Part 6SpeakingSection 2 of 5
6.2Part 1: the interview
The questions are short and personal. The danger here is the one-word answer. If you answer in three words, the examiner moves on and you lose the chance to show what you can do.
The three-part answer
Every Part 1 answer should have three moves. Practise this until it is automatic.
- Answer the question directly.
- Give a reason or a detail.
- Add an example, a contrast, or something about the past or the future.
The same question, two ways
Q: Do you enjoy cooking?
Weak answer: Yes, I like it.
Strong answer: Yes, I do, though mainly at the weekend. During the week I get home late and I usually just heat something up, but on Fridays I like to take my time and cook something properly. Last week I tried making a Levantine lentil soup that my grandmother used to make, and it actually turned out quite well.
Part 1 question bank
- Home: Where do you live? Do you prefer living in a house or a flat? What do you like about your neighbourhood? Would you like to move?
- Work and study: What do you do? Why did you choose that subject? What is the most difficult part of it? What would you like to do in the future?
- Free time: What do you do in your free time? Has this changed since you were a child? Do you prefer doing things alone or with other people?
- Food: What is your favourite meal? Do you eat out often? Has the food people eat in your country changed?
- Technology: How often do you use your phone? What apps do you use most? Do you think people spend too much time online?
- Travel: Do you like travelling? What is the best place you have visited? Do you prefer short trips or long holidays?
- Weather: What is the weather like where you live? Which season do you prefer? Does the weather affect your mood?