Speaking: Open & Close Your Answer — English for IELTS

When the examiner asks a question, two moments matter most — how you start and how you finish. A strong opening buys you time and sets your position. A clean closing makes your answer feel complete and natural. This lesson covers exactly those two moments.

Step 1 — Stall

You just heard the question. Your brain is still thinking. Do not go silent — use a stall phrase to fill the gap. These phrases carry no position yet. You are simply buying time.

Phrase	Example
Hmm, let me think about that…	Hmm, let me think about that… okay, I think the main issue is education.
Well…	Well… I've never really thought about it that way before, but I suppose…
That's a tricky one…	That's a tricky one… there are quite a few things to consider here.
That's an interesting question…	That's an interesting question… I would say it really depends.
Let me see…	Let me see… I think the reason for this is the rise of social media.
I've never really thought about that before, but…	I've never really thought about that before, but I suppose I prefer city life.
Give me a second…	Give me a second… okay, I think working from home has both pros and cons.

Step 2 — Commit

Now land your actual stance. This is where you give the examiner a clear position — yes, no, depends, or your opinion. Do not stay vague forever.

Yes

Phrase	Example
Absolutely.	Absolutely. I think English is essential in today's world.
Definitely.	Definitely. I prefer studying in the morning when my mind is fresh.
For sure.	For sure. City life is far more convenient than the countryside.
Yep, I believe so.	Yep, I believe so. Exercise really does improve your mood significantly.
I would say yes.	I would say yes — it has made a huge difference in my life.
Without a doubt.	Without a doubt. Travelling completely changed the way I see the world.

Phrase	Example
No, I don't think so.	No, I don't think so. Social media does more harm than good overall.
Not really, to be honest.	Not really, to be honest. I don't enjoy cooking all that much.
I wouldn't say so.	I wouldn't say so. Working from home isn't the right fit for everyone.
I'm not sure that's the case.	I'm not sure that's the case. Young people still read quite a lot.

Depends / Neutral

Phrase	Example
I would say it depends.	I would say it depends on the person and their lifestyle.
It really depends on the situation.	It really depends on the situation — sometimes I genuinely prefer being alone.
I have mixed feelings about that.	I have mixed feelings about that — there are clear pros and cons on both sides.
I'm not entirely sure, but I think…	I'm not entirely sure, but I think remote work is here to stay.
As far as I know…	As far as I know, the government has not changed that policy yet.

Opinion

Phrase	Example
To be honest…	To be honest, I think working from home is far more productive for most people.
Personally…	Personally, I believe kindness is the most important quality a person can have.
From my perspective…	From my perspective, social media does more harm than good for teenagers.
In my opinion…	In my opinion, every child should learn a second language from a young age.
If you ask me…	If you ask me, money is important but it is definitely not everything in life.
I strongly believe that…	I strongly believe that access to quality education should be free for everyone.
I tend to think that…	I tend to think that people are naturally more kind than they are selfish.

Step 7 — Close

Do not let your answer just stop abruptly. A suffix phrase lands your final sentence smoothly and signals to the examiner that you are done — without saying "that's it."

Phrase	Example
…as well.	I enjoy hiking, and I like swimming as well.
…I suppose.	It's a bit expensive, I suppose, but definitely worth it.
…I guess.	I prefer tea over coffee, I guess.
…more or less.	I enjoy cooking, more or less — nothing too complicated though.
…in a way.	Social media does connect people, in a way.
…at least from my perspective.	It seems like the right decision, at least from my perspective.
…to say the least.	The experience was truly unforgettable, to say the least.
…if that makes sense.	I find it calming rather than boring, if that makes sense.
…if I'm being honest.	I'd rather stay home tonight, if I'm being honest.
…which is quite interesting.	People read far less these days, which is quite interesting.
…or something like that.	I'd love to visit Japan or New Zealand, or something like that.

Quick sample

Q: Do you enjoy learning English?

A: Hmm, let me think about that… To be honest, yes — I really do enjoy it, more or less. There are frustrating days, of course, but seeing yourself improve over time is incredibly satisfying, if that makes sense.

Practice

Here are 20 common IELTS Part 1 questions across popular topics:

Work & Study

Do you work or study?

Do you enjoy your work / studies?

What would you like to do in the future?

Is it difficult to find a good job in your country?

Hometown & Home

Where are you from?

Do you like your hometown?

What do you like most about where you live?

Would you like to live somewhere else in the future?

Daily Habits

What do you usually do in your free time?

Do you prefer spending time indoors or outdoors?

Are you a morning person or a night person?

How do you usually spend your weekends?

Food & Drink

What is your favourite food?

Do you enjoy cooking?

Do you prefer eating at home or at a restaurant?

Technology

How often do you use the internet?

Do you think social media is good or bad?

Do you prefer calling or messaging people?

Travel & Transport

Do you enjoy travelling?

What is your favourite way to travel?