Lesson 2 - Thảo - Special grammar structures

Sacred structures to be used in part 1, and other parts :D in IELTS
Speaking.
*Disclaimer: Because the maximum amount of time allowed for each part 1
answer is only 30 seconds, which means you cannot technically apply all of the
mentioned structures. However, the key here is to ALTERNATE these
structures from one question to another, making sure that you’re NOT
repetitive and boring with your application of grammar structures.
1/ “Used to”
Do you read or write stories or poems?
- I used to read loads of child-friendly stories when I was younger/little/ in
secondary school/etc. This is simply because at that time, I found enjoyment in
immersing myself in different narratives and exploring a variety of characters.
However as I got older, I have other commitments to take care of, so lately, I
haven’t been able to spend as much time reading stories as I used to.
when I was younger/little/ in secondary school/etc : time reference
2/ Past Continuous
Do you play a musical instrument?
- Yeah for sure. During my teenage years, I was playing the guitar all the time
as I thought it would be really cool being able to play this instrument
beautifully, especially when it comes to attracting the attention of girls. . At
present, I occasionally play it, not as much as I used to, but I still got it!
- Yeah for sure. When I was preparing for the IELTS years ago, I was playing
it all the time, especially after hours of studying, just for the purpose of
relaxation. I haven’t stopped playing it since that, but definitely the frequency
has reduced a bit due to having lots of things on my plate lately.
During + time in the past (my high school years/ my childhood/ my teenage
years), s + was/were + v.ing
When S + V.ing + time in the past
3/ Past perfect
Do you prefer to study alone or with other people?
-Definitely with the company of other people. When I was in high school, I and
my classmates usually organized group learning sessions where we would help
each other with school work. It was super motivating as when someone was
slacking, the rest would push him/her right back on track. Those years was the
first time I had ever experienced the magic of collaboration in studying, and I
have maintained that habit ever since.
This was the first time S + had ever + V3
-Prior to/Before high school, I had been a bit of a lone wolf when it comes to
studying, primarily because of the fear of being distracted. However, things
started to change 180 after I got into university. Having lots of deadlines and
exams at the same time means that I had to rely on my classmates’ support in
reviewing lessons. It wasn’t as distracting as I used to think, so now I’m a big
fan of collaborative learning.
Prior to/Before + time in the past , S + had + V3

Before attending high school
Before my 15th birthday
4/ Conditional type 3
What was your worst subject at school?
- Definitely history. During my high school years, I was having a hard time
memorizing a bunch of historical events and details due to my poor memory.
As a result, my test scores were always horrendous. Luckily, my history
teacher was thoughtful and accommodating enough to give me the support I
need. Had it not been for him, my performance would have been much worse.
Had it not been for + N/// if it hadn’t been for/// if S + had (not) + V3, S +
would (not) + have + V3
Practice questions
 Where did you live as a child?
 What WERE SOME ACTIVITIES THAT you DID with your friends?
 What did you do during the summer holidays?
 What was your favourite toy as a child?

-
5/ Present perfect/ Present perfect continuous
What do you like about your job?
- There are a variety of factors explaining my passion for my job, but the most
rewarding part of my job has to be a chance to meet people with different
backgrounds. For example, lately, I have had new speaking classes opened,
which means I’ve got to know more about my learners’ needs, and aspirations.
I really adore it as people are unique and different in their own ways and this
surely adds to my experience as a teacher.
-Over the years, I have been trying my best to deliver high-quality lessons to all
of my learners, and their fulfillment after finishing a course really brings me
absolute joy. There’s no feelings that can match what I feel after they express
their satisfaction after having courses with me, and as a teacher, I have always
made sure to give it my all in each and every teaching session.
Lately/recently/over the past few years/ over the years/ since …., S + have/has
+ V3; S+ have/has + been + V.ing
How long -> have/has been v.ing FOR + a period of time
Always + present perfect. (preference kind of question)
Tell a story in the past (short one - not too lengthy) with precise time -> use
“since that moment”
Since 2020, since 2023
6/ Wish/ Conditional type 2
Do you like the area where you live?
My locality has always given me mixed feelings. On the one hand, I appreciate
its security as there haven’t been much crime such as theft or drugs in my local
areas. However, I do wish that there would be more entertaining facilities
constructed because at moment, if I were to see a movie, I would have to travel
far distances to the nearest cinema, which is a shame.
I wish I could + V0 / I wish there could/would be ….
IF S were to + V0, S + would/could/might + V0

