Speaking Skills: Sports and Competitions

How do I extend my answer?

Many students are worried that they will not

have enough to say in Part 3.

In part 3 the examiner will mostly ask for your

general thoughts on an issue; advantages and
disadvantages; problems and solutions; how
the issue has changed from the past until now;
and how the issue will change in the future. You
should therefore practice thinking and talking
about your opinion on common everyday issues
like health, the economy, education and the
environment.

There is no set word limit for what a good part 3

answer, but it should not be too short and not
too long. Too short and you will have failed to
develop your answer properly; too long and you
may go off topic and/or make mistakes.

As a rule, try to answer with 3-4 sentences.

Speaking Skills: Sports and Competitions

Technique 1 - Paraphrase Question

A good way to extend your answer is respond with a
paraphrase of the examiner’s question. Paraphrasing is
when you repeat the sentence but with synonyms so that it
has the same meaning. This technique is very effective
because it not only gives you time to think in a natural way,
but it also focuses your mind on answering the question.

For example:
Examiner: What can people do to try and reduce water
pollution?

Student: So, what can individuals do to ensure water is

kept clean? I think….

Examiner: How can events like the Olympics improve

international relations?

Student: Hmmmm, how can sport bring people from

different countries closer together? I believe…

Again, this should not be used for every answer and only
when you think it is appropriate.
Speaking Skills: Sports and Competitions

Technique 2 - Explain Why

Many students state their opinion but don’t extend their
answer by stating why they feel that way. Some
students have told me that they are afraid of
patronising the examiner and assume he or she will
know why they have stated their opinion.

Assume that the examiner has no knowledge at all

about the topic. Pretend you are speaking to a child
who knows nothing of the topic, and this will help you
explain how you feel.

Example:
Examiner: What can people do to reduce water
pollution?

Student: I believe the best way to keep water clean is

to curb water use at home. (why?) The vast majority of
water is used in the home, (why?), for cooking,
cleaning and washing, (why?) therefore by reducing
the amount of water we use, (why?) the government
can conserve the water supply and keep it clean.

By asking ourselves ‘why’ we continue to explain our

opinions, and this leads to more developed answer.
Speaking Skills: Sports and Competitions

Technique 3 - Give Examples

This seems an obvious one, but it is something
many students don’t do. In order to really develop
your answer an example is normally needed. A lot of
my students complain that they don’t know or can’t
think of any examples. If you can’t think of one just
make one up. You will not lose any marks for
making up an example and this will only lead to you
gaining marks for giving a well-developed answer.

A good technique is to use an example from a

newspaper article or recent study.

Example:
Examiner: Have the modes of transport people use
in your country changed much over the last few
decades?

Student: Absolutely, they have changed a lot. In the

past most people used bicycles, but now they
predominantly use motorbikes. For example, a
recent survey found that 72% of people in Ho Chi.
Minh City now own a motorbike.
Speaking Skills: Sports and Competitions

Technique 4 - Make Concessions

We make a concession by admitting that there
are limits to our opinion or there may be
another side to the argument. We use words
like ‘however’, ‘on the other hand’ and ‘despite
this’ to make concessions.

Some students don’t like doing this because

they think it weakens their argument or
opinion. In fact, by showing you are aware of
other opinions you strengthen your argument.

Example:
Examiner: To what extent do you think
advertising affects people’s shopping habits?

Student: Personally, I don’t think that it affects

the way people shop at all. When people need
something, they make up their own mind
rather than thinking about adverts. However, it
must have some influence, if companies pay
lots of money for ads.
Speaking Skills: Sports and Competitions - Model Answers

Why do you think some school-teachers use competitions as class

activities?
I think teachers use competitions to motivate the children in their classes. I'm sure
that teachers try all kinds of activities to engage their pupils, and competitions
might be one of the best ways to keep children interested or get them excited.
Children love winning things.

Is it a good thing to give prizes to children who do well at school? Why?

It might be a good idea to encourage children to do well in games or sports, but I
don't think we should give children prizes for their academic work. Children need to
learn that the reason for studying is to learn useful things that will help them in their
lives. I don't like the idea of children thinking that they will only work hard if there is
a prize.

Would you say that schools for young children have become more or less
competitive since you were that age? Why?
I'd say that they have become more competitive since I was young. Children now
have to take exams from a much younger age, so I think there is more of a focus
on doing well in tests. Parents also seem to be more competitive; I think that many
parents push their children to do extra homework rather than playing with friends.
Speaking Skills: Sports and Competitions

Discuss the following questions on sports and

competitions

1. What images spring to mind when you hear the word

competition?
2. In your opinion, why are some people very
competitive?
3. Would you agree that competition is good for us?
4. Do you like competitive people?
5. In what way is education a competition in your
country?
6. Do you think life is a competition?
7. Do we learn to be competitive or are we born
competitive?
8. What sports require a competitive nature?
9. What sports does your country do well in at an
international level?
10. Should men and women compete together in the same
sporting events?