IELTS

DOS AND DONTS

GIVING YOUR OPINION- alternative ways to “I
think”
• As far as I’m concerned...
• In my opinion…
• It seems/appears to me that…
• I would argue that…
• From my point of view/perspective…
• I am inclined to believe that…
Everyday Language to Give Opinions
• If you ask me,
• To be honest,
• Personally speaking,
• From what I gather,
Some people may disagree with me, but as far as I’m
concerned… + ALTHOUGH/EVENTHOUGH
Question: To what extent do you agree or
disagree
• Somewhat, Partially, I suppose I_____________ (NOT SURE WITH
OPINION)
• I am confident that, Absolutely, totally, strongly, completely
(POSITIVELY AGREEING 100%)
Do’s on Part 1
• Confident, friendly, eye-contact
• Excitement
• Vocabulary – food=cuisine; friends=acquaintance

• EXPAND YOUR ANSWERS/Examples and PRACTICE!

DONTS!
• Speak with a monotone
• Give yes/no answers
• Repeat the question
• Go off topic
• Answer I don’t’ know
• Speak too quickly, slowly
• Speak quietly
• Worry about perfect English
PART 2
• 3 minutes
• Look at question car (1 minute)
• Talk for 1-2 minutes

• Examiner will not ask you questions. You speak for full 2 minutes!
DOS
• Take notes/write keywords
• Cover every point
• Point to point as you talk
• Use personal experience or lie
• Expand- use senses
• Organize speech- intro, body, conclusion
• Imagine the object, person, place
• Use introductory phrases- I want to talk about
• Use transitions
• Speak loudly
DONTS
• Memorize answers
• Write too much
• Panic
• Focus on one point
• Use boring words- good, bad
• Giving short answers
• Go off topic
• Worry about your accent
PART 3
• 4-5 minutes (interview)
• Predict, Analyze, compare, give opinion– future
• Theme related to Part 2
• Topics- Technology, Education, Environment, TV influence, Leisure
Activities, Shopping, Sports, Transportation

• How are education priorities different from those in the past?

DOS
• Listen for keywords in the question
• Ask if you don’t understand
• Give detail, examples, reasons
• Stick to the topic
• Think you will do well
• Build vocabulary beforehand
• Relate question to own life
• Divide up answers
• Use modals
Learn opinion expressions
DONTS
• Memorize answers
• Worry if you make mistakes go off topic
• Use too many umms, ahhs…
• Use I think too much
• Use that’s a good question more than once
• Worry if you have an accent