Saying "yes" is not just about agreeing; it's also about showing how strongly or weakly you agree, and how enthusiastic or certain you feel. Here’s a guide to different ways of saying "yes" in varying degrees, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, and very much applicable to many  "yes/no" questions in the IELTS Speaking test. 

1. Enthusiastic agreement
When you want to show excitement or strong agreement, you can use:

• Absolutely!: This word conveys total agreement with emphasis.
  • Example: “Do you think this is a positive change?” --> “Absolutely!”
• Definitely!: Use this to indicate certainty.
  • Example: “Would you recommend this restaurant to friends?” -->“Definitely!”
• For sure!: An informal way to agree with enthusiasm.
  • Example: “Are you happy with your current role at work?” --> “For sure!”

2. Formal or polite agreement
In more formal settings, such as a job interview or a formal conversation, these are appropriate:

• Certainly: A polite way to agree, especially when offering assistance.
  • Example (IELTS): “Would you say that this  technology is beneficial to children?” -->“Certainly, although of course parents should always be aware of what their children are doing online.”
  • Example (work conversation): “Could you send me that report by tomorrow?” -->“Certainly.”
• (Yes,) of course: Expresses agreement with an implication that it’s obvious or expected.
  • Example (IELTS): “Are there any disadvantages to working from home?” -->“Yes, of course. There'd be disadvantages especially for new workers who may need mentoring from experienced colleagues and more training in how things are done in the workplace.”
• Indeed: A slightly old-fashioned but formal way to agree, often used to confirm something.
  • Example (IELTS): “Some people say that social media may be more harmful than helpful.”  --> “Indeed. I can see how people and even some experts would say that. However...”

3. Casual agreement
In informal situations, especially with friends, these phrases work well:

• Yeah: A very casual and common way to say yes.
  • Example (IELTS): “Do you remember a lot from your science classes?" -->“Yeah, I do, because I actually liked science--it was certainly easier to comprehend than math and I can say that I've been lucky to have had mostly great science teachers."
  • Example (daily conversation): “Do you want to grab coffee later?” -->“Yeah.”
• You bet!: Informal and slightly playful, implying confidence. This expression is usually used with peers or people you're familiar with. Note that there may be fewer scenarios where a candidate can use this in the IELTS exam, for example, when the speaking test is well underway and the discussion has warmed up enough to show an enthusiastic and quick positive response to a question. If in doubt though, it might be better to stick to expressions of polite agreement. 
  • Example (IELTS): "Have those books influenced you in some ways?"  --> "You bet! Reading all those sci-fi books as a teenager has shaped my taste in entertainment, from movies to all sorts of other creative work like music and visual art."
  • Example (daily conversation): “Can you help me with this task?” -->“You bet! What do you want me to do exactly?”

 
4. Mild or reluctant agreement
When you agree but with some hesitation or reservation:

• I suppose so: Indicates agreement, but with some doubt or reluctance.
  • Example (IELTS): "Do you feel that enough is being done to control these kinds of crimes in your country?" --> "I suppose so but... /I suppose authorities are trying but I kind of feel that it's not really their top priority."
  • Example (daily conversation): “Do you think we should go ahead with this plan?” --> “I suppose so.”
• Alright: Often used to agree to something you’re not fully enthusiastic about. This is more applicable to daily conversation than on the IELTS. 
  • Example: “Can we start the meeting early?” --> “Alright.”
• Fine: Used to agree, but with a tone that might suggest indifference or resignation. As indifference is NOT the tone you should be going for in the IELTS exam, this would also be more applicable to casual chats than in the IELTS. 
  • Example: “Let’s go to the restaurant that Amy recommended.” --> “Fine.”

5. Agreement with conditions
When you agree, but only under certain conditions:

• As long as…: Indicates that you agree if a specific condition is met.
  • Example (IELTS): "Is working in an office still something you'd consider doing?" -->"As long as I wouldn't work there five or even six days a week, I would consider it. I think three to four days a week in the office would be reasonable."
  • Example (work conversation): “Can we work together on this project?” --> “As long as we divide the tasks equally.”
• On the condition that… More formal, often used in agreements or negotiations. 
  • Example (work conversation): “I’ll approve your request on the condition that you submit the report by Friday.”
  • Example (IELTS):  "Do you think people should be allowed to work from home?" --> "Yes, I believe people should be allowed to work from home on the condition that they remain productive and meet their work deadlines."

Whether you’re just having a friendly chat, in a meeting, or getting ready for the IELTS Speaking test — it really helps to change up how you respond. Matching your tone to the topic and showing some energy can make you sound more natural and confident.

Test-takers of the IELTS Speaking test often face several common challenges. Here are some of the greatest ones:
​1. Nervousness and anxiety

• Challenge: Feeling nervous or anxious can affect fluency and overall performance.
• Solution: Acknowledging your anxiety instead of pretending it's not there may be a useful first step in finding ways to function alongside it. What is the source of your anxiety? What is the worst thing that could happen if you don't get the band score you're aiming for? One thing is for sure: it won't be the end of the world. You can certainly try again, and countless test takers have retaken the test--with more insight from having fallen short previously. The act of recognizing your fears and accepting the worst case scenario may clear the way for you to give your full effort without your inner voice distracting you so much. 
• Practice speaking English regularly and try relaxation techniques like deep breathing to calm nerves before the test. It may also help to remember that the examiner is another human being who, most of the time, will actually want you to do well, and will do what they can to help you get comfortable with the exam.

