simmon雅思口语part3.doc

IELTS Speaking Part 3: think 'paragraph'In part 3 of the speaking test, you should try to give longer, detailed answers. A good way to do this is to imagine that you are making a paragraph.Remember the 'paragraph building' techniques that we use in writing task 2:Idea, explain, exampleStart with a direct answer to the question, like the 'topic sentence' in a written paragraph. Then explain your answer in more detail, and support your explanation with an example.Try answering this question: Do you think that it's important for people to go on holiday?Firstly, secondly, finallyStart with the direct answer, then explain it by giving two or three reasons, and maybe an example too.Try answering this question: Why do you think some people prefer not to go abroad on holiday?IELTS Speaking Part 3: idea, explain, personal exampleLet's look at a sample answer using the "idea, explain, example" structure. This time I'm using a personal example in the last sentence.What disagreements do teenagers often have with their parents? Why?(Idea / basic answer) Teenagers disagree with their parents about all sorts of things, like the clothes they want to wear, whether they can go out with their friends, doing homework, and how much help they give their parents around the house. (Explain why) I think the teenage years are when we develop a sense of identity, and we want to make our own decisions rather than follow other people's instructions. (Personal example) I remember having disagreements with my own parents, usually about simple things like getting up early in the morning, tidying my room, or doing the washing up!IELTS Speaking Part 3: 'TV programme' answersHere are my sample answers to the questions that I shared with you last week. Notice that I use the 3 or 4 steps that I remended, and remember to note down any good words or phrases that you find.1. Do you think most people watch TV for education or for entertainment?I think people watch TV primarily for entertainment. There are far more entertainment programmes than educational ones, and in my experience most people treat television as a form of relaxation in the evening. If I think about the most popular TV programmes in the UK, such as talent shows like 'X Factor' or soap operas like 'Eastenders', the focus is definitely on entertainment rather than education.2. Should TV play a role in educating children? How?Yes, it definitely should play a role in my opinion. Good children's TV programmes should tell stories that contain some kind of lesson about how to behave or what is morally right and wrong. Many of the traditional fairy tales, such as 'Cinderella', have been made into TV programmes, and there is always a postive message in those stories.3. How do you think TV viewing habits change as people get older?TV viewing habits obviously change a lot as we get older. While toddlers might watch programmes about talking animals, teenagers prefer action and adventure or sports, and as adults we start taking an interest in news and politics. My own preferences, for example, have changed over the years - I would never have watched news programmes when I was younger. I think it would be very strange if our viewing habits didn't mature!IELTS Speaking Part 3: tensesWhen answering the two questions below, you should be aware that the examiner is expecting to hear some different verb tenses.1. Do you think films have changed since you were a child?No, I dont think films have changed much since I was a child. When I wasyounger I enjoyed watching action films, and the Hollywood formula for this type of film seems to be the same today. For example, I liked the original Superman films, and superheroes are still a popular subject for film-makers.2. As the technology for home viewing improves, do you think people willstop going to the cinema in future?No, I dont think that people will stop going to the cinema. People can already buy fantastic home viewing equipment, but it still feels more special to share the experience of watching a new film with a theatre full of people. I don't think that technology will be able to replicate that cinema atmosphere.IELTS Speaking Part 3: long answer techniqueHere's the technique that I remend for giving long answers in part 3:1. Answer the question directly2. Explain why3. Give an example4. Explain the alternative / oppositeHere's an example using a question from last week's lesson:Do you think that it's better to have clear aims for the future, or is it best to take each day as it es?(Answer) I think its best to have a good idea of what you want to do with your life, especially in terms of studies and career. (Why) Having aims allows you to plan what you need to do today and tomorrow in order to achieve longer-term objectives. (Example) For example, if you want to bee a doctor, you need to choose the right subjects at school, get the right exam results, and work hard at university. (Opposite) Without a clear aim, it would be impossible to take the necessary steps towards a career in medicine, or any other profession.IELTS Speaking Part 3: 'munity' answersHere are my sample answers for the part 3 'munity' topic:1) What are some of the ways people can help others in the munity? Which is the most important?I think there are many ways to help others in our local munities. For example, where I live, some people volunteer to run activity clubs for children, or they help out in residential homes for elderly people. Others give money, food or clothes to organisations that support people living below the poverty line. In my opinion, there isnt a scale of importance when it es to helping others; all forms of help are positive.2) Why do you think some people like to help other people?Most people get a good feeling when they help others, and they understand that we can all experience difficult times in our lives when we might need support. For example, we all grow old, and we all run the risk of losing our jobs or having a health problem that affects our ability to look after ourselves. So, I think people help others because they empathise with them.3) Some people say that people help others in the munity more now than they did in the past. Do you agree or disagree? Why?I disagree with that kind of opinion. Its impossible to generalise about how much people help in their munities from one generation to the next, so I dont think we should try to judge or pare how altruistic people are now or were in the past. There have always been those who help others and those who dont.IELTS Speaking Part 3: answer structureDid you notice how I structured my answers in last week's lesson?Answer 11. Answer the question - "it depends"2. Explain one side3. Explain the other side4. Give an exampleAnswer 21. Firstly - first characteristic of a good listener2. Secondly - second characteristic3. Finally - third characteristicAnswer 31. Answer the question - "it's a mixture of both things"2. Explain one side3. Explain the other sideBasically, I'm using Idea, Explain, (Example) or Firstly, Secondly, Finally, just as I do when I'm writing main paragraphs for writing task 2. The more you practise using these two patterns, the easier it bees to give longer, more coherent answers.IELTS Speaking Part 3: 'advice' answersHere are my sample answers for the 'advice' questions from this lesson:1. Is it better to get advice from a friend