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Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking: Part 1

SPEAKING PART 1:
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 Im studying in another city Taizhong. I suppose if I had to
describe Taipei, the first thing I would say is that its very crowded, maybe even one
of the biggest cities in Asia I guess. Its 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 Id like to mention is
The main thing you need to know is
Id 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 shouldnt forget to mention that

I guess I could also say that (its) sort-of ..

Finally Id also like to mention ..

Practice:
Tell me something about your hometown?
What does your neighborhood look like?
What does your house look like?

2. LIKING (Strategy: General to specific)

Rephrasing liking
Im pretty fond of
Im really keen on
Im a big fan of
Im 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?

3. DISLIKING (Strategy: General to specific)

Rephrasing Disliking
Im not really satisfied with

Im not much of a fan of

Im not really fond of
is simply not my cup of tea.
I really cant stand
simply gets on my nerves.

Sample answer
Is there anything you dont like about your hometown?
In general, Id have to say that I am not so satisfied with the weather. To be more
precise, I really cant stand the summer months. You know, its 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 dont like about your hometown?
Is there anything you dont like about job/studies?
Is there any food you dont like?
Whats the worst thing about shopping?
Are there any clothes that you dont like?
What type of weather do you dislike?

4. TYPE OF QUESTIONS (strategy: depends on)

theres quite a mixed variety of
theres quite an extensive diversity of
theres quite a wide range of
theres a fairly broad range of
theres quite a diverse mixture of
Sample answer
Tell me about the different types of transportation in your city.
Of course, you know theres 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?

5. 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 its 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?

When / Why / My feeling

Natural Beauty : Location / History / Visitors / Activities / My feeling
Animals : Appearance / Habits / Food / Relationship / My feeling
Objects : How I got it / Exterior / Function / Price / another related object / My feeling
Organizations : History / Members / Location / Duty / Influence / My feeling
Opening:
Well Id like to talk about
Ok then, to start with I will talk about
The first point:
The first thing Id like to mention is
The main thing you need to know is
Id like to begin by highlighting the fact
The most important point about _____ is
The second point:
Going on to my next point which is ______, and the thing that needs to be highlighted here is
that (S+V).
Now concerning the matter of ______, and what I have to mention here is that ~.
The third point:
Progressing to the subject of ______. I would like to explain that (S+V).
Moving onto the business of ______, What I would like to make clear is that ~.
The last point:
Finally, Id like to discuss __________
Finally then, if there is time, I could deal with the last question of (N).
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Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking: Part 3

Its difficult to predict exactly what questions we will get asked in the third part of the exam, but usually they will
have a close connection to the topic we discussed in part 2 of the exam. In addition the following functions may be
tested.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Comparing (time/objects/concepts)
Predicting
Advantages
Disadvantages
Problems
Solutions
Opinion (why)

1. Comparing
Do you think people were smarter in the past?
What is the difference between learning skills and knowledge?
2. Predicting
Do you think people will be more intelligent in the future?
Do you think technology can replace teachers in the future?
3. Advantages
What are the main advantages of studying online?
What are the main advantages of studying abroad?
4. Disadvantages
What are the main disadvantages of studying online?
What are the main disadvantages of studying abroad?
5. Problems
What are some of the main problems that students often encounter with learning English?
What problems do students often have with their classmates?
6. Solutions
[for above how could we solve these problems]
7. Opinion
Why do you think some people enjoy learning new things?
What are some useful ways to remember things?

1. Comparing
Try to use language of comparison (cheaper, more expensive, more/less than)

Opening:
Well, obviously, there are a variety of possible differences here.
Well, undoubtedly, they are like chalk and cheese.
The First difference:
However, I (guess/ suppose) that the most striking difference is ~; whereas in contrast
But I would say the most fundamental would be that (S+V). On the contrary,
The second difference:
In addition, a subsequent contrast could be that (S+V). Conversely,
Moreover, a further distinction might be that (S+V). While on the other hand,
Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM
In what ways magazines are different to newspapers?
How could we deal with the problems of Internet?
Are people travelling more now than in the past?
Who make better teachers men or women?
How have family values changed over the years?

2. Predicting
Try to use future tense (will, going to + verb)
Opening:
I am sure that in years to come we will see a number of changes related to this.
I imagine that in the near future, we will witness some major changes with regard to (N).
The first prediction:
To begin with, I would predict that we will most likely have (N).
Primarily, it looks quite possible that we are going to have (N).
The second prediction:
As well as this, some people claim that we will probably start to see (N).
Likewise, I would imagine that we may even be able to see (N).
The third prediction:
And who knows, there is even a chance that we will have (N).
And I know it is a bit of a crazy thought, but one day we may even have (N).
Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM
What will schools be like in the future?
What will cars be like in the future?
Do you think people will have to conserve water in the future?
Do you think we will get the news in different ways in the future?
What will your country be like in 50 years?