2. Limited vocabulary

• Challenge: Struggling to find the right words to express ideas can lead to pauses and reduced clarity.
• Solution: Expand your vocabulary by reading, listening to English media, and testing out new words in conversations. Remember that this kind of preparation takes time--think long term, like months or even years.  Most importantly, you can't expect to just read word lists and be able to use them correctly and immediately--what we need to do is to encounter words repeatedly in different contexts and in their different forms (noun, verb, adjective, etc.) before we can fully understand when and how to use them. And this is why reading and listening to 'authentic' materials are critical for you to see words in their natural environment. 'Authentic' materials are texts, audio and video materials that are made for native English speakers, compared to ESL materials, or those designed for an English learner. ESL materials are of course useful to begin with, but an English learner has to eventually move on to authentic materials in order to understand English in the wider world, especially in casual, everyday settings. 
• The tricky part about vocabulary is that we have to learn both their written form and their spoken form and it's highly recommended to always listen to what a word sounds like, instead of guessing its pronunciation based on its spelling, which often leads to pronunciation errors. These days we can do this easily through dictionary apps and websites. There's  also the popular website Youglish.com where you can enter a word and it will look up videos for you so that you can listen to this word used in context. With the availability of apps to help people learn vocabulary, it is highly recommended to find what works for you and maximize the benefits of these tools. 

3. Pronunciation issues

• Challenge: Mispronunciation or unclear speech can make it difficult for the examiner to understand your responses or ideas.
• Solution: Practice speaking slowly and clearly first before trying to speed up, and consider working with a language coach to improve your pronunciation. Pronunciation also goes beyond just making correct individual sounds but also involves how you stress words (rhythm) and the rise and fall of your tone (intonation). One way to improve your rhythm and intonation is to listen to and imitate native speakers. There are many helpful channels on YouTube such as Ted-Ed, SciShow, Nat Geo Kids, Khan Academy and other educational and general interest channels that you can use as practice materials. 

​4. Fluency and coherence

• Challenge: Speaking smoothly without long pauses and organizing thoughts logically can be difficult.
• Solution: Practice speaking about various IELTS topics, which you can find on the websites of Cambridge, IDP and the British Council. Can you speak fluently about environmental issues, education, social media, technology and all sorts of topics involving your personal experiences and general society as a whole? Besides familiarity with common topics, coherence also requires the use of linking words to connect ideas, so that your response is easy to follow. Practice speaking in complete sentences with clear signal words to tell the listener whether you are explaining something, giving examples, adding more points or wrapping up your response. 

​5. Grammatical accuracy

• Challenge: Making frequent grammatical errors can lower scores. Examples of grammatical errors include forgetting to use the correct verb tense, and subject-verb agreement or using a singular verb with a singular subject or a plural verb after a plural subject.
• Solution: Review grammar rules, especially the most basic ones. Get feedback from a teacher about what your habitual grammar mistakes are and dedicate a certain amount of time working on them. If your typical mistake, for example, is about forgetting to use the past tense, read aloud stories written in the past tense so that you can internalize using the past tense in a natural way. Look at your own photos in the past and describe where you were, what you were doing in the photo, who you were with, etc, all while being mindful of using the past tense.
• Grammar is a contentious issue with people on one side telling you that you don't need to study it specifically and another side advocating explicit study. I'd say adopt a balanced approach--do language immersion as much as you can, AND consult a grammar book when you're confused about a grammar rule, or do sentence drills if you are told that you often make a mistake with a certain grammar structure. It doesn't have to be just one way or the other. Maximizing all the advantages from multiple approaches would certainly make studying more efficient, wouldn't it? Start by being able to know what your common mistakes are and then look for both drills and materials that will help you internalize the correct structures. 

6. Misunderstanding questions

• Challenge: Misunderstanding the examiner’s questions can lead to off-topic responses. This would signal low comprehension or low listening skills on your part. 
• Solution: Listen carefully, and if necessary, ask the examiner to repeat or clarify the question.   
• Examples of ways to ask for repetition or clarification:
  "Could you please repeat the question?"
  "Could you please explain what you mean by...?"
  "Are you asking about...?"
  "Just to make sure I understand, are you asking if...?"
  "Could you rephrase the question, please?"
  "Could you ask the question in a different way?"
  "Could you clarify the last part of the question, please?"

​7. Developing Ideas

• Challenge: Coming up with ideas quickly, especially for abstract topics.
• Solution: Cambridge has said that all IELTS topics and questions are widely tested before they are included in the actual tests. This is to make sure that most test takers, despite coming from different cultures, have come across such  themes, experiences or scenarios, if not personally, then from various types of media such as from movies, stories, TV series, books, etc. Reassure yourself that you have ideas about the world from your own experiences, no matter how limited those may be. Speak from your own viewpoint and develop responses using examples from personal experiences or even from that of your family, friends and acquaintances. You can use expressions like "I'm not sure how it would be like in other places/countries/families/etc, but from my own experience, I would say that..." 
• In Part 3 of the Speaking Test, which deals with abstract topics, you may get asked about a social issue that's not a common problem in your country, for example. Or you might get asked about your opinion on nuclear power plants, artificial intelligence or a topic you never think about. What you can do in such cases would then be to explain why this issue or topic is alien to you. Why do you never come across this topic or why is your experience about it limited? Is it too technical, not something you are interested in, or something you never got around to reading or doing? Additionally, you can speculate or try to come up with possible answers as best as you can, using expressions like, "I don't have a lot of in depth knowledge/experience about this but if I were to come up with an answer, I'd say..." or "This is not familiar ground for me, but based on what I've heard/read/seen on TV, I'd say..."

