IELTS Tips: The "AREA Technique" for Speaking
Today we’re looking at a popular technique for the IELTS Speaking test called the “AREA” technique.
This strategy is particularly useful for section 3 of the test, where you must have a discussion with the examiner on a higher-level topic.
Part 3 often involves speaking on complex social issues or human behaviours that you may not have thought much about. Given the high stakes of the speaking test, this can cause a lot of stress for students. Thus, it can be very helpful to have a strategy in mind for shaping your answer.
A – Answer
R – Reason
E – Example
A – Alternative (optional)
As you can see, AREA is an acronym that stands for Answer, Reason, Example, Alternative. The goal of using this technique is to give a complete and coherent answer that doesn’t ramble on for too long, and doesn’t stop short of a full reply.
The first “A” is for Answer. This means give a direct answer to the question. Don’t worry about complex grammar or fancy vocabulary just yet. This is the time to simply and clearly state your honest reply to the question.
The “R” is for Reason. This means you should spend a sentence or two explaining why you feel this way. Here, you can go into more detail and perhaps include more interesting grammar, such as a subordinate clause.
The “E” is for Example. It’s exactly how it sounds: give an example of what you’re talking about! However, be sure not to use “For example…” every time. Instead, practice using a few different ways of introducing an example before your test. Try “for instance…” or “one example is…”
The final “A” is for Alternative. This is the only letter in our acronym that is optional, but if you choose to use it, it can be a useful tool that can boost the effectiveness of your answer. Giving an alternative is a great strategy for IELTS (Speaking AND Writing) because many of the issues they ask you about have two sides. Being able to examine both sides of a difficult question can show off your fluency if done correctly. Try starting with “That said…” or “On the other hand…” to signal your transition.
Let’s look at an example:
QUESTION: “What effects can watching television have on children?”
RESPONSE: “I suppose watching a lot of TV can be harmful to kids. It is a sedentary activity, after all, so children aren’t moving while they do it. I guess watching too much TV might even lead to health problems because our bodies need movement to stay healthy. For instance, I read an article that said kids who watch more than an hour of TV each day are at higher risk for diabetes. On the other hand, I know there are a lot of useful educational shows on TV as well, so it’s not all bad.”
Did you see the way this answer followed the AREA technique?
Answer:
I suppose watching a lot of TV can be harmful to kids.
Reason:
It is a sedentary activity, after all, so children aren’t moving while they do it. I guess watching too much TV might even lead to health problems because our bodies need movement to stay healthy.
Example:
For instance, I read an article that said kids who watch more than an hour of TV each day are at higher risk for diabetes.
Alternative:
On the other hand, I know there are a lot of useful educational shows on TV as well, so it’s not all bad.
Here’s another example of the AREA technique, except this time we’ll leave out the optional “Alternative” step.
QUESTION: “Have the types of transport people use changed much over the last few decades?”
RESPONSE: “Not really… I’d say it’s pretty much the same. My parents’ generation grew up using cars and trucks every day, and so did we. Whether it’s used to commute to work or to travel longer distances on vacation, cars were the norm then, and that’s still true today. For example, my dad received a used car from his parents when he was a teenager in the 70s and the same thing happened for me in the 2000s.”
Again, this response follows the ARE(A) technique.
ANSWER:
Not really… I’d say it’s pretty much the same.
REASON:
My parents’ generation grew up using cars and trucks every day, and so did we. Whether it’s used to commute to work or to travel longer distances on vacation, cars were the norm then, and that’s still true today.
EXAMPLE:
For example, my dad received a used car from his parents when he was a teenager in the 70s and the same thing happened for me in the 2000s.
Why don’t you try creating a few AREA style answers to your own questions. Below is a list of questions that could be asked in the IELTS Speaking test part 3. Try writing down your answers and following the AREA strategy outlined above.
Good luck in your studies and thanks for reading!
SAMPLE QUESTIONS:
1. How can sports bring people from different countries closer together?
2. How have shopping habits changed over recent years?
3. Why it is important to have role models?
4. Do you think problems with pollution will improve in the future?
5. How can the type of school you go to affect career success?
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