Part 4 is all about expressing and developing your opinions clearly. The examiner will ask you questions connected to the topic from Part 3, and this is your opportunity to show the range and quality of your English.
Here are some important tips to help you succeed:
✓ GIVE DEVELOPED ANSWERS
Don’t answer with only “yes” or “no”. Explain your ideas and give reasons or examples.
Examiner: “Do you think people spend too much time online?”
Candidate: “Yes, I do. Nowadays, many people waste hours on social media every day instead of doing other activities like exercise or spending time with family and friends.”
✓ JUSTIFY YOUR OPINIONS
Support your answers with clear arguments:
“I think social media can be incredibly useful to help people stay connected.”
✓ USE A VARIETY OF EXPRESSIONS
Show your level by using phrases like:
- Generally speaking
- It depends on the situation
- A good example of this is
- On top of that
- As far as I’m concerned
- Nevertheless
✓ WHEN POSSIBLE, GIVE A BALANCED ANSWER (show both sides of a situation)
- On the one hand, … On the other hand, …
- While …, it is also true that … I’m in two minds
- There are some advantages to …. but I can also see the drawbacks. (+ explain)
✓ REACT TO YOUR PARTNER’S IDEAS (when the examiners tell you to discuss a question together)
Listen carefully and respond naturally:
“That’s an interesting point, but I see it differently.”
✓ SPECULATE AND DISCUSS DIFFERENT POSSIBILITIES
Use modal verbs and expressions of possibility:
“People might become too dependent on technology in the future.”
✓ AVOID VERY SHORT ANSWERS
Try to say several sentences each time.
✓ SHOW A RANGE OF VOCABULARY AND GRAMMAR
Use linking words, conditionals, comparatives, and opinion language naturally.
✓ SPEAK CONFIDENTLY AND NATURALLY
It’s okay to pause and think. Focus on communicating your ideas clearly.
Remember: Part 4 is not about having the “perfect” opinion. It’s about showing that you can discuss ideas confidently and interact naturally in English.