​
TIPS ON HOW TO ANSWER QUESTIONS
​
The answers you provide should not be too short or too long either. For example, here are the answers to the question DO YOU LIKE YOUR JOB? :
|
Yes. |
This is way too short! |
|
Yes, it’s good. Having a job is good. My job is good. |
This answer is a bit better, but not perfect since there are no complex sentences and the vocabulary is poor. |
|
Well, sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t! What I mean is that work is challenging and varied, but sometimes the workload can be overwhelming. |
This is a good length and the vocabulary is spot-on. |
Ø Do not memorize answers to the questions! A rehearsed speech will sound very unnatural, and the point of this test is to assess how well you cope in spontaneous situations. Learn key works and topic – related vocabulary only!
Ø Try to avoid leaving ‘dead air’. If you forget a word, don’t panic, keep talking. If you realize you just made a major grammar mistake, keep talking. If no-one is smiling at you and you think you are doing badly - KEEP TALKING!
Ø the need in an exam to deal with the task within the time limit.
TASK 1
The danger with this question is that too much time is spent outlining the preps for taking the trip and speaking about the destination, and therefore not enough time on describing the object.
Make sure you address all three bullet points and keep your speech balanced and articulated.
TASK 2
Use connectors, time phrases, etc. to organize your discourse. Include as many details as possible. Make sure you address all three bullet points.
TASK 3
Provide a balanced, parallel, contrastive presentation of the items/ objects/ people/ situations being compared. Follow the bullet requirements. Do not describe the comparison items separately.
TASK 4
Learn the appropriate phrases for giving instructions and provide a clear, coherent and connected set of directions.
TASK 5
Use sequencing phrases to help you organize your discourse and make it as clear and coherent as possible.
TASK 6
Maintain a positive and proactive attitude throughout the dialogue. Stay polite and use adequate phrases (to suggest solutions, to complain, to accept/reject solutions, etc.) to solve the situation.
​
​
​