Original structure : If S + V2, S + would/could/might + V0
I wish I could have more money/ time/ a chance to do something
7/ Future perfect
Do you like modern technology?
Yeah for sure. I have always been a bit of a technophile, having a keen passion
for the latest gadgets such as newly released Iphone models, or AI-powered
applications. I believe that by 2030, the power of AI will have advanced at a
much staggering pace, maybe even to the point of jeopardizing people’s jobs.
By + time in the future (random year, the next decade), S + will + have + V3
Topic: Boring
Do you often feel bored?
What do you do when you feel bored?

-Do you think childhood is boring or adulthood/ adolescence is boring?
Topic : Crowded Places
Is the city where you live crowded?

Is there a crowded place near where you live?
Topic: Singing
Do you like singing? Why?
Have you ever learnt how to sing?
Who do you want to sing for?
Do you think singing can bring happiness to people?
Topic: Collecting things

Do you collect things?
Are there any things you keep from childhood?
Would you keep old things for a long time? Why?
Where do you usually keep things you need?
What meals can you cook?
What is a traditional meal in your country?
Do you eat fast food?
What foods do you like from other countries?
What fruit and vegetables do you like?
Do you think you are a healthy person?
Have you ever been on a diet?
Do you have any brothers or sisters?
Tell me about somebody in your family.
Do you live with your family?
How often do you spend time with your family?
What do you do with your family?
Do you prefer chatting with family or friends?
How often do you talk on the phone with your family?
Is family important to you?
Have you celebrated something special with your family recently?
Who do you admire in your family?
Tell me about your school when you were a child.
What was your favourite subject?
Who was your favourite teacher?
Were you a good student?
Where did you live as a child?
Do you have the same friends now as your childhood?
What did you do with your friends?
What did you do during the summer holidays?
What was your favourite toy as a child?
Tell me about a birthday you remember from your childhood.
Do you enjoy shopping?
How often do you go shopping?
Do you like going to shopping centres?
What do you think about online shopping?
Do you enjoy shopping at traditional markets?
How much money do you spend on clothes?
What types of clothes do you enjoy wearing?
Do you prefer summer clothes or winter clothes?
What would you wear to a formal event like a wedding?
Are you a fashionable person?
What do you normally do in the morning?
Do you prefer the morning or the evening?
What is your breakfast routine?
Is exercise part of your daily routine?
Is your routine similar every day?
What do you normally do for lunch?
What do you like doing after work/school?
How much time do you spend relaxing every day?
What do you like doing on weekends?
Do you have enough free time?
What’s your favourite type of music?
Do you enjoy listening to music?
Where do you normally listen to music?
How often do you watch television?
Do you normally watch television alone or with other people?
What television programmes do you like?
Do you prefer watching television series or films?
What types of films do you like watching?
What types of films are popular in your country?
How often do you go to the cinema?

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Sacred structures to be used in part 1, and other parts :D in IELTS

when I was younger/little/ in secondary school/etc : time reference

This was the first time S + had ever + V3

Prior to/Before + time in the past , S + had + V3

 Where did you live as a child?

 What did you do during the summer holidays?

 What was your favourite toy as a child?

How long -> have/has been v.ing FOR + a period of time

Always + present perfect. (preference kind of question)

I wish I could + V0 / I wish there could/would be ….

IF S were to + V0, S + would/could/might + V0

I wish I could have more money/ time/ a chance to do something

What do you do when you feel bored?

Topic : Crowded Places

Is the city where you live crowded?

Topic: Collecting things

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