PART 3 TECHNIQUES

1. Extend Your Answers

● Avoid giving short answers. Aim for 3-5 sentences for each response.
● Include reasons, examples, and explanations to support your answers.

Example:
Q: "Why do people prefer to work remotely these days?"
A: "People prefer remote work because it offers flexibility. They can manage their own schedul
es and achieve a better work-life balance. For instance, parents can spend more time with their
children while still being productive. Moreover, remote work eliminates commuting time, which r
educes stress and allows for more leisure or self-improvement activities."

2. Use the PPF Technique (Past, Present, Future)

● When discussing a topic, talk about how it was in the past, how it is now in the present,
and how it might change in the future.

Example:
Q: "How has technology changed the way we communicate?"
A: "In the past, people mainly relied on letters or face-to-face communication. Today, we use ins
tant messaging and video calls, making communication much faster and more convenient. In th
e future, I think we’ll see even more advanced technologies, like virtual reality meetings, making
communication feel almost as if we’re in the same room."

3. Use Comparative Structures

● Compare and contrast ideas to show a deeper level of analysis.

Example:
Q: "Do younger people and older people have different opinions about technology?"
A: "Yes, younger people tend to embrace new technology quickly because they grew up with it,
while older people often find it challenging to adapt. For example, younger generations are comf
ortable with social media apps, but older generations may prefer traditional communication me
thods like phone calls."

4. Speculate and Hypothesize

● Use language like "might," "could," "perhaps," or "I imagine" to discuss possibilities or hy
pothetical situations.

Example:
Q: "How might cities change in the next 20 years?"
A: "I think cities might become more technologically advanced. Perhaps we'll have smart transp
ortation systems and more eco-friendly buildings. There could also be an increase in green spac
es to improve urban living conditions."

5. Paraphrase the Question

● Rephrase the question in your answer to show understanding and buy yourself a momen
t to think.

Example:
Q: "Why is it important for children to play outside?"
A: "I believe outdoor play is crucial for children’s development because it helps them stay physic
ally active and improve social skills."

6. Structure Your Answers Clearly

● Use discourse markers to organize your response:
○ Giving Opinions: I believe, In my opinion, From my perspective
○ Adding Information: Additionally, Furthermore, Moreover
○ Contrasting Ideas: However, On the other hand, Conversely
○ Concluding: To sum up, Overall

7. Use Examples and Personal Experiences

● Adding examples or brief personal anecdotes makes your answers more engaging and n
atural.

Example:
Q: "Do you think schools should focus more on practical skills?"
A: "Absolutely. For example, when I was in high school, we rarely learned about budgeting or ta
xes. Practical skills like these are essential for adult life."

8. Stay Calm and Maintain a Steady Pace

● Don’t rush your answers. Pause slightly to think and speak clearly.

9. Use a Range of Vocabulary and Complex Grammar

 ● Try to incorporate advanced vocabulary and grammatical structures (e.g., conditional se
ntences, passive voice, relative clauses).

Example:
"If the government invested more in public transport, people would be less reliant on cars,
which would help reduce pollution."

10. Practice Active Listening

● Ensure you fully understand the question. If unsure, ask the examiner to clarify or repeat
it:
○ “Could you repeat the question, please?”
○ “Could you explain what you mean by…?”

● Why do people prefer to visit crowded places, even if they can be uncomfortable?

🌟 Band 6 Answer
● Characteristics: Limited fluency, basic vocabulary, and grammar errors. Short answers
with minimal development.

"People like to go to crowded places because it is fun. There are many people, and it feel
s exciting. Like festivals or concerts. Sometimes it’s not comfortable, but they enjoy the
experience. I think it makes them feel happy."

🌟 Band 7 Answer
● Characteristics: Good fluency, fairly clear ideas, and some use of complex structures, t
hough with occasional mistakes or pauses.

"I think people enjoy crowded places because they feel a sense of excitement and energ
y. For example, going to a concert or a festival can be very thrilling, even if it's not very c
omfortable. Also, being in a crowd makes people feel connected to others who share the
same interests. Although it can be tiring, the overall experience is often worth it."

🌟 Band 8 Answer
● Characteristics: Fluent and coherent, good use of vocabulary and complex grammar, fe
w mistakes. Ideas are well-developed.

"Many people prefer visiting crowded places because of the vibrant atmosphere and sen
se of community. For instance, when attending a concert or a sports event, the shared en
thusiasm among the crowd can be exhilarating. Even though these places may be physic
ally uncomfortable, the emotional reward of feeling connected and experiencing the even
t with others outweighs the inconvenience. Additionally, crowded places often offer uniq
ue entertainment that can’t be found in quieter settings."

🌟 Band 9 Answer
● Characteristics: Excellent fluency, precise vocabulary, varied grammatical structures, a
nd fully developed, sophisticated ideas.

"People are often drawn to crowded places despite the discomfort because these environ
ments provide a unique blend of excitement, social connection, and collective energy. Fo
r example, events like festivals or sporting matches allow individuals to feel part of a larg
er, enthusiastic community, which can be profoundly satisfying. Furthermore, the sensor
y stimulation—whether it's the music, cheering, or general buzz—creates an atmosphere
that can’t be replicated in quieter, solitary settings. The temporary inconvenience of disc
omfort is often outweighed by the emotional highs and the memorable experiences these
places offer."

Key Differences Across Bands

1. Band 6: Simple ideas, basic vocabulary, limited sentence structures, and brief response
s.
2. Band 7: Clear answers with some complex structures and examples, but with occasiona
l errors or pauses.
3. Band 8: More precise vocabulary, coherent structure, and well-developed ideas with det
ailed examples.
4. Band 9: Sophisticated vocabulary, varied sentence structures, in-depth reasoning, and n
uanced expression.