8. Lack of Practice

• Challenge: Not practicing speaking enough can lead to a lack of confidence and fluency.
• Solution: Engage in regular speaking practice with friends, language partners, or through language exchange platforms. If you have nobody to practice with, compile a list of questions for Part 1, 2 and 3 and then use a mobile phone to record your responses. Find our list of Speaking Part 1 Questions here.
• Prepare to be disappointed in your first recordings and prime yourself to get over this disappointment fast. Remember that even the most well-known eloquent speakers our there have had to hone their speaking skills behind the curtain, way before their fame. Speaking is a skill, much like a sport or playing a musical instrument, and depending on where you are now, it may need huge inputs of time and continuous practice to see some improvement. Watch or listen to your recorded responses and see if you can spot grammar errors and unclear pronunciation. Perhaps your response could be organized better, conveyed with more descriptive language or you might even come up with ideas you haven't thought of in your previous response. 

​All of these challenges usually intersect, that is, they may all affect each other. Lack of practice worsens your anxiety and inability to think under pressure, and a lack of vocabulary will certainly affect your fluency if you're struggling to think of the correct word to describe your ideas. On the upside, lots of practice and getting to know the ins and outs of the test will also make you more confident and comfortable on test day.

Start somewhere, perhaps on getting to know common topics and seeing if you can answer typical IELTS questions on those topics. Keep track of the questions that stump you--the questions you can't answer--and find useful materials about them. Then go back and try again. As they say, rinse and repeat, which is a good way to say repeat a process that works for you.  Through knowing your weaknesses, and doing targeted practice and preparation, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test.

In the IELTS Speaking test, you'll be asked to give your opinion on a variety of topics, such as the following:

• What kinds of jobs do you think require the most patience?
• Why has convenience food become so popular in the past few years?
• Do you think it is true that in today's society money cannot buy happiness?

When answering such questions, using varied expressions can show a higher level of language proficiency and also make your responses more engaging. Additionally, you'll want to use expressions that convey how strongly or how cautiously you want to sound like when stating your ideas. Here are some alternatives to "I think" that can give variety to your speech as well as add nuance to your sentences in terms of your tone or attitude.

1. I believe... "I believe" is a strong alternative that implies conviction--you firmly believe that something is true. It suggests that you are confident in your opinion.

• Example: "I believe that world peace is the most pressing issue that world leaders should address." 

2. In my opinion... This phrase is a direct substitute for "I think" if you want to sound a bit more formal. It is commonly used to introduce personal viewpoints yet it is appropriate for different contexts.

• Example: "In my opinion, self-education is the key to personal and professional growth."

3. I’m convinced that... Unlike the word "seems," the expression "I’m convinced that" is a strong phrase to imply a firm belief. It’s useful when you want to emphasize the strength of your opinion.

• Example: "After listening to some experts who have done lots of research, I'm convinced that exercise is essential for maintaining mental health."

4. From my perspective...This phrase emphasizes that what you're about to say is subjective and based on your personal viewpoint. 

• Example: "From my perspective, younger generations will likely have a harder time achieving financial independence compared to previous generations.

5.To my mind...Though it may be slightly less common, this expression is very similar to "in my opinion"  and is equally effective. It suggests that you have considered or thought about the topic more deeply. 

• Example: "To my mind, investing in renewable energy is crucial for our future."

6. As far as I’m concerned... This is a great phrase to use when you want to state your personal stance on an issue. It’s useful when you want to underscore that others may likely have different opinions.

• Example: "As far as I’m concerned, working from home has more advantages than disadvantages for the employee."

7. I feel that / I feel like... "I feel that" or "I feel like" can be used to express a more emotional response. It’s suitable for discussing topics that involve personal or emotional elements.

• Example: "I feel that these human rights issues are not being given enough attention."

8. I reckon..."I reckon" is a more common expression in British English that's used more informally and suggests that you have thought about the topic and come to a conclusion.

• Example: "I reckon that it's really up to parents to figure out what kind of art and creative activities their child can participate in. 

9. In my view... This is similar to "in my opinion" but it can add variety to your language use.

• Example: "In my view, governments should prioritize healthcare and education in their budgets."

10. It seems to me that...This phrase suggests that your opinion is based on your observations or experiences. The word "seems" is useful for softening your statement because it makes it sound less assertive or less pushy when you're talking about controversial topics.

• Example: "It seems to me that people are becoming more and more insensitive, even cruel, when leaving comments on social media."

11. I guess that / I'm guessing that... These are useful phrases to use when you are making a tentative statement or assumption. It implies a moderate level of uncertainty and has a more conversational tone.

• Example: I'm guessing that some people are just tired of the unending grind of city life and they just want to get away from that. 

12. Perhaps... Similar to "I guess that," using "Perhaps..." in your response allows you to offer ideas without asserting them too strongly. "Perhaps" is a really versatile word to make suggestions, give opinions, and introduce alternatives in a tentative and polite manner.

• Example: Perhaps future generations will embrace diversity more quickly since they are more exposed  to and even get to interact with people from different countries through the internet.

Using a variety of expressions can make your speech more dynamic and interesting.  Choose the phrase that best fits the context of the question and especially the tone you want to convey. For example, "I reckon" is more suitable for informal topics and a casual tone, while "From my perspective" or "In my opinion" works well in a formal discussion.
Practice using these alternatives early on in your study sessions to help you become more comfortable using them during the actual test.

