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05-30-Speaking Guide-IELTS_Unit 01 New Mich Prof coursebook-NEW.qxd 24/8/2018 1:32 μμ Page 10

IELTS Speaking Exam Guide

Explaining your likes and dislikes
In Parts 1 and 2, you have to say what you like and don’t like. You need to:
● Learn some expressions to describe likes and dislikes.
● Give reasons for your preferences.

1 1 L3 Listen to 2 candidates answering the Part 1 question below. Make notes in the table as you listen.
a) What expressions are used to show likes and dislikes?
b) Does the speaker give any reasons for these likes or dislikes?
c) What tenses does Speaker 1 use?

Question: Do you like keeping flowers in your house?

Speaker 1 Speaker 2
A Likes/Dislikes A Likes/Dislikes

Absolutely. I can’t imagine my life without them
I don’t care that much for...
I also love...

B Reasons B Reasons
- Because they are incredibly beautiful and
they have such a good smell.
I don’t pay much attention to them. - The vibrant colours.
I could quite happily live without them.
- When you look at beautiful flowers, you can’t
help but feel happy.

EXAM TIP
Don’t repeat all the language in the question. You need to show the examiner your
own vocabulary. Look back at Chapter 1, page 5, on how the IELTS Speaking test is
assessed. You should have a wide range of vocabulary. Learn synonyms and parallel
expressions i.e. words and phrases with similar meanings.

2 Read the following candidate answers to Part 1 questions. Replace the underlined words with a synonym or
parallel expression. An example has been done for you.

0 Question: Do you prefer eating at home or in restaurants?
Candidate: I like eating at home, but I prefer eating in restaurants.
Although I do sometimes enjoy cooking in my own kitchen, I think eating out is much better.

1 Question: Which musical instrument would you like to start playing?
Candidate: I would like to start playing the piano.
I’ve always wanted to play the piano. If I had time, I’d like to learn how to play it.
________________________________________________________________________
2 Question: What’s the best thing about your home town?
Candidate: I think the best thing about my home town is the mountains around it.
One of the nicest things about the area I live in is the mountains around it.
________________________________________________________________________

3 Question: What do you like about spending time with friends?
Candidate: What I like about spending time with friends is that we always have fun together.
For me nothing is better than being with my friends because we always have fun together.
________________________________________________________________________
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