3 Ways to Give Complete Answers in IELTS Speaking

April 12, 2022

IELTS examiners need to evaluate long samples of your English to precisely provide an accurate score.

Therefore, short ‘yes’ and ‘no’ are not satisfactory answers in your IELTS Speaking test.

Beyond answering the questions, you need to show the examiner how good your English is.

If you give very short answers, there is no way for the IELTS grader can determine the level of your speaking ability in English. 

Therefore, you should deliver complete answers in the IELTS Speaking section using the following three (3) easy ways.

Easy Way #1: Use Because + Reasons + Examples

Linking your ideas on the IELTS exam is a good habit.

The practice can help you elaborate your answer on the exam.

For example:

Part 1 Question: Do you cook?

Basic Answer: Yes, I do.

Extended Answer: I cook because my three siblings depend on me to make dinner after my evening French classes.

Commentary: Always think of the formula – Reasons + Examples when answering questions on the IELTS exam.

Because phrase: prepares the listener for a reason

Example: make dinner (and it’s a collocation – double points!)

Extra Detail: after my evening French classes

One sentence packed with details, collocations, and examples is a strong reply to the simple question.

Easy Way #2: Details, details, details.

Your answers need to be as precise as possible.

Accurate and detailed answers show IELTS graders your command of the language.

Expand your replies as illustrated in the above example.

Question: Where are you from?

Basic Answer: I’m from the Philippines.

Extended Answer: I’m from Manila, a metropolis of nearly 2 million people and the capital of the Philippines, where I have lived for the past 10 years.

Commentary: The Philippines is a big country – narrow your answer to your hometown. Give a couple of “fun facts” about your place.

Notice the good vocabulary term – metropolis – telling the IELTS grader Manila is a big city.

Add details – the population of Manila.

The population figures details how big the capital is

Remember, it doesn’t have to be true, but close enough. The IELTS is not a geography test, but an English exam.

You just don’t say Manila is big but give an idea of just how big it is.

Complex Grammar Structure.

In order to pack information into your sentence, you need a complex grammar structure (more below on that point).

The one sentence is complex. It uses a double appositive – a metropolis of 2 million people and the capital of the Philippines.

Plus, more  information is added with where I have lived for the past 10 years.

Easy Way #3: Complex Grammar Structures.

As seen in the previous example the grammar structure of your sentences can also expand your replies to IELTS questions.

You want to pack information into your responses to provide details as discussed in #2 above.

The following grammar structures can help.

First – Compound Sentences.

Ex: I prefer to swim in the ocean and dive for seashells.

Second – Complex Sentences

Ex: Before working in a hospital, I assisted elderly in a nursing home.

So, use grammar to also extend your answers on the exam.

Conclusion

You just learned three (3) ways to provide full, complete answers to IELTS graders.

1. Because + Reasons + Examples

2. Details, details, details.

3. Complex Grammar Structures

Choose one or combine all three for a full answer to the questions in the IELTS Speaking Section.

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