Lesson 7 · Lesson guide
Speaking Part 1: Developing Your Answers
Hello, my dear student!
Hello! In Speaking Part 1 the examiner asks simple questions about you: your studies, your hometown, your free time. The questions are easy, so the examiner listens to how you answer.
“Yes.” “Football.” “Tashkent.” Short answers like these give the examiner nothing to score. Very long, memorised answers sound unnatural too. A good Part 1 answer is two or three sentences: you answer, you give a reason, and you add an example or a detail.
Today you will practise that simple pattern, the phrases that start an answer naturally, and the tense that matches each question.
See you in the exercises,Your teacher
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Answer, Reason, Example
A
Answer the question
Start with a direct answer. Do not repeat the whole question.
- Yes, I really enjoy it.
R
Give a reason
because…, since…, mainly because…
- mainly because it helps me relax after classes.
E
Add an example or a detail
for example…, like…, especially…, last week I…
- For example, last weekend I read a whole novel in two days.
Remember!
A·R·E: Answer → Reason → Example. Two or three sentences, about 15–20 seconds.
Natural ways to start
One short starter gives you a second to think and sounds natural. Do not use the same one every time.
Actually, …
a small surprise or correction: Actually, I don’t really like sport.
To be honest, …
an honest opinion: To be honest, I’m not a big fan of cooking.
It depends.
the answer is not simple: It depends on the weather.
I’d say…
a guess or an estimate: I’d say about twice a week.
Well, …
a moment to think
Mistakes examiners notice
Not: I am agree with you.Say: I agree with you.
agree is a verb: no “am”.
Not: I very like reading.Say: I really like reading.
“very” does not go before a verb. Use really, or like … very much.
Not: In my opinion, I think that…Say: In my opinion, … / I think that…
They mean the same: use one, not both.
A good Part 1 answer
- Examiner
Do you like reading?
- Lola
Yes, I really do, especially novels. I read mainly because it helps me relax after a long day. For example, last month I finished three books by the same writer.
- Examiner
Do you prefer paper books or e-books?
- Lola
To be honest, I prefer paper books. I like holding a real book, although e-books are more convenient when I travel.
Answer, reason, example, and a natural starter (To be honest). Each answer is about 15 seconds.
Check yourself
How long should a Part 1 answer be?
“Have you ever been abroad?” Which tense do you start with?
Now it’s your turn!
8 short parts, each a little harder than the one before. Take your time: mistakes are how we learn.
— Your teacher