or from a family member?I think it depends on the kind of advice that you need. Parents and grandparents probably have more life experience than a friend, and so you might get a wiser or more sensible answer from them. On the other hand, friends are less likely to bee too worried if you go to them with a problem. For example, I probably wouldnt want to burden my parents with a financial problem.2. What would you say are the characteristics of a good adviser?Well, firstly, a good adviser should be a good listener, someone who takes the time to understand the situation before offering advice. Secondly, an adviser should try to be objective, and avoid judging the person who is seeking help. Finally, I think the best advisers have the ability to ask the right questions and encourage others to find their own answers.3. Should people make their own work and career decisions, or is it a good idea to ask for advice about this?Id say that its a mixture of both things. Most of us talk to family, friends, teachers or colleagues before we make career choices. However, I believe that the final decision should rest with the individual; we all need to take ultimate responsibility for the big life choices that we make.IELTS Speaking Part 3: 'paragraph' answersHere are my answers to the questions in last week's lesson.1) Do you think that it's important for people to go on holiday?Answer using 'idea, explain, example'Yes, I think we all need to go on holiday at least once or twice a year. It isnt healthy to work all year round without some time off to relax; we all need to take a break and recharge our batteries from time to time. Last summer, for example, I went on holiday to France for a couple of weeks, and it was great to leave all of my usual responsibilities behind me. I came home feeling really refreshed and reinvigorated.2) Why do you think some people prefer not to go abroad on holiday?Answer using 'firstly, secondly, finally'I suppose there are different reasons why some people choose not to go abroad on holidays. Firstly, its usually more expensive to travel abroad than it is to stay at home. A second reason could be that some people find it stressful to spend time in a foreign country where they dont speak the language, or where they feel that they cant easily integrate with the locals. Finally, many people just love where they live, and dont feel the need to travel abroad.IELTS Speaking: if you don't know what to sayIn Sunday's lesson I suggested answering in the following way if you don't know what to say:"Well, I don't really know much about. because., but I suppose."In other words, you admit that you don't really know what to say, you explain why, then you invent an answer anyway. Let's try using the formula above with an example.Question:What kinds of jobs might stop when the season changes?Answer:Well, I don't really know much about seasonal jobs because everyone works all year round where I live, but I suppose that some jobs related to tourism must stop at the end of the summer holiday period.IELTS Speaking: if you don't understandWhat should you do if you don't understand a question in the speaking test? Here are my tips:Part 1In part 1, the examiner is not allowed to help you, but he/she can repeat the question. Just say: "Sorry, can you repeat the question please?" If you still don't understand the second time, try to say something related to the topic or any of the words that you heard. Try your best, then focus on the next question.Part 2You are given a task card with the question written on it, so you shouldn't have any problems in this part. If there is a word that you don't understand on the task card, don't ask the examiner - he/she is not allowed to help.Part 3In this part of the test, the examiner is allowed to rephrase the question. If you don't understand, just say something like: "Sorry, can you explain that question in a different way please?"Part 1: stop and smileFor part 1 of the speaking test, you need to get used to giving short answers. Many students find it difficult to stop speaking, and the examiner is forced to interrupt. My tip is to give your answer then stop and smile, showing the examiner that you are ready for the next question.Part 2: tell a storyIn the context of speaking part 2, a story is simply a long example to illustrate a point that you have made. If youre describing a person, for example, you could tell a story to illustrate why you like him/her. People find it easy to keep speaking for longer when they have a story to tell.Part 3: include an if. sentenceLook at technique number 2 in this lesson. The 'alternatives' technique helps you to say more, and it also encourages you to add a conditional 'if.' sentence, which might help your grammar score.IELTS Speaking: if you don't know the answerHow do you answer a question when you don't know anything about the topic?There are 2 things you can do:1. Be honest and explain why you don't know2. Guess, and tell the examiner that you are guessingExample question:How has technology affected the kinds of music that young people listen to?My answer, using both tips above:(1) To be honest I don't really know the answer to that because I'm pletely out of touch with what young people are listening to, and I'm not a fan of pop music.(2) However, I suppose that technology must have affected music. Maybe young people are listening to music that has been made using puter software instead of real musical instruments like the piano or guitar.IELTS Speaking Part 3: add more detailIn this lesson I mentioned 3 techniques to help you give longer answers: ask yourself why, explain the alternatives, give an example.Most students have no problem with the first step (explaining why), but they aren't so good at giving alternatives or examples. Take the following question from last week's lesson for example.Question:In your opinion, are newspapers important?Example student answer:Yes, in my opinion newspapers are very important (why?) because they give us information about what is happening around the world. (why?) They are a vital source of knowledge about education, technology, medicine and many other fields.This is a good start, but let's try to raise the answer to band 9 level.Example answer with 'alternative' and 'example':Yes, in my opinion newspapers are very important (why?) because they give us information about what is happening around the world. (why?) They are a vital source of knowledge about education, technology, medicine and many other fields. (alternative?) If newspapers didnt exist, I think the quality of news coverage would suffer because there would be fewer professional journalists.(example?) We would have to rely, for example, on unpaid bloggers who do not have the budgets to carry out detailed research before they write an article.IELTS Speaking Part 3: longer answersDo you remember my advice about how to give longer answers in part 3?· Answer the question directly· Ask yourself why or how (and explain in detail)· Give an example· Mention an alternative or opposite answerExample questionDo you think the seasons still influence people's behaviour?Example answerYes, I do think the seasons affect how we behave. (how?) We still wear different clothes depending on the weather, and clothes shops change what they sell according to the season. 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