Technique #1- Paraphrase Question

Examiner: What can people do to try and reduce water pollution?

Student: So, what can individuals do to ensure water is kept clean? I think….

Examiner:  How can events like the Olympics improve international relations?

Student: Hmmmm, how can sport bring people from different countries closer together? I believe…

Technique #2- Explain why

Examiner: What can people do to reduce water pollution?

Student: I believe the best way to keep water clean is to curb water use at home. (Why?) The vast majority of water is used in the home, (why?), for cooking, cleaning and washing, (why?) therefore by reducing the amount of water we use, (why?) the government can conserve the water supply and keep it clean.

Technique #3- Give Examples

Examiner: Have the modes of transport people use in your country changed much over the last few decades?

Student: Absolutely, they have changed a lot. In the past most people used bicycles, but now they predominantly use motorbikes. For example, a recent survey found that 72% of people in Ho Chi. Minh City now own a motorbike.

Technique #4- Make Concessions

Examiner: To what extent do you think advertising affects people’s shopping habits?

Student: Personally, I don’t think that it affects the way people shop at all. When people need something they make up their own mind rather than thinking about adverts. However, it must have some influence, if companies pay lots of money for ads.