IELTS Podcast

How to Answer What, Why, and Should Questions In IELTS Speaking Part 3

12.08.2023 - By Ben WorthingtonPlay

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In this tutorial, we discuss how to answer what, why, and should Questions in IELTS Speaking Part 3.

We look at:

* Detailed explanations and examples for each question.

* Useful grammar structures when using what, why, and should questions.

* The reason we use “why” questions.

What Questions

* What are the benefits of daily exercise?

* What impact does social media have on personal relationships?

* What are the main environmental issues in your country?

What role do universities play in modern society?

* What are the advantages of living in a multicultural society?

 

Strategy: Focus on giving detailed explanations with examples. Start with a general statement, then elaborate with specifics. For example, “Social media, while connecting people globally, often diminishes the quality of face-to-face interactions.”

 

Why Questions

* Why is it important to learn a foreign language?

* Why should governments invest in public transportation?

* Why do some people prefer online shopping?

* Why is global warming a critical issue today?

* Why do some students prefer studying abroad?

 

Strategy: Provide reasons and justifications. Begin with a clear reason, followed by supporting details. For instance, “Learning a foreign language is crucial as it not only opens up new cultural horizons but also enhances cognitive abilities.”

 

Should Questions

* Should children have restricted access to the internet?

* Should the government increase taxes on unhealthy foods?

* Should companies allow employees to work from home?

* Should renewable energy sources replace fossil fuels?

* Should schools focus more on practical skills than theoretical knowledge?

 

Strategy: Take a clear stance and then elaborate. For instance, “Absolutely, children should have restricted internet access to protect them from inappropriate content and to encourage healthier lifestyle habits.”

 

Useful Grammar Structures for IELTS Speaking Part 3

 

1. “Used to” Useful for COMPARISON-BASED QUESTIONS

– Use: To compare past habits or states with the present.

– Sample Question: “How has the use of technology in education changed?”

– Model Answer: “Students used to rely heavily on textbooks and physical libraries, but now, digital resources and online learning platforms are more prevalent.”

– Speaking Criteria Addressed: Range of grammar and accuracy.

 

2. “Would like to” Useful for any FUTURE BASED QUESTIONS

– Use: To talk about hypothetical or future desires.

– Sample Question: “What kind of job would you like to have in the future?”

– Model Answer: “I want to work in renewable energy, as I’m passionate about addressing climate change.”

– Speaking Criteria Addressed: Fluency and coherence, lexical resource.

 

3. Conditional Sentences (If clauses) – Useful for WHY QUESTIONS

– Use: To discuss hypothetical situations and their possible outcomes.

– Sample Question: “What changes would improve your city?”

– Model Answer: “If the government invested more in public transport, traffic congestion would significantly decrease.”

– Speaking Criteria Addressed: Range of grammar, accuracy.

 

4. Comparative and Superlative Forms Useful for COMPARISON-BASED QUESTIONS

– Use: To compare and contrast different items, situations, or ideas.

– Sample Question: “What are the benefits of studying online compared to ...

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