The ‘Expand and Explain’ technique is all about adding depth to your initial response.
Instead of stopping at a simple “yes” or “no,” you’ll learn to naturally elaborate on your answer, providing reasons, examples, or additional details.
So, how does this work in practice?
After giving your initial answer, you can follow up with phrases like “because,” “for example,” or “which means that.” These connectors allow you to seamlessly add more information to your response, demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively in English.
Some Practical Examples
Let’s look at some examples to see how you might apply this technique:
Question: “Do you enjoy reading books?”
Answer: “Yes, I really love reading books, especially novels, because they transport me to different worlds and help me understand diverse perspectives, which I find both entertaining and educational.”
Question: “What’s your favorite season?”
Answer: “I’d have to say summer is my favorite season because I enjoy the warm weather and longer days, which means I can spend more time outdoors doing activities like hiking and swimming with my friends and family.”
Question: “Do you prefer to live in a house or an apartment?”
Answer: “I currently live in an apartment, which I like because it’s conveniently located in the city center, close to my workplace and various amenities, which saves me a lot of time on commuting and running errands.”
Question: “What kind of work do you do?”
Answer: “I work as a graphic designer for a small marketing agency, which involves creating visual content for various clients, ranging from logos and brochures to social media posts and website designs, which I find both challenging and rewarding.”
Question: “How do you usually spend your weekends?”
Answer: “On weekends, I typically like to relax and recharge by spending time with my family, which often includes cooking a big breakfast together on Saturday mornings, going for a walk in the nearby park in the afternoons, and maybe watching a movie or playing board games in the evenings.”
This approach can help you feel more confident during the test, as you have a clear structure for extending your answers naturally.
You might find it helpful to practice this technique with common IELTS Speaking Part 1 topics like your hobbies, daily routine, or hometown.
I’m really interested to hear your thoughts on this strategy.
Have you tried something similar in your IELTS Speaking practice? How did it go?
Author
IELTS Maverick
Founder of Worddemy and an ex-IELTS student turned IELTS Instructor. After completing Academic English Program from University of Texas, he have successfully navigated the IELTS exam. As a former test-taker, he intimately understands the challenges students face. He brings a unique perspective that combines personal experience with professional expertise. Now, as an IELTS Instructor and Strategist, he leverages this firsthand knowledge to develop effective preparation strategies and materials.
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