In the IELTS Speaking test, you will often get asked about your preferences, and expressing what you like and don't like clearly yet flexibly is part of the scoring criteria. At the same time, being polite is  a great way to demonstrate higher level vocabulary and grammar. Directly saying "No" or "I don't like..." can sometimes come across as too blunt, impolite and even too basic. It can also become repetitive if you don't know other ways to say something in the negative sense. Here are some alternative phrases and expressions that can help you convey the same meaning in a more nuanced and sophisticated way, along with examples to illustrate their use.

The words and phrases in italics  are useful vocabulary that you can use to talk about such topics. 

Alternative Ways to Say "No"
1. Not really

• Example: "Do you think it is very expensive to make a home look nice?
• Sample negative response: "Not really. I think there are many other ways to make a home look nice without spending too much money on décor.  The most important thing, I think, is to keep a home clutter-free and organized. In my mind, just keeping a house clean makes it look great.  Another affordable way would be to have a plant or two inside the house. For me, having a bit of greenery, even just small ones in a pot, really make a space look refreshing and relaxing."

2. I'm afraid not.

• Example: "Do you know your neighbors well?"
• Sample negative response: "I'm afraid not.  Ever since I moved to my current apartment, I haven't had many chances to chat or get to know my neighbors. We almost never see each other. I think they're also as busy as I am. We all get out of our apartments early in the morning and come home late at night. I don't even know most of their names, to tell you the truth. 

3. Unfortunately, no...

• Question: "Do you enjoy cooking?"
•  Sample negative response: "Unfortunately, no.   I know that cooking is such an important part of our health and that it's cheaper to cook food at home but at this point in my life, I'm not yet that interested in cooking to spend time learning how to cook more than the usual fried egg and boiled noodles. I live in a city where takeout is available everywhere and food delivery service is quite fast and saves me a lot of time."

4. I wish I could ________ but...

• Example: "Did you enjoy doing music lessons as a child?"
•  Sample negative response: "I wish I could say yes, but I really didn't. It was my parents who had wanted me to learn how to play the piano. I had no interest in it. Don't get me wrong, now that I'm all grown up, I do appreciate the fact that I know how to play the piano and especially that my parents had paid for expensive lessons, but at the time, I would rather have been spending all that time playing at the park with my friends. 

5. Not at This Time

• Example: "Do you have any plans to buy your own car?"
• Sample negative response: "Not at this time, no, since public transport in my city is reliable enough. However, if I ever move to the suburbs where it becomes harder to commute to work, maybe I will consider buying my own car. 

Alternative Ways to Say "I Don’t Like..."
1.  I'm not really interested in...

• Example: "Do you like classical music?"
• Sample negative response: "I'm not really interested in classical music, although of course I don't mind listening to it. I have a friend who once took me to a classical music concert, and even though I appreciated the different performances, I kind of found it strange how formal it was. I prefer modern music, especially electronic dance music or EDM, which I guess is on the opposite side of the spectrum to classical music."

2. I'm not a fan of...

• Example: "Do you like spicy food?"
• Sample negative response: "I'm not really a fan of spicy food. In fact, I've only started to learn to eat mildly spicy food in the last few years because most of my friends like it. However, I can't usually eat what they eat, I mean, if they order something spicy, I usually ask the restaurant if they could prepare a portion that is mildly spicy just for me."

3. It's/they're not my cup of tea.

• Example: "How do you feel about horror movies?"
• Sample negative response: "Oh, they're not my cup of tea. When I was young, I always avoided horror movies because after watching one, I couldn't go to the bathroom by myself at night. Now that I'm older, I still avoid watching horror movies because they just become a distraction. I mean, my mind would keep going back to scary scenes even when I'm working and doing chores, and I think it just affects my mood negatively."

4. I prefer something else...

• Example: "Do you enjoy camping?"
• Sample negative response: "I prefer something else, like staying in a cozy cabin. I like the recent outdoors trend that people call "glamping" which is a word blend of "glamorous" and "camping." There are campsites that offer luxury tents already set up for you. I mean, if you can enjoy the outdoors in style, why not? Right?"

5. I'm not keen on...

• Example: "How do you feel about extreme sports like bungee jumping?"
• Sample negative response: "I'm not keen on doing any extreme sport, especially bungee jumping, because I have a fear of heights.  I prefer to just watch other people do it. The only extreme sport that I've ever done was whitewater rafting with my friends and I was only able to do that because I was part of a group and it felt safer."

6. ​​I'm not into...

• Example: "Do you play video games?"
• Sample negative response: "I'm not into video games even though many of my friends are kind of addicted to them. I have played a few games in the past--again mostly because my friends ask me to try a new game out, but I really try not to spend too much time on them. Video games are a huge time-suck and I already have too much to do at home and at work. 

7. I don't (really) care for...

• Example: "Do you care about looking fashionable?"
• Sample negative response: "These days, I don't really care for fashion as much as I care about comfort and quality in what I wear. I must admit that when I was younger, like in high school and university, I did care a lot about looking trendy and stylish,  but as I've gotten older, I've realized that what I wear has become less and less of what I am, or more importantly, what I can do.  I think it is more important to just look neat and to be dressed appropriately for the occasion, rather than caring too much about being fashionable. 

By using these alternative phrases, you can not only improve your conversational English in general but also demonstrate a higher level of language in your speaking exam. Remember that practicing these expressions way before your test will help you to sound more natural during the interview as well as in various social situations outside of the IELTS test. Find questions where you can practice these expressions, and you can even put them in the comments if you want feedback. Happy learning!

The topics about work or study are more or less guaranteed in the IELTS Speaking test because the examiner will start by asking you whether you work or study so that he or she will know what questions to ask next. Here's a list of common expressions and collocations related to jobs and occupations that are useful to know and use not just in the IELTS exam but also in daily life.

