TRICKS TO CRACK FOLLOW UPS QUESTIONS
Cracking the follow-up questions in the IELTS Speaking test requires a combination of strategy, practice, and effective communication skills. Follow-up questions typically arise from the topic you discussed in Part 2 and require you to expand on ideas, offer opinions, or discuss related issues. Here are some effective tricks to handle follow-up questions successfully:
1. Understand the Question Fully
Active Listening:
– Focus on Keywords: Pay close attention to the key terms and phrases in the question. These often indicate what you should address in your response.
– Clarify if Needed: If you don’t understand a question, don’t hesitate to ask the examiner to repeat or explain it. It’s better to ask for clarification than to misinterpret and provide an irrelevant answer.
TRICKS TO CRACK FOLLOW UPS QUESTIONS
2. Structure Your Responses
Organize Your Thoughts:
– Use the PEE Method: Structure your answers using the Point, Evidence, and Explanation method. Start with your main point or opinion, provide evidence or examples to support it, and then explain why it’s important or relevant.
– Introduction, Body, Conclusion: Even for short responses, organizing your answer into an introduction, main body, and conclusion helps in delivering a coherent and well-structured reply.
TRICKS TO CRACK FOLLOW UPS QUESTIONS
3. Expand Your Answers
Avoid Short Answers:
– Elaborate: Avoid giving one-word or overly brief answers. Expand on your responses by providing detailed explanations, examples, or personal anecdotes.
– Give Examples: Support your answers with specific examples or experiences. This makes your response more engaging and demonstrates your ability to discuss topics in depth.
4. Practice Speaking About Various Topics
Diverse Topics:
– Broaden Your Knowledge: Prepare for a range of topics, including technology, education, environment, and social issues. Being well-read and informed helps you respond thoughtfully to a variety of questions.
– Practice with Different Scenarios: Regularly practice speaking on different topics and answering related questions. Use IELTS practice materials or engage in conversations with native speakers to simulate real test conditions.
5. Develop Your Opinions and Justifications
Express Your Views:
– Form Opinions: Develop your own opinions on common topics and be ready to discuss them. This helps in providing thoughtful answers rather than generic ones.
– Justify Your Answers: When you express an opinion or make a statement, explain why you feel that way. This adds depth to your response and shows your ability to think critically.
TRICKS TO CRACK FOLLOW UPS QUESTIONS
6. Use a Range of Vocabulary and Grammar
Showcase Your Language Skills:
– Vary Your Vocabulary: Use a range of vocabulary to express your ideas. Avoid repetition and try to use synonyms or more specific terms.
– Use Complex Sentences: Demonstrate your grammatical range by incorporating complex sentence structures, including conditionals, passive voice, and varied tenses.
7. Stay Relevant and On-Topic
Focus on the Question:
– Stay Relevant: Make sure your answers are directly related to the question asked. Avoid going off on tangents or discussing unrelated topics.
– Answer All Parts: Ensure that you address all parts of the follow-up question. If the question has multiple components, cover each one in your response.
TRICKS TO CRACK FOLLOW UPS QUESTIONS
8. Manage Your Time Effectively
Pace Your Responses:
– Be Concise but Detailed: While you need to provide detailed answers, be mindful of not rambling. Aim to give comprehensive answers within the time constraints.
– Practice Timing: During practice sessions, time yourself to ensure that you can articulate your thoughts clearly within the given timeframe.
9. Engage in a Natural Conversation
Be Conversational:
– Maintain a Natural Tone: Respond as if you’re having a conversation with someone rather than delivering a prepared speech. This makes your answers sound more authentic and relaxed.
– Ask for Opinions: If appropriate, you can briefly ask the examiner for their opinion or perspective on the topic. This can create a more interactive dialogue.
TRICKS TO CRACK FOLLOW UPS QUESTIONS
10. Prepare for Common Follow-Up Themes
Anticipate Themes:
– Future Implications: Be ready to discuss how trends or changes might affect the future.
– Comparative Analysis: Prepare to compare and contrast different ideas or situations.
– Personal Impact: Be prepared to discuss how certain issues or topics impact you personally or society as a whole.
11. Stay Calm and Confident
Manage Stress:
– Stay Calm: Approach each follow-up question with confidence. If you get flustered, take a moment to gather your thoughts.
– Practice Relaxation Techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing can help you stay composed and focused during the test.
By implementing these tricks and strategies, you can improve your ability to handle follow-up questions in the IELTS Speaking test effectively. The key is to practice regularly, develop your ability to think on your feet, and stay composed during the test.
TRICKS TO CRACK FOLLOW UPS QUESTIONS
TRICKS TO CRACK FOLLOW UPS QUESTIONS