1. Understanding the Question:

• The "making choices" question typically asks candidates to express their opinion on a specific topic and justify their preference. For example:

  • "Do you prefer A or B? Why?"

  • "What are the advantages and disadvantages of A and B?"

  • "How do you think people's preferences between A and B have changed over time?"

2. Organizing the Response:

• To answer these questions effectively, candidates should structure their response logically. Start by stating your preference clearly, then provide supporting reasons or arguments to justify your choice. If the question asks for advantages and disadvantages, present both sides of the argument and offer examples or personal experiences to illustrate your points.

3. Vocabulary and Language Use:

• Use a range of vocabulary to express your ideas accurately. Include words and phrases such as "I would rather," "In my opinion," "On the one hand/on the other hand," "Furthermore," "Moreover," "Consequently," etc. This demonstrates your ability to use complex language structures appropriately.

4. Elaboration and Examples:

• Support your arguments with specific examples, facts, or experiences. This not only adds depth to your response but also showcases your ability to apply real-life situations to the given topic.

5. Stating Personal Preference:

• While expressing your opinion, remember to use phrases like "In my view," "From my perspective," "I personally believe," to convey that you are sharing your individual thoughts.

6. Expanding on the Context:

• Where relevant, expand the context by considering cultural, social, or historical aspects that might influence people's preferences.

7. Balanced Responses:

• If the question asks for a comparison between two options, try to provide a balanced response by discussing both sides equally. This shows that you can consider different perspectives and present a well-rounded answer.

8. Expressing Preferences Gradually:

• If you find it challenging to immediately express a clear preference, you can start by stating the advantages and disadvantages of both options first. Then, gradually lead into your preference while explaining your reasons.

9. Using Conditionals and Hypotheticals:

• To showcase your language abilities, incorporate conditional sentences (e.g., "If I were to choose," "I might consider," "Suppose I had to decide") when discussing potential choices.

10. Speculating on Future Changes:

• For questions about how people's preferences have changed over time, speculate on possible reasons for these shifts, such as technological advancements, societal changes, or evolving trends.

11. Developing a Cohesive Response:

• Ensure that your answer flows smoothly and logically. Use linking words and phrases like "However," "Moreover," "In contrast," "On the contrary," etc., to connect ideas and create a coherent response.

12. Supporting Opinions with Statistics or Studies:

• If you have relevant statistics or studies related to the topic, incorporate them into your response. This demonstrates that you have researched and can back up your opinions with evidence.

Example Question: "Do you think people should buy traditional books or use e-readers? Why?"

Sample Response: "In my view, I believe it is beneficial to use e-readers rather than traditional books. E-readers offer convenience as they can store numerous books in one device, making it easy to carry around. Additionally, they often come with features like adjustable font size and built-in dictionaries, enhancing the reading experience. However, I acknowledge that some people prefer the tactile feel of traditional books, and they hold sentimental value for book lovers. Nevertheless, I think e-readers are the more practical choice in today's digital age."

aPracticing these types of questions and developing the ability to express well-reasoned opinions will help you excel in Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test. Remember to speak fluently, coherently, and demonstrate a good understanding of the topic while answering the questions.