10 General expressions about jobs

• to land a job - To secure employment. Ex: He landed a job at a small software company. 
• to be on a job hunt/search - To actively look for a job. Ex: I've been on a job hunt since last month but I'm afraid I haven't found any suitable positions yet.
• to climb the ladder - To progress in one's career. Ex: Early on in his career, he'd realized he had to keep working on himself to be able to climb the corporate ladder. 
• work-life balance - The balance between one's job and personal life. Example from hbr.org: "Work/life balance is at best an elusive ideal and at worst a complete myth, today’s senior executives will tell you." (Groysberg & Abrahams, 2014)
• career path - The progression of jobs over time within one's professional life. Ex: He is considering changing his career path from engineering to data science.
• the job market - The availability of jobs in a certain place, industry, or type of work. Ex: The job market for tech professionals is highly competitive, with companies offering lucrative salaries to attract top talent.
• interpersonal skills - the abilities that help you interact well with other people such as your communication skills or your ability to listen and empathize with others. Ex: Her excellent interpersonal skills made her a respected team leader.
• job security - The sense of assurance that one can keep working at his job rather than lose it unexpectedly. Ex: Many feel that increasing AI capabilities are a threat to job security.
• freelance work/to work freelance - To be self-employed and to work for different companies or clients on specific assignments or projects. Ex: She decided to do freelance work during her one year maternity leave.
• a full-time/part-time job - A full-time job usually requires between 30-40+ hours a week, while a part-time job is usually less than 30 hours a week, though it often depends on the company. Ex: While I was at university, I had a part-time job as a dog groomer at a pet store. 

8 Phrases related to job applications

• to send out one's résumé, or CV (curriculum vitae) - To distribute one's résumé to potential employers
• the hiring manager - The person responsible for overseeing the hiring process for new employees, often the direct supervisor or department head of the position being filled.
• a cover letter - A letter sent with a résumé to provide additional information on one's skills and experience
• job interview - A formal interview to assess an applicant's suitability for a job
• a job offer  - An official offer of a job or position to a candidate. Ex: Upon receiving a job offer, don’t shy away from negotiations. (Wasim Hajjiri, Forbes.com)
• the onboarding process - The process of integrating a new employee into an organization which includes signing paperwork, having orientations, job training, etc.
• internship - A temporary position, usually for a student or trainee, that offers practical experience in a particular field
• probation period - A trial period at the beginning of employment

​
8 Phrases about job roles and responsibilities

• job title - The name that describes a person's job or position in an organization
• job description - A detailed list of the tasks and responsibilities of an employee
• workplace hierarchy - A way to organize people in a company so that employees know who is in charge of whom and how decisions are made
• workload - The amount of work assigned to or expected from a worker
• a team player - Someone who works well as a member of a group
• to take on responsibilities - To accept and handle job duties
• to meet deadlines - To complete tasks by their due dates
• project management - The process of leading a team to achieve goals or finish a certain project

6 Phrases about work environment and culture

• work environment - The setting, physical conditions, professional relationships, company culture and other elements in a workplace. There are conducive work environments, poor-quality work environments, toxic work environments and other ways to describe workplaces whether positive or negative. 
• office politics - The use of power and social networking within an organization to achieve changes that benefit the organization or individuals within it
• workplace culture - The shared values, belief systems, attitudes, and set of assumptions that people in a workplace share
• remote work - Working from a location outside of a traditional office environment
• hybrid work - A work arrangement that allows employees to work remotely on some days and work in the office on other days. 
• team building activities - Events or activities aimed to develop good relationships and collaboration among team members, such as outdoor adventures, sports days, creative workshops, travel retreats, etc.

11 Phrases to talk about pay and benefits

• compensation / compensation package - A broad term that encompasses all forms of financial and non-financial rewards given to employees for their work.
• salary - Regular payment for employment.
• hourly wage - Payment based on the number of hours worked.
• commissions - A percentage that a salesperson receives on everything he or she sells.
• employee benefits - O​ther forms of compensation given to employees in addition to their base salaries which may include health insurance, paid time off, retirement benefits, etc. 
• health insurance - Coverage that pays for medical expenses.
• paid time off (PTO) - Employee benefits that provide paid time off work.
• bonuses - Additional compensation received for exceptional performance.
• transportation allowance - Allowance given for commuting expenses, such as public transportation passes, gas money or parking fees.
• job perks (informal) - Additional benefits offered by employers aiming to improve job satisfaction, or employee well-being, such as flexible working hours, the ability to work remotely, or free meals and snacks.
• to get a raise - To receive an increase in salary or pay from one's employer; workers can also ask for a raise.

7 Phrases related to job changes and transitions

• a career change / to change careers - To switch to a different type of job or field
• career pivot / to pivot / to make a pivot - An alternative way to talk about a career change. Ex: "Make no mistake, career pivots involve more friction, disruption, and risk than simply staying on a more linear, traditional career path." (Joseph Liu on Forbes.com)
• to get a promotion / to get promoted - To be given a higher job position
• to transfer - To moving to a different job or location within the same company
• layoff / to be laid off - To lose one's job because the company needs to reduce its number of employees, often due to financial reasons.
• resignation / to resign - to voluntarily leave a job
• retirement / to retire - The act of leaving one's job and ceasing to work, usually upon reaching a certain age

​
These collocations are frequently used by native speakers when discussing jobs and occupations, and making them part of your core vocabulary can help you sound more fluent and knowledgeable about workplace topics.

