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Speaking

Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking: Part 1

Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking: Part 1

Types of Questions

  1. DESCRIPTION QUESTIONS: (Strategy: divide into 2 or 3 parts) 

Sample answer 

Tell me something about your hometown? 

Well as you can probably guess I come from Taipei and I have lived here all my life, although at the moment I’m studying in another city – Taizhong. I suppose if I had to describe Taipei, the first thing I would say is that it’s very crowded, maybe even one of the biggest cities in Asia I guess. It’s so congested that even the locals have problems finding their way around! Another significant characteristic is that it offers splendid examples of contemporary architecture. Actually some of the renowned landmarks are in the middle of Taipei, such as the Taipei 101, the second tallest building in the world.

 

Well, the main thing you need to know is that…(1) + (details)…

On top of that I can also add that (2)…+ (details)…

Something else that I need to say is that (3)…so actually…(detail)

Starting-off 

Ok, then; actually; alright; well, you know;

Point 1 

The first thing I’d like to mention is …

The main thing you need to know is …

I’d like to begin by highlighting the fact …

Point 2 

In addition I suppose I should say …

Another interesting point …

Not only that, but _______is also exceedingly …..

Point 3 

And I shouldn’t forget to mention that…

I guess I could also say that (it’s) sort-of ……..

Finally I’d also like to mention ……..

Practice: 

Tell me something about your hometown? 

What does your neighborhood look like? 

What does your house look like? 

 

  1. LIKING (Strategy: General to specific)

Rephrasing “liking” 

I’m pretty fond of…

I’m really keen on…

I’m a big fan of…

I’m passionate about…

Structure 

  1. Well in general I would say …
  2. To be more precise/specific…
  3. And I guess this is probably because…

Sample answer 

What kind of animals do you like? 

Well in general I would say small animals, to be more precise cats and dogs; and, I guess this is because we often kept them when I was growing up, and they were good companions for me.

 

Practice:  

What do you like about your hometown?

Do you like your job/studies?

What sort of music do you like?

Do you like reading?

Do you like shopping?

 

  1. DISLIKING (Strategy: General to specific)

Rephrasing “Disliking” 

I’m not really satisfied with…

I’m not much of a fan of…

I’m not really fond of…

…is simply not my cup of tea.

I really can’t stand…

… simply gets on my nerves.

Sample answer 

Is there anything you don’t like about your hometown? 

In general, I’d have to say that I am not so satisfied with the weather. To be more precise, I really can’t stand the summer months. You know, it’s because the temperatures are often as high as 35 degrees, plus it is always humid, so it makes you feel quite uncomfortable!

 

Practice 

Is there anything you don’t like about your hometown?

Is there anything you don’t like about job/studies?

Is there any food you don’t like?

What’s the worst thing about shopping?

Are there any clothes that you don’t like?

What type of weather do you dislike?

 

  1. “TYPE OF” QUESTIONS (strategy: depends on)

…there’s quite a mixed variety of …

…there’s quite an extensive diversity of …

… there’s quite a wide range of …

… there’s a fairly broad range of …

… there’s quite a diverse mixture of …

Sample answer 

Tell me about the different types of transportation in your city. 

Of course, you know there’s quite a mixed variety of public transportation in my city. Though I think the most commonly-used one could probably be buses. And the explanation for this could be that they are so cheap and reliable. In fact the average bus fare in my city is about 20 dollars for a single journey from start to end.

 

Practice 

What kinds of restaurants are popular in your country?

What types of shops can be found in your local area?

What types of things do people collect in your country?

What types of TV programmes are popular in your country?

 

  1. “WH-/HOW OFTEN” QUESTIONS(strategy: concession) 

Well to be honest, I would have to say that it really depends.

Like for instance … Whereas in contrast…

Sample answer 

What sort of restaurants do you usually eat at? 

Usually I prefer to get something like fast food such as McDonalds because it’s quick and easy to get. However, if I have more time I would rather have something healthier such as a steak and salad from a decent restaurant like Outback Steakhouse.

 

 

Practice 

When do you usually read?

Who do you spend your evenings with?

When you go out in the evenings, what do you usually do?

How often do you play sports?

Where do you usually go shopping?

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26 thoughts on “Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking: Part 1”

  1. Could you please help me in framing answers for me as I’m a dentist working at my own clinic.
    What u like
    Why u like
    Why u choose this
    Etc

    Reply

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