考官原文答复雅思口语part3的几大疑难

北京雅思培训,雅思备考资料,雅思网课,雅思培训机构,雅思保分班,雅思真题,雅思课程

One of my strongest IELTS students came to me the other day and told me how

worried she was about speaking part 3. In particular, she was worried about not

understanding the question and not being able to give a long enough answer. She

asked me for some tips to help her overcome these problems.

This guide will try to address these issues, give you lots of tips and help

you give your best possible answer in part 3 of the IELTS speaking test.

1-4月全部口语part3部分话题答案传送门（大杀四方）

What do I do if I don’t understand the question?

First of all, this is not a very academic test. The questions are designed so

that anyone can answer them. If you look at some example questions, it will

surprise you how easy they are. They require no specialist knowledge and the

examiner does not even have to agree with your opinion, they just want to hear

how well you convey your ideas and express your opinion.

However, sometimes you may not quite understand what the examiner just said.

In this case, simply ask him or her to repeat the question. If there is a word

or term you don’t understand, it is also acceptable to ask them to explain it to

you. Don’t overdo this, as it will seem as if you are abusing this rule.

It is a speaking test, not a listening test and the examiner wants you to

give your best possible answer so don’t be afraid to let them know. They won’t

repeat the question or explain a word to you unless you ask.

Do I have to give an answer for every question in part 3?

Yes, if you don’t attempt an answer for all questions you will lose marks.

However, if you get a question you are really struggling with you can admit this

to the examiner and give the best answer you can.

You could say something like: ‘I don’t know a lot about this topic, but if I

had to guess I would say…..’ It is unlikely you will have to use this phrase and

it should only be used when you really have no ideas.

What if I need time to think?

The IELTS examiner does not expect you to give instant answers, you are not a

robot! However, they do expect you to respond in a natural way. It is completely

normal for native speakers to use certain words and phrases in order to give

themselves time to think. You probably also do it a lot in your own

language.

Phrases that can be used include:

That’s a difficult question, let me think for a second.

That’s a very interesting question, let me think.

It’s very difficult to know exactly, but I think/but I believe/perhaps….

It’s difficult to say, I think….

I don’t really know for sure, but I would say….

The most important thing is not to overuse these phrases. Some students put

them in front of every answer and it sounds really unnatural. Remember, they are

only to be used when you get an unexpected or particularly difficult

question.

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, I advise my students to try to answer with 3-4 sentences.

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.

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.

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.

I just made that statistic up and it is perfectly acceptable for you to do

the same thing in the IELTS speaking test. The examiner will never disagree with

you or ask you to prove any of your examples.

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

actually 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.

Next Steps

Reading this guide won’t help you unless you put the ideas in to practice.

Every part 3 question is different and therefore requires a different response.

Try to answer it as naturally as possible and use the techniques above to extend

your answer if needed.