Here are a few questions related to past struggles. Practice answering them first and then you can refer to the sample responses at the end of the article to see additional useful phrases and sentence structures. 
​

• Describe a challenging task you completed.
  • What was the task?
  • Why was it challenging?
  • How did you feel after completing it?

• Discuss a time when you failed at something.
  • What did you fail at?
  • What did you learn from the failure?
  • How did it impact your future actions?

 

• Talk about a time when you had to make a tough decision.
  • What was the decision?
  • Why was it tough?
  • What was the result of your decision?

​

Describing Actions Taken:

• I decided to... Ex: To cope, I decided to attend extra tutoring sessions a few times a week. 
• I took steps to... Ex: I took steps to network with former colleagues and find suitable positions.
• I managed to... Ex: I managed to secure a new job that I enjoyed even more than the previous one.
• I tried to... Ex: I tried to apply to numerous positions online.

​​
Discussing Emotions:

• I felt overwhelmed by... Ex: I felt overwhelmed by the sudden financial insecurity after losing my job.
• I was anxious about... Ex: I was anxious about what my family and friends would think. 
• It was frustrating because... Ex: It was frustrating because I thought I already had the necessary experience and yet I was not getting good job offers. 
• I felt relieved after... Ex: I felt relieved after receiving my test results showing that I passed with flying colors. 

​
​Reflecting on Outcomes:

• Eventually,... Ex:  Eventually, I improved and passed my exams with good grades.
• I learned that... Ex: I learned that there are no shortcuts to achieving something worthwhile.
• It taught me... Ex: It taught me the value of nurturing positive relationships in the workplace.
• As a result,... Ex: As a result, even though I had to wait for one more year to get promoted, I learned to be patient and to accept adversities as they come, especially in terms of my career. 
• In the end,... Ex: In the end, I didn't get the job I was aiming for but I got to start from a parallel position that taught me so much more than I expected. 

1. Describe a challenging task you completed:

• Completing my final year project at university was a challenging task. It required extensive research and long hours of work. I found it difficult to balance the project with my other classes. I nearly stopped going out with friends and going home to my hometown to visit my parents, which I used to do every month.  However, I managed to create a schedule, set clear goals, and stay dedicated to the task. I tried to motivate myself by thinking about what it would be like when I finally got the project done. I was actually able to finish my project two weeks earlier than scheduled so I was one of the students who presented their projects early. The defense was quite difficult in itself but I was able to explain the rationale behind the decisions I made for the project. After the successful presentation and defense, I felt a great sense of accomplishment, and it was as if a great burden was lifted off my shoulders. I could finally breathe. Every time I think about those days, I get reminded that I am capable of undertaking long-term, grueling projects, and I get inspired. I know that the workplace may actually present even more challenging projects and I am prepared to take them on. 

2. Discuss a time when you failed at something:

• I failed my driving test on the first attempt. It was disappointing because I had practiced a lot and I thought I was ready. However, on the day of the exam, I was so nervous that I actually failed to remember and follow some important rules. For example, the examiner told me that I had failed to observe both sides more thoroughly before emerging from an unmarked intersection.  I think what happened was, I was just so nervous that I just slowed down and then drove out onto the highway when I saw there were no cars approaching. I broke some other rules that were minor violations but everything added up and I failed the test. I understand now that, statistically, a lot of first attempts result in a fail rather than a pass, but I was just so disappointed in myself at the time. My driving instructor tried his best to encourage me and we discussed and reviewed what happened during the practical test. I also realized that I needed to remain calm and focused under pressure. I practiced more and really focused on the errors that the examiner had pointed out.  After a few weeks, I retook the test and I passed successfully. This experience taught me the importance of persistence and resilience.
  

3. Talk about a time when you had to make a tough decision:

• I had to make a tough decision about whether to move to a new city for a job opportunity. It was difficult because it meant leaving my family and friends behind. After weighing the pros and cons, I decided to take the job. It was kind of lonely at first, and on the first few months, I went back to my hometown nearly every weekend to see my friends and family. However, I eventually made new friends from work and also with people around my neighborhood. I also met people at the gym and got interested in hiking and other outdoor activities. As a result, I was able to feel more comfortable, and perhaps even happier, in my new city. By moving to this new place, I could say that I grew both professionally and personally.

​Discussing past struggles in the IELTS Speaking test allows you to showcase your ability to reflect on personal experiences and use complex language structures. By practicing with these sample questions and using the provided expressions, you'll be better prepared to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Even though it may feel like a complex task, past and present struggles that you can share are an opportunity to demonstrate your resilience and language skills.

If you want to practice your own responses, feel free to leave them in the comments and we will try our best to give you feedback. 

Talking about the first time you did something is a common topic in the IELTS Speaking test. Many students struggle with this, often making grammatical errors, for example, "I first time see this movie in 2020." This article will help you understand how to correctly structure your sentences when describing your first experiences.

Basic sentence grammar
When describing the first time you did an activity, you typically use the past tense because you're talking about a completed action. Going back to the previous example, 
          "I first time see this movie in 2020."
the correct verb should then be "saw" instead of see.
          Correct: I saw the movie [for the first time] in 2020.

Word order when using "the first time" 
You probably noticed that we changed the word order of the corrected sentence above. The phrase "the first time" cannot be used directly before the verb like in "I first time see the movie..." Many students make errors by misplacing "first" or by structuring the sentence incorrectly. Here are some examples and corrections:

Incorrect: I first time went to a concert last year.
Correct: The first time I went to a concert was last year.
Correct: I went to a concert for the first time last year.

