Speaking Part 1
Speaking Part 1
Speaking Part 1
Too Short:
This doesn’t give enough information. It answers the question but doesn’t expand on the
idea.
Too Long:
● "Yes, I enjoy cooking very much because I find it really relaxing after a long day
of work. I like trying out recipes from different countries, especially Italian and
Japanese cuisine. Last weekend, I spent the entire day preparing a four-course
meal for my friends, and it was such a fun experience because I got to try new
ingredients. In fact, I’m planning to cook something new this weekend as well."
While detailed, this answer would be more appropriate for a Part 2 response or might
cause time management issues in Part 1.
● "Yes, I really enjoy cooking. It helps me relax, and I love experimenting with new
recipes. I usually cook a few times a week, especially when I have time on the
weekends."
This answer is a good length because it answers the question directly, adds a reason,
and gives some extra details, but without going overboard.
Another example of answering the question "Do you like watching movies?"
Too Long:
● "Yes, I absolutely love watching movies. I’ve been a fan of films since I was a
child, and I try to watch as many different genres as possible. I prefer comedies,
but I also enjoy action and drama movies, especially those from foreign
countries. I even like going to film festivals sometimes, although it can be hard to
find time because of my busy schedule. In fact, I plan to see a movie this
weekend with my friends."
Too Short:
Ideal Length:
● "Yes, I love watching movies, especially comedies. I try to watch one or two
every week, usually on the weekends when I have more free time."
One final example, "Do you prefer to spend time indoors or outdoors?"
Too Short:
Too Long:
● "I definitely prefer spending time outdoors. I’ve always been a fan of nature, and I
try to go hiking or cycling whenever I can. On weekends, I often visit nearby
parks or nature reserves. One time, I even went on a week-long camping trip with
my friends, which was an amazing experience. I think being outdoors is good for
both physical and mental health, and I try to do it as much as possible."
Ideal Length:
● "I prefer spending time outdoors because I enjoy nature. I usually go hiking or
cycling when the weather is nice, which helps me stay active. With that said, I
might sometimes play chess or board games with my friends, especially if its
raining"
Can I give negative answers or say "I don't know"?
Yes, you can. Give genuine answers. There's no need to lie. What's really important is
to explain your answer anyway.
—To be honest, I would struggle to answer this question even in my first language. You
see I have never really taken interest in plants and flowers. I know roses and tulips, but
I'm sure there are other flowers that are popular too. I just don't know about them
— Uhm, you got me there. I really don't know anything about fishing. Like I know that
we have Caspian sea and many big and small lakes and rivers, but I genuinely don't
know if fishing is popular. At least no one in my immediate circle has been keen on it.
— No, not really. I don't do exercises at all these days. I'm at work all day and I get so
tired at the end of the day that I have no energy to do anything, let alone hitting the gym.
But maybe I will take up some sports in the future, when I have more free time, who
knows?
– Uhm, you know, honestly, I don't go to libraries. As a matter of fact, I can't even think
of the last time when I went to a library. This is maybe because I don't read books and if
I need to find information I can use the Internet… you know… we can find almost
anything online these days… sooo, actually, I don't know why we need libraries in the
first place.
To excel in Speaking Part 1, learn about 9 categories of questions and develop a
strategy for each of them.
4. Do you think? Opinion Do you think paper books will disappear in the future?
Фразы для выражения мнений Do you think you spend too much time online?
Do you think it is good to use chocolate as gifts to
others?
Do you think Geography is useful?
Do you think going to the cinema is a good way to
spend time with friends?
5. Have you ever…? Have you ever thought about starting your own
Perfect tense business?
Have you ever lost your keys?
Have you ever tried any exciting activities?
Have you ever learnt about outer space and stars?
Have you ever forgotten something that was
important?
6. About childhood What did you often do with your friends in your
Used to childhood?
Would (habits in the past) Is there an advertisement that made an impression on
you when you were a child?
Past simple
Did your parents teach you to share when you were a
child?
Did you go to the library when you were a kid?
Did you stay up late when you were a kid?
7. Would you (like to)... ? Would you like to be a famous person in the news?
CONDITIONALS Would you like to change your morning routine?
Would you like to stay at home a lot in the future?
Would you keep old things for a long time? Why?
Would you watch others play video games?
8. Future (Do you plan… What will Will you read more online in the future?
you… What are you going to…) Do you think paper books will disappear in the future?
Future Tenses What do you think will make you feel happy in the
future?
Will you buy a new one (mobile phone) in the future?
What did you enjoy as a child? = грамматика для прошлого, словарный запас
для детства, фразы для предпочтений
Do you think it is better for children to grow up in the city or in the countryside? =
сравнительные структуры + фразы для выражения мнения
Do you think paper books will disappear in the future? = грамматика для
будущего + фразы для выражения мнения
How has your mobile phone changed your life? = present perfect + линкеры для
перехода между идеями
Примеры, которые приведены ниже только для
демонстрации использования словарного запаса или
грамматики.
1. Preferences
Neutral position
Do you enjoy listening to rock music?
"Well, I don’t mind listening to rock music sometimes, but I wouldn’t say I’m a big fan of
this genre. It’s okay, but I don’t have strong feelings about it."
Although
Even though
However
On the one hand... on the other hand
In contrast (to)
While\Whereas
But
Though
Compared to
Similarly
At the same time
On the contrary
Alternatively
In comparison
As opposed to
Unlike
Rather than
Despite this
In spite of
In contrast to
Question: Would you prefer to take a long vacation or several short ones throughout
the year?
Answer: I like the idea of a long vacation to fully unwind. Alternatively, taking several
short ones can help break the routine more frequently.
