How to answer IELTS Speaking questions in a grammatically correct way
A lot of you write to IELTSroadmap and express your concern about the IELTS Speaking assessment criterion known as Grammatical Range and Accuracy. You tell us that even though you are familiar with grammatical structures, you do not know how to practically use them on the IELTS.
Today, we are going to introduce a powerful, yet easy-to-use method to address this question. By using this technique you can answer most of the questions on the IELTS speaking test accurately!
This method works in two steps:
Step 1: Listen closely to the question asked by your IELTS examiner and identify “the grammatical structure” in their question.
Step 2: Respond to the question using “the exact same pattern”. We have called this technique “Mirroring”.
Let’s apply this technique in several examples:
IELTS Speaking question 1:
What do you do in your free time?
Step 1 : Figure out the structure — the simple present tense
Step 2: Use the same structure in your answer:
I often play video games, and sometimes watch shows on Netflix. Occasionally, I go out with friends to socialize.
IELTS Speaking question 2:
If you were the mayor of you city, what changes would you make?
Step 1: Figure out the structure — the 2nd conditional
Step 2: Use the same pattern in your answer:
If I were the mayor, I would make public transport cheaper for students and the elderly. I might also create more social events like festivals. Finally, I think I would offer concession tickets to cinemas and theaters.
IELTS Speaking question 3:
Has your neighbourhood changed over the past five years?
Step 1: Figure out the structure — the present perfect tense
Step 2: Use the same pattern in your answer:
My neighbourhood has certainly improved in terms of its amenities. An entertainment center has been recently built two blocks away from where I live. It’s attracted a lot of people especially the youth.
IELTS Speaking question 4:
What kinds of food do you think people will be eating in ten years time?
Step 1: Figure out the structure — future continuous
Step 2: Use the same pattern in your answer:
To my mind, people will still be consuming fast food, because it’s quite tasty and inexpensive. But, I think they will also be eating a lot of super food for example: kale, quinoa, and broccoli.
IELTS Speaking question 5:
Have you ever visited a foreign country?
Step 1: Figure out the structure — the present perfect tense
Step 2: Use the same pattern in your answer:
Yes! I’ve been to five countries overseas. I’ve travelled in Asia, seen Thailand and China, also been to Europe and visited Germany and Brazil and Colombia in South America. Sight-seeing in these places has been such a wonderful experience. I’ve learned so much about their diverse cultures, way of life and people’s mindsets.