How to handle "popularity" questions.

1. Identify the Trend or Activity:

• Carefully read and understand the question to identify the specific trend, practice, or activity that is being referred to.

2. State the Level of Popularity:

• Begin your response by acknowledging the popularity of the trend. Use phrases like "It is evident that," "In recent years," or "There has been a significant rise in" to indicate its prevalence.

3. Offer Possible Reasons:

• Discuss the possible reasons for the trend's popularity. Consider factors such as convenience, cultural influence, technological advancements, or changing social norms.

4. Provide Examples:

• Support your points with relevant examples or statistics to illustrate the trend's popularity. This adds credibility to your response.

5. Examine Positive and Negative Aspects:

• Evaluate both the positive and negative aspects of the trend's popularity. Discuss its benefits and potential drawbacks.

6. Discuss Its Impact:

• Analyze the impact of the trend on individuals, society, or the environment. Address how it has influenced behaviors, attitudes, or consumer choices.

7. Compare with Past Trends:

• If applicable, compare the current trend's popularity with similar trends in the past. Identify similarities and differences.

8. Offer Personal Views:

• Share your personal opinion about the trend's popularity. You can express whether you find it positive or negative and explain why.

9. Use Persuasive Language:

• Utilize persuasive language and phrases such as "due to its convenience," "owing to its widespread adoption," "has become a social norm," etc.

10. Concluding Remarks:

• Summarize your response by restating the trend's popularity and its significance in contemporary society.

11. Cultural Influence:

• Discuss how cultural factors can influence the popularity of certain trends or activities. Different cultures may embrace certain practices more than others due to traditional beliefs or values.

12. Social Media and Advertising:

• Mention the role of social media and advertising in promoting and popularizing trends. Social media platforms and targeted advertising campaigns can significantly impact people's preferences.

13. Changing Lifestyles:

• Consider how changing lifestyles and busy schedules contribute to the popularity of certain activities. For instance, the rise in online streaming services may be due to people's hectic lives and the desire for on-demand entertainment.

14. Economic Factors:

• Address economic reasons that make certain trends more popular. For example, the affordability of certain products or services might drive their widespread adoption.

15. Globalization:

• Explore how globalization has made trends and practices easily accessible worldwide. The ease of sharing ideas and information across borders can lead to the global popularity of certain activities.

16. Influence of Celebrities or Influencers:

• Discuss the impact of celebrities or social media influencers in popularizing trends. Their endorsement of products or activities can sway public opinion and lead to increased popularity.

17. Peer Pressure:

• Mention the influence of peer pressure and the desire to fit in among individuals, especially among younger generations. People may adopt certain trends to be socially accepted.

18. Technological Advancements:

• Consider how technological advancements can contribute to the popularity of activities. For example, the introduction of virtual reality technology has revolutionized the gaming and entertainment industries.

19. Nostalgia:

• Explore how nostalgia can make certain trends from the past resurface and regain popularity among both older and younger generations.

20. Sustainable Practices:

• Highlight the increasing popularity of eco-friendly or sustainable practices as people become more environmentally conscious.

Example Question: "Why do you think online shopping has become so popular nowadays?"

Sample Response: "Online shopping has witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity in recent years. One primary reason for its widespread adoption is the convenience it offers. With just a few clicks, shoppers can browse a vast array of products and make purchases from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, online shopping platforms provide easy access to customer reviews and recommendations, enhancing the overall shopping experience. Moreover, the advent of smartphones and secure payment gateways has further contributed to the popularity of online shopping. However, it is essential to consider potential drawbacks, such as the risk of online scams and the environmental impact of packaging and delivery. Nevertheless, the ease and accessibility of online shopping have undoubtedly made it a favored choice for consumers worldwide."

Remember to express your ideas coherently and use a diverse range of vocabulary and grammatical structures while discussing the popularity of a trend or activity in Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!