3. Advantages (merits, benefits, rewards)

Opening:
Clearly there are a number of obvious merits.
Obviously there are a number of positive features.
The main advantage:
But I would probably say that for the most part, the one thing that really stands out is that~. This is obviously
favourable because (S+V).
However, I guess that the most evident would be that (S+V). This is surely a positive feature as (S+V).
The second advantages:
Besides this, a second plus point could be that (S+V). This is undoubtedly favourable because (S+V).
At the same time, a second bonus might be that (S+V). This is surely a positive feature as~
Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM
What are the advantages of living in an old building?
What are the advantages of living in big cities?
What are the advantages of owning an up-to-date mobile phone?
What are the advantages of advertising?
What are the advantages of studying abroad?
4. Disadvantages (drawbacks, shortcomings)
Opening:
I am sure most people would agree that there are some drawbacks.
Of course there are a couple of shortcomings.
The main disadvantages:
I suppose the most unfavourable quality might be that (S+V). This is an obviously weakness because (S+V).
I guess the most impractical characteristic would be that (S+V). This is a clear limitation because (S+V).
The second disadvantages:
At the same time, another stumbling block might be that ~. And the trouble with this is that
Correspondingly, an additional weak point may be that (S+V). And this can be a hassle as~
Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM
What are the disadvantages of living in an old building?
What are the disadvantages of living in big cities?
What are the disadvantages of owning an up-to-date mobile phone?
What are the disadvantages of advertising?
What are the disadvantages of studying abroad?

5. Problems
Opening:
Obviously we can say there are quite a lot of dangers with regard to this issue.
It is universally accepted that there are a few hazards involved with (N).
The main problem:
Essentially, one fundamental concern is probably that ~. This is clearly alarming because~.
The second problem:
Equally worrying is the suggestion that~. And the underlying repercussions of this are that.
Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

What problems are associated with eating fast food?

What problems are caused by a lack of physical exercise?
How is our busy lifestyle contributing to health problems?
What problems are associated with global warming?
What problems are associated with violence being shown on TV?

6. Solutions:
Opening:
In my view there are a few ways to tackle this problem.
The first solution:
When dealing with _________, the easiest way to solve it out would be ~.
The second solution:
I also think that we could ________________
Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

How could we deal with eating fast food?

What would you do to get more physical exercise?
How can stress from our busy lifestyle be relieved?
What steps could be taken to tackle global warming?
How could kids be prevented from seeing violence on TV?

7. Opinion (why) questions

Opening:
Well in my opinion, there are undoubtedly a variety of justifications for this.
I suppose I would say that (S+V). There are probably a number of factors involved.
Well generally it is my belief that (S+V). There are obviously a number of motives surrounding this idea.
The first reason:
The chief cause might be that (S+V).
The key explanation is possibly because (S+V).
The second reason:
As well as this, a subsequent factor could be because (S+V).
At the same time, a secondary motive could be that (S+V).
Practice Questions for Part 3 of the IELTS EXAM
Why do people like travelling to foreign countries?
Why do so many people move from the countryside to cities?
Why is it important for children to play sports?
Why do young people spend so much time on the Internet?
Why is watching TV so popular all over the world?

..

Vocabulary for your job

Sample questions about your job

1.
2.
3.
4.

What job do you do?

Why did you choose this job?
How long have you been doing this job?
Is there anything you dont like about it?

Nouns
profession
line of business
occupation
line of work

Verbs
be involved in
share responsibility for
work within a team

Adjectives
hectic
exhausting
intricate
undemanding

Idioms
work flat out (= work very hard). Sometimes I have to work flat out.
pull out all the stops ( make a special effort).When its busy I have to pull out all the stops.
pick up the pieces (= fix a problem). When theres a problem I have to pick up the pieces.

Increase your score for lexical resource by learning a wide range of vocabulary for the IELTS
speaking test.

Vocabulary about studying

Sample questions about your studies:

1. What are you studying?
2. Where are you studying?
3. Why did you choose this school / university?
4. What would you like to do after your studies?

Nouns
field of study
lecturer
theory

Verbs
revise
comprehend
succeed in
become skilled in

Adjectives
hands-on (= practical)
theoretical

reputable
compulsory
optional

Idioms
pass with flying colours (=pass with a high score)
I passed my entrance exam with flying colours.
cross that bridge when I come to it (=deal with a problem when it arrives)
Im not worried about that now . Ill cross that bridge when I come to it.