However, you can also use some idiomatic expressions to talk about how frequently you
do something or something happens.
4. Every so often
"I travel abroad every so often, whenever I can get time off from work."
6. On a regular basis
"We meet up on a regular basis, usually once a week."
7. As often as not
"As often as not, I prefer to stay home on weekends rather than going out."
For "usually"
1. As a rule
Parents should discuss career goals with children because they, as a rule, don't
have concrete opinions about such complex topics.
2. typically
My family will typically visit our grandparents on holidays where dozens of our
extended family members will gather to share meal together. As much as I love
my relatives, I wish we would do something else for holidays. I'm really tired of
doing the dishes every time we go there.
3. normally
Normally, my parents are really kind and supportive, but my father can get really
furious when he catches one of us lying. Being honest and transparent is a must
for him and it is the core of our family principles.
For how rarely:
1. Once in a while
"Once in a while, I treat myself to something nice like a fancy dinner."
2. Hardly ever
"I hardly ever watch TV these days. I prefer reading."
4. Once in a lifetime
"This job offer is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
6. Rarely, if ever
"I rarely, if ever, stay up late. I’m usually in bed by 10 p.m."
1. I firmly believe...
Question: Do you think technology has improved our lives?
Answer: I firmly believe that technology has made life much easier. It helps us
stay connected and has revolutionized the way we work and communicate.
2. Without a doubt...
Question: Is it better to live in a house or an apartment?
Answer: Without a doubt, living in a house is better if you value space and
privacy.
Showing Uncertainty
2. I guess...
Question: Do you enjoy cooking?
Answer: I guess I do enjoy cooking from time to time, though I wouldn’t say it’s
my favorite hobby.
4. I’d say...
Question: Do you prefer working from home or in the office?
Answer: I’d say working from home is more comfortable for me, but sometimes I
miss the social aspect of the office.
5. I suppose...
Question: Do you like reading books or watching movies?
Answer: I suppose I prefer watching movies, but I do enjoy reading every now
and then.
Introducing an Opinion
1. Personally, I think...
Question: Do you like living in your hometown?
Answer: Personally, I think my hometown is a great place to live. It’s quiet and
has a strong sense of community.
2. In my view...
Question: Is it better to travel alone or with friends?
Answer: In my view, traveling with friends is more enjoyable because you can
share the experience together.
4. To be honest...
Question: Do you like shopping?
Answer: To be honest, I’m not a big fan of shopping. I find it quite tiring and
prefer to spend my time on other things.
In my opinion…
I feel that...
I believe that...
It seems to me that...
My view on this is...
As I see it...
6. About childhood
Make sure to paraphrase the question:
As a child:
= in my childhood
= when I was a child
= when I was a kid
= when I was younger
These modal verbs can often be used interchangeably, but there are still nuances:
used to = can be used for repeated actions and states
would = can be used only for active verbs
I used to love watching Turkish tv shows with my grandmother when I was a kid, but
now I find them very weird and too predictable. I don't know, maybe it's just because I
grew out of such shows or because my grandmother is no longer with us. I guess it's the
second one…
Did your parents teach you to share when you were a child?
"Yes, my parents used to be very strict about sharing. They would always remind me
and my siblings to take turns with our toys, especially if we started arguing. I remember
my dad would step in whenever things got heated and make sure we all played fairly.
Looking back, it was a good lesson."
Most students would just respond with "Yes, I would" or "No, I wouldn't"
While it is perfectly acceptable to start your answer with a short Yes\No direct answer,
you can use these type of questions to your benefit. Use more interesting language to
demonstrate high level of grammar and coherence.
Second Conditional
● Structure:
If + past simple, would + verb
● Example:
Would you like to live in another country?
"If I had the chance, I would definitely love to live in another country.
Experiencing a new culture and lifestyle would be incredibly enriching."
Mixed Conditionals
Use this structure to express an unreal past event with present consequences.
● Structure:
If + past perfect, would + verb (present result)
● Example:
Would you like to have studied something different?
"If I had studied art instead of engineering, I would probably be a designer now.
However, I don’t regret my choice."
Wish Clauses
● Structure:
Were I to + verb, I would...
● Example:
Would you like to change your job?
"Were I to change my job, it would have to be for something much more exciting
and fulfilling. Right now, I’m quite content, though."
● Example:
Would you like to live in a different city?
"Supposing I had no ties here, I’d move to a bustling city like New York in a
heartbeat. The energy there is just contagious."
● Imagine I won the scholarship at Seoul National University, I'd leave my city in a
heartbeat, you better believe that.
8. Future
Aside from typical grammar for future, such as "will" or "be going to", you can use
these:
1. Modal verbs for speculations: may, might, can
2. Collocations: set to, on the verge of, bound to, about to, be likely\unlikely
What do you think will make you feel happy in the future?
"I hope to find happiness through a balance of career success and personal fulfillment.
I’m likely to feel happy if I achieve my professional goals while maintaining strong
relationships with my family and friends. Also, small things like traveling more often and
pursuing hobbies will likely contribute to my happiness."
*Add perhaps, probably, maybe etc. if you are not certain about some future actions or
events.
9. Direct Questions
Actually, there's nothing special about these types of questions. You should just give
direct answers and explain or add some details to your answer.
However, just to add some color to your responses, you can use fluency markers:
Definitely
Absolutely
Right
(oh) for sure
Absolutely not
Definitely not
Certainly not
No way
Not at all
Not really
Is breakfast important?
"Absolutely, breakfast is incredibly important. It sets the tone for the day and provides
the energy needed to stay focused and productive. Skipping breakfast can really affect
my mood and concentration, so I always make an effort to eat something in the
morning."