Incorrect: I first time tried sushi was when I was 15.
Correct: I first tried sushi when I was 15.
Correct: The first time I tried sushi was when I was 15. 

You could also use "the first time" as an introductory phrase followed by a clause that describes the action.
Examples:
The first time I visited Paris, I was amazed by the Eiffel Tower.
The first time I took the test, I didn't pass.
The first time I read the book, I had a hard time understanding it.

The above sentences could also be rewritten in a different word order where the time clause is at the end. Note that a comma is no longer needed in this structure: 

I was amazed by the Eiffel Tower the first time I visited Paris.
 I didn't pass the first time I took the test.
I had a hard time understanding it the first time I read the book.

Using "when" to describe the first time
You can also use the word "when" to introduce the time clause. This often comes after a main clause.

Example: I was excited when I first visited Bali. 
I was in sixth grade when I got my first mobile phone.
Or:  When I was in sixth grade, my parents gave me my first mobile phone. 

More Examples
Let’s practice with a few more examples to solidify your understanding:

• Talking about a travel experience:

Incorrect: I first time traveled alone in 2019.
Correct: The first time I traveled alone was in 2019.
Correct: I traveled alone for the first time in 2019.

• Talking about a new hobby:

Incorrect: I played this video game first time when I was ten.
Correct:  I played this video game for the first time when I was ten.
Correct: I was ten when I first played this video game.

• Talking about trying new food:

Incorrect: I first time ate blue cheese at an Italian restaurant.
Correct: The first time I ate blue cheese was at an Italian restaurant.
Correct: I ate blue cheese for the first time at an Italian restaurant. 

Think about various "firsts" in your life and how you would describe them. Regular practice will help you become more comfortable with the correct structures.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively talk about your first experiences while avoiding common errors.

In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner asks personal questions about familiar topics, such as home, work, studies, hobbies, or daily routines. Responses should be natural, and using a range of vocabulary and expressions can help show your fluency. Here are some helpful phrases and vocabulary for common Part 1 topics:

1. Talking about Home/Accommodation:

• Phrases:
  • “I live in a (house/apartment) in...”
  • “My neighborhood is...”
  • “I’ve been living there for (x years)...”
  • “What I like about my home is...”
  • “I would describe my home as...”
  • “One thing I’d like to change about my home is...”
• Vocabulary:
  • Spacious, cozy, modern, well-furnished, convenient location, suburbs, quiet, lively, rural, urban, amenities, renovation, decorate, furnished.

2. Talking about Work/Study:

• Phrases:
  • “I work as a (job) at...”
  • “I’m currently studying (subject) at...”
  • “My daily routine involves...”
  • “I’m responsible for...”
  • “I chose this job/course because...”
  • “In the future, I’d like to...”
• Vocabulary:
  • Deadline, multitasking, internship, workload, demanding, rewarding, career path, promotion, major, lecture, seminar, hands-on experience, professional development.

3. Talking about Hobbies/Free Time:

• Phrases:
  • “In my free time, I enjoy...”
  • “I’ve been interested in (hobby) since...”
  • “I usually spend my weekends doing (x)/gardening/reading a new book, etc...”
  • “I try to make time for...”
  • “I find (hobby) relaxing/energizing/challenging...”
• Vocabulary:
  • Leisure time, hobby, pastime, unwind, stress-relief, physical activity, creative outlet, outdoor/indoor activities, adrenaline rush, practice regularly, socialize.

4. Talking about Daily Routines:

• Phrases:
  • “I usually wake up at...”
  • “My typical day consists of...”
  • “I start my day by...”
  • “In the evenings, I prefer to...”
  • “On the weekends, I tend to...”
• Vocabulary:
  • Routine, habit, productive, early bird/night owl, commute, schedule, organized, busy, relaxation, errands, chores, flexible, fixed routine.

5. Talking about Likes/Dislikes:

• Phrases:
  • “I’m really into...”
  • “I can’t stand...”
  • “I absolutely love...”
  • “I’m not a big fan of...”
  • “I enjoy... because it’s...”
• Vocabulary:
  • Passionate about, fond of, keen on, interested in, prefer, favorite, dislike, hate, annoying, fascinating, boring, engaging, challenging.

​6. Talking about Future Plans:

• Phrases:
  • “In the future, I hope to...”
  • “I’m planning to...”
  • “I would like to...”
  • “I’m considering...”
  • “My goal is to...”
• Vocabulary:
  • Ambition, long-term goals, short-term plans, career prospects, further studies, travel, explore, settle down, improve, enhance, achieve.

7. Talking about Friends/Family:

• Phrases:
  • “I’m very close to...”
  • “We often spend time...”
  • “I’ve known (friend) for...”
  • “My family is quite...”
  • “I get along well with...”
• Vocabulary:
  • Close-knit, bond, sibling, childhood friend, trustworthy, supportive, family-oriented, understanding, fun-loving, sociable.

8. Useful Linking Phrases:

• “To be honest...”
• “Well, it depends...”
• “Actually, I think...”
• “As I mentioned earlier...”
• “Speaking of...”
• “On the one hand... on the other hand...”
• “Let me see...”

Using these phrases and vocabulary appropriately in Part 1 will show fluency and confidence. However, we always emphasize that it's important for students to practice speaking naturally while integrating these expressions and understanding when they can be used appropriately.  Avoid simply memorizing phrases and then forcing them into sentences. Practice with a friend who has a high level of English or get feedback from a trusted teacher. 