Vocabulary about your hometown

Sample Questions
Lets talk about your hometown
1. What do you like about your hometown?
2. Is it a good place for young people?
3. What would you like to change about your hometown?
4. Do you think your hometown will be better in the future?

Nouns
residential area
industrial area
apartment complex
architecture

local cuisine
neighbourhood

Adjectives
sprawling
unique
industrial
commercial
distinctive
built-up

Idioms
run down (= in bad condition) Some areas are run-down.
up-market (expensive) Some neighbourhoods are becoming very up-market.

Vocabulary for shopping

Sample questions:
Lets talk about shopping.
1.
2.
3.
4.

Do you like to go shopping?

How often do you go shopping?
What kind of shops are there where you live?
Whats the worst thing about going shopping?

Nouns

essential
luxury
independent retailer
chain store
market vendor

Verbs
haggle
pick out

Adjectives
over-priced
fake
genuine
sophisticated

Idioms
the real McCoy (= genuine, not fake)
Most chain stores only stock the Real McCoy products.
going for a song (= offered at a low price)
If I see some classy products going for a songI might be tempted.

Vocabulary for Buildings

Sample questions:
1. What types of buildings are there where you live?
2. Do you prefer old or new buildings?
3. Are historical buildings important where you live?
4. Do you think we should protect old building?

Nouns
architecture
skyscraper
office block
residence

Verbs
construct
renovate
demolish

Adjectives
elegant
well-designed
unsightly
contemporary
old-fashioned

Idioms
put up (= build) They are putting up loads of unsightly office blocks.
do up (= repair) They should do up some of the old-fashioned residences.
pull down (= demolish)

Vocabuary about holidays and travelling

Sample questions
1. How much travelling have you done?
2. Do you prefer travelling alone or in a group?
3. What do you like to do when you are on holiday?
4. What places would you like to visit in the future?
Nouns
package tour
independent travel
travel agent
Verbs
go backpacking
go sightseeing

Adjectives
touristy
overdeveloped

exclusive
luxurious

Idioms
Off the beaten track (to a place not usually visited by tourists)
When I go backpacking I prefer to go off the beaten track.
Rough it (= live in uncomfortable conditions such as camping)
When we went camping we had to rough it for two days.

Vocabulary for family

Sample questions about family

1. Tell me about your family.
2. What kind of things do you and your family do together?
3. Who does the housework in your family?
4. Would you prefer to have a larger or smaller family?

Nouns
family unit
relatives
household chore (= housework)
family circle

Verbs

adore
admire
enjoy the company of

Adjectives
affectionate
intimate
distant

Idioms
its in the blood (= its a natural part of ones character)
All my family are really fond of readingI guess its in the blood.
runs in the family ( be a shared family characteristic)
My brothers and I have big earsit runs in the family.

Vocabulary for friendship

Sample questions about friends

1. How much time do you spend with your friends?
2. What do you usually do with your friends?
3. Do you prefer spending time with your family or friends?
4. Is friendship important to you?

Nouns

companion
acquaintance
sibling

Verbs
get together
hang out with
socialize

Adjectives
sociable
gregarious
out-going
extrovert
introvert

Idioms
Own flesh and blood (= family, relative)
Obviously my siblings are my own flesh and blood so I love them very much.
soul mate (= best friend)
I usually hang out with my soul mate.

a sounding board (= a good person to talk to)

I can use my best mate as a sounding board when I have problems.

Vocabulary for weddings

Sample questions for weddings

1. Have you ever been to a wedding?
2. What do people usually do at weddings in your country?
3. What clothes do people usually wear at weddings in your country?
4. Which people are usually invited to weddings?

Nouns
marriage ceremony
bride
groom
honeymoon

Verbs
give presents
drink a toast

Adjectives
conventional
customary

ceremonial

Idioms
tie the knot (= get married)
When people decide to tie the knot, they usually want to lead a steady life.

Vocabulary for clothing

Sample questions for clothes

1. What types of clothes do you like wearing?
2. Where do you usually buy your clothes?
3. Did you wear a school uniform when you were younger?
4. Do all students in your country wear a school uniform?

Nouns
garment
trend
boutique

Verbs
flaunt (show off)
dress up

Adjectives
stylish
elegant
well-made

Idioms
the in thing (= fashionable)
This summer, baggy jeans are the in thing.
at the height of fashion ( fashionable)
Sports clothing is at the height of fashion.