was in the past. Do you agree with that?
Strategy: This style of question is asking for a bit more than your opinion. Here you have to comment on someone else’s opinion. Be sure to begin your answer with a statement that shows how you judge that statement: I don’t think that’s true; Not necessarily; or I don’t think so, for disagreement. Yes absolutely; I agree 100%; or That’s a good point for agreement. Then be sure to give a good reason that you think the statement is valid or why you disagree with it.
#3 – Past
Example: How has the workplace environment changed since your parents’ generation?
Strategy: These questions are asking you to describe a change from the past to now. It’s important to use the past tense to describe how things were. Use different past forms like used to, was, were, and has been to show flexibility with your grammar. Make sure you transition clearly before you begin to speak about the present: “Well, back then…. However, nowadays…” or “A few decades ago… But today…”
#4 – Future
Example: Do you think online shopping will be more or less popular in the future?
Strategy: These questions ask us to comment on how something might change in the future. It’s obviously important to show your use of the future tense here. Try different ways of expressing the future, including will, might, going to and could. You can also use words like probably, likely, and certainly to describe how you understand these possible changes.
#5 – Hypothetical
Example: What new law would you introduce if you were the leader of your country?
Strategy: Now the questions are beginning to get a bit more complex. For hypothetical questions, it’s a good idea to use the 2nd conditional. This kind of grammar allows us to describe “unreal” or imaginary situations. Use the formula If + Past Simple , Would + Infinitive to create the 2nd conditional: If I were the prime minister, I would create laws to protect the environment.
#6 – Compare/Contrast
Example: Do you think your diet is more important for health, or is exercise more important?
Strategy: This type of question asks you to compare, so let’s use the comparative and superlative to help us. You might say that something is faster, simpler, or bigger than something else. You could also say it is more important, more effective, or more challenging. Be sure to address BOTH SIDES of the question (in this case, diet and exercise). If you only talk about one of the choices, you will lose points.
#7 – Cause and Effect
Example: Why do we have an obesity crisis in many countries, and how does that impact the healthcare system?
Strategy: This question style often frustrates my students because these questions are generally longer and contain two clauses. Don’t be afraid to ask the examiner to repeat the question if you need them to. When answering, make sure you address BOTH questions. You will likely need a subordinate conjunction to describe the cause-and-effect relationship: because, due to, and due to the fact that can serve this purpose. Discourse markers like: as a result or consequently can be used as well.
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I hope you’ve gained a better understanding of how to strategically answer questions in part 3 of the IELTS speaking test today. Good luck in your studies and thanks for reading!
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