Extending answers is the top strategy to show your language skills to the examiner. In IELTS Speaking - Part 1, you will be asked questions about yourself, your studies or job, your interests, and other general topics. Always strive to respond with full and extended answers by employing the strategies below.

1. What, who, why, when, how, how often, how much?
Give additional details using these question words as your cue.

Example: What is your favorite TV program or show?

A short response: "My favorite TV show is The Witcher."
A more detailed answer: "I really like the Netflix series called The Witcher. It was introduced to me by a friend who is a fan of the video game. It's a fantasy series based on a book about a monster hunter, though unfortunately, I've forgotten the name of the author. I just started watching it last month. 

In this second response, we added the elements of 'who' and 'when':

• Who:  who introduced the show to me; the author of the book, even though I don't know his name (You are not being tested on facts, so it's okay to admit when you don't know something.)
• What type: a fantasy series
• When: last month 

Here's a similar response with more details:

• "A few months ago, I came across the Netflix series called The Witcher, which is a fantasy series based on a book and video game. A witcher is basically a monster hunter with more powers than a normal human being. I like the show because of the enjoyable storyline, plus his hunting adventures are really exciting.

The elements in this third response:

• When: A few months ago
• What: The Witcher; a fantasy series; a monster hunter
• Why: unique storyline; exciting adventures

Talking about the 'why' element, which is very much applicable when talking about our likes and dislikes, as well as many other situations, is a particularly good way to extend your response.

• Why do you like or dislike something? Why do you do something? Why do you believe something?

Don't wait for the examiner to ask you 'why'. Take the initiative to explain why something is so. 

Have a go with these practice questions:

• Do you prefer watching TV shows, movies, or documentaries? Why?
• Are there any TV programs you used to watch but don’t watch anymore? Why?

2. Explain. 
To explain means to give someone the information they need to understand something.
Let's apply this to the question 'What don't you like about your studies?'

A short response: I don't really like my schedule this semester. 
An extended response: Well, I'm not too happy about my schedule this semester. I mean, my classes start early in the morning at 8am every day, but then three times a week, I need to attend some other late afternoon classes which forces me to be on campus all day till evening on those days.

Besides the phrase, 'I mean' here are others you can use to explain something:

• You see...

Example: Well, I'm not too happy about my schedule this semester. You see, my classes start early in the morning at 8am every day but then I have to stay on campus till 7pm three times a week because I have some evening classes too.

• To be specific...

Example: I'm not too happy about my schedule this semester. To be specific, I don't like the fact that I need to be on campus from 8am to 7pm three times a week. 

• That is,...

Example:  I'm not too happy about my schedule this semester. That is, I don't like the fact that I need to be on campus from 8am to 7pm three times a week.

3. Give examples.
Add more details by giving one or two examples of what you are talking about whether it's an object or something abstract such as preferences, situations or experiences.

Question: What subject did you find most difficult at school? Why?

​A short response:  I've always found math subjects difficult. 
A longer response with examples: Honestly, math and other related subjects were always challenging for me. For example, I really could not understand lots of the problem-solving they made us do in Algebra and Physics. In Algebra, especially, I could not see the real-life application of the equations we were always solving.

In the second response, it not only gives examples of math-based subjects (Algebra, Physics) but also common tasks in the subject that the student finds difficult. 
​
4. Describe.
What to describe?

• Physical characteristics: colors, shapes, sizes, names, and appearances
• Sensory information (information that we get from the five senses): sights, scents or smells, textures, temperatures, tastes, and sound
• Physical environment: the location including landscapes, buildings, or natural elements.

Example question: Are there any foods that you dislike? Why?
A short response: I don't like exotic foods like insects, wild rats or guinea pigs.
A longer response with some description: Well actually, I think I eat a variety of foods. I even eat bitter herbs and vegetables, but there are some things that I won't be excited to eat such as insects as well as cute and furry animals like rabbits and guinea pigs. 

In this second response, we included the sensory details of taste (bitter) as well as sight or appearance (cute and furry).

5. Express or share your emotions.
Instead of giving a simple and literal answer to the question, share your feelings, personal thoughts, and experiences about that particular topic. 

Example question: What is your favorite meal of the day, and why?

A short response: My favorite meal of the day is dinner because I get to relax.
A longer response with emotions: Dinner is definitely my favorite because it's the most relaxing meal of the day, compared to breakfast and lunch which I usually gulp down in a hurry. I also enjoy cooking dinner for my family and look forward to sitting down at the table to talk about our day. 

But what if I don't have any favorite meal and don't like cooking at all?
A possible response: Actually, I don't really have any favorite meal of the day because I live alone and eat meals at irregular hours of the day due to my busy schedule as a ___________. I skip breakfast on most days and often eat lunch and dinner outside, sometimes with co-workers and sometimes by myself. I really don't mind eating alone. 

6. Bonus: Cultivate a 'responsive' mindset.
​
The Cambridge IELTS book 'Insight into IELTS' refers to this as the 'willingness to participate and expand'. In short, be open and interested to have the conversation, like you would feel if you're meeting a friend whom you haven't seen in a while. 
Before going inside the interview room, gather up as much enthusiasm as you can for your talk with the examiner. You're probably thinking, 'Enthusiasm?! That's going a bit far! How can I feel enthusiasm when I'm too nervous about the exam?' But that's the point exactly. Giving in to your tension, anxiety, and stress on test day will not help you at all, whereas making an effort to pull yourself to the other end of the spectrum by raising your enthusiasm may balance or cancel out some of your anxiety. Having the openness, or if you can go further, the interest, to have this interview will make you more 'talkative' and will also tone down the nervousness